A set of hex keys and (minimal) time can remove many components from most modern bicycles, even if the bike is 'secured' via the standard cable/U-lock treatment.
I am thinking about filling my hex bolt holes with wax. The idea is to deter thieves from stealing componentry (bar/stem/brakes). These components are rarely removed, so the extra hassle (to me) of removing the wax once a year seems worth the extra hassle (for opportunistic thieves).
Does anyone have any suggestions (besides wax) for filling hex bolts? Are there any other cheap deterrents? FWIW, I am considering using Pitlock to secure my wheels/fork.
"David Bonnell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
A set of hex keys and (minimal) time can remove many components from most modern bicycles, even if the bike is 'secured' via the standard cable/U-lock treatment.
I am thinking about filling my hex bolt holes with wax. The idea is to deter thieves from stealing componentry (bar/stem/brakes). These components are rarely removed, so the extra hassle (to me) of removing the wax once a year seems worth the extra hassle (for opportunistic thieves).
Does anyone have any suggestions (besides wax) for filling hex bolts? Are there any other cheap deterrents? FWIW, I am considering using Pitlock to secure my wheels/fork.
Does anyone have any suggestions (besides wax) for filling hex bolts? Are there any other cheap deterrents?
Epoxy
Sounds extreme, although it certainly would make it difficult to remove components.
Is there any way to dissolve/remove epoxy without harming the bolts and/or attached components? I smell a google search coming...maybe I'll answer my own question.
Does anyone have any suggestions (besides wax) for filling hex bolts? Are there any other cheap deterrents?
Quoted message said:
Epoxy
Sounds extreme, although it certainly would make it difficult to remove components.
Is there any way to dissolve/remove epoxy without harming the bolts and/or attached components? I smell a google search coming...maybe I'll answer my own question.
Any other ideas?
I find electrical tape & fenders to be a great deterrent. Certainly not fashionable, but that's why it doesn't get stolen. Anyway, good luck with your project. I wish you and all cyclists the best when it comes to avoiding theft.
I find electrical tape & fenders to be a great deterrent. Certainly not fashionable, but that's why it doesn't get stolen. Anyway, good luck with your project. I wish you and all cyclists the best when it comes to avoiding theft.
I've got no problem with electrical tape. The bike in question is also my sole off-road steed, so classic (ugly) fenders aren't really an option. I can only make it so ugly...the bike has some decent componentry.
I also don't think epoxy will work for me, as it requires harsh chemicals (or a significant heat source) to remove...either method is likely to damage other parts of the bike (or me). I foresee some experiments with wax/silicone/glue in my future.
A set of hex keys and (minimal) time can remove many components from most modern bicycles, even if the bike is 'secured' via the standard cable/U-lock treatment.
I am thinking about filling my hex bolt holes with wax. The idea is to deter thieves from stealing componentry (bar/stem/brakes). These components are rarely removed, so the extra hassle (to me) of removing the wax once a year seems worth the extra hassle (for opportunistic thieves).
Does anyone have any suggestions (besides wax) for filling hex bolts? Are there any other cheap deterrents? FWIW, I am considering using Pitlock to secure my wheels/fork.
I've heard of gluing ball bearings into the heads of hex bolts. You can fish it out with a flathead screw driver later.
Also, a figure 8 of bike chain around the seat stays and saddle rails is good too.
A set of hex keys and (minimal) time can remove many components from most modern bicycles, even if the bike is 'secured' via the standard cable/U-lock treatment.
I am thinking about filling my hex bolt holes with wax. The idea is to deter thieves from stealing componentry (bar/stem/brakes). These components are rarely removed, so the extra hassle (to me) of removing the wax once a year seems worth the extra hassle (for opportunistic thieves).
Does anyone have any suggestions (besides wax) for filling hex bolts? Are there any other cheap deterrents? FWIW, I am considering using Pitlock to secure my wheels/fork.
Hi there.
For epoxy, first coat the hex heads with a light grease then fill with epoxy. The greas makes digging out the epoxy a snap.
To ugly up a steel bike try this. Find any old pieces of rrusted steel and brush or scour off as much of the rust as you can letting the rust powder fall onto paper to be collected. Mix the rust powder with white glue or rubber cement until you get a thin paste. Apply liberally to all welded joints and areas near them. Would be thieves leave your bike alone because they think it is about to fall apart. Apply more of the paste to the rims between spoks and where the brake pads don't contact the rim. This makes the rims appear to be old steel chromed ones.
For epoxy, first coat the hex heads with a light grease then fill with epoxy. The greas makes digging out the epoxy a snap.
To ugly up a steel bike try this. Find any old pieces of rrusted steel and brush or scour off as much of the rust as you can letting the rust powder fall onto paper to be collected. Mix the rust powder with white glue or rubber cement until you get a thin paste. Apply liberally to all welded joints and areas near them. Would be thieves leave your bike alone because they think it is about to fall apart. Apply more of the paste to the rims between spoks and where the brake pads don't contact the rim. This makes the rims appear to be old steel chromed ones.
