Overview and Specifications of WheelTop's Affordable Electronic Groupset "EDS"
This article summarizes the features and specifications of the budget-friendly electronic groupset "EDS" newly released by the Chinese manufacturer WheelTop.
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Center Lock Locking Rings: Inside and Outside Serrations
Modified at: Jul 20, 2023
Posted at: Sep 12, 2022
There are two types of lock rings for center locking disc brakes, inner serration and outer serration. The following is a summary of the differences and how to select the right one.
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There are four types of locking rings for the center lock
Internal serration
This is a type of lock ring that attaches the rotor to the wheel hub and is turned by the saw-tooth (serration) inside the lock ring. The Shimano model number for this type is Y8K198010.
The teeth on the inside of the lock ring are exactly the same standard as those of Shimano’s sprocket lock rings, so a sprocket lock ring turning tool can be used to install the lock ring.
Due to the teeth on the inside, the compatible shaft is limited to 12 mm. If you try to insert a 15 mm shaft, the lockring tool will interfere with the shaft and you will not be able to tighten it properly.
SHIMANO Lock ring (inner serration type) Y8K198010
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Compatible hubs | Center lock |
Outer Serration
The outer serration type lock ring is used for shafts that cannot be passed through the inner serration. The Y24698030 is a type of lockring with the teeth on the outside of the ring.
Since the teeth for tightening are on the outside, the hole for the shaft is large enough to use a large shaft (e.g., 15 mm). Also, depending on the wheel hub to be installed, the inner serration lock ring may not fit well, so an outer serration lock ring is used in that case.
Because of the difference in diameter, the lockring cannot be tightened with the sprocket lockring, and must be installed with a tightening tool for “Hollowtech 2,” Shimano’s BB standard.
SHIMANO Lock ring (outer serration type) Y24698030
| Manufacturer | Shimano |
|---|---|
| Compatible hubs | Center lock |
Internal and external serrations
Locking rings for both serrations are also available. This type of lock ring has teeth on both the inside and outside, and the Shimano model number is Y8JX98020.
You may be thinking, “Why not use both 15mm and 12mm?” However, as explained earlier, even a 12mm lockring with an inner serration lockring may interfere with the lockring during installation, so this lockring is used in such cases.
For AFS hubs
Overseas manufacturers such as Campagnolo and Fulcrum use a different standard center lock from Shimano, called AFS (Axial Fixing System). The rotor splines are the same as those used by Shimano, but there is a difference in the lock ring attachment area.
In the case of Shimano’s center-lock standard hub, the groove for the lock ring installation is on the inside. Therefore, the Shimano lock ring connection has a groove on the outside (to engage the inner groove).
On the other hand, in the AFS hub, the groove where the lock ring attaches is on the outside, and the opposite is true for the lock ring connection: the groove is on the inside.
Looking at the AFS hub, there is a groove on the rotor spline (rotor joint) that is not present in Shimano’s center lock, where the lock ring is installed.
This means that lock rings for Shimano Center Lock cannot be used with AFS hubs.
Lock rings for AFS hubs are usually included with the wheels, so there is no problem if you use those, but if you get used wheels, be sure to check that they come with lock rings.
Differences between Internal and External Serrations and How to Tell Them Apart
Let’s look at a summary of the differences between internal and external serrations and how to tell them apart.
| Type | Shimano model number | How to identify | Tools used | Compatible shafts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner serration | Y8K198010 | Tooth inside | TL-LR15 | Up to 12mm |
| Outer serration | Y24698030 | Tooth on the outside | TL-FC36 | Corresponding to 15mm |
| Internal and external serrations | Y8JX98020 | Teeth both inside and outside | FL-FC36 TL-LR11 |
Corresponding to 15mm |
| For AFS hubs | - | The connection to the hub has teeth on the inside. | TL-FC36 may be used. | Corresponding to 15mm |
Note that some reviews say that the TL-LR15 cannot be used for tools with inner/outer serrations and locking rings.
The headline image of this article shows “inner serration” on the left, “outer serration” in the middle, and “inner/outer serration” on the right. At a quick glance, they look like the same lock ring, but a closer look at the part with the teeth shows a completely different structure.
Key Points in Selecting a Lockring
Based on the differences between inner and outer serrations of lockrings we have seen so far, let’s look at some points to consider when choosing a lockring.
First of all, the thickness of the shaft of the bike you are using determines the inside and outside serrations: if it is 12 mm, it is the inside serration; if it is thicker than 12 mm, it is the outside serration. However, for Shimano wheel hubs, the compatibility chart may specify which lockring to use. Also, if it is an AFS hub, use a special lockring.
Next, check the thickness of the lockring. Depending on the shape of the wheel hub, the thickness of the lockring may interfere with the fork or frame. The thickness is also a matter of compatibility with the wheel, and some wheels may come with a dedicated lock ring, so if so, you can be sure to use that one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Center Lock Lockrings
Q.
Which center lock lockring should I choose?
A.
The basic rule for choosing a center lock lockring is to select it based on the diameter and length of the thru-axle shaft.
For hubs with shafts such as 100 x 12mm or 142 x 12mm used on disc road bikes, the lockring can often be tightened with a cassette lockring tool, so an internal serration type is not a problem.
For 15mm or 20mm shafts, such as those on MTBs, the internal serration type lockring either does not fit or cannot be tightened with a lockring tool, so it is standard to use the external serration type.
Q.
What should I do if the wheel does not come with a lockring for an AFS hub?
A.
Since Shimano rotor lockrings cannot be used with AFS hubs, you will need to purchase a lockring specifically for AFS hubs online or from other retailers.
Lockrings from Campagnolo or Fulcrum are available for sale, so you should purchase one of those.
Q.
Can a cassette lockring be used as a rotor lockring?
A.
Shimano’s cassette lockring has the same thread as the rotor lockring, so it can be installed. However, since the cassette lockring is smaller in outer diameter, it may not firmly secure the rotor.