How to convert 15mm Thru Axle to Standard 9mm quick release on Easton EA70 XC 29er Wheelset

So recently, as part of my ongoing build, I bought a set of Easton EA70 XC 29er Wheels.  I got them for a pretty nice price on Ebay.  The only catch, the front wheel was a Thru axle and I needed a quick release axle for my current set up.  No problem, I thought.  The seller included the conversion kit in the deal for me.  I figured, with a little help from the Easton Cycling website, I'd get the job done lickety split.

Well, I got the wheels along with the conversion kit and then turned to the Easton website for instructions.  The only problem was, as you will see, the instructions are not on point and are awful; especially if you are someone like me who needs to read very explicit instructions rather than just looking at visuals.

So, if you find yourself in the same predicament, I hope that this post helps.  Now, I didn't take actual photos as I was doing it, because, quite frankly, I had no confidence as to whether I was doing it right.  But it turned out that I did do it right, so I'll just add words to the pictures supplied on the Easton site for you.  Enjoy!


Step 1: Remove the Thru Axle
Easton Page: http://www.eastoncycling.com/bike/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/XC2-FRONT-HUB-BEARING-REMOVAL.swf

The Easton site has a picture of the axle simply being moved out of the hub.  What they don't tell you is how to get it out of there.  I used a rubber mallet and then a regular hammer and a 2x4 at first with no luck.  Ultimately, I just took a regular hammer and lightly tapped it out.  You'll want to do one side, until the bearing and bearing cap falls out, then with the axle still in place in the remaining bearing, lightly tap out the second bearing and bearing cap.  Voila!  You are ready to insert the new axle.


Step 2. Install the Non-Drive Side Axle
Easton Page: http://www.eastoncycling.com/bike/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/XC2-FRONT-HUB-BEARING-INSTALLATION.swf

Ok, this is where the Easton pictures really got me lost.  Basically, I learned from the pics that I was to use a QR skewer and that's all I got from the pics.  What I soon realized is that they want you to create a press.  What they want you to use, I still don't know.  Here's what I did.

I greased the axle, bearing and bearing cap.  I lined the bearing and bearing cap up with the axle hole in the hub.  I then used the end caps from the 15mm thru axle and turned them backwards so that they wouldn't actually insert and possibly get stuck in the hub and put my skewer through all of that closed off by the qr end cap on the other side.  So, the order would go, qr closure mechanism, 15mm thru axle cap backwards, bearing cap, bearing, hub, PLACE SKEWER THROUGH AXLE AND PLACE AXLE IN AXLE HOLE IN HUB, other end cap backwards, qr spring and qr end cap.

I then just turned the skewer to tighten it, using the whole thing like a press.  It pressed the bearing and bearing cap right in.  Be careful here.  You want to make sure that you are pressing straight and nothing gets lodged sideways in the hub.  You also want to make sure that the bearing is fully seated in the hub.  You can see the little ledge on the inside of the hub and you can tell whether the bearing is right up against it or if there is a gap just by looking in from the other side.

Step 3: Install Drive Side Axle
Easton Page: http://www.eastoncycling.com/bike/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/XC2-FRONT-HUB-BEARING-INSTALLATION.swf

Ok, with the non-drive side axle installed, the axle itself will still be loose.  Don't worry.  It will tighten up when you get the second bearing in.  Repeat what you did in the last step to put the drive side bearing and bearing cap in place.  You'll will find that after properly setting both bearing and caps that the axle is tight and  is perfectly positioned.

Step 4: Verify correct installation

At this point, if everything is good, the axle should spin freely.  Keep the skewer in the wheel and either spin it in your hands or place it in your fork and spin it.  Make sure there is no restriction and it is spinning freely.  If so, you are done!  If not it could be that the bearings are not seated properly. You will want to perform the procedures again.

The Build List...

The frame is still not here nor are most of the parts, but all of the parts have now been purchased.  Here is the build list:

• Frame: LTK-023 carbon 29er 18" (1250g)
• Fork: LT-FK023 carbon 29er tapered fork (549g)
• Headset: NECO supplied with frame
• Wheelset: Velocity VXC 29er wheelset
• Tires: Schwalbe Racing Ralph 29 x 2.25 (610g ea)
• Seatpost: KCNC Pro Lite Ti Scandium seatpost (178g)
• Handlebar: Exotic scandium handlebar (115g)
• Crankset: SLX m670 crankset (810g)
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano (90g)
• Bashguard:  BBG Superlight bashguard (28g)
• Pedals: Egg Beater C Pedals (290g)
• Saddle: Fizik Arione carbon rail (159g)
• Brakes: Avid BB5, 160mm rotors
• Stem: Hylix superlight 90mm stem (99g)
• Shifter: Shimano XT 9speed, right only (1x9 drivetrain) (255g)
• Rear Derailleur: Shiman XT 9 speed (228g)

More goodies

After selling my frame this past weekend and a bunch of parts this Wednesday, I have a bunch of money in my pocket for this project.  So, of course, I gotta make use of it to get this bike LIGHT, right?

I purchased a super light stem made by Hylix from ebay.  Shipping might be slow (due to come in at end of the month) but the price was right and the stem only weighs 99 grams!  I also got a super light BBG bash guard, 28g!  I purchased a new Race Face evolve crankset as well, although I'm not sure that I'm going to keep that toy.  I may continue using my old beat up crankset to save some bones.  Not much weight savings there, so I'm not sure that I need to keep it.

Now, I just wait for my frame to come in from the main land.  C'mon already!

Out with the old, In with the new

So I broke down my 29er last night to get it ready for sale.  Final weight...26.66lbs.  For a 1x9, that seems kind of heavy and it was unexpected.  The fork and frame were heavier than expected, as was the crankset.  My goodness!

So the parts purchases have begun for the new rig.  First, a scandium handlebar over the Hussefelt giant that I had.  That bar was a tank, but it also was heavy like a tank.  The new bar is around 125 g and feels like air.  Second, a scandium seat post.  I do have a relatively light carbon seat post now, but this scandium is more than 100g lighter and not as delicate as carbon.  Of course the 29er frame and fork that I bought is super light...the frame is 2lbs lighter and the fork is 1lb lighter.  I'm also looking to buying an SLX crankset which probably won't be much lighter, but it certainly can't be heavier.  I also picked up a pair of 29 x 2.25 Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires (610g each) over the very heavy 29 x 2.55 WTB Weirwolves that I have.

All in all, the new rig should be much lighter. I'm shooting for sub 20lbs.

I took the plunge!

With my wife's begrudging approval, I made the plunge to buy a long sought, Chinese carbon 29er from LT bikes.  I've been looking at the LTK-023 model for a long time, like years.  After reading review after review and speaking to the folks at LT Bikes who seem to be nothing but polite, attentive and helpful, I purchased my new 29er, sub 3lb frame this morning.

The frame, listed at 1250g +/- 50 g is super light and from the reviews, is super strong and sturdy.  I got mine in UD matte, but you can also get it in UD gloass, 3k or 5k or have it painted a for a bit more money.  $310 gets you the frame.  I also splurged and got the matching carbon fork for another $90.  I figured the headset is tapered and I would have to get a new tapered fork to keep things easy anyway.  $90 for a rigid carbon fork at 545g +/- 10 g, you simply cannot beat that!

I also ordered the matching headset and a spare rear hanger for another $20 plus change.

My goodness is that a deal!  I could not resist.

Between the frame and fork I'll be dropping about 2 pounds off of my current bike, which is already light.  I also ordered a scandium seat post and handlebar that should take off even more weight, about another pound or so.  It is conceivable that I could have a sub 20lb bike.

I'm currently looking for a light SS crankset, as I'm going to run this bike as a 1x9.  That seems to be the best combination in my opinion.

It should be a few weeks until it comes in.  I cannot wait!!  Here are some pics:

It's been too long!

First, our second child came in June.  Then, in September, my wife and I decided to sell our home and build a new one.  That meant that from October to February, I was knee deep in home repairs and painting.  I had no time between that and the kids to get in the saddle.

Luckily, now that we moved several weeks ago and things are starting to calm down, I have been able to get out twice in the new neighborhood.  The new area is designed for outdoor lovers and endurance athletes.  It features 5 lakes, 36 miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, pools etc etc.  Any much to my surprise, I discovered a secret which is very much kept on the DL there...11 miles of real mountain bike trails.  The best part...the trail comes practically to my front door.  All I have to do is walk across the street and I hop on.  It's awesome!

The trail is perfect for my skill level and even offers a bit of a chance for growth and improvement.  I've also been able to get out on the roads.  The hills in the community are crazy steep.  I'll either get back into great shape or pass out trying.

I'll be sure to update with the latest stats and stories.  For now, I have to keep unpacking before I can really get back into it.  Sheesh!

The Kid Has Come and Bike Time Has Gone

Congratulations to me!  My second son and future cyclist was born on June 18th!  He is incredibly healthy and incredibly big. I can't wait to get both of the boys on bikes.

But since he has come along, my cycle time has been non-existent.  I've been doing the feeding in the middle of the night thing, much more often than the ride early in the morning thing.  Oh well, it's worth it.

That said, and don't tell my wife I'm telling you this, but in a  couple of weeks she is taking both kids to the in-law's while I stay back and man the fort.  That means...wait for it...a little bike time for me and maybe a little project time too.

I'm thinking about either re-painting my new 29er or simply stripping it and going with a brushed metal look.  I'm also flirting with the idea of getting a new, super light frame, after making some money from selling off parts that came with the bike.

I've been incredibly happy with the bike so far, except that the whole single speed, drop handlebar thing was not for me.  The drops put me way to far in front and the single cog simply would not hold.  Every time I really mashed down, it slipped creating way too many dangerous situations for me while riding.  I threw in the towel, threw on some gears and the original handlebar and it is a much better set up for me.  I have actually been able to get in some miles on it while toting my older son around in his bike trailer.  He loves the trailer and I'm able to squeeze in 8-10 miles, so not so bad for everyone involved.

I'll be sure to keep you all updated on my new little project that will happen in a couple of weeks. Cheers!