I am so happy to find out that such a security measure exists for bicycle enthusiasts. It seems as though the most easiest of ways to take advantage of a locked bike. The wheels are often never locked up with the rest of the bike. Say you just spent $1000 on a gravel wheelset. This could be a potential incentive for a theft to come along and steel them right off your bike. If you are spending this kind of money on wheels then you may want some further security. And this is where locking skewers and bike wheel locks come in and offer that peace of mind. Also other components too might be on your mind and have you a little worried about if they will be stolen when you park out front the library for a couple hours. We have also included some security options for locking your seat post and saddle as well. You can also get these bicycle security bolts which will work for locking down other components on your bike like the saddle, pedals, crankset, handlebar and headset. The security measures are endless and this is very promising and offers a great deal of piece of mind for cyclists.
if you really wanted to you could just get a long bicycle lock and lock both wheels through. Or use two bike locks. Locking either wheel. But this can get on the bulky side and is not the best solution. These locking options listed in this article below are for one of the main purposes that it is a minimalist approach to locking your bike that does not require extra bulky and heavy bikes locks to be carried everywhere you ride. If you have just purchased a rather expensive bike. Like me! Then these locking ideas can be a great solution to any worries that you may have.
Bicycle Wheel Locks & Locking Skewers
When it comes to quick release bike wheel locks there are actually quiet a few different options out there on the market today. We are going to go through most of the options you can choose from. To get you familiar with what some of the best might be for your bike. If you are uncertain as to if a locking skewer is not a good fir to replace your current wheel skewer there are also some completely different locking designs available that should suit what you are after.
*If you want to buy any of these wheel locking products, doing it via the Amazon links give Cycle Travel Overload a small commission which goes into creating more great resources for the bike travel community.
Quick Caps
Quick Caps is a quick release wheel lock that does not require you to replace your entire skewer. Simply put it’s a fit and forget mechanism which discourages thieves from stealing your bike wheels and you carrying less locks. The lock made an appearance on Kick Starter and managed to rase much more then its intended goal. This lock is simple but amazing!! It works by simply sandwiching the quick release wing from either side and locks together. So genius!! They are designed to not in anyway effect they way your bike rides and they only weigh 51 grams each. They are made with strength and durability, there tests show that it takes 900 Nm of force to break the lock. The Quick Caps are made from a single piece of marine grade aluminium which is ideal for outside weather conditions and very light weight. From what I could tell on the Kick starter page this lock does not work with the older quick release skewers that you get on retro bikes from say the 80’s. Also some users have had troubles getting the lock to fit, so it is best to do some further research to see if it will fit your bikes quick release.
Pitlock Security Wheel Skewer
This is one of the bicycle skewer locks that is a good options for bike wheel security. The locking skewer comes complete with a unique PIT key and code card, allowing for accurate identification and added security. It has the compatibility for a QR skewer replacement. The size of the skewer is 119m length x 5mm diameter. Here is more information on the front skewer option that is priced at $33.59
HEXLOX Bike Wheel Security Set
Hexlox offer a range of bike security sets. You can even get their complete bike security set and just be done! But if you are just looking for wheel security, then these locks with do the trick. This lock is just a secure hex bolt that locks to the skewer, how perfect is that? They are made from Stainless Steel with proprietary Neodymium Magnet. Comes with a Coded Key with Key Ring for portability. And it comes in different sizes so you can make sure that the mm size of the Hexlox matches the mm size of your Hex Bolts.
But if you are like, oh wait my bike has a quick release! then don’t worry they have you covered. You can Add Replacement for Quick Release Skewers. All they say you have to do is secure with #5mm Hexlox. Only one Hexlox per skewer is required. They also offer wheel Nut and Thru Axle locking too. So the price for a standard two set of the for wheel security you are looking at about $39.66 USD.
Pinhead Bicycle Locking Skewer Set
On Amazon I found what seems to be one of the better options when it comes to bicycle wheel theft. Available in a 2 pack. It includes a front and rear wheel locking skewer, with each lock operated using a unique multi combination key. They seem like a rather great solution if you live in a big city where theft is unfortunately rather common. I would say they are not the best solution on the market. But the reviews on Amazon are rather good with a 4.3 out of 5 star rating.
I bought these skewers to prevent my wheels from getting stolen again, and they have done the job! I don’t take my wheel off ever, so I really had no use for quick release anyway. You can register your serial number so if you lose your key, they can send you a new one. There were previous concerns that there was a tool that could remove these easily, but they now include a washer that prevents that tool from working. The set is priced at $42.83 on Amazon
Delta Axlerodz Bolt On Bicycle Skewers
If you are after a super budget friendly secure bicycle skewer set then look no further then these Delta Axlerodz skewers. These bolt-on skewers are designed for quick-release wheel hubs. Made from anodized aluminum heads, stainless steel centering springs. They use a 5 millimeter allen key for installation. And weigh in at 69 grams (2.45 ounces). For the priced these costs at $19.95 for the pair it is a complete bargain. They are rather good for the priced. Read the reviews if you don’t believe me.
However, some users have mentioned that the decorative “washer” on the Allen head side isn’t sufficiently countersunk to accommodate the chamfer between the head and body of the axel bolt. This causes the bolt head to bind a little, making the teeth of the “washer” grind into the dropouts. You can remedy this by deepening the countersinking by hand with a large drill bit. And also the steel insert on the far end of the axel can pull through even if you use a good torque wrench (I used a CDI torque wrench) to ensure 7nm. The insert is largely held in place by an interference fit, which is a bad idea when there is active tension on the insert. Once the insert starts sinking, the nut is useless. I resorted to using the nut from the set of quick release skewers these Axelrodz were intended to replace.
TRANS X ANTI THEFT SKEWER SET
As with the locking skewers other locking systems are also available for seatpost and they also have a complete skewer set which is for wheel and seatpost. They work in exactly the same way as a normal skewer, slide through the hub, make sure it’s tight and then close the lever. To unlock them, you must invert the bike so it’s resting on the saddle and bars with the wheel upwards. If your bike is securely locked upright to a post or rack, it cannot be opened and your wheels and saddle cannot be stolen, yet you retain the practicality and ease of use of quick release skewers in the event of a puncture, mechanical problem or need to store or transport your bike with wheels and saddle off. Priced at $28.87 USD
Velo Orange Anti-Theft Skewers
These are not a full on secure wheel set. But they are not quick release which should stop most casual bike thieves. But still secure enough! this non-quick release skewers require a special Allen wrench (included) to open. Priced at $16.00
Seatpost Locks
To prevent a theft of your seat post and saddle all together, seatpost locks are a great solution to this. It is a fear that I have from time to time and I must admit that I have thought about it. If you have a normal quick release attachment for your seatpost it could be so easy for someone to steal it. But worry no more because below are some of the best solutions.
Pinhead Seatpost Lock
Again Pinhead offer even more bike specific locks. This seatpost lock, locks your seatpost to your frame. Prevents removal of your seatpost for a fraction of replacement cost. It also comes keyed to your Pinhead key code. If you do not yet have a Pinhead key code, you must order with a key. There is no need to worry about if this lock will fit your seatpost as it is designed to fit all. As the Pinhead collar comes with shims to fit all seatpost sizes. Costing $43.99 on Amazon. Most of the reviews say that it is a great product and it seem that most of the Pin Head stuff is rather good. You can even pick up a complete locking set at Amazon if that is your style. But for the seatpost lock, some users have mentioned that it works but can be a hassle to tighten.
Safering Gravity Seatpost Lock
This seatpost lock is an innovative and highly effective seatpost lock. The seatpost clamp is attached to the frame using an anti-theft screw which includes a patented gravity mechanism that is impossible to undo if the bicycle is in a ride position. Your seatpost and your seat are protected from thieves. You don’t need any specific key. Priced at €23.25
Other Component Locks – Bicycle Security Bolts
If you are after simple security bolts to lock down other components on your bike. Any of these will work.
Hexlox Bolt Locks
As mentioned earlier on the Hexlox bolts can be purchased in a full kit for locking all the components and bike parts as you wish. You can read more here at their website.
These are just some of the best options when it comes to theft proofing your bike. Please let us know how you go. Are you looking for security solutions for your bike and how did this article help you out? Also comment down below if I missed any locks that you may use and can recommend.
About The Author
