Sometimes with innovation there is a sacrifice with some associated items becoming obsolete. Thru-axles are a perfect example of that. They are a stronger and offer more precise wheel to frame interface and have become standard on almost all mountain bikes and now some road and cross bikes as well. However, with this came the challenge of mounting specific racks, trailers, and even using your bike on a trainer. The Robert Axle Project has been offering some simple solutions that lets you use your more modern bikes with formerly incompatible trailers, carriers and trainers for some time.
Now, in an effort to make it easier to figure out exactly what you need for your ride, they have a new site and axle finder to guide you on your way…
Tired of having to ride your old beater that you’ve only kept in order to yank the kids around in the trailer? The Robert Axle Project’s 12mm thru-axles are a simple over built design that allow your bike to perform more parent and adventure duties alike. Top left is their 12mm thru-axle for BOB trailers. To the right of that is their “Yoke” thru axle, bottom left is the more traditional that will fit many cargo and child trailers, and bottom right is the trainer friendly thru axle letting you use practically any bike whose wheel will fit.
They are easy to install requiring only a 5mm hex wrench you insert into the collar’s hole to torque it down. They come in just about every configuration you can imagine including axles for mountain, road, gravel/cross, and even up to a 12 x 197mm fat bike size. They even make just a standard thru-axle for those that may need a sturdier setup than what came stock on their bike.
Now, their website has a great “Fitment Selector” that breaks it down by your attachment needs, type of bike, bike brand, and rear hub to help you narrow it down.