The global bicycle thru-axle and skewer market is undergoing a significant transformation, with the market valued at USD 0.5 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%. This growth trajectory is driven by the increasing popularity of cycling as a recreational and fitness activity, rising demand for high-performance bicycles, and continuous advancements in bicycle component technology. The shift toward lightweight materials and enhanced safety features has fueled demand for specialized components such as thru-axles and skewers, particularly across road cycling, mountain biking, and electric bicycle segments.
The thru-axle has become the standard for disc-brake equipped bicycles, replacing traditional quick-release systems that were prone to rotor misalignment and wheel ejection under heavy braking. Thru-axles enhance structural rigidity, improve brake alignment, and enable more precise wheel positioning, making them the preferred choice for high-end road bikes, mountain bikes, and gravel bikes. Industry data shows that 61% of surveyed bike shops reported thru-axle converter sales growth exceeding 30% in 2025, reflecting the rapid standardization of thru-axle systems across mid-to-high-end bicycle models. The global hollow axle market, which includes bicycle thru-axles, was estimated at US$806.8 million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$1.0 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.4%. China is forecast to grow at 6.3% CAGR, significantly outpacing the global average.
Material innovation is reshaping thru-axle production. Aluminum alloy 7075 has become the benchmark material for premium thru-axles, offering an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio with tensile strength exceeding 550 MPa and bending strength over 600 kgf. This aircraft-grade aluminum enables manufacturers to produce hollow thru-axles that reduce unsprung weight without compromising structural integrity. Alternative materials including 6066 aluminum and iron alloys such as 10B21 and 20CrMo are used for different performance tiers and cost requirements. Surface treatments such as hard anodizing and electrophoresis provide corrosion resistance and durability, ensuring reliable performance across diverse climatic conditions.
Manufacturing technology has also advanced significantly. Fully automatic multi-station cold heading machines and precision CNC machining centers now enable high-volume production of hollow thru-axles with complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional machining. Cold heading offers advantages including higher production speeds, minimal material waste, and improved grain flow that enhances fatigue resistance. These capabilities are particularly important for ultra-deep hole, ultra-slender, and large forging head ratio products, where precision and consistency directly influence safety and performance.
Safety standards continue to drive product requirements. The EN 16054 standard for BMX bicycles specifies rigorous fatigue testing procedures for axles and stem assemblies, and compliance with Clause 4.9.8 is increasingly required by European distributors and OEMs. For electric bicycle front fork axles and chain stay axles, grade 10.9 performance with tensile strength exceeding 1,000 MPa and thread break torque above 60 N.m provides the reliability required for powered two-wheelers. These specifications reflect the growing emphasis on safety component certification across the global bicycle supply chain.
Within this rapidly evolving market, Changzhou Yongmao Special Fastener Co., Ltd. has established itself as a specialized manufacturer of high-precision bicycle thru-axles and fastening components. Founded in 1993 and certified to ISO 9001 since 2006, Yongmao was rated as a national high-tech enterprise in 2023. The company holds multiple invention patents and has accumulated extensive technical reserves in ultra-deep hole, ultra-slender, and large forging head ratio product manufacturing—capabilities that directly translate to superior thru-axle performance and reliability.
Yongmao's product portfolio includes fully hollow forged one-piece thru-axles for sports bikes and mountain bikes in M12, M15, and M20 specifications, available in materials including 7075 aluminum and 10B21 steel. The company also manufactures hollow clamping bolts for BMX bike stems at grade 10.9, meeting EU safety component standards, and fully hollow front wheel axles and chain stay axles for electric bicycles. Standard lengths range from 90mm to 300mm, with customizable specifications, thread pitches, and surface treatments to match OEM requirements. Hollow thru-axle models such as the YM12-J-K and YM15-AO-K feature hollow core designs that reduce weight while maintaining bending strength exceeding 600 kgf and 800 kgf respectively.
Production is supported by fully automatic multi-station cold heading machines including SJBP-256LL, SJBP-255L, SR-136LL, and LM-25 to 0# machines, fully automatic thread rolling machines, dedicated special-purpose equipment, and CNC machining centers. Testing capabilities include salt spray testers, tensile testing machines, magnetic particle flaw detectors, metallographic analyzers, Rockwell hardness testers, projectors, and torque testing machines, ensuring each thru-axle meets specified mechanical properties and safety standards.
For bicycle manufacturers, electric bicycle brands, OEM procurement teams, and component distributors seeking a thru-axle supplier with in-house cold heading, precision machining, and comprehensive testing capabilities, Changzhou Yongmao Special Fastener Co., Ltd. offers factory-direct manufacturing, custom specification development, and reliable delivery. The company's commitment to technical innovation and strict quality control positions it as a dependable partner in the global bicycle thru-axle supply chain.
www.yonmach.com
Changzhou Yongmao Special Fastener Co.,Ltd.
