darrinm81

Hey All,

Completely new to the cycling scene. I have just picked up a second hand bike and now am proceeding with purchasing all the accessories (that seem to be costing more than the bike!). I am in London and will be parking the bike (from time to time) in public.

The cycle has come with quick releases on front and rear wheels.

What is the best and most economical way to secure the wheels?

I have been told about security skewers however these cost approx £30 (US$60). There are some cheaper brands (Trans-X and ETC) however these seem to have problems with skewing or snapping!

I have also seen security nuts, however not sure the cost and if they can simply replace the quick release latches?
Security Nuts

Are there any other alternatives? Best place to buy?

Can someone provide some advice?

Given I live in London I guess £30 skewers are better than no wheels!

tehelmo

A cheap alternative is if the quick release levers have holes in them, then you can use a zip-tie to temporarily secure the lever to the fork/stays. You'll have to carry some kind of cutter and extra zip-ties (for re-securing) when flats occur.

darrinm81

Some other thoughts:

a) keep quick releases on and buy a D-Lock with Chain. Chain up the front wheel through the D Lock?

or

b) take off quick release screw and replace with a standard nut or security nut?

Not sure what is the best for London, given that a bike is stolen every 60 seconds...

gear

Pitlock http://www.pitlock.com/
I use them and so far, wheels are still on the bike.
By the way, if you find an activity that uses gear of any kind and the accessories don't cost more than the actual main gear, let me know what it is, because I haven't stumbled it yet.

d2create

I got these last week but haven't installed them yet.
Probably will this weekend.

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=18-304

penexpers

Zefal Lock'n'roll

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zefal-Lock-S.../dp/B001CR6PPE

jdmitch

Those security nuts are actually kind of slick (not the breakaway one)

tatfiend 

Having to turn a bike upside down to release the wheels is IMO a poor concept. Also rough on saddles and cyclocomputers or other items mounted on the handlebars.

jdmitch

Hold upside down with one hand, open lever, flip back over to finish removing?

MichaelW

You have to match the security precautions to the threat. If you ride fancy wheels you need good security such as pitlocs. If you ride bog standard hybrid wheels you need to prevent people messing with your QR and even removing the skewer.
You should always lock your wheels through the frame to the imovable object/bike parking rack.
When I commuted in Lonon I used a solid axle with track nuts (big nuts with integral washer). It prevents casual messing around, it gives off a "low-rent" vibe and if your bike is parked against a railing, it prevents wheel removal.
In my current commute I use simple 5-sided key skewers to foil kids.
I wouldnt use those general purpose security nuts. Axle nuts need to be quite tight to work.

bhop

I have pitlocks. They were pricy, but well worth that price. There's really no way to get the wheels off without the key. I figure, my bike costs around $1200 with all the extras i've bought for it. Why go cheap on security for it?