Citing a need to create more than just a replacement axle, Wolf Tooth Components has come up with an interesting combination of replacement caps for both sides of the axle. While one cap is there to protect your frame in the event of a crash, the second pair of caps are there to provide a perch when you need it for your indoor trainer – and gone when you don’t.
Technically, there are three different ways you could use the new WTC Rear Axle. For the lightest, simplest option, the 12mm thru axle can be used on its own. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, all of the axles have a captured stainless steel washer under the head to reduce friction on the frame when you’re threading it in with a 6mm hex key.
For protection on the trails, WTC offers a non-drive threaded axle cap which is made from 6061-T6 aluminum. These have a threaded interface that mates with the inside of the axle shroud and thread in place with an 8mm hex key. WTC says that they were developed once they learned how much the QR lever from a thru axle actually protects the frame in a crash. Tooled axles are lighter, but the lack of anything protruding from the frame means there is no chance of the axle taking the brunt of the impact, instead the chainstay or seatstay end up scratched or damaged. In this case, the simple 4g caps add a bit of protection with hardly any weight. They’re also available in eight colors because that makes your bike faster.
Then there’s the set of trainer caps which are designed so that you can use your bike for, well, indoor trainers. The non-drive cap threads in like the Axle caps, but the driveside uses a tool-free plug with o-ring retention. These are a bit heavier at 12g, and are made from 7075-T6 aluminum to hold up to the pressure of being mounted in a trainer. Technically, you could use the non-driveside cap outside just like the Axle caps, but it’s a bit more bulky and only available in silver. WTC says that the standard Axle caps aren’t big enough to fit some trainers, which is why there are two separate versions.
Currently, the WTC Rear axles are available in 9 of the most common sizes with 12mm diameters and varied thread pitches. WTC’s Rear Axle Measurement Guide will help you figure out what axle is needed for your bike – if it’s one of the 9 currently available. Sizes include axles for 142mm, 148mm Boost, 157mm Super Boost, and 177 and 197mm fat bikes.
Pricing is set at $39.95 for each axle, $9.95 for single Axle Caps, and $19.95 for a set of Trainer Caps. As always, all of the products are made in the U.S. and available now.
