Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - I asked about this and didn't get a response in the Antitheft thread below...

http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/media/552178.jpg

Can these locking skewers be slid into my IRO hubs? I am always really paranoid about my wheels being stolen even though I run a U-lock through the front currently. I know I can get a chain or cable to go with it but these would be great if they worked. Cheers.

I would imagine that a U-lock thru the wheel would be better than those...

I can't comment on how those work though. I was just saying... :D

These just seem like they could be a little bit easier. But I am not trying to shortcut on security.

i use the kryptonite locking skewers on my front wheel no matter what bike i am using, and both front and rear on the road bike. i feel very safe with it. you can't use them on a fixie rear.

where did you find these? i could not find them on the onguard site.

They are at REI. I guess they are a no go on my hubs then. Oh well, I guess it's continued U-lock use for me.

You can if you have Phil Woods. Phil's with the quick release conversion kit (locking skewers are meant for quick release hollow axles) allow the use of these. unaesthetic uses this set-up successfully.

Just great. As if I needed anymore reason to get those black phil's that I really REALLY want!

No, not without modification. You'd have to replace the IRO's solid axles with hollow ones.

here's a thread on IRO Maintaince: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=91522&highlight=iro+axle

here's a place to buy hollow axles:
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/hub-parts.html

alternately, you could try to get some pitlock locking track nuts. Only avalible in europe though. :P

wait a tic.

you still can't use these for the rear hub because you can't get enough torque when tightening them.

Pitlock skewers will work on just about any hub. The rub is that you have to order them from Germany. I ordered a set, which was sent to me in Latvia. They were promt with the shippment. No problems at all. Jutta at Pitlock speaks English.

http://www.pitlock.de/en/

You'd really only need locking skewers on the front. Lock the back wheel through the rear triangle with a U-lock and you're set--no way it's coming off. Should be great unless someone decides to take the whole fork.

i don't understand how these work. would someone please explain?

i don't understand how these work. would someone please explain?
They are simmilar to regular skewers with a nut except you need a special keyed tool to turn the nut. Without the keyed tool you can't remove the wheel.

ok i see. thanks

wait a tic.

you still can't use these for the rear hub because you can't get enough torque when tightening them.
You could run a rear chain tug, so the wheel won't slip.

But seriously, a mini ulock and a cable is pretty secure. There's really no reason to be paranoid about someone strealing your wheels. It's unlikely in most locations. I do understand that in NYC and SF it may be a different game.

Should be great unless someone decides to take the whole fork.

pit-lock also has a system for (threadless) forks.

http://www.pitlock.de/en/kategorie2/504980961a088a50d/index.html

They are at REI. I guess they are a no go on my hubs then. Oh well, I guess it's continued U-lock use for me.

Maybe Veratomic (http://www.veratomic.com) Quick-Locks would work for you.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=137620

Those skewers are ****. Save your money and time.

My rationale is that my LBS tried to sell those exact skewers to many folks, who all came back with the same assessment, they did not survive. Quite simple, they broke, alla they were crap. Sorry for the lack of clarity.

the veratomic quick locks are pretty much garbage. I rocked them for about six months before the lock part of the quick release sheared off from lever part as I tightened it. Do a google search and you'll find its a common problem. But the really dumb part came a few months later when I finally caught another flat on the front wheel. The lock bit was still stuck in the skewer and I couldn't remove it, their customer service was real nice and offered a replacement, but no help with removal. Broke out the standard adjustable wrench, the damn thing came off EASIER then then a track nut. Tightened the wrench, gentle tug and "lock" was off. The _only_ benefit of these things is psychological, it looks like it might be hard to get off. I guess the fact that the removable quick release is smaller then a wrench (but not an allen key) is a bit of a benefit too, but really these things don't do what they advertise.

And no I didn't bother with their offer of a replacement.

Veratomic. Check.

where did you find these? i could not find them on the onguard site.
I noticed the OnGaurd version of locking skewers at the LBS this week. I thought I made a mistake when I couldn't find the product on OnGuard's website (http://www.onguardlocks.com/). Then I saw them again at REI. And REI does have them listed on their website:

http://www.rei.com/product/47984316.htm

Does anyone have any experience with these OnGaurd locking skewers?



They are at REI. I guess they are a no go on my hubs then. Oh well, I guess it's continued U-lock use for me.
How come you are giving up on them? What turned you off?

I like that the Veratomic version comes with three keys. OnGaurd only gives you one. Granted you can mail them for more, but I'd rather the package just come with one for safekeeping at home while another goes out with me on the road.

In defense of OnGaurd's version ... OnGaurd is a more trusted brand. Seems they make a good product for the most part. And their skewers are stocked by stores I trust. Veratomic on the other hand, I've never heard of. And it seems no store stocks their skewers. If you want them, you have to buy them off their website (http://www.veratomic.com/).

I gave up because it sounded like it might be a pain in the ass to slide those into my IRO hubs. Plus they are around $50.

Pitlock skewers will work on just about any hub. The rub is that you have to order them from Germany. I ordered a set, which was sent to me in Latvia. They were promt with the shippment. No problems at all. Jutta at Pitlock speaks English.

http://www.pitlock.de/en/

I've just been authorized to distribute pitlock skewers. See my profile URL.

I've just been authorized to distribute pitlock skewers. See my profile URL.
Can you get the twin packs? i.e. two sets, keyed the same? This locking system seems less prone to wear than the OnGuard style, but I'd like to have one key for both my bikes' wheels.

$75 for two locking track nuts!?! I'd really like to get the seat skewer or headset lock separately.

Just great. As if I needed anymore reason to get those black phil's that I really REALLY want!

A couple more reasons. :) I can't wait to get mine.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8721/im0023254hn.th.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0023254hn.jpg)
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/5803/im0024811he.th.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/my.php?image=im0024811he.jpg)

$75 for two locking track nuts!?! I'd really like to get the seat skewer or headset lock separately.

You surely can. I've got most of the Pitlock lineup in stock.


Can you get the twin packs? i.e. two sets, keyed the same? This locking system seems less prone to wear than the OnGuard style, but I'd like to have one key for both my bikes' wheels..

Yes, Yoni - I order large shipments and make sure than I get the sets shipped in pairs keyed alike in case someone has a couple of bikes in the household. You still get two-keys per set, they just happen to be exactly the same. As for wear, they're very well built. When I have them, I'll include a replacement set of both the lockrings and teflon rings with orders. They're low value, but they will help ensure than people get a long, long life out of their set.

You can if you have Phil Woods. Phil's with the quick release conversion kit (locking skewers are meant for quick release hollow axles) allow the use of these. unaesthetic uses this set-up successfully.

Are there any pics available of this setup?

Pitlock looks like it'd wear much better than the Onguard. I've only ever had the Krypto on front wheel only, ulock the rear, worked great. The Pitlock looks at least as tough or tougher, less chance of stripping out and having a wheel stuck on. Using a lil torque on device like Onguard seems like that's a real possibility. Plus Pitlock has a wide range for sizing, making sure you get the right one.

Onguard isn't trusted by anyone who depends on their ride for a living.

A few weeks ago I got steamed that Onguard exempts messengers from their theft protection policies. I wrote about it here and there and all the replies I got had a common theme. Most messer won't use Onguard because they fall apart with frequent use. No one thinks they don't cover messengers because they are commercial vehicles or becuase they don't trust messengers. They simply don't trust the product to stand up to daily usage & what we consider normal wear and tear. They know they would have to replace many locks and pay out for stolen bikes if messengers stopped using Krypto or chain & padlock combos.

I guess I knew that, but not on top of the brain. I never bought an onguard lock because they don't even look as sturdy with the fuax "tough material" finishes they put on the decorative outer layer of all their crap.

http://www.mawonline.com/photos/onguard_brute_std_ulock_5001.gif < http://bikemag.com/features/onlineexclusive/kryptonite-fahgettaboudit.jpg or http://www.cannonsgreatescapes.net/images/American700PadlockWhiteBkgrnd.JPG

I understand the appeal of Onguard, less $$. And you get to buy a new one every year, everyone loves shopping!

I agree with Sam about only needing a locking skewer on the front wheel. I have a cheap one that uses a tool with a five sided allen key that has a little screw so that it won't slip out of the socket and round it out. I can't remember who makes them though. It works fine and gives me a little more peace of mind.

Holy **** that pitlock is expensive! I'll just use my separate cable lock for my formula/AlexR390 front wheel. When I'm a doctor and I have Phils, I'll entertain getting some pitlocks..