Skip to main content

wheel removal

You're going to have to remove your wheels sooner or later so you might as well get accustomed to it.  

There are three ways your bike wheels are attached dependent on the type of bike.  Bolt, Thru-Axle, and Quick-Release.  

One pro tip: put your chain on the smallest cog to alleviate tension on the chain.  This can also be achieved on certain rear deraillueurs that feature a lock that holds the derailleur in a tension-free position.  

Here's how they work:

bolt

Bolt fixtures require the appropriate tool or wrench to loosen the bolt and allow the wheel to be removed.

thru-axle

Flip open the lever and spin it counter-clockwise until the threads disengage.  Give the lever a pull and the whole axle will slide out of the hub, allowing the wheel to be removed.

quick-release

Like the thru-axle, flip open the lever.  It's attached to a piece called a skewer.  Use your other hand to grab the nut on the opposite side of the skewer and turn that nut or the skewer in a counter clockwise direction until there is enough clearance to allow the wheel to be removed.