Disc wheel question - convert thru axle to QR?

Triathlon Forum
1

the internet is confusing me, too many hub standards, MTB parts, confusion with indoor trainers…if someone can dumb this down for me that’d be great.

can thru axle disc road wheels be converted to quick release with an adapter? I think the answer is yes, but what are the caveats?

Must the adapter come with the wheels (or be bought direct from the manufacturer to match the hubs in question)? I see listings and manufacturers websites indicate wheels can be either, so i assume it’s like a small part that comes with the wheels when you buy?

I.e., there is no “universal” or standard adapter I can go buy that i know will work? I’m aware of these (https://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=90376) but they only have one hub spacing option so it couldn’t work front and rear on a road bike. i think it’s for MTB forks?

anyways…my wife’s frame is quick release and i want to get her some new wheels, ideally a bargain but decent used pair, but the options for buying QR disc wheels are very slim. if I can get a thru axle pair and just convert them that would open up so many possibilities. OR, i could “gift” her the wheels on my bike and upgrade my own wheels, hah!

thanks!

2

Also consider brake surface or disc brake choices. I don’t know about the adapters.

3

I’ve done it but only with a front wheel.
I think the items you linked are for front wheels.

4

Check Aliexpress. You can find a QR disc wheelset for $500 or less.

5

The hubs need to have replaceable end caps. Many(most) these days do. If they do, this is something you’ll need to get from the manufacturer as a small part, although some wheels come with the relevant end caps to begin with. It’s not an adapter, it’s a part swap on the hub itself.

6

Pretty much any thru axle wheels can be converted to QR IF proper end caps exist.

So I think asking about a specific set of wheels would afford more actionable information.

7

End caps are a better option but I have used an adapter like the OP linked. It works OK.

8

I tried those cheap Aliexpress “Riding Bicycle Mountain Bike Hub Drum Hub Hub Axis Conversion 12 To 9MM 15 To 9MM Aluminum Quick-Change 100MM/142mm/148mm” like those:

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/32843572725.html

what a waste of money. The wheels wiggle, not sure if it is the tolerances but I gave up on converting (my vision wheels).

9

I used this one:
https://www.treefortbikes.com/Problem-Solvers-Thru-Axle-QR-Front-Hub-Adaptor-15

Not the best solution but it worked on a mountain bike front when needed. As I said earlier, I’ve not done a rear.

10

I converted a rear wheel to 9mm QR for an old Cannondale CAAD X frame that I was using as a winter bike with mudguards. It worked OK but it was always a pain to put the wheel in and out.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lixada-Bicycle-Adapter-Quick-Release/dp/B07KYDMKPR/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2UC2VGRHO4SUK&keywords=9mm+x+142mm&qid=1654003142&sprefix=9mm+x+142mm%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-3

Not that specific one but something very similar.