Quick release parts and bike security?

Question

I have a new bike which has a quick-release:

Front wheel
Back wheel
Seat

I'm concerned about the above being easily take so:

1. How can i securely lock my seat? I dont want to take it out and put it in my bag since the stem is covered in grease! So how can i secure it when leaving my bike?

2. If i take the front wheel off via its quick release function and lock my bike up throught the back wheel/frame with my front wheel rolled to the back of the bike, surely this will:

- Eventually wear out the front wheel quick release function (if i am contunually taking the wheel off/putting it back on)

- And it could scrath the front suspension forks if they are scraping on the ground with the front wheel off.

How can i lock up my bike securely and without using a million different locks?????

Thanks

Answer 1

1. How can i securely lock my seat?
- replace the QR with a standard fixed bolt. In the real world you will seldom have a need to change your seat height rapidly.


2. If i take the front wheel off via its quick release function and lock my bike up throught the back wheel/frame with my front wheel rolled to the back of the bike, surely this will:Eventually wear out the front wheel quick release function (if i am contunually taking the wheel off/putting it back on)

- no, not a problem. I did exactly this for 4.5 years of college, every day, same bike/qr, no problem. anyway, qr's are cheap.

And it could scrath the front suspension forks if they are scraping on the ground with the front wheel off.
- maybe, sure, but c'mon it's a mountain bike, scratches are invevitable. if it really stresses you, get some little stick-on pads of some kind. Your bike is not as fragile as you seem to believe.

How can i lock up my bike securely and without using a million different locks?????
- depends. where are you locking it? is it a high-theft area? what are you locking it to? a dedicated rack or a random pole? check these links:

Answer 2

Firstly the more locks you use the more secure your bike is anyway but as i have the same problem i will tell you my solution, A long flexible lock (iuse a krptonite kryptoplus) will fit through both the front and back wheel and around the frame in a figure of 8 type shape and as long as you don't choose something too thick then you can also put this around the railings/post or whatever you are locking your bike to. I then have a small combination lock which will fit through the bars under the saddle thus securing the seat to the frame as well, the combination lock won't be overly secure but it is lightweight and a good deterant to prevent theft, If you wish this lock also never needs to be removed and could be left on permenantly therefore it doesn't take any longer to lock ur bike up. Its still better to use more locks but i know where ur coming from as this just causes hassle and takes too long as well as the fact that you have to carry them around.

Answer 3

I see some people use 2 locks one rigid for frame and back wheel and another for seat, frame and front wheel. (the kinds that are like coiled like a spring). It could be a alternative too.

Bikes can take more of a beating that what we assume when they are brand new, plus painting them when needed is not that expensive and it make take years before they need to.
The most expensive thing in a bike is buying it, repairs, spears and paint as a whole are relatively cheap.

Scratches are more visible and more important to bike owners than to anyone else, but soon we appreciate more a bike that functions well and takes us everywhere with peace of mind than a mint brand new looking one. Even if we just love to see them shine.

So do not get to obsess, do what you can, but most of all, enjoy you bike, the ride, and the freedom it can give you. (freedom of movement and mind, of course).

Answer 4

I use a D Lock that goes thro the front wheel and the frame (affixed to an object). Dont think people bother about the back, with gear change, its not that easy to pop! I'd change the seat fitting for a plain old nut bolt, but maybe youre worried too much, id wait until it got nicked before doing that! Ive seen lots people take their seat with them, guess they just live with the grease!

Answer 5

Ether go to a bike shop and change the quick release for a standard spindle (nuts) not very expensive. keep quick release ones for play time at weekends there not hard to change over at all. 2Min's max.
Or you can get a cable lock that is stored like a spring but opens long enough to go around the whole bike.