Locking Skewers

HappySachs
HappySachs Posts: 13
edited January 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi All,

I've just had a quick search through the forum but couldn't find much discussion on lockable skewer sets?

Having just purchased a new bike (yesterday) I'm less than keen on the idea of quick release components and so I've a decision coming regarding fitting a lockable skewer set. I don't intend to leave my bike in a public spot for any length of time, at most it might spend 20 mins outside the local supermarket. Consequently I'm looking to deter the 'opportunist' type of theft and the simplest way seems to be a lockable skewer set.

Visiting my local (to my place of work) bike shop yesterday I was shown a range of lockable skewers. The only variation seemed to be the key type, the sets were:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=11490
Normal Allen Key

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=23129
Uses a pentagonal type key, very similar concept to an Allen key (except five sided)

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=14518
Lock looks like a dome with some ball bearing's inset into the surface

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=14519
Same as above but includes a lockable fork stem part

Has anyone had any experience with any of these skewer sets before and would like to comment on their relative merits? To me the basic Allen key set is pretty much useless as Allen keys are readily available. Also the the kingfisher skewers didnt look quite as robust as the more expensive models.

Thanks in advance :D

EDIT

Pinhead webby makes the point that the keys they use are not generic and chances are your key wont fit another Pinhead lock:
http://www.pinheadcomponents.com/index. ... &Itemid=41

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    just get a good cable lock to suppliment your mail lock. All of those are easily defeatable.
    I have removed all when people have misplace their tools/keys.

    Also do you ever leave the bike in the same place? the thief will case the bike see what tools and then make sure they have them for the next time you leave it.

    Good locks are the way. If you do leave the bike in the same place leave the lock locked there as there is no need to carry it every where :wink:
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • HappySachs
    HappySachs Posts: 13
    nicklouse wrote:
    just get a good cable lock to suppliment your mail lock. All of those are easily defeatable.
    I have removed all when people have misplace their tools/keys.

    Also do you ever leave the bike in the same place? the thief will case the bike see what tools and then make sure they have them for the next time you leave it.

    Good locks are the way. If you do leave the bike in the same place leave the lock locked there as there is no need to carry it every where :wink:

    Are you saying you've managed to defeat the Pinhead lock, of the ones I looked at it appeared the most secure?

    I've only just bought my bike so I've not really used it too much, but I do have a couple of Kryptoflex cables to supplement my Abus Granit X Plus 54 lock, makes me a bit back heavy though! :lol:
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    It's an unfortunate fact that you cannot make your bike thief-proof but as long as it's less attractive or more hassle to nick than the ones around it, it should still be there when you get back.
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    the other end was where the weakness was. the shaft was just threadlocked (bonded) inti the end after screwing it in. Did not take much to remove the rotating "cap".


    Be aware if someone want your bike they will take it.

    What you want to do is make you bike look harder to take. the locking Skewers are not a visible deterant and they will still have a go not manage and most likely damage it.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    Insurance is also vital, if they want your bike they will have it, insurance and the cheapest lock on the rated lock list...
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • HappySachs
    HappySachs Posts: 13
    nicklouse wrote:
    the other end was where the weakness was. the shaft was just threadlocked (bonded) inti the end after screwing it in. Did not take much to remove the rotating "cap".

    I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry, that is damn shoddy design :( . Thanks very much for that explaination, that is exactly the kind of information I was hoping I would get when I started this thread.
    nicklouse wrote:
    Be aware if someone want your bike they will take it.
    that goes without saying :)
    nicklouse wrote:
    What you want to do is make you bike look harder to take. the locking Skewers are not a visible deterant and they will still have a go not manage and most likely damage it.

    I see your point, however in my area crime is not too high but we have a couple of large secondary schools and the chav element there are into petty vandilism and will only nick something if they are passing by and its zero effort. So I see the skewers as deterrent enough. Also I really really don't want to have to faff around carrying extra locks/cable for the saddle and front wheel OR having to disassemble the bike to use the one lock.

    That said, it wont stop the little buggers from letting my tires down (again) though :D

    thank you for you comments

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