The IMTOS Ultralight Carbon Fiber Thru Axle is a modular, lightweight thru axle system that offers significant weight savings (around 25-30g per pair) and compatibility with various frame standards through interchangeable threaded ends. While praised for its innovative design and real-world performance, concerns about durability, fit, and safety have been raised, and the product is relatively expensive for the weight saved.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight, offering significant weight savings over stock axles (typically 67-90g).12
- Universal design with interchangeable thread adapters works with multiple frame standards and thread pitches.12
- Successfully tested in real-world conditions including sprints over 1000W and rough roads.1
- Aesthetically pleasing design with high-quality finish.1
- Manufacturer provides test data and is responsive to customer inquiries.1
- No issues after 500-600 km of riding and frequent removal/retorquing.2
- Similar to Overfast axles but slightly lighter.2
Cons
- Potential safety concerns about the modular design where threaded ends screw onto carbon shafts.1
- Length and fit issues reported, with some users finding axles too short or needing specific adapters.1
- Requires careful assembly, specific torque (8-9Nm), and potentially two tools for installation.1
- Expensive for weight savings, with cost per gram savings around $3.33 according to one user.1
- Rough patches and pitting on the carbon, gaps around the glued hexagonal steel insert, and concern about the hex insert rounding out or spinning.2
- Color of thread adapters may not match frame aesthetics since thread pitch determines color.1
- Potential issue with the threaded end snapping off (though not yet observed).2
Key Facts
- Weight is approximately 25-30g per pair.21
- Modular design with interchangeable threaded ends in pitches 1.0, 1.5, and 1.75mm.1
- Price ranges from €160 to $220 USD depending on source.1
- Torque specification is 8-9Nm for assembly.1
- Includes ratchet, Torx bit, and screws for head swapping.2
- Manufacturer (DFS) reportedly stated no weight limit for the axles.1
- Carbon fiber shaft with aluminum threaded ends.1
Reviews & Ratings
20:39The reviewer discusses the IMTOS Ultralight Carbon Fiber Thru Axle with Replaceable Head, noting that it comes as a kit with interchangeable heads to fit different bike standards. They mention that the axles are very light at 25g for the pair, but have some cosmetic imperfections such as rough patches and pitting. Despite these concerns, the axles have been ridden for about 500-600 km without issues, and the reviewer finds them fascinating as a niche product now available on AliExpress.
The IMTOS Ultralight Carbon Fiber Thru Axle is a modular, universal thru axle system designed for weight savings and compatibility across different frames. Users report weights around 28-30g per pair, significantly lighter than typical 67-90g stock axles. The product uses carbon fiber shafts with interchangeable aluminum threaded ends in various pitches (1.0, 1.5, 1.75mm) and lengths. Prices range from €160 on AliExpress to $169-220 USD from other sellers. The design allows transfer between frames with different thread requirements, but has sparked debate about safety, proper fit, and the modular interface.
AI Summary
Pros
- Extremely lightweight at 28-30g per pair, offering significant weight savings over stock axles
- Universal design with interchangeable thread adapters works with multiple frame standards and thread pitches
- Aesthetically pleasing design with high-quality finish according to users who received them
more pros in the review
Cons
- Potential safety concerns about the modular design where threaded ends screw onto carbon shafts
- Length and fit issues reported, with some users finding axles too short or needing specific adapters
- Requires careful assembly, specific torque (8-9Nm), and potentially two tools for installation
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Weight: 28-30g per pair
- Material: Carbon fiber shaft with aluminum threaded ends
- Thread pitches included: 1.0, 1.5, 1.75mm
more key points in the review
OVERBIKEDWhere to Buy
25-29g Ultralight Carbon Fiber Thru Axle with Replaceable Head – Fits Most Road Bikes – High Strength Lightweight Axle
Universal Carbon Fiber Thru Axle – 25–28g Lightweight Upgrade | IMTOS
Specifications
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