Completely clueless - need help installing thru-axle on Neo 2T

Hi everyone,

first post here and I'm hoping someone will lend a hand and help me sort this mess out.

I'm trying to fit my Cannondale Topstone 4 gravel bike to the Tacx Neo 2T and I'm stuck. Previously I assembled it with the quick release mechanism that came in the box and realised that was completely wrong. But now I cannot get the original part off the hub to swap with the part that is suggested in the manual (12 DS adaptor I believe).

I think you're supposed to use a tool to remove the inner part (see screenshot) but my torque wrench can't get any purchase on it. Am I right in thinking I definitely need to remove that inner part in order to use a thru-axle? If so can anyone give me advice as to how to remove it. I'm already scratching the coating trying to unscrew it.

0 Mark over 1 year ago

Not to worry, some good old fashioned elbow grease got me there in the end. it came loose.

0 Scillonian over 1 year ago

If I remember correctly you will need a 5mm hex key to remove the quick release adapters.

You will need to use an open jaw 17mm spanner to tighten the through axle adapters using the two flats machined into them.

This Garmin video on YouTube may also help you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWxvM89L6lo

0 Mark over 1 year ago in reply to Scillonian

Problem number 2: My axle isn't long enough to connect all the way through when the adapters are on! Perhaps I need to find an extended thru-axle?

0 Scillonian over 1 year ago in reply to Mark

Are you using the correct NDS adapter for you through axle? The NDS adapters included with the NEO 2T are for 142mm and 148mm through axles.

According to the Cannondale website the Cannondale Topstone 4 uses a 142mm axle.

0 Mark over 1 year ago in reply to Scillonian

Almost certainly using the correct ones. 12 DS and the 12 x 142 NDS.

Trouble is my bike doesn't slide onto the 12 X 142 NDS Cap, it just sits on the end. Sliding the axle through doesn't poke through to the other side. Without the bike it's fine the axle comes through other side just fine.

0 Mark over 1 year ago in reply to Scillonian

You should be able to see from this image, the axle does slide through and poke out the other side, but when the bike is in it doesn't reach enough to thread.

0 Scillonian over 1 year ago in reply to Mark

That axle does look short. Have you also installed the optional disk brake spacer on the NDS? What is the face to face measurement of the adapters?

I've only had experience with mountain bike through axles which work differently to the type on your bike.

0 Mark over 1 year ago in reply to Scillonian

Funnily enough I just managed to get it to fit! I had a 1mm spacer between cassette and hub as I think it stated I needed it in the instructions. Took that out and the adapter threaded just fine. To be honest I'm thinking it was perhaps a matter of getting the alignment just right, I can't see how a 1mm spacer would've made all that difference.

I feel like I've done just about everything you could do wrong when setting this up, it's been a learning experience!

0 Scillonian over 1 year ago in reply to Mark

Glad you've worked it out. I've found that through axles are more critical on initial alignment than quick release are.