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CLIX WHEEL RELEASE SYSTEMS
I received an email from Devin Riley at Clix yesterday showing off their new QR skewer.
According to Clix.com
CLIX Systems, Inc. has introduced a revolutionary new wheel release system, called CLIX™. For the first time ever, riders are able to install and lock their front wheel with no cam adjustment, and with only one hand.
The traditional quick release was invented in 1927 and is a safe and effective system when operated correctly. However, correct operation is not inherently obvious to all riders. The problem can occur when the rider spins the quick release lever like a ‘wing nut’ until it is tightened, rather than operating it properly like a quick release cam. This gives the impression that the wheel is safely fastened when it is not. With the new CLIX system, the rider does not need to tighten the system by turning it. The rider simply closes the lever in one motion.
What immediately caught my attention was the one handed operation. One of the main reasons I really dislike the current QR systems is the way in which they operate. Each time I go to take the front wheel of or put it back on, it is a huge chore to get it right. Have I ever had one fall off? No, but the simplicity that the Clix provides is a huge selling point in my book.
Clix also claims that the front wheel will never come disconnected from the bike while riding. While this has never happened to me, I have heard numerous stories of this happening to other riders. This safety benefit also makes the Clix priceless.
To illustrate how easy this QR is to use, Clix put together a simple operation video. They also did a humorous video showing how conventional QR's can come off while riding that you can find here.
Another interesting note for all of you weight weenies is that the Clix QR is not heavy.
Weighing in at 67.3grams, CLIX carries 14g less weight than an entry level Shimano QR and only 2g more than an XT QR.
CONCLUSIONS
I really like the idea. I would also like to get one in to try it out and see if it is actually as easy to use as it looks. The overall idea is a huge step forward for an area of the bike that has not changed in a long time.
Quotes on the Clix...
"…Clix is simpler…fast and easy to use.”
- Bicycling Magazine
“… the greatest advance in wheel removal and retention that the bicycle industry
has seen since the invention of the traditional quick release system.”
- Pacific Cycle CEO
“… literally fool-proof.”
- Bike Europe Magazine
I am really interested to see what you guys think about the Clix.
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July 11th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I say that anybody who doesn’t know how to use a standard QR and who tighten one like a wingnut, those people shouldn’t be taking the wheel off in the first place.
I uses to work in a bike shop and the first thing I told a new bike owner was how to take off and on a QR wheel.
tornadoes28s last blog post..I’m a Bionic Man
July 12th, 2008 at 7:14 am
@tornadoes28: I agree to a point. There are also a lot of shops out there that do not show new bike owners that kind of information. I also know some very experienced riders who never pick up a tool.
I remember one time, before I worked on my own bike, when I had a fork installed at a lbs and the front brake fell off 20 minutes after I picked the bike up. That was an interesting DH. After that point, I vowed to do my own work to the bike from then on.
I talked with the crew over at Clix and they are going to send me a testing sample to put through the motions. As of right now, they are only available to OEM’s like Cannondale and Trek (who are putting them on several bike lines). It should be interesting to see how the Clix QR works first hand.
July 13th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I’d be all over that if I had a bike rack system that required me to remove the front wheel.
July 13th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
@jmilliron: I’ll need some help with the testing…you in?