Do skewers have any real effect on speed? I need another as my old road bike skewer is now on my new tri bike. Just wondering if it is at all worth the extra 25+ dollars for the more expensive skewer.
Bontrager claims that their skewers can save you 8 seconds over a 40k, due to the ‘aero’ nature of the outside bolts.
They took it in the wind-tunnel, here’s a link to the results.
The main thing you want is for your skewers to hold the wheel on the bike…solidly. A standard set of skewers is plenty fine. The weight is negligible. And they are all fairly dirty creatures unless you go with the Control Tech without the lever (just allen bolts)…and that is a PITA if you get a flat, especially if your allen wrench is missing. Trust me…I’ve a mid-90’s race experience with those.
I use the Heds with my Hed wheels (same design as the Bonty pictured). I use Shimano Ultegra or DA on all my training wheels (which are built on those hubs). I have a boat anchor trash skewer that I use for mounting in a trainer.
Use what you have…unless they are broken. And then don’t break the bank replacing them. You can get ultegra skewers for cheap and they are some of the best from a functionality standpoint.
I can’t speak to an increase of speed, but these little devils are dirt cheap, and as you’ll read, provide a solid grip. No need to thank me. Always glad to help.
I can’t speak to an increase of speed, but these little devils are dirt cheap, and as you’ll read, provide a solid grip. No need to thank me. Always glad to help.
Got any windtunnel data on 'em?
They are fast. They have that reverse dimple technology.
t
I have found that there is a real weight difference between the cheap skewers that Compu trainer classes use and Zipp skewers. Tim
I have found that there is a real weight difference between the cheap skewers that Compu trainer classes use and Zipp skewers. Tim
I agree, Tim. Those little skewers can really pack on some weight!
Mmmmmmmm, Zipp Ti skewers and 85 grams of yummy goodness …
I have them on my roadie all the time (bought them because the bike is a weight weenie bike) and my 999’s for racing (came with the wheels).
Make a difference? Got my road bike down to 14.09 with clincher wheels so for me, yes. 
I think that different skewers have about as much effect as shaving your eyebrows, but I hate big clunky mt bike skewers on a road or tri bike. These are what I use:
you really should check the link in my post above, it explains everything.
Skewers can be a fairly cost effective way to drop weight. The commonly used equation is that anything better than $1/gram is worth doing. You can easily drop 50g with a $25 set of Ti skewers, vs. spending $150 to drop 30g on a carbon handlebar.
For aerodynamics, just make sure the lever is pointing backwards (at 3:00), so it’s shielded behind the cam.
It’s hard for me to imagine that skewers could save time, but I guess it’s possible. Like some of the other posters, I’ve used them to reduce weight. From interesting to bland, I have or have had the following:
M2
KCNC
Bold Precision
Zipp
Salsa
Reynolds
Mavic
Shimano
Performance
All hold just fine. M2 and KCNC are the lightest, followed closely by Bold Precision. Performance Ti are the best bang for the buck. The Mavics (both Ti and composite) developed a rattle after about 1000 miles.
I like the M2s best. They’re not common and not longer available. ok, so I’m a bit of a snob…
I love my M2 racer skewers as well.
But, they ARE still available under the brand “Omni” racer
Thanks!
I once bought a set of Zipp skewers from R&A cycles in Brooklyn. SURE I didn’t get ripped off. 
Cool place though.