Quick release bicycle wheel theft is an irritating peril of urban cycling.
Quick release bicycle wheels stem from racing, but have become pretty much standard issue on bikes; great news if you routinely break your bicycle down for transportation – not so good if you are targetted by thieves.
Unfortunately, as locks have become stronger, the theft of quick release components has become bread and butter for thieves – as well as the inspiration for British engineer Curtis Dorrington to devise an aluminium padlock to secure quick release wheels and deter theft.
Win a set of Quick Caps
The 51-gram aluminium locks cost £25 a pair, but we have three pairs of Quick Caps to give away this week. Leave us a message below and we’ll make the draw on Monday 24 October.
To find out more about Quick Caps visit quick-caps.com
Does your cycle insurance cover stolen parts?
ETA cycle insurance covers the theft of parts from your bicycle including wheels – we advise that you secure quick release wheels if you can, but we understand that this isn’t always possible and will cover you against theft. Our standard excess is 5% of the claim value (minimum £25). Read a full list of everything we include in our policy as standard or get an instant quote.
On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. How much excess you will be charged is just one of the things that varies wildly between providers. Another is so called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use this term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, they devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it.
ETA cycle insurance has a low standard excess of 5% (minimum £25) and offers genuine new-for-old for life. However old the bike, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model. The policy covers electric bicycles as standard and includes a breakdown service for your bike and you that will take you up to 25 miles if you suffer a mechanical problem or puncture. Your battery is covered against theft as standard.
For over 26 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. We never devalues bikes no matter their age, allow you to buy your replacement bike wherever you like, replace stolen quick release components and we handle claims in-house. Can your insurance provider say the same?
Furthermore, every cycle insurance policy you buy helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.
Mike Smith
Great idea !
Annette
Quick caps – great idea!
Rae
Quick caps are the way to go! No more having to worry about carrying an extra lock to lock up my quick release front wheel!
John
Nice idea… although it does mean I’d have yet another key to worry about losing!!
George Baker
Nice! Certainly beats carrying your bike home after work with no wheels. Lol
Jen
I had a wheel recently – could do with a pair of these. They look great!
Jen
I mean a wheel *stolen!
Doug Milsom
Correction not needed, Jen – You HAD a wheel is in the past tense!
Gail
A brilliant solution – on my Christmas wishlist
Andrew
These look awesome; extra added security for your wheels.
Philip
Nice idea, locking wheel nuts for bikes!
Adam Seward
Wonder how durable they are…
Steve
What a great idea! Amazing nobody thought about quick release security before.
Stuart Young
Fabulous idea…great for touring where bulk and weight are such considerations
stewart kerr
A good idea , and easy to use
Richard Scrase
Yes please
Ian Ramsey
This is absolutely genius! A must for any commuter in London who ventures beyond cycling from home to workplace and has to leave their beloved bike outside attached to street furniture for a short while! Brilliant!
David Gray
Every time i leave my bike locked up I think that when I get back one of my wheels will be missing. This would be a weight off my mind.
Phil
Cool!
Gordon
I’d love a set to be sure that my wheels will still be on my bike when I leave it on the street.
Josie
These are brilliant. What a smart invention.
Mark B
I’d love a set!
Tom
Would allow me to cart around one lock fewer!
Mark Minion
what a good idea save those expensive wheels and not much extra weight to carry around
Liz
Brilliant invention! No more carrying around 2 separate locks to lock all your components when you’re just popping out for 5 minutes
Barry
What a simple solution! I so want a pair to secure my Rockhopper QR wheels..
Peter Shirley
Lock me up.
Peter Shirley
Lock me up forever.
Peter Chisnall
Wonderful
Greg Millard
It’s a deal,it’s not so easy to steal….
Owain
Genuinely genius.
Lisa Taylor
Really like these
Lucy Jordan
Awesome! Would love a set to ensure safe wheels in town.
Paul Miller
Great idea to save quick release becoming quick theft.
Richard
Simple solution to keepay hold of your wheels
The next Lance
Please don’t release me, let me stay
For I want to ride you forever more
To waste our wheels would be a sin
I don’t want to put my frame in the bin.
Rob Lewis
I would feel happier about leaving my bike in town with these locks.
Pete Gateley
Saves having to take both wheels off and lock with the frame. Excellent.
Pat
Choose me – my son needs some of these!
Penny Price
Sounds a great idea, my student son would appreciate these on his bike!
Nick Rossell
Clever
Doug Milsom
Ingenious and simple, like all the best ideas. They would give me peace of mind.