Robert Axle Project Lightning Bolt-on axle.
Designed and made in the US and based in Bend, Oregon, the Robert Axle Project makes — and I quote, “a shit-ton of axles.” Specializing in thru axles for 12mm and 15mm, they have axle available for trailers, trainers or for riders looking to drop a bit of weight with a cleaner interface.
When I was looking to source a bolt on axle for my Kona Raijin, they came to my rescue, sending one of their Lightning Bolt-on Axles in the size I needed. As a bonus, they’re somewhat local, being located a short hop away in Bend, Oregon.
The Lightning Bolt-on rear axle as seen on the Raijin
Trying to source a replacement axle for your bike can be a pain in the ass if you aren’t up to speed on the various lengths, thread pitches as I discovered during the rear drop out conversion on my Kona Raijin. Although I had 3 or 4 different rear axles laying about, none of them fit. Even worse, none of the local shops stocked the length and thread pitch I needed, which after far too much research, turned out to be a 12m x 1.75mm 12×142 in a 174mm length.
The Robert Axle Project Lightning Bolt axle is available in practically all of the sizes, and their drop down menu makes sourcing the one you need easy. They’re also easy to get a hold of, should you need a bit of additional assistance.
The capped head of the Lightning Bolt axle is super clean looking
Features
- Low profile and minimal weight
- Machined to high tolerance
- Available for front or rear wheel use
- Fits for road, gravel, cross, MTB and e-bikes
At the Peter Iredale in Warrenton, Oregon.
On the Trail
There really isn’t much to say about a component like an axle – it either works or it doesn’t. We have enough problems with maintaining high performing bikes (ahem, dropper post makers) but I’m happy to say the axle more than does the job. It looks super clean on the bike and in the case of the Raijin, adding a thru axle dropout and a thru axle added a ton of rear wheel stiffness and made the bike ride better. It’s a great upgrade for riders looking to lose weight, make for a lower profile or clean up the look of the bike.
The interface for the 5mm allen key is more than adequate to tighten the wheel, and it stays tight.
The Lightning Bolt-on axle is also compatible with the Hexlox security system for riders that lock their bikes in public spaces – it’s definitely worth looking into for this reason alone, and is a simple, clean and light weight solution for additional security. (check it out, it’s a really cool concept/product)
Seriously though, they just makes axles. Check them out at RobertAxleProject.com
