Author Topic: Opinions on locking skewers?  (Read 8429 times)

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Offline Jackson4

Opinions on locking skewers?
« on: May 25, 2010, 02:55:41 pm »
I want to put some locking skewers on my fargo since I live in DC and use the bike for more than just touring. Wondering what others have chosen for locking skewers. TIA!

Offline whittierider

Re: Opinions on locking skewers?
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2010, 04:10:42 pm »
I would try the Pitlock.  I haven't actually seen them yet, but the write-up looks really good.

Offline waynemyer

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Re: Opinions on locking skewers?
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2010, 05:56:11 pm »
I am currently using Halo skewers.  Not a locking skewer, per se, but rather a 5mm Allen head.  I use them more for torque (I have disc brakes), but slightly increased security is an added bonus.  As you probably know, nothing will stop a determined thief from stealing your stuff; you just generally need to be less easy of a target.

I had OnGuard's locking skewers.  They are also marketed under a different brand, but I don't know the name.  The distinguishing aspect was that the "key" included a bottle opener.  I highly advise against those skewers.  It was difficult to get a good amount of torque on the skewer and the set only came with one key.
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Offline gamecock

Re: Opinions on locking skewers?
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2010, 11:46:51 am »
This is way late, and you have probably already decided, but I put Pitlocks on my Sam Hilleborne.  I added over $600 to the bike by specifying Phil hubs and A719 Mavic rims.  I spent about $100 with Peter White Cycles to secure the wheels and a Selle Anatomica Titanico Clydesdale saddle.  When I tour, I put the quick release skewers back on because they are hidden by the panniers, and it is unlikely the bike will be out of site.  I ride the same bike to work, the store, and around.  Around town it is often out of sight, and I put the Pitlocks back in--takes about 5 minutes.  I don't even put it in the workstand to make the change either way.

Offline cyclocamping

Re: Opinions on locking skewers?
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2010, 05:23:12 pm »
I have been using a good trick for years. My bike mechanics told me that whatever skewer locks you are using, always put some grease on too.
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Offline gregg

Re: Opinions on locking skewers?
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2010, 02:42:58 pm »
I use the Zefal lock and roll skewers around town, and I too just use regular non-locking skewers when I tour.  http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/lock-and-roll-skewers/18-304

Offline Tourista829

Re: Opinions on locking skewers?
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2010, 03:39:29 am »
If cost is a motivating factor, here is a suggestion. One of my bikes has a European style rear wheel lock which serves two purposes. It locks the wheel so one can not ride the bike and makes it difficult to steal the wheel. As to the front wheel, I use an 8 feet 10mm cable, by Saris and their single cable lock. ($30) I also use a very heavy duty chain and U lock for the frame and rear wheel. It would be easier for thieves, to steal the bike rack, than to defeat this set up, although this too could be defeated with the right tools and time. I use this bike to commute to work, in a very bad neighborhood. Axa makes the Defender and you can Google it. I really like this set up because you can purchase an optional chain that goes into the rear wheel lock. A picture is worth a 1000 words.

Offline Iseran

Re: Opinions on locking skewers?
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2010, 08:18:05 pm »
I put some Pitlock skewers on my bike and my husband's this summer.  I'm very pleased with them -- they are clearly well-thought-out and well-made.  Now we don't worry about the wheels when we lock our bikes.  It is not hard to remove the wheels either, just stick a hex wrench into the hole on the little Pit key for leverage.