Just curious to know from all of you Clydes that currently use or have used a front 20mm QR axle, if they are that much better for guys our size, or is it overkill for the purpose of
semi-aggressive XC/trail riding???

Thanks!

With minimal time in on the big hubs, I like the solid feel it gives to the wheels. For me, bigger and burlier means better and more durable. Weight is not a factor for me as my total package is around 270 lbs.(bike,body and accessories). Big size equipment for big size riders. Go for it.

I love the feel of the 20 mm hub way less flex. I use an older Z2 X-fly 20mm and it has made a huge impact on fast cornering.Ride on

I have an 03 Jr. T w/ the 20mm axle and an 03 Z1 w/ the regular q/r axle.

I don't notice any huge advantage in stiffness. Then again, I can't tell if the increased torsional stiffness that is realized is from the dual crown or the axle.

My Z1 is plenty stiff though. I don't think I'd want the hassle of the thru axle on anything other than a dh bike.

I'm still riding my old 1999 Z3 QR20, and when I got it, it was day-and-night compared to previous "noodly" standard drop-out forks I had ridden. It was probably the single biggest confidence improver for me to date.

In the days of 30mm stations, and bolt on crowns and arches, a QR20 was defiantly a must for a Clyde doing any aggressive riding on a single crown. That being said, there have been some major advancements in fork design over the past five years. Improved crowns (pressed in not bolted on), stronger stations, better casting and arch designs, better hubs, etc. all make forks of today much stiffer than equivalent forks of just a few years ago.

I have tried out late model Z1's, with standard dropouts, and they are far stiffer and have more precise steering than my old QR20 ever was. Even some of the lighter forks with standard dropouts, are comparable in stiffness to the old QR20 forks.

Honestly, with today's forks, I think a 20mm axel is overkill for an Aggressive XC/Trail bike....even for a clyde.

If you can, try to get out on the trail with a few different types of late model forks, and see which ones meet your needs. (some forks may surprise you) As long as you stay away from the super light weight XC specific forks, most quality forks will hold up to a Clyde riding aggressive XC. On the other hand, if you are into more extreme "Freeriding", Jumps, big drops, downhill, etc...then go for the strongest & stiffest fork that you can afford.

sh0rty :P

I think it makes a substantial difference for me when riding. I don't plan to go back to QR forks any time soon. Yes, QR forks can be close, like the Z1 FR, but look how overbuilt that fork already is to begin with.

My Psylo SL Tullio is being replaced today. I have a Sherman Firefly Thru-axle sitting on my lap as I type. My new XC fork. :D

Bear with me... There was thread on disc brakes and wheel alignment problems on the front wheel that talked about the pressure from the disc causing the wheel to slide off center. One suggestion was to go real tight on the Quick Release. Another suggestion was to go to a 20mm axle. I have to believe this problem multiplies with weight.

I weight 220 and have used a QR (quick release) type front suspension fork and it works fine most of the time, but I noticed my lighter buddies would dissappear on the downhills and the bumpier the faster they were gone. Now I have a beefed up free ride fork with a QR 20mm axle and those guys are chasing me downhill.

So sure you can get along without it, it depends on your riding style. But the stiffer your fork the more the girls will like you!

If I had it to do over I'd be just as happy without the QR part. How often do you take the wheel off and what's so tough about using a wrench. Only finding it, but most of my knockdowns are for flats and you need tools anyway. The only exception to this is if you need to take your bike apart to put it in the car or something.

Just curious to know from all of you Clydes that currently use or have used a front 20mm QR axle, if they are that much better for guys our size, or is it overkill for the purpose of
semi-aggressive XC/trail riding???

Thanks!