Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Preventing my bike from getting piranha’d...

Hiya. I am a newb so apologies for retreading on an old topic, but lately in Chicago, not only is bike theft a problem, but also the theft of components. A couple of my friends have recently been victims of bike piranhas. They’ve come back and noticed their bike is missing a saddle or a front wheel. Just last week someone stole my friends whole front end, locked up in a brightly lit area. Besides using security lock screws like Pinhead (http://www.pinheadcomponents.com/) are there any other ideas on how to prevent theft? Specifically, I am worried they will steal my saddle (I just upgraded to a Fizik Airone) and the last thing I want to do is come back to my saddle missing after I am 20 miles away from home. Any ideas, suggestions? I can't find a security lock for the swivel nuts on a Thomson Elite seatpost, so wondering how folks keep their saddle from walking away? Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated. Please let me know!

Use loctite to fasten a ball bearing into the hole on your seat clamp bolt.

Ball bearing and superglue

thats a good idea, how do you get it out later?

thats a good idea, how do you get it out later?

A pick and goof off.

isopropyl alcohol. Or acetone if you're careful.

I'd be tempted to spot-weld it, and forget about taking it off.

:) good ideas.

Old bike chain wrapped in old tube.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/jadedindividual/998a9120.jpg

Old bike chain wrapped in old tube.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/jadedindividual/998a9120.jpg

I had that until my chainwhip broke. Now my saddle is naked and it scares me.

Take one off an abandoned bike, I'm sure there are a couple of those around Chicago. Or from a bike you work on, I'm sure you have replaced a chain at some point.

Ball bearing and superglue

You just have to watch out about using too much glue. I have helped people remove the bearing and it's a huge pain. They put too much and it seeped in far enough that acetone didn't help, so we had to repeatedly cut at it with a dremel to heat the ball, which broke the bond, and make room to wedge it out.

thats exactly what I thought would happen.

I have talked to a guy that said mixing some glue and saw dust worked pretty well. I havent tried it but I guess picking at with acetone and a knife will would workout pretty easily

Thanks all for the replies and ideas, seems like there should be an easier solution out there. I am not sure doing the superglue thing would work out well for me, knowing my luck. Going to check in with my LBS as well. Thanks again for the help.

Why don't you just take the saddle and post with you when you lock up?

Why don't you just take the saddle and post with you when you lock up?

You are right, though sometimes I just want to lock up and go to the bar for food/drinks. Didn't want to have to bring in my helmet, backpack and a saddle/post if I didn't have to. Have lots of gear with me as is. Was just asking the group since it seems like folks like to upgrade components and wanted to see what solutions/options are out there.

Why don't you just take the saddle and post with you when you lock up?

Bc it's coated in grease?

Super glue and a ball bearing. BFD. When you need to dismantle you'll be able to tip the bike you way like and let the acetone soak in.

Take one off an abandoned bike, I'm sure there are a couple of those around Chicago. Or from a bike you work on, I'm sure you have replaced a chain at some point.

yeah, I probably will before I lock anywhere outside again. As of now, I take my bike out of my apartment, ride to work, and hang it in the "employee parking" area inside the shop.

I use those small magnetic balls. Pop one in and its impossible to get out without a strong magnent. Same effect with no glue.

I use those small magnetic balls. Pop one in and its impossible to get out without a strong magnent. Same effect with no glue.

Earth magnets? Hadn't thought of that.... Might try it.

http://www.theroundtableonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/YouTube-Insane-Clown-Posse-Miracles.jpg