My Bianchi rear hub has 17mm bolts I would like to swap to quick release in anticipation of flats on the ride. Is this swap possible without requiring a new hub? The dinky multi-tool kit (Topeak Alien II) I carry doesn't have a 17mm wrench. I'm not even sure if other toolkits have a 17mm wrench. I would very much prefer not to carry a 17mm wrench in my camelback. Is this swap possible? TIA.
I don't think it's possible with that hub. Honestly, I would just carry a wrench. I'm not a big fan of singlespeeds with a QR in the rear. A bolt-on axle stiffens it up so much better. You'll feel the difference when you stand up and hammer. And are you sure it's 17mm bolt and not 15mm? If it's 15mm, you can always pick up one of these to carry along. Doubles as a bottle opener too. :beer:
have you checked with a local bike shop? I know that people swap out quick release axles (hollow axles) with solid ones to be able to use a track bolt on fixed gear bikes. But then that's with freehubs, not cassette style hubs. Doesn't hurt to take the wheel into the shop and ask.
