General Cycling Discussion - Pitlock ahead security system secures ahead stem too or just the headset?

Hi all,

I will sure be replacing my stock ahead stem with a better quality one which will also suit my ideal riding position was hoping to secure it using this (good deal on price pending):
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pitlock-ahead-system-lock//bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/13947

I was looking at some instructions for installing the new stem and this step in particular caught my interest on ehow:

Remove the old stem. This is done by taking off the face plates, removing the headset top cap, and loosening the bolts that clamp onto the steer tube.

Does that mean that if I fit the pitock ahead system lock I linked first, this will be sufficient to protect the stem too? Or is it only going to secure the headset and/or forks. From the pictures of stems, I thought stems can be removed just by undoing the bolts attached to the stem. However, if the headset top cap ALWAYS needs to be removed to detach the existing stem then surely the pitlock ahead system lock should help to secure it?

The only other info I came across so far for securing stems (and handlebars) was in this thread:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/86521-securing-your-stem-bars-to-your-city-lock-up-bike

Cheers

P.S. This is the bike I got:
http://www.marin.co.uk/2011/bikepage.php?ModNo=11M29

When I got it in 2008 it had quick release levers however this time, the bike shop gave me this key tool (told me it's not secure though) for the wheels. Is this a different (new?) form of quickrelease for wheels? Whre you get this key tool whic easily removes the bolts for the wheels.

I ask since I might just get the full pitlock kit so I only need to carry on pitlock key since I had planned to eventually get pitlock skewers for all parts like disk brakes etc since I've got upgrades planned over the next few years. I was under the impression that pitlock locking skewers for wheels and disk brakes only work with quick release wheels...not sure about how it works for disk brakes.

The specs do say:

Hub Alloy Double Sealed, 32 Hole Disc with Locking QR

However, as I said, I've never seen QR without the levers but I did just notice the description as saying:

locking quick release axles on wheels

Looks to replace the compression bolt. It won't keep anyone from loosening the stem, but they won't be able to remove it.

Looks to replace the compression bolt. It won't keep anyone from loosening the stem, but they won't be able to remove it.

Close enough. It's just the cap and bolt, and uses the existing star nut or compression plug.

Pitlock skewers replace QR ones just fine. Braking system has nothing to do with it.

The Pitlocks for disc brakes are to replace the caliper bolts that hold the caliper to the frame.

The bigger picture... since compression bolt presses down the cap
which in turn presses down the stem and all the spacers beneath it,
then It does secure the stem.. .
But handle bar [open face stem] can still be removed

Wally world bikes i suspect are less vulnerable to stripping

because every part is Un pawnable cheap.

Close enough. It's just the cap and bolt, and uses the existing star nut or compression plug.

Pitlock skewers replace QR ones just fine. Braking system has nothing to do with it.

The Pitlocks for disc brakes are to replace the caliper bolts that hold the caliper to the frame.

Thanks for the responses everyone. I went and ordered the entire kit since I am planning on upgrading to some nice disk brakes within the next 18 months anyway (within £100 budget anyway...still 3x the value and effectiveness if reviews for current braking system are anything to go by). The kit I got which included the ahead lock, 2 disk brake locks, 2 wheel skewers and the saddle stem was the best value rather than getting individual skewers. Also means I only need to have one pitlock key for the entire setup.

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but I was once looking up prices for a moderate upgrade just to see how the parts break down and I think it was like £48 for the Avid BB7 calipers and £60 for the entire BB7 kit so securing nearly 5/6 of the value using the pitlocks is good enough for me.

I understand about the handlebar risk but that costs about far less than the stem. I guess I can use some tape to make the bars look a bit more beat up or something.

If I can find good quality security/obscure screws which match the quality of those on the Thomson Elite Stem, I suppose I can replace the ones securing the handlebars at some point in the future. Worst case, I'll go down the candle wax/ball bearing/solder route for securing it. Same goes for properly securing the saddle at some point rather than just the saddle post.

Note that Vince at urbanbiketech.com will put together a package of Pitlocks at an advantageous price if you want some combination that's not listed on his website, including multiples for multiple bikes--at least for Pitlocks using the same key.