Ortlieb Thru Axle M6-Connector for rack mounting

Ortlieb Thru Axle M6-Connector — a rack mount for the bike that was never meant to carry one

Modern frames have been quietly losing their rack eyelets for a decade. Gravel bikes, carbon endurance frames and most full-suspension designs simply do not offer a threaded boss at the dropout. The M6-Connector answers that by replacing the rear thru axle itself with an aluminium axle carrying an integrated M6 thread at each end — the mounting point the frame never had.

Fit a Quick Rack to it and a bike that could not carry luggage yesterday carries luggage today, with no seatstay clamps and nothing that works loose over a rough descent. At 54 g it is lighter than the axle it replaces on most bikes.

Fitting

The connector replaces M12 thru axles up to 180 mm long. The supplied spacers bring it down through the 168 to 180 mm range and to 165 mm in the tapered configuration. Shorter axles also work, provided the axle can be threaded through the frame. The M12 thread section is 28 mm long, which leaves generous clearance on deep dropouts.

Choosing your thread pitch

• F78112 — 1.0 mm pitch, the SRAM UDH and Transmission standard
• F78113 — 1.5 mm pitch
• F78114 — 1.75 mm pitch

The pitch is usually printed on your original thru axle, marked TP, or given in the frame manual. Get it wrong and the axle will not thread in. If you are unsure, bring the bike or the old axle to our workshop and we will measure it.

One important incompatibility

The M6-Connector does not fit frames with Speed Release threads, which use a double-start thread. That includes the Orbea Terra from model year 2022 onwards and several BMC and BH models. Check this before ordering — it is the single most common reason the part goes back.

Specifications

• Material: aluminium, made in Germany
• Weight: approximately 54 g
• Axle diameter: M12
• Thread pitches available: 1.0, 1.5 and 1.75 mm
• Threaded section: 28 mm
• Shaft length: 180 mm, adjustable down to 165 mm tapered with the supplied spacers
• Integrated M6 thread at each end for rack or trailer mounting
• Maximum load: 26 kg
• Compatible with SRAM UDH and Transmission
• Included: two 1.5 mm stainless steel spacers, one 3 mm and one 6 mm glass-fibre reinforced nylon spacer, one 3 mm tapered nylon spacer, M6 bolts and washers, installation manual

Frequently asked questions

Which thread pitch do I need?
It depends on your frame, not your wheel. Look for the TP marking on your existing thru axle or check the frame manual. Our workshop in Meppel can measure yours if the marking has worn away.

Will it work with SRAM UDH?
Yes — use the 1.0 mm pitch version, F78112. The connector is compatible with UDH and with Transmission drivetrains.

Which racks can I mount on it?
It is built around the Ortlieb Quick Rack family, which bolts straight to the M6 threads. Any rack or trailer hitch with M6 mounts will also work, provided there is at least 184 mm between the mounting points. We stock the Quick Rack, Quick Rack Light, Quick Rack L and Quick Rack XL.

What torque should I use?
Follow the torque your bike manufacturer specifies for the rear axle, typically 10 to 12 Nm. Do not guess on a carbon frame.

Is my frame strong enough?
The axle is rated to 26 kg, but it creates the mounting point rather than changing what your frame can carry. Check the manufacturer's maximum rear load first, particularly on carbon and full-suspension bikes.

Can I see one before buying?
Yes. Come by L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel with your bike and we will check the thread pitch and the fit before you commit.