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@GA2G
Good question. I wouldn't say that the workmanship or security of the Pitlock was inferior to any of the other securtity skewers, but there appear to be some niggling issues that stopped me from giving them the top recommendation. In fact, the security and quality of the Pitlock is probably greater than the Hublox, but I had to weigh that up against ease-of-use.
http://www.londonfieldscycles.co.uk/index.shtml?page=1
***There are a few important things to know before buying:
• You will need a 14mm spanner to fit them.
• You must carry the key and spanner with you whilst cycling to allow wheel removal for punctures etc.
• They can only be used on bikes with Quick Release skewers and will not work with solid, nutted axles.
• It is important that the small pieces of the locking end of the skewer go together in the right order.
• If you are purchasing any of the sets for seat posts you must buy a seat collar to go with it. The Pitlock needs completely parallel faces on the seat clamp to tighten correctly.
• These come in three sizes, 28.6, 31.8 and 34.9. Measure the diameter of your frame under the existing clamp to determine the correct one. Some bicycles have integral seat clamps, if so the seat post Pitlock will not work.
• Some sets also include protection for handle bars and forks, this is an A head cap and will only work with modern 1 1/8" A head stems and not with 1" ahead or quill stems. If using the A head protection it is a good idea to fill the heads of the allen bolts on the stem cap with glue or solder for complete security.
http://www.hubjub.co.uk/etc/pitlock.htm
Can I get a Pitlock kit for my threaded axle?
Another niggler. Fixers have a thing for tracknuts. Pitlock now make a special Pitlock nut for 10mm axles. Marriage made in heaven? Well, the new Pitlock works pretty well, but
i. it is only compatible with particular threadings
ii. it is presently rather expensive and
iii. it needs a special Pit, larger than the standard ones.
The issue is more complex than you might expect: if you want Pitlock tracknuts, write.
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=1039.0;wap2
PH:
If you get them, keep well greased and undo them frequently, I’ve had them seize, it’s no fun trying to fix a puncture with the wheel in place. The first time it hadn’t been undone for a few months, I had to cut a slot in the dome end with an angle grinder to stop it turning, they’re certainly secure! It happened again a couple of months later, that time I managed to hold the dome with a pair of mole grips. Pitlock did replace it and their website now tells you to grease well before use, something it didn’t before.
I don’t know where you’ve seen them, you can buy direct
http://www.pitlock.de/en/sortiment/index.html
My experiences have put me off, I now use Trax security skewers, not as secure as the Pitlocks, hopefully enough to deter the opportunist thief and half the price. I’ve only ever seen them on Ebay
http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=24473#p209990
Re: Alternatives for quick release skewers?
by geocycle » Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:12 am
I've got pitlocks protecting my hubs. They have worked well apart from the rear snapping due to some over-enthusiastic tightening after a puncture. It was my fault but I was surprised I could break it with a small spanner. Led to an interesting 25 mile off the moors with the back wheel held in place by the strength of the frame and vertical drop outs! Nevertheless, I bought another set. I agree with others that anything that requires tools will be a major deterrent. My hubs (a SON and a rohloff) are the most valuable part of my bike so I didn't want to take chances.