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As in the title really, is it possible to upgrade from the Kabolt floating axle on a 2022 Fox 36 to a QR?
And if so, does the axle still “float”?
You should be able to - the x axle is available as an upgrade kit to older 38s so stands to reason you should be able to do the reverse. You might need to buy second hand mind.
The axle wouldn't need to still float, there's a sleeve in the non threaded side which pinches into place to receive the axle and you need never touch the pinch bolt again on the older 38s.
However I'm intrigued as to why you would? Not that I belive there's any benefit to the floating axle beyond something else to sell us, I'm just not sure what the qr would offer over and above the kabolt type.
It’s just a bit easier to take the front wheel on and off.
But if it doesn’t float then I’ll stick with what I’ve got.
You mean Kabolt-X I think. Different to Kabolt... they should have changed the name to be more obviously different really.
And if so, does the axle still “float”?
Yes.. and... you don't have to reset it every time you take the wheel out. With the QR the floaty bit is fit and forget.
I've got one fork with each... wouldn't spend money to change in either direction really.
Yes.. and… you don’t have to reset it every time you take the wheel out. With the QR the floaty bit is fit and forget
Maybe I'm missing what constitutes the float but, the "once and never again [for the same wheel]" very much isn't floating is it? The float comes from resetting it each time so the wheel/fork interface aligns properly each time?
Yes, possible to upgrade you just need https://www.bikeparts.co.uk/products/fox-fork-36-38-15qr-hardware-service-set (and the axle).
The Kabolt-X is quite a bit lighter than the QR
The float comes from resetting it each time so the wheel/fork interface aligns properly each time?
It’s just allowing for the width of the hub, which won’t change unless you use a different wheel.
So the QR really is a QR once you’ve positioned and clamped the floating collar. Just leave that bolt alone once set if using the same hub each time. The collar stays in position and is retained on the fork when you pull the QR axle out. The Kabolt-x is different, you need to undo the bolt every time as there is no separate collar, it’s part of the axle you remove to get the wheel out.
My 2p’th worth…
My 34’s came fitted with a Kabolt from new. In fairly short order I’d managed to start stripping the thread. I’m not ham-fisted and the previous Fox QR on my 32’s had lasted many years with not a single issue.
Anyway, I went and bought the upgrade kit (including new threaded insert) and haven’t looked back. The QR design does prevent you over/under-torquing so I much prefer it, even with the weight penalty.
Also looks better IMHO.
*Quick edit*
Just lookedon Silverfish and it doesn’t look like the equivalent parts (axle) are around for a 36 or 38 fork. Please ignore my post about the 34.