Security Skewers Sets and Alternatives
02-19-09, 02:29 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Security Skewers Sets and Alternatives
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!
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!
02-19-09, 03:12 AM
#2
spaced out
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5
Bikes: 2006 Specialized Hardrock Comp, 2007 Redline 925, 2009 Giant Defy Alliance 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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. 
02-19-09, 06:35 AM
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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...
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...
02-19-09, 08:11 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: North shore of Mass.
Posts: 2,131
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Pitlock https://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.
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.
02-19-09, 08:14 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Houston we have a problem
Posts: 2,914
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I got these last week but haven't installed them yet.
Probably will this weekend.
https://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=18-304
Probably will this weekend.
https://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=18-304
02-19-09, 08:19 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 251
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, Surly Big Dummy, Brompton M3L
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
02-19-09, 11:33 AM
#7
Non-Spandex Commuter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 1,025
Bikes: Trek Soho S
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 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!
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!
02-19-09, 12:14 PM
#8
Gear Hub fan
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 2,829
Bikes: Civia Hyland Rohloff, Swobo Dixon, Colnago, Univega
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by penexpers
__________________
Gear Hubs Owned: Rohloff disc brake, SRAM iM9 disc brake, SRAM P5 freewheel, Sachs Torpedo 3 speed freewheel, NuVinci CVT, Shimano Alfine SG S-501, Sturmey Archer S5-2 Alloy. Other: 83 Colnago Super Record, Univega Via De Oro
Visit and join the Yahoo Geared Hub Bikes group for support and links.
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/Geared_hub_bikes/
Gear Hubs Owned: Rohloff disc brake, SRAM iM9 disc brake, SRAM P5 freewheel, Sachs Torpedo 3 speed freewheel, NuVinci CVT, Shimano Alfine SG S-501, Sturmey Archer S5-2 Alloy. Other: 83 Colnago Super Record, Univega Via De Oro
Visit and join the Yahoo Geared Hub Bikes group for support and links.
https://groups.yahoo.com/group/Geared_hub_bikes/
02-19-09, 12:40 PM
#9
Non-Spandex Commuter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 1,025
Bikes: Trek Soho S
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by 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.
02-19-09, 01:10 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
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.
02-19-09, 01:19 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,894
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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?
