Bicycle Mechanics - Replacing my quick-release skewers...

I got a new bike, and I got to thinking... I've never been in a situation where I absolutely needed to use my quick release skewers before. Granted, I've had to take wheels off before, but I would have always had the time & the tools to use regular skewers if I needed them.

I've never had any components stolen off my bike (knock knock), but there have been 4-5 times when I've locked my bike up & had people eff with my wheels. While little more then an annoyance, I'd like for that to not happen again.

So I got to thinking:

1- Since wheels are usually the first thing to get stolen, why do all bikes seem to come with quick release skewers? Just seems to me that it helps out the theives.

2- Where could I find a more secure (and by secure, I'm assuming theives have gotten use to quick release components & leave their open ended wrenches at home) set of skewers?

1- Since wheels are usually the first thing to get stolen, why do all bikes seem to come with quick release skewers? Just seems to me that it helps out the theives.


All wheel securing devices are "quick release" in the sense that they only need an allen key or a wrench to take off your wheel. Don't scoff at this, in high crime cities like Toronto, anything worth more than $5 not security bolted or locked with a high quality chain or U WILL be stolen.



2- Where could I find a more secure (and by secure, I'm assuming theives have gotten use to quick release components & leave their open ended wrenches at home) set of skewers?

Losing proposition. You may be able to get away with an allen key skewer in lower crime cities or out in the boondocks, but only you can decide whether or not your nice wheels are worth this risk.

Replacing a wheel is not cheap. Buy a lock, or buy a set of Pinheads/other locking skewer sets.

1. Any bike that is not a s++twagon has qr's today as an echo effect of the 70's bike boom. When bikes started flooding the market many of them were complete junk. As the market started to stabilize, many bikes would come with various racing features so that buyers would know they were not junk. A lot of aluminum started appearing, for example. QR were part of this movement. Many of these trickle-downs were a boon to the casual bikes. QR'S always struck me as not really the most useful of these. If the clock is ticking in a race, they are fantastic. If not, then they seem to me to be an unnecessary complication at a place that I would prefer uncomprimised strength.

2. Any LBS will sell replacement skewers that have allen heads on them (or maybe other, even sneakier heads?). I can't remember the brand names of the things, but I seem to recall there were some very inexpensive ones.

jim

QR'S always struck me as not really the most useful of these. If the clock is ticking in a race, they are fantastic. If not, then they seem to me to be an unnecessary complication at a place that I would prefer uncomprimised strength.
jim
Two comments:

1. If you have ever had a flat tire on a cold, rainy day, you would soon learn to appreciate quick release skewers as a real benefit. Being able to get the wheels off and back on quickly with half-frozen fingers and no tools is a boon.

2. Properly designed (i.e. internal cam with Cr-Mo rods) and installed qr skewers are THE most secure way to fasten a bicycle wheel. There is no compromise in either strength or security.

I use Delta Axle Rods in low crime areas. On-Guard Locking Skewers when the bike is out for hours.

If you are going to carry a chain or cable strong enough to provide decent theft protection, run it through both wheels or remove the front wheel and place it beside the rear of the bike so a shorter cable/chain can be passed through both.

I like the idea that I saw on these boards somewhere of using a plumbing pipe clamp (the kind that you tighten with a screwdriver, for flexible hoses). Just clamp down the quick release levers to the frame and keep your multi-tool screwdriver with you if you get a flat.

Of course, they are worthless if the thief is carrying a screwdriver, but the hex skewers are worthless if the thief is carrying a hex wrench.

Some cable type gun locks work pretty well.
http://www.triggerlock.com/clublocks.jpg