---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 C.F.R. § 1512.12"
title: "16"
number: "1512.12"
heading: "Requirements for wheel hubs."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/16/1512.12"
---

# §1512.12. Requirements for wheel hubs.


All bicycles (other than sidewalk bicycles) shall meet the following requirements:

- (a) **Locking devices.** Wheels shall be secured to the bicycle frame with a positive lock device. Locking devices on threaded axles shall be tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.
  - (1) **Rear wheels.** There shall be no relative motion between the axle and the frame when a force of 1,780 N (400 lbf) is applied symmetrically to the axle for a period of 30 seconds in the direction of wheel removal.
  - (2) **Front wheels.** Locking devices, except quick-release devices, shall withstand application of a torque in the direction of removal of 17 N-m (12.5 ft-lb).
- (b) **Quick-release devices.** Lever-operated, quick-release devices shall be adjustable to allow setting the lever position for tightness. Quick-release levers shall be clearly visible to the rider and shall indicate whether the levers are in a locked or unlocked position. Quick-release clamp action shall emboss the frame or fork when locked, except on fiber reinforced plastics.
- (c) **Front hubs.** Front hubs not equipped with lever-operated quick-release devices shall have a positive retention feature that shall be tested in accordance with the front hub retention test, [§ 1512.18(j)(3)](/cfr/16/1512.18.md?p=j-3), to assure that when the locking devices are released the wheel will not separate from the fork.

## Notes

### Amendments

[43 FR 60034, Dec. 22, 1978, as amended at 76 FR 27888, May 13, 2011]

### Authority

Authority: Secs. 2(f)(1)(D), (q)(1)(A), (s), 3(e)(1), 74 Stat. 372, 374, 375, as amended, 80 Stat. 1304-05, 83 Stat. 187-89 (15 U.S.C. 1261, 1262); Pub. L. 107-319, 116 Stat. 2776.

### Source

Source: 43 FR 60034, Dec. 22, 1978, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[43 FR 60034, Dec. 22, 1978, as amended at 76 FR 27888, May 13, 2011]