Product Review: Delta Hublox vs Pinhead

Theft prevention: ugh.

"We tried to chase down a wheel thief but he was too fast and now we're sleepy"

A little while ago I made a post about bike security where I toted the benefits of Pinhead component locks. I've had good experiences with it so far, which is to say I haven't gotten my wheel stolen, even in high-crime areas, but I wanted to see if it was just luck or if it really is a theft deterrent.

So, in my super-scientific study what I did was have my rear wheel use a Pinhead keyed bolt, and for my front I used a Delta Hublox skewer.

Delta Hublox

The results?

After about two years of never locking my rear wheel and relying on the Pinhead, it still isn't stolen. The front wheel, however, lasted about a week before I woke up this morning to my girlfriend going, "Hey stupid, your front wheel's gone". Clearly the Delta Hublox, which are fairly ubiquitous these days in bike shops all over, are no good. I kinda knew this going into it too, that's why I used a front wheel I'd gotten for free (so don't feel too bad on my account, not like anybody does anyway :'( sad).

The problem with the Hublox, as well as many other similar systems is that all you need is a Vise Grip that can cinch right on to the bolt-side and it basically takes the place of the quick release handle. I've done this before in a shop for a customer who lost their key.

The Pinhead is minimal with a flattish, domed design that's difficult to attach anything to, but it isn't theft-proof either. With a chisel and some patience you could probably knock that sucker off, but it'd make some noise and look rather suspicious. Might as well just cut the frame lock and take the whole thing.

Update: I've done quite a bit of research and found that thieves do know how to defeat Pinhead component locks. And when I say 'quite a bit of research' what I mean is I typed "defeat pinhead" into Google and it was the first thing I saw. In fact, it's not even a huge challenge for a skilled thief with the right tools and know-how. I do still believe that Pinhead is a good deterrent, but you should lock your wheel or take it inside anyway.