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Post by cusqueno on Nov 7, 2017 15:31:44 GMT
Does anyone have any experience of using alloy axles (specifically, front axles)? My immediate reaction was that this is one bike part that shouldn't be made of alloy. But I saw this on eBay for £1.49 + 99p P&P and so bought one. The machined areas for the cartridge bearings are 10mm in diameter - so good for Viscounts - but I am not sure about the 70mm between the shoulders - I haven't checked yet - 126mm length. Curiously the axles are tapped inside at the ends, but I assume a standard skewer would fit. What do you think - a good cheap option for building up Viscount hubs or too weak to use? (Assuming the shoulder-to-shoulder dimension is OK.) I a bit would have to be cut off of each end to fit 100mm drop outs and the part outboard of the bearings threaded for locknuts - too much work? A pity the 135mm (145mm over all length) steel ones are out of stock. Alloy axle by ShouldbeCusquenobutF**krwontletmeintomyproperaccou, on Flickr
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Post by wheelson on Nov 7, 2017 19:32:40 GMT
I don't see an alloy 126 at the eBay link, only 116. He lists his longer axles (135) as cr-moly steel but seems to be out of stock in this size. I would be extremely leery about using an aluminum alloy axle, as I see many steel ones bent and broken at the bike shop that I contract with, even solid axles. Of course, many of these are in wider cassette hubs (longer unsupported length). Still, I wouldn't be keen on aluminum. The one salvation would be with quick release units holding everything together.
Is there a published dimension spec for the Viscount axles? I have some Sansin and Specialized hubs with cassette sealed bearings. They use a flanged "cone" that screws on the axle but the collar fits inside the bearing ID.
Best, John "wheelson"
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Post by busaste on Nov 8, 2017 23:02:21 GMT
What 'alloy' is the axle made of? It looks like a chromed steel axle to me rather than aluminium alloy which I think is what you mean.
Being a bit old school I think axles should be made of steel. Alloy can be strong with the right composition and heat treatment (like Viscount's alloy parts) but it can be a bit prone to the repeated affects of fatigue (bit like me really...) and crack under stress.
Still, we could use it as an opportunity to create a 'death axle' myth!
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