FOX Announces Kabolt 15mm Axle

Apr 8, 2015 at 9:13
by FOX Factory  
Kabolt
Working with our Racing Applications Development team, Geoff Kabush asked for a lighter, bolt-on axle that would allow for quick wheels changes during a race. The Kabolt was born and soon other FOX athletes – from enduro racers to slopestyle riders - were asking for it.

Holding titles that range from X Games with Brett Rheeder to Cross-Country World Championships with Julien Absalon and Catharine Pendrel, FOX’s RAD program has been supplying racers with Kabolts for several years. Now they will be available for all FOX forks with 15QR axles.

• 15x100mm weight: 34.5g
• 100mm version is 40g lighter than our 15QR (54% weight savings)
• Available in 15x100mm and 15x110mm widths
• Compatible with all FOX 15QR forks Installs with a 6mm hex
• Black axles available in June; Orange axles available in August
• MSRP: $45 USD

www.ridefox.com / @foxracingshox

Author Info:
foxfactory avatar

Member since Dec 3, 2008
53 articles
Must Read This Week
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
62519 views
Kona Bicycles' Parent Company Appoints New CFO, Intends to Sell Brand
61495 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
45583 views
Randoms Round 3: Dario's Treasures
39944 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in TWO WEEKS!
37637 views
Randoms Round 1 - Sea Otter 2024
36419 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Araxá XC World Cup 2024
36035 views
Spotted: Frameworks Racing DH Bike with Electronic Fox Shock & Unreleased Enve Rims
35450 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

105 Comments
  • 161 10
 April 1st was last week guys.
  • 29 1
 If you have a mechanic eager awaiting your arrival in the mech zone with a new wheel in one hand and a 6mm hex in the other, it's true.
If you are riding by yourself, the description "quick wheel change" is kind of a joke. The QR axle is out before I have my minitool ready. Still, weight weenies will be overwhelmed by this revolutionary axle Wink
  • 5 7
 Comment of the year!
  • 3 8
flag powturn FL (Apr 8, 2015 at 16:27) (Below Threshold)
 "...bolt-on axle that would allow for *quick* wheels changes during a race..." No, I was there, and I'm 100% certain Kabush asked for a bolt that would be completely wheel-change-proof.
It's logical that a regular bolt would be much slower than a QR, but Kabush is a man's man who wanted to take mechanicals to the next level...
  • 8 0
 I'm waiting on the version where it has a mini allen key mounted on the bolt.
  • 1 0
 could you just not wear a wedding band or earings and drop the weight and still have a fast wheel change ?

and you still have to carry a allen key around on you that is going to add weight and god only knows if you will lose it or forget it when you need it.
  • 52 2
 What? No claims of 6.45% torsional stiffness increase?
  • 8 12
flag ctd07 (Apr 8, 2015 at 13:54) (Below Threshold)
 Wow Sram and Fox marketing depts have been working overtime on this one, they've both released the same piss poor design, it has no expanding collet or pinch bolts on the legs and so has nothing to clamp the axle to the legs... So it will be about as stiff as a wet noodle or 9mm qr axles. I guess it is April fools though
  • 9 0
 The pro's are currently testing a prototype 17.5mm thru axle standard that has 7% stiffness increase, so they thought of that already dude. they say it's the optimal stiffness between 15 and 20mm thru axles, which is what the industry seems to be going for these days. i call it the Goldilocks era for bikes.
  • 3 2
 @ctd07 - the 15mm QR in my Pike doesn't have a collet or pinch bolts either & it locks the front end down great. I'm not saying that a 20mm axle wouldn't be a stiffer option, but installing a bolt-on-axle like this on my Pike won't subtract stiffness, it will just add a minute or two to a routine wheel change or racking your bike (which is why I'm not installing one).
  • 1 2
 @cuban-b you have better be joking. I think you are but it's the bike industry so can't be sure...
  • 46 8
 Asked for a lighter thru-axle? Just found the 12grams of extra unsprung weight to be too much eh?
  • 40 4
 this is was asked for by an XC racer... 40g here and there add up to big weight savings for them
  • 43 8
 They're called weenies for a reason... and its not because they love dachshund puppies.
  • 51 2
 Geoff Kabush has different needs than you. If he thinks something would be an improvement why shit on him? He clearly knows the sport.
  • 17 0
 It's half the weight of a standard 15mm axle from Fox and half the cost too. Not much to complain about. Besides, Kabush's financial livelihood is directly affected by how fast he rides his bike. So every advantage, no matter how small, matters. If I ever lose my axle or break it, I'll be buying one of these.
  • 16 5
 I'd suggest to cut off the foreskin first, thats something you can do by yourself and it will save a couple grams.
  • 2 2
 ^^^^^ XC guys
  • 1 1
 un sprung and NOT rotation either! boom. er kaboom. not so useful.
  • 38 6
 No offense, but $45 for what is essentially a long aluminum bolt is a bit steep...no R&D here they need to account for...it's a bolt.
Would it be less without the "Kabolt"?

Superstar components should be making a nice profit off this and the RS version if they copy it and sell it for half the price.
  • 32 1
 But will they have an orange one? YE GODS, MY 90% COVERED BY THE HUB WHILE INSTALLED AXLE MUST BE ORANGE
  • 17 0
 I have been eyeballing axles like this for a while. Before fox just released this the cheapest bolt on thru axle was $115 from a company called extralite. So in comparison to the other options out there the price isn't bad.
  • 38 5
 Did I mention it's just a bolt?
  • 24 2
 @ReformedRoadie you are incorrect it is a KAAAAAAAAAABOLT It's Ryu's best move in SF2 Alpha BETA turbo ultimate edition. HADOOOKEN! RYUKEN! KAAAAAAABOLT... EN!
  • 8 1
 Maybe I should have gone with Guile: SON-IC KA-BOLT!
  • 7 0
 It is just a bolt and I'm sure it could be a little cheaper. But there are people out there who paid $115 for a heavier bolt than this.
  • 7 0
 @groghunter - easy on the espresso...
  • 12 1
 let me explain something to you: I am cornholio, and I need more cappuccino.
  • 9 0
 ...and TP fro your bunghole?
  • 7 0
 On my planet, there is a scarcity of soft paper tissue with which we may clean our bungholes. It is a very sad state of affairs.
  • 13 0
 I came here only to read the comments.. and was not dissappointed.
  • 6 1
 ill buy a £5 superstar version for my Pikes please
  • 2 1
 That's cheaper than the QR version. I would like something like this for both ends of my trail bike to avoid rock strikes, the narrower the better IMO.

I just got a DH bike with a Boxxer and was kind of amazed at the torque spec on the axle: 6 NM? That's way, way less than what I would typically put on a 15mm QR axle. I can definitely see how a straight bolt would be faster to use than mucking around with a QR, and your tire lever is probably right next to your mini-tool.
  • 1 0
 @skeen95 novypart axles cost something like 60€
  • 2 0
 I thought $45 was pretty fair for a machined/ano part like that
  • 1 0
 Where can I purchase Novyparts axles online in Europe?
  • 32 13
 so instead yop have to carry a 30g allen key in your pack,c and hope you dont lose it, then in the mad rush half way through a stage changing your wheel you round off the hexagon in the bolt, great
  • 42 4
 you should already carry a multi-tool so you don't need to take nothing more
  • 30 1
 You shouldn't be changing anything it sounds like...
  • 6 2
 seems like having a flat is a beginners mistake
  • 1 0
 since is only one bolt if you ride with the multi-tool kit takes you the same time as the original
  • 1 0
 Its for racers... XC races have mechanic support now just like road and cyclocross racing. A battery powered power driver in the hands of your mechanic is faster than an allen wrench (or flipping open a QR lever). Rockshox produces one also (see the Rockshox update article below this one on the main page).
  • 17 0
 I just have a drone deliver a back up bike if I get a flat.
  • 18 0
 next year kashima coated and 40% more expensive.
  • 22 0
 Faster removal!
  • 11 0
 At $45, that's cheaper than the standard axle. This would be great for my DJ bike. I lost the axle and have been swapping my one 15mm axle between two of my bikes for almost a year now...
  • 4 0
 Thinking the same thing. My old 32 is going into the DJ, would be good to swap it out before the QR lever gets trashed. Superstar for half the price sounds good to me.
  • 26 1
 You lost the axle?
  • 4 0
 hahaha
  • 13 0
 Yup. Removed the axle to remove the front wheel, placed the axle on the rear bumper on my truck, and drove an hour and a half to my riding destination to find a nice surprise... no more axle.
  • 8 0
 I do the same thing but with Fox gloves, if you see any laying in the middle of the road they are mine!
  • 2 1
 I was thinking the same thing how do you just lose an axle? The only time my axle comes off is when im fixing a flat or rebuilding my fork other than that it stays in the fork plus the fact I have a shiver so if the axle isn't in the stanctions move wherever they want so I kinda need it in there
  • 14 1
 Marzocchi did this 20 years ago for 20mm axels
  • 2 1
 Yes we might know that. But fox never did this so it's something new for them. And the price is way too height, less weight more on price.
  • 2 0
 the only valuable reason to use this axle is unscrew it with a electric screw driver during pit stop, saves few seconds
  • 7 1
 That's great. Now make one for the rear maxle. Mine keeps coming loose, and I'm also banging the QR off stuff all the time... Lighter, slimmer, more secure sounds like a winnar to me.
  • 1 0
 Check "novypart". Thez make axles in several sizes.
  • 1 0
 merci... sauf que... 60 euros?!?!?! reste a voir... Y'en a peut-être moins loin de moi et qui n'ont pas de TVA!
  • 8 0
 Hello, X-Fusion axle!))
  • 7 0
 Will there be one for 20mm axels?
  • 2 4
 Fox 20mm (36 fork) is already bolt through, no QR.

Cool item for the pro's, but not worth it for those who have to carry spares in races.... the allen key required to remove the axle surely weighs more than the weight you save.
  • 11 0
 I would assume most riders carrying a spare thru axel would also be carrying a multi tool
  • 2 0
 I've got an older 2014 36 fox, so a 2015 axel might fit and loose weight as well then
  • 5 0
 How the fork is this news? Didn't realize thru-axles with an allen head were new. Weren't they all this way in the beginning? Oh wait, is this an enduro thing?
  • 6 2
 Nothing to see here, basic update. Same as Rockshox Maxle Stealth:

p.vitalmtb.com/photos/stories/2015/04/07/max_MY16_RS_Maxle_Stealth_495202.jpg?1428429200
  • 1 0
 But fox has a 15x110 version.........
  • 3 0
 DIsregard, so is the rockshox
  • 2 0
 It's a good stuff, at least no one in the college will ever be able to remove your wheel without a proper tool Smile pair with Rockshox's stealth Maxle, it's perfect for anti-theft!
  • 7 1
 ...KA-BEARS
  • 6 1
 KA-BULLS
  • 4 2
 KA-BALLS!
  • 7 2
 KA-PUTT
  • 3 2
 KA-BOOS
  • 3 2
 KA-BOOM!!
  • 13 1
 KA-WASAKI ooops wrong site
  • 3 3
 No no no, you young guns totally missed the joke. Its a play on an old SNL bit. Here, allow me to educate:

screen.yahoo.com/bill-swerskis-super-fans-da-000000191.html

Your welcome
  • 10 0
 It's "You're" welcome, Hyper. You're welcome as well! Wink
  • 3 2
 El KA-BONG!!!!!
  • 2 1
 I do wonder if an axle that you can crank down with an allen might improve stiffness by clamping tighter. Of course, you might be bringing the legs closer together, increasing bushing bind. quite the complex engineering problem.
  • 2 1
 I'll Definetly be buying one of these. the thread on my fork means that the QR lever is stuck forward in prime position to get pulled open by anything stuck off the trail. Hopefully they will produce one for the rear as well because that's the same.
  • 2 1
 Fox lost my business when they moved their service centre without telling those with shocks in for servicing. Turned out to be a two month turnaround to get my lemon serviced. Cheers Fox.
  • 3 0
 now i can be like a pro with these. no more qr!
  • 2 1
 So fox is ripping off companies again. Risse has had same thing for six or seven years now. Fox cant come up with anything original.
  • 1 0
 What? Risse designed something new in the past six or seven years? I better go check it out.
  • 1 0
 Nope... the Champ is exactly the same as it was about twenty years ago when I had one. The only fork that sags under it's own weight and takes almost half a bottle of Silkolene at a service. Still the butteriest fork ever.
  • 2 1
 Wow, I wanted this so long ago. Fox finally puts this out right after I have a DVO Diamond on order.
  • 7 0
 So you have to wait for the Green Kabolt Smile
  • 2 0
 Really bothers my mountain bike ocd that it's not cobalt colored
  • 1 1
 Will it mate up to the threads on a giant 12 x 142? Like to do rear if I'm gonna do the front. But giant with their proprietary oarts...
  • 3 0
 Buddy it's a 15mm x 100/110 mm axle.
  • 2 0
 I am just waiting for light weight stickers
  • 1 0
 Looks good to me. No bullshit, no trumped up claims. Just plain old weight savings. I'm in.
  • 1 0
 So what is in the '15 Fox 36....? Being it's a bolt axle using pinch bolts and is 15mm?
  • 1 0
 Ah.... I'm such a sucker for orange things.... Would look pretty nice on my new 36 tho...
  • 3 2
 just copied rockshox again lol
  • 4 2
 where?
this is already used by them for years , but just know putted in the market
  • 1 0
 I have one already on my marzocchi cr320 29er forks, 15mm
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike Editorial trolling everyone haha!
  • 1 0
 How much more time can you save from using a Maxle?!?!?
  • 2 0
 Will it come in kashima?
  • 2 0
 does it come in 20mm?
  • 1 0
 Will it make up for your stupid boost crap? Doesnt sound like it.
  • 2 1
 Now you're just trolling
  • 1 0
 Pimp my ride
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.041324
Mobile Version of Website