The Robert Axle Project - Thru-Axles for Everyone and Everything
15.05.25 07:48 12025-05-15T07:48:00+02:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: Erwin Haiden, The RAPLost your thru-axle, worn out, or just too heavy? No worries! The Robert Axle Project has the solution: precision-fit thru-axles for trailers, trainers, Old Man Mountain racks, and of course for your bike. Perfectly matched to (almost) all axle standards.15.05.25 07:48 2022025-05-15T07:48:00+02:00The Robert Axle Project - Thru-Axles for Everyone and Everything
15.05.25 07:48 2022025-05-15T07:48:00+02:00 NoPain (translated by AI) Erwin Haiden, The RAPLost your thru-axle, worn out, or just too heavy? No worries! The Robert Axle Project has the solution: precision-fit thru-axles for trailers, trainers, Old Man Mountain racks, and of course for your bike. Perfectly matched to (almost) all axle standards.15.05.25 07:48 2022025-05-15T07:48:00+02:00
When the founders in Bend, Oregon, were "blessed" with new 12-mm thru-axles in 2013 and their beloved trailer no longer fit, it was clear: a solution was needed. Without further ado, they developed their own axle and laid the foundation for The Robert Axle Project.
Today, The Robert Axle Project develops and manufactures high-quality thru-axles in Oregon for all situations. Do you want to attach a trailer, mount a luggage rack, sweat on the trainer, or make your bike lighter? The Americans have the optimal thru-axles - perfectly fitting, bombproof, and guaranteed hassle-free.
From a makeshift solution to a global brand.
The Robert Axle Project
Stainless steel, aluminum, and the highest level of precision
The Robert Axle Project relies on materials that withstand the harshest conditions. Each axle is precisely crafted from robust stainless steel or aluminum and tested to the highest standards. Stainless steel provides stability and durability, while aluminum offers lightness without compromising strength.
Special attention is given to precision - each axle is designed to fit your bike with millimeter accuracy. The exact fit minimizes wear and ensures easy, stress-free installation. The operation is also well-thought-out: many models can be easily mounted with a 5-mm Allen key, which frequent riders always have on hand anyway.
The precise manufacturing and use of durable materials guarantee reliability – whether towing a trailer, going for a leisurely ride with a heavily loaded pannier, or tearing through challenging terrain.
The thru-axles from The Robert Axle Project
Perfect fit through thick and thin
Axles for many bicycle types and applications
Be it for heavy cargo bikes, modern e-bikes, or gravel bikes: The Robert Axle Project offers suitable thru-axles in various lengths and designs. Models for cargo bikes are designed for high loads and remain stable even when fully loaded. Specifically tailored lengths and durable constructions ensure that nothing rattles, creaks, or gives out prematurely.
Lightweight construction: Lightweight thru-axles for road bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes.
Low profile for a clean look without compromising stability.Lightweight construction: Lightweight thru-axles for road bikes, gravel bikes, and mountain bikes.
Low profile for a clean look without compromising stability.
Luggage solutions: Whether it's a gravel bike, road bike, mountain bike, or fat bike – with the RAP thru-axles, the versatile racks from Old Man Mountain can be effortlessly mounted on the fork or rear.Luggage solutions: Whether it's a gravel bike, road bike, mountain bike, or fat bike – with the RAP thru-axles, the versatile racks from Old Man Mountain can be effortlessly mounted on the fork or rear.
Indoor Trainer: High-quality axles that work both outdoors and on the indoor trainer. Once installed, your bike is always ready for training sessions or quick warm-up phases before the race.Indoor Trainer: High-quality axles that work both outdoors and on the indoor trainer. Once installed, your bike is always ready for training sessions or quick warm-up phases before the race.
Bling-Bling: Light, classy, and perfectly anodized to match your Chris King components: The King Thru Axles are the fine extra that gives your dream bike the finishing touch.Bling-Bling: Light, classy, and perfectly anodized to match your Chris King components: The King Thru Axles are the fine extra that gives your dream bike the finishing touch.
Tubeless Tool: The Axle Plug is a discreet tire repair tool that securely sits in the end of a 15-mm thru-axle from Robert Axle Project – ready for quick use the next time you hear a hiss.Tubeless Tool: The Axle Plug is a discreet tire repair tool that securely sits in the end of a 15-mm thru-axle from Robert Axle Project – ready for quick use the next time you hear a hiss.
This is how you find the right thru-axle(s)
To identify the appropriate Robert Axle Project thru axle for your bike and intended use, you have two options:
1. The "Robert Axle Project" Axle Finder. You can find it either on the international RAP homepage or on the MCG-Parts page, the official importer for Austria and Germany.
Both tools work in essentially the same way:
• Select application area
• Specify bike type
• E-bike yes/no
• Choose manufacturer
• Determine axle dimensions
• Enter bike model
Advantage of the regional version: You can immediately see if the appropriate axle is available – including SKU and item number.
2. The "Robert Axle Project" Axle Measurement for 3D Printing Yourself
If not all necessary information is available, you can determine the correct axle dimensions using the axle measurement PDF:
• Print the PDF in original size (A4) and check the scale accuracy with a ruler.
• Compare the thread of your axle with the illustrated examples to determine the thread pitch.
• Place your axle on the template to measure the total length.
• With this information (thread pitch and length), you can find the appropriate axle here.
100% success guarantee
If you use the Axle Finder, the manufacturer guarantees that the result will fit.
Tested: Lightning Bolt-On Thru Axles
New parts are needed – or at least an occasion to put something to the test once again. This time in focus: the „Axle Finder“. Does the online tool really work as reliably as claimed? And how does the Lightning Bolt-On series perform in everyday life?
We took on the challenge and ordered two thru-axles for NoPains' Merida Silex MY2024.
Searched, clicked, found...
#1 „Wheel only front - Rigid Fork - No E-Bike - Merida - 12/100“
#2 „Wheel only rear - Gravel Bike - No E-Bike - Merida - 12/142 - Silex 2023 and newer“
... and the oracle spoke: RAP LIG511 for the front, RAP LIG628 for the rear.
RAP LIG511
Article number: 60351079
Size: M12x1.5 120 mm
Color: Black
Weight: 27 g Packaging unit: 1 piece
EAN/UPC: 602150472968
Recommended retail price: 59.90 €
RAP LIG628
Article number: 60351130
Size: M12x1.5 163 mm
Color: Black
Weight: 37 g Packaging unit: 1 piece
EAN/UPC: 602150475464
Recommended retail price: 67.90 €
The new thru-axles fit perfectly right away – length and thread pitch were spot on. And even two grams lighter than the originals. The factory quick-release lever didn’t fit anymore, but honestly: Who cares? A 5mm Allen key is part of the basic equipment anyway.
Tested: Fit Kit Thru-Axle for Luggage Racks
Furthermore, the Axle Finder got another chance to shine – this time in search of a so-called Fit Kit thru-axle for the gravel bike. Goal: to mount an Old Man Mountain rack, completely without traditional mounting eyelets. And lo and behold, this system is also well thought out and offers several tangible advantages in addition to the clever mounting option:
• Mounting via the thru-axle relieves and protects the frame.
• The load capacity of the rack increases to an impressive 33 kg – ideal for big adventures.
• Thanks to the Fit Kit, the rack can be quickly switched from one bike to another with just a few screws – or from the rear wheel to the front wheel.
RAP SET812
Article No: 60600116
Size: M12x1.5 159-165 mm
Color: Black PU: 1 pc.
EAN/UPC: 602150476591
Recommended Retail Price: 89.90 €
This allows the versatile Old Man Mountain racks - whether Divide, Elkhorn, long, short, or wide - to be mounted on just about anything with two wheels: full-suspension MTBs, gravel and road bikes, fat bikes, and even tri-bikes.
Solutions for bike trailers
Whether Thule, Burley, or Croozer: The Robert Axle Project offers thru axles that are perfectly matched to the hitches of these brands. Designed for maximum stability and safety when transporting children, dogs, or heavy luggage.
Photo gallery: Coupling for Thule trailer
Example: The 12 mm thru-axle with stainless steel screw thread ensures a simple and rock-solid connection between the bike and the trailer.
New: Axle Tire Plug Set
The RAP Axle Plug is a discreet yet extremely practical tool for tire repair, securely stored inside all 15 mm thru-axles from Robert Axle Project. In case of a flat tire, the plug is immediately at hand – for a quick and easy repair right on the trail.
The Plug comes preloaded with a "Bacon Strip" (tire plug) and also provides space for multiple strips if needed - ideal for larger damages.
Technical details:
• CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum
• Compatible with all 15 mm RAP and Chris King thru-axles (M15 and M14)
• Made in Oregon, USA
• Includes 5 Bacon Strips
• Weight: 8 g with inserted strip
• EAN/UPC: 602150478472
• Recommended retail price: €34.90
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