One of the big things holding high-end cyclists back from buying a thru-axle bike in a big city is the lack of security options. Traditional 15mm nut and quick release wheels have Pinhead, Hublox, and a half dozen other designs to keep your wheels on your bike without connecting to an external lock, but for thru-axle riders there's really only one design on the market, and it's expensive.
UNTIL NOW!
This is a guide for a cheap way to secure your thru-axle wheels.
Caveat: if a thief wants your shit, (s)he'll find a way to get it. The game here is deterrence; the goal is to add so many challenges to the theft operation that the would-be thief loses interest.
- What you will need:
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Paper towel
- Hot glue gun
- Two coins, roughly the same size as the face of your axles (I used Icelandic Kronas)
- A knife for removal
- Prep the thru-axle face and the coins with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or grease. Be careful not to touch the rotor.
- Next, warm up the hot glue gun and use it to make a semi-circle of glue on either the coin or the axle face. You don't want to make a full circle because you want a section where you can stick a screwdriver or a knife to remove the coin if you have to. If you put that opening at the bottom the average thief won't know it's there.
- The last thing you do is slap that sucker on the axle face.
As you can see, the coin blocks the 5mm hex hole. A thief who wants this wheel now has to know about this type of wheel, they have to figure out what's going on, they have to carry a sturdy knife to pull the coin off, and they have to take the extra time to undo the deterrent. If there's an easier thing to steal nearby, they'll probably go for that.
Undoing the Deterrent:
- Simply stick a knife or similar sturdy object into the opening of the half-circle of glue, and pry the coin off.
- The hot glue (now cooled, hopefully) will not damage the paint on the thru axle face. You should be able to pick off the remnants with your fingers.
This is not a perfect method, of course, but it's worked for the last three weeks in Chicago. I park in the loop and in other medium-to-high-risk areas, so should my wheels get stolen at any time in the future I'll take this post down.
I am a new in the world of blogging..and this information is very useful for me..
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ReplyDeleteKeeping your bike secure is a top priority, and DIY theft-resistant thru-axles are a smart way to add extra protection! By modifying or replacing standard thru-axles with tamper-proof designs, you can deter thieves and keep your wheels safe. Options like security bolts, custom hardware, or even hidden release mechanisms make it harder for opportunistic thieves to strike. This simple yet effective upgrade gives you peace of mind, whether you're locking up in the city or at the trailhead. A small DIY effort can go a long way in safeguarding your ride!
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Protecting your bike from thieves is a top priority, and DIY theft-resistant thru-axles are a brilliant way to add security without breaking the bank! Swapping out quick-release or standard thru-axles for custom or modified security options can deter would-be thieves while keeping your wheels safe. Whether you're using tamper-proof bolts, unique tools, or creative DIY solutions, a little effort goes a long way. Peace of mind while locking up your bike? Totally worth it. Stay one step ahead of bike thieves and keep your ride secure. Lock it, protect it, and keep rolling!
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