Locking skewers

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Friends,

A quandary. I have 3 out of 4 bikes set up with Hexlox locking skewers.

https://hexlox.com/en-us/products/total-skewer-set?_pos=2&_sid=0d411a987&_ss=r&variant=30111443419241

They are great. Easy to install. I love that the same key that unlocks the nuts on the saddle/seatpost/stem also unlocks the wheel skewers. 

HOWEVER. The skewer is steel. The nut is aluminum. The bike shop has now had 2 of these nuts strip. They are saying the soft aluminum is the problem;the threads strip after a couple of times removing the wheel. I emailed Hexlox to see if they have a solution, or at least to make them aware of the problem. It’s not cheap to keep buying these parts from Germany. No response yet.

Do you have a superior locking skewer you love? Must be easy to install and safe to use. I have dyno wheels that I’m not keen to have stolen and I also don’t love the idea of carrying a second u-lock. Too heavy.

Thanks!

Leah

[Roy Summer]

I’ve been told by NYC bike shops that wheel locks are a false sense of security because thieves have the keys. In fact, everyone has the keys. So, remove front wheel and u-lock it with the rear; use a piece of chain wrapped in an inner tube to secure seat to frame; lock in a well trafficked and/or secure area.

Or, do as I have had my daughter do in NYC, ride something that looks like crap but has some select, but not readily noticeable quality parts., And, make them difficult, or at least annoying, to remove.

Remember, theft is a crime of opportunity. The easier the theft, the more likely.

Finally, do as I do: NEVER, and I mean NEVER, leave your bike unattended.

Roy (just north of NYC, who watches over his bikes like a hawk)

[Jason Fuller]

I have these on all my bikes, and I add the Hexlox inserts on the bikes that I lock up out-of-sight for longer periods but I leave as-is for other bikes.

https://www.jensonusa.com/delta-axle-rodz-non-qr-skewer-set

I really like them - inexpensive, do what they say they'll do, no fuss. Perfectly suited to any Riv. Even without the Hexlox inserts they'll prevent opportunistic theft, and are enough protection for most cases. 

[NYCbikeguy]

The best skewer locks are pitlocks, hands down.

https://www.pitlock.de/en/protect/quick-release.html

I have 4 sets that I've been holding onto, but have no plans on using them anytime soon. 

Read about it and if you're interested, reach out to me if you want them for a bit cheaper than retail.

Best,

IY

[Michael Baquerizo]

stand by pitlocks. i have them keyed the same on both of my city bikes, as well as my wifes. 

unlikely a thief has a key for every option they offer, and if they did they'd be there a long while trying to get them out. 

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

IY, I’d be interested! I did email Hexlox over the weekend; let me see if they have a solution for their product, otherwise, I’d be interested in yours. Good condition? And you have the keys?

Thanks!

Leah

On Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 11:57:38 PM UTC-4 NYCbikeguy wrote:

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Awesome. Yes, and I doubt thieves in SW Michigan have Pitlock keys. I am reminded of my friend, Marc, who went touring and came out of a grocery store and something was off with his bike. Upon closer inspection, a thief had tried to steal his front wheel, but he had a locking skewer that foiled the thief. He was touring and in the middle of nowhere. What a nightmare, had that jerk been successful.

[Ryan Ogilvie]

I purchased a used Radwagon that came with an Albus skewer on the front. Below is an example. It achieves security by a cover that slides over a 8mm nut. The cover only slides when the skewer is plumb and facing up—ie, the wheel must be horizontal—like exactly horizontal. 

I chuckle about how good the security is when I have to wrestle the heavy e-bike into its side and fiddle with the sliding cover. Like, I can barely do it and it takes me forever, so I can’t imagine a thief trying this on a city sidewalk. I just lock the bike upright so to get the bike horizontal they need to cut the lock…. 

It is a pain so you need to weigh security against convenience. But it’s a pretty ingenious device. 

Sent from my mobile device. 

On Apr 7, 2025, at 9:40 AM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Awesome. Yes, and I doubt thieves in SW Michigan have Pitlock keys. I am reminded of my friend, Marc, who went touring and came out of a grocery store and something was off with his bike. Upon closer inspection, a thief had tried to steal his front wheel, but he had a locking skewer that foiled the thief. He was touring and in the middle of nowhere. What a nightmare, had that jerk been successful.

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[jeffrey kane]

My two cents: I'm in the "make it difficult for the opportunistic (meaning lazy and unprofessional) thieves camp". I suppose as a daily commuter in NYC for decades now who locks his bike up regularly for short trips and long evening events - I've come to terms with the proverbial boogie man bike thief driving a van equipped with a grinder that can cut through any lock / security system you can imagine. I figure, if he's coming then there's nothing I can do about it. 

This thinking has lead me to two things I live by: 

1. Life is too short ride crappy bikes.

2. Tamper resistant safety bolts go a long way towards peace of mind and bike security.

I swear by these skewers:

https://velo-orange.com/products/vo-anti-theft-skewers?srsltid=AfmBOoqPEhAXzBkKMmStPbSr_X_bI0elUVtqOi_RGhWKVbeYy6mHZLcZ

And that lead me to purchase various versions of these:

https://www.wkooa.com/product/security-screws-hex-socket-with-pin-in-head-stainless-steel/?srsltid=AfmBOoqCtdM1941sxJzlYzoX8n0FZKx2Pg2SCHwwy81OVJDWCQtHDPVeFms&gQT=1

And a set of wrenches to match - multiple sets actually, which, are scattered about my work bench and various tool kits, glove compartments, etc...

https://bondhus.com/tamper-resistant-hex

And again, I'm simply figuring if the thief sporting a pocket full of tamper resistant wrenches is coming for my bike then well, he's probably got more "tools" in his kit than I can defend against anyway.

I also like to knock-on-wood a lot.

[Michael Baquerizo]

also adding that i've begun using pitstoppers on all the relevant hex bolt places. my seatpost, saddle, and stem. while these are a little more one size fits all, i feel a lot more confident with them on my bike. 

[NYCbikeguy]

Leah,

I have new sets and used sets!

I'd have to dig through my storage unit for the new sets which may include the seatpost nut as well, but if you're interested in just the skewers, I can get them to you asap.

Best,

IY

[Leah Peterson]

You know what, Ryan? I had one of these on my original Betty Foy! I didn’t understand a thing about it at the time, just knew that the mechanic said it would keep my wheels safe. 

Is there any real drawback to this vs Pitlock? Would my bike mechanics have to lay my bike on its side on the floor of the shop to get the wheels off? Interesting… 

This is the problem with choices. They can be quite paralyzing. Still waiting to hear from Hexlox, but the Abus solution might be a good one and then there are no keys…

On Apr 7, 2025, at 10:08 AM, Ryan Ogilvie <ryan.o...@gmail.com> wrote:

I purchased a used Radwagon that came with an Albus skewer on the front. Below is an example. It achieves security by a cover that slides over a 8mm nut. The cover only slides when the skewer is plumb and facing up—ie, the wheel must be horizontal—like exactly horizontal. 

I chuckle about how good the security is when I have to wrestle the heavy e-bike into its side and fiddle with the sliding cover. Like, I can barely do it and it takes me forever, so I can’t imagine a thief trying this on a city sidewalk. I just lock the bike upright so to get the bike horizontal they need to cut the lock…. 

It is a pain so you need to weigh security against convenience. But it’s a pretty ingenious device. 

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[R. Alexis]

Leah,

I have a couple sets of new Delta Axle Rodz skewers if you are interested. Let me know. 

Thanks,

Reginald Alexis

[Ryan Ogilvie]

Yep, your mechanic will have to lay the bike on its side, either on floor or in the stand. Doing it in the stand will be more dignified than doing it on the floor, I’d imagine. 

It’s nice not having to keep track of a key. The drawback is having to get the wheel horizontal, easier on a human powered machine than an e-bike but not as easy as dropping the wheel while the bike is standing. 

Sent from my mobile device. 

On Apr 7, 2025, at 2:57 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Leah Peterson]

Thanks, Reginald!

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 7, 2025, at 3:43 PM, R. Alexis <noj...@webtv.net> wrote:

Leah,

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[Steven Seelig]

Those Abus skewers will beget misery. Having to lay the bike down on its side, then keeping the skewer open and getting it back on the bike will add years to your life. Don't say that you haven't been warned.

 I am and have always been a Pitlock guy. The goal here is to make your bike less attractive than the next bike At the bike rack. I have pitlocks on virtually every one of my bikes and think nothing of locking them I downtown DC for short time periods.  I would venture I've had them for 25 years or more without incident.   Because DC is relatively car centric, There are plenty of underground parking garages where I park my bike if I'm gonna be somewhere more than a couple of hours.

It definitely is an investment that adds up., but once you buy several you won't go back.  Buy extra keys.

[ascpgh]

Leah,

Check with Peter White's website page https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/pitlock.php and call for Penny or Peter to verify stock. These are locking skewers are the real thing with specifications to exceed what you lament of the Hexlox.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

On Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 7:11:10 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

[Tom Wyland]

I remember reading about someone doing a DIY version to secure hex bolts.  They used superglue or nail polish to secure a ball bearing in the hex bolt.  They carried a little nail polish remover to pry it out when they got a flat. The thought is that thieves would not be able to get a hex wrench in the hole and give up.  

Tom

Reston, VA

[Ben Miller]

Tom,

I heard that from an old bike mechanic in SF who has long since retired, but with hot glue. I really don't think you'd want to use super glue. Nail polish might work? Dunno. But I'd imagine that the acetone would take a while to do it's magic. Hot glue on the other hand allows you to pick out the ball bearing and residual glue pretty much in one go. Again, it's more along the lines of just enough friction to make would-be thieves not bother. 

[Patrick Moore]

It’s good to know that Peter sells these. I’m fortunate and probably don’t need Pitlocks, but if I ever buy tamper-resistant skewers and bolts, based on this thread I’ll buy Pitlocks from PJW.

Question: Does Pitlock sell a tamper resistant quill stem binder bolt?

[Patrick Moore]

I tried the ol’ ball bearing in the stem quill bolt using beeswax and had a hell of a time getting the bb out when I wanted to adjust the stem. I think I tried it in the seapost binder too and had some, but less, difficulty removing the bb.

So this trick might slow down a casual thief but I’d not use it if I really worried about theft.

[Leah Peterson]

This was a most excellent suggestion, Andy! I did just that and have 4 sets of Pit lock skewers! It’s fun to pick up a phone and chat and he even remembered me, famous though he is, and I was humbled.

Problem solved.

I will say it’s practically a world-wide effort to keep Leah Peterson’s bikes running. You are all exhausted. 

L

On Apr 8, 2025, at 9:07 AM, ascpgh <asc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Leah,

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[Rory Woods]

The version I have heard of this is using a bit of parafin wax to retain the bearing and carrying a lighter to melt it when needed. A lighter seems a bit easier to carry than acetone (and easy enough to borrow from a smoker). In practice I have found the removal actually a bit challenging, but that could be a result of using a larger bearing than necessary. YMMV of course. Hope it helps.

Best of luck,

Rory

Walnut Creek, CA

[Alex Buly]

Hi Leah,

I'm an NYC rider who locks up my bike from time to time, so wheel locks are an absolute necessity for me.  Here is my experience with two of the popular brand of wheel locking systems.

Pinhead Locks

My primary commuting bike, a Surly Disc Trucker, has Pinhead thru-axles. They've been on the bike for years now and I think they're basically fine. They're easy to remove and reinstall, and I haven't noticed any damage or deformation to the coded interface that accepts the key.

Since installing them, I've heard some negative things about them.  The first is that someone with the correct tools could technically remove them. I don't really worry about this, as I think wheel theft is a crime of opportunity and most bike thieves are wielding angle grinders to quickly defeat locks, not an entire set of Milwaukee tools to painstakingly remove a wheel lock. The second is that Pinhead only has 10 or so key codes, so it's possible that a thief with a few Pinhead keys could match up with your bike. Again, I think this is pretty unlikely. As things stand now, my wheels are still on the bike.

Pitlocks

I just installed these on my Platypus, and them seem really nice. I think it would be a lot harder to remove these with tools than the Pinhead locks. They also look nicer. The one maybe downside is that they have several small pieces that sandwich together at the end of the skewer, so if you're changing your tire on the side of the road you would have to be extremely careful about not losing any of them. I haven't had to do this yet, but I'm thinking of adding a small magnet to my tool roll to hold them for when this time comes. Installation was very easy. If you decide to go with these, I would add a spare key to your order as it's also relatively small and could potentially get lost.

I hope this helps!

Alex

On Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 11:57:38 PM UTC-4 NYCbikeguy wrote:

[Michael Baquerizo]

Parts getting lost is a bit of a non issue. The wheel should come out without issue, without having to completely unscrew the skewer from the Pit. Obviously they CAN get lost, but especially in the field there shouldn't be a reason to undo the skewer entirely. 

[Leah Peterson]

Guys, incidentally, LOOK what I found. I was reading an article on Apple News about a Minneapolis man who rescues stolen bikes and this was mentioned…

It’s not locking skewers but it is a u-lock that resists and even ruins angle grinders! Where are my NYC friends here who lament their relentless thieves? Ok, it’s $$$, but cheaper on Amazon. I know that’s a faux pas…

On Apr 9, 2025, at 9:36 AM, Michael Baquerizo <mbaqu...@gmail.com> wrote:

Parts getting lost is a bit of a non issue. The wheel should come out without issue, without having to completely unscrew the skewer from the Pit. Obviously they CAN get lost, but especially in the field there shouldn't be a reason to undo the skewer entirely. 

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[Ben Miller]

Yeah Leah,

The Hiplok D1000 and Litelok X3 are the current best of the best u-locks, but at $300 it'll cost you almost as much as a new Silver crank!

Apparently the Litelok X1 is almost as resistant as the X3/D1000, but weighs less and is almost 1/2 the price :)

[Leah Peterson]

Yes, hideously expensive and I don’t need that for the area of the country I live. But I was really thinking of our big city friends who might face an angle grinder thief once or twice in their lifetime.. very expensive but it’s nice to know such a product exists

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 9, 2025, at 3:58 PM, Ben Miller <ben.l....@gmail.com> wrote:

Yeah Leah,

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[Benz Ouyang, Sunnyvale, CA]

I'm with Steven Seelig in that I also subscribe to the "making bike less attractive to thieves" philosophy.

I use Pitlocks for the wheels on bikes I lock up, but I find them…err…ugly for the seatpost binder bolt. And nobody really offers anything for threaded stems. For non-wheels, I use security cap head screws for common sizes*, or a suitably sized ball bearing embedded with bee's wax. The bee's wax melts easily, and the "guardian" ball bearing is easily removed from the slot of melted wax with a magnet. Plus, bee's wax on a Rivendell just seems so right. 😅

*  there are many variations of security bolts one can deploy, from pinned hex sockets (least secure), to pinned Torx (slightly better), to esoteric designs that thieves will likely never carry the tools for.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7:53:56 AM UTC-7 Tom Wyland wrote:

[Corwin Zechar]

I bought a Hiplok D-1000. Back when they first came out. It's rather heavy. In the neighborhood of ten pounds. I paid $300. I never used it. My first Rivendell custom was stolen several years ago. I can't bear to part with any bikes, so the only bikes I ever lock are the Quickbeam and the Hubbuhubbuh. And only in a place where I can see them and run down any thief.

The Hiplok is indeed impressive. But it was just too heavy for me to want to carry it anywhere. I finally gave it away a couple months ago to a member of my club.

Regards,

Corwin

[Dorothy C]

If thieves have any idea of the difference, which, granted I am not sure they do, our rim brake wheels are becoming less and less desirable as most other bikes move to disk brake wheels. 

I can add a vote for the Abus Nutfix, I have a front one on my dyno equipped 26” Appa and lock up Sheldon Brown style for the rear. Apparently front wheels flat more rarely, though I haven’t really found that to be the case, and I find the rear skewer a bit more fiddly to install, and although they are intended to fit 135 mm spacing as well, I find they work better on 130mm rears. To note is the Abus have a notched washer that has to engage in the dropout , notch side inwards, under the locking cap. Make sure that is in the right spot before tightening the wrench flats, or the cap won’t sit well and the washer can mar your dropout paint. I did that one time after reinstalling. 

If you need to take the bike in to the mechanic, you can always remove them at home on a protected surface, and put the regular Q/Rs on while it is being worked on.