[tgrider]

Want to replace the Dart 3 on my ride. Have seen shocks listed as either 15 mm thru axle or 9mm qr. Can someone explain this?

 

[jlmuncie]

Forks are 9mm QR, 15 mm, or 20mm. Your Dart 3 is a 9m QR.

 

[steelpot]

Your Dart 3 probably is compatible with a quick release wheel, right? That's a 9mm system. The 15mm system is kind of similar, in that there's an axle-looking piece that gets pulled out of the hub in a similar manner as your 9mm QR skewer. But the 15mm system is wildly different, in that you'd need to either convert your hub (which likely isn't possible if the bike came with a Dart 3 and you're using the stock wheel) or get a new wheel; after all, it's impossible to put the 15mm "skewer" through the 9mm hole in your current wheel.

 

[tgrider]

So the 15mm is not quick release? Is the 15 mm a "beefier" system? Considering new wheels as well so want to go with the current standard.

 

[tgrider]

Forgot to say quick release isn't an issue as I rarely remove a wheel

 

[steelpot]

Well, yeah, the thru-axle is beefier and way more secure. It's also becoming the standard on mid- to high-end forks (and, thus, mid- to high-end bikes.) But if all you want to do is upgrade the fork right now, stick to QR. If you upgrade the fork and get 15mm thru-axle, you'll also need to get a new wheel (unless, as I said earlier, your front hub can be converted from 9mm QR to 15mm thru-axle, which strikes me as unlikely.)

 

[tgrider]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[TOPJIMMY71]

So what is better... looking to upgrade my fork... have a 9mm Reba. Thinking of going to a SID (which is obviously available either way). My front wheel is easily convertible from the current 9mm to 15mm, so which fork should I get... 9mm or 15mm???

 

[mtnbiker4life]

So what is better... looking to upgrade my fork... have a 9mm Reba. Thinking of going to a SID (which is obviously available either way). My front wheel is easily convertible from the current 9mm to 15mm, so which fork should I get... 9mm or 15mm???

That's a no-brainer. 15mm Maxle is by far better than a 9mm q/r.

 

[FireLikeIYA]

If you are running a 100mm fork and ride XC it doesn't really make of much of a difference. I would go with what is the best deal but make sure you get a wheelset that is compatible with the larger axles if you get a 9mm q/r fork. Chainlove has been having a decent deal on a Magura Durin XC 100mm (9mm q/r) which will shave a lot of weight and be as stiff or stiffer than a 15 q/r. If you get a 9mm q/r fork you wont have to rush out and buy a new wheelset.