sav47

Hello I am new to this website and to the biking community.

In the spring I purchased the Giant Escape 2 - 2017 and haven't made any changes to it.
I would like to change the quick release wheels though to further deter theft.

However, as I don't know much about the mechanics of bikes I'm not sure whether I need "locking skewers” or “solid axle locks" from what I've read around the web.
I know there's different varieties such as unique key locks, pinhead skewers, gravity based etc. so let me know what you think will be the best fit for my bike.

I'll post the specs of the bike below incase that may help. Thanks guys!

Frame ALUXX-Grade Aluminum
Fork ALUXX-Grade Aluminum (w/ Low-Rider Rack Mount)
Shock N/A
Handlebar Giant Connect Low Rise, 31.8
Stem Giant Sport
Seatpost Giant Sport, 27.2
Saddle Giant Connect, Upright
Pedals Giant Sport
Shifters Shimano M310
Front Derailleur Shimano Tourney
Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus
Brakes Tektro TK837
Brake Levers Tektro CL530-RS
Cassette SRAM PG830, 11-32, 8-Speed
Chain KMC Z72
Crankset SR Suntour XCE-T318, 28/38/48
Bottom Bracket Cartridge
Rims Giant GX02, Alloy, Double Wall
Hubs Alloy, 32h
Spokes Stainless
Tires Giant S-X3, 700×32

davidad

Pitlock locking skewers

Iride01 

Is wheel theft an issue in your area? Or are you just reading the "horror" stories on the web about it.

If you use a lock and cable, you run the cable through the frame and wheels and accomplish the same deterrence. You only have to worry if you intend to leave your bike unattended in a public place.

sav47

Campus in big city it so it happens often.
I currently use a lock and cable but wanted to add extra deterrence as I leave it for hours when in class.

cpach

I'd recommend against any "locking" quick releases that are supposed to only unlock when the bike is inverted: they suck in all ways. It is super annoying to remove the wheel (and will make your local bike mechanic frown for a few seconds when they work on your bike), they are typically made of really soft metal that deforms, they usually have poor clamping force, and they can usually be defeated while upright. Another disadvantage is they look like normal QRs, so a dumb thief might just damage them or your bike while trying to use them.

Simply switching to skewers that use hex head bolts will deter the majority of likely wheel theft. The Delta Hublox is pretty cheap also, and uses a non-standard fitting that is more secure yet. The most secure would be Pitlock skewers, followed by Pinheads.

I'd only bother with security skewers on wheels not otherwise secured with another lock. I typically lock both my rear wheel and frame, so I'd run only a front security skewer. Also, theoretically, it's really easy to steal the entire fork and front wheel on bikes with threadless steerers, but in practice I don't think that happens very often. If you're concerned, both Pitlock and Pinhead make security topcap bolts.

Bike Gremlin

QR is a very nice, self securing mechanism. Superior to any bolt mechanism. Just use a cable to lock the front wheel, and lock the bike's rear wheel to a post when parking.

Retro Grouch 

If theft deterrence is a major concern for you, just get a semi-expendable bike and try to park it among nicer bikes.

Any deterrent hardware that one man can invent, another man will find a way around. Once you start focussing on such, you commit yourself to ever more expensive and weighty locking system that never will feel "safe enough".

fietsbob

College bike racks are a Bike thieves ideal hunting ground, get a bike you don't care about,

still U lock and hardened security chain ( more secure than easily cut cables ) it securely to not have to walk home..

70sSanO

If you are concerned, a mini u-lock would probably be a good choice. It'll add a little bit of extra weight on your backpack, but it will definitely be a deterent.

John

blakcloud

Like Davidad, I recommend Pitlock skewers. I have them on my bike and I feel quite secure in knowing my wheels will be there when I get back.