Superstar 10mm QR Through Axle

You might be wondering what this item is for. It allows you to run a 10mm axle bolt through hub in a frame designed for a standard skinny quick release. Same as a 15 or 20mm axle fork is stiffer than a standard quick release, this gives a stiffer rear end than standard. Normally you'd need a frame with specific dropouts.
This one works like a normal quick release, and unlike a specific 10mm you don't even have to remove it completely to get the wheel out. I ride a 2008 Orange Five, which is great, but I was interested to see whether the rear could be stiffened without paying for a replacement Maxle swingarm.

If you have a rear hub like a Hope Pro 2, conversion kits are available so you don't have to replace the hub & get the wheel rebuilt. I'm not sure I'd have bothered if the cost was going to be high, but the Superstar QR is £7.99 post free & the Hope 10mm kit was £20.99, so worth a go.

Anyway, the important thing, does it make any difference? Well just had a quick blast & straight away I could tell it all felt more solid. Sidehops normally show up a bit of flex on landing but with the new set up things were much improved.

This should mean holding lines on rough trails will be better, which is the kind of thing I'm after. 90% sure it will based on the 1st ride. If it ends up making no difference I'll add a comment.