BikeFleet

I'm sure someone's asked this before, but after searching for half an hour I didn't find a useful thread, therefore I post. Any suggestions as to how to secure quick-releases on your wheels? I lock both my wheels up with a combination of heavy chains and u-lock, but lately there have been a rash of skewer thefts in NYC. It's annoying and dangerous. I've been thinking about just getting regular axles, but in the meantime... any suggestions as to how to secure the skewers but still be able to get the wheel off if I get a flat on the road?

Thanks, all.

same time

Lots of folks use hose clamps for this, with some electrician's tape on the frame to protect the paint. Get the small ones at any hardware store for like 25 cents each.

You could also use zip-ties. That would discourage a walk-by thief enough for him to keep walking. Remember to carry a pocketknife in case you need to open the quick release.

Instead of changing your axles, you might want to get non-qr skewers. They have allen bolts insead of qr levers. Just be careful not to overtighten them.

CastIron

Get bolt-on or locking type. In the meantime use zipties.

Paul L.

I use a set of locking skewers that you need a special keyed tool to remove them. Works pretty good. You can see them at the following link.

https://www.pinheadcomponents.com/

DCCommuter

I've been using these for a while with no problems:
https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...eid=&pagename=

Ten bucks and you're set.

CommuterRun

Haven't gotten around to it yet, but this is one of the reasons I've been thinking of changing from QRs to bolted axles.

If I do flat I won't be in that big a hurry to fix it and the added weight of one wrench to all the stuff I usually carry anyway isn't going to matter.

pharnabazos

Seen a buncha guys around here use a wad of duct-tape.

MichaelW

I have had people undo my QR as a prank. I slip an elastic band over the lever and fork to detect any tampering. When I cycled in a big nasty city I used solid axles for security. If you go this route, use chromoly axles not the cheapo axles on discount bikes. Full size track nuts with a built-in washer are much more secure than small bolts. A box wrench (ring spanner) is the best way of tightening them.

doco

i just bought a set of the nashbar bolt qr, will see how they work out...on my other bike I have a set of these, they are heavy but they work and you must keep track of the keys, if the nashbars don't work out I will get another set of these

https://www.veratomic.com/phpshop/frame.php?p=1

bikersmith

I mentioned to a bike mechanic friend that I was thinking of just changing my skewers from QR to bolt-on and he said I'd need different axles. I didn't realize this. Anyone know if it's true? Would I need a whole new wheelset, then?

grolby

Yes, you would. However, you can buy quick-release skewers that aren't actually quick release - they bolt on with allen heads. See DCCommuter's link upthread (post #5).

Cyclist0383

I've had very good luck with PitLock locking skewers. I find they are easier to use than the Pinhead, and they also don't rust like the Pinhead ones do. I've used both and am sold on Pitlock.

I regularly leave my bike, with it's expensive wheelset, parked in the downtown of Riga (high bike theft area) and I still have my wheels.

As for alan head skewers, many theives carry alan head wrenches. Lock 'em up to be sure they will be there when you return.

https://www.pitlock.de/en/

jwbnyc

Onguard makes a set like the Pinheads.

Saintly Loser

I saw the Onguard set on Saturday at one of the local bike stores. It's packaged with two wheel skewers and a seat post quick-release replacement. It looks pretty much undefeatable, unless the thief has the special Onguard releasing tool. It's expensive, though -- the price at the LBS was ~$65.00.

I've got the Nashbar allen-bolt skewers on my commuter, but they're not all that secure. A quick twist with an allen wrench and the wheels are off. But they're only around $10.00 for a pair.

MoonlitMatt

I use the onguards, and they are pretty great. The seatpost set doesn't fit my clamp, so I just put a regular bolt on there. But for the wheels, they seem to work well... just don't loose that key!