hi, I’ve just bought a 2012 cube ams frame and it needs an x12 rear axle. It’s there am alternative to the 30 odd quid syntace one which so far I’ve only been able to find on bike discount.de? seems steep for a bolt!

The Syntace one used to be the cheapest option.
This might be it now
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/dt-swiss-rws-x-12-alloy/rp-prod81163

Looks like that’s going to be the price, it’s not in stock though. For something that’s supposed to be the future, it seems hard to get hold of!

try superstar components

I presume it’s patent protected

Is the ‘nut’ built into the frame? Can’t you just use a standard 12mm axle like a Maxle, Shimano one etc? I doubt any will be significantly less money though.

they’re not quite the same design
edit: that’s just my opinion, not 100% certain

Shimano one? Clicky

I ordered one direct from syntace, which worked out a little cheaper (assuming it turns up!)

You made the right decision IMO.
Syntace invented this 142mm design/standard and DT Swiss were in from the start using the same design (I presume they pay a fee to Syntace). Other variations of the 142×12 standard later appeared (Shimano and Sram Maxle), but I don’t think they are compatible to avoid patent issues.

It’s what the original 135mm Maxle design should have been in the first place, but Sram didn’t get it quite right with 135mm Maxle. Syntace designed it better.

I believe if you’d bought anything other than Syntace or DT Swiss, it wouldn’t have fitted.