How do I stop someone from stealing my bike wheels?

8 tips to prevent bicycle theft

1. Double up your security by using two high-quality locks.
2. Use your locks to keep your wheels from being stolen, too.
3. Swap quick-release seat and wheel skewers for ones that require keys.
4. Make your bike unique.
5. Try out a smart lock.
6. Always bring your bike inside at night.

What do thieves do with bike wheels?

The thief simply liberates the front wheel of the red bike and walks over to the blue bike, wheel in hand. A few turns of the blue QR liberates everything but the front wheel of the blue bike, they install the red wheel and ride away! You’ll occasionally also see bicycles from time to time without saddles.

Are front and back bicycle wheels the same?

The spoke count of front and rear wheels will vary, rear wheels having more spokes as more forces are applied (drive forces and additional weight load). Typically a lightweight front wheel will have between 18-24 spokes, while the rear wheel will have between 20-28 spokes.

Why do tires get stolen?

Geico says that thieves are stealing tires for a very simple reason; they’re easy to steal. Anything that’s not difficult to steal and can be worth a decent amount of money is at risk of being stolen. This leads to another reason that thieves are targeting tires; they’re worth some money.

Why are bikes stolen so often?

Another reason theft is so prevalent is that locks haven’t kept pace with the times. The ones that do work can be so expensive or so heavy that they actually deter people from riding in the first place. GPS trackers can locate a stolen bike, but do nothing to stop thieves who only want to strip its parts.

How do bike thieves steal bikes?

There are a variety of methods of stealing bikes. If the bike is locked to an insecure structure such as a small sign or tree, the thief is able to lift the bike along with its lock off of the structure. A thief may use a bolt cutter, hacksaw, or angle grinder to cut through the bicycle lock.

Do people steal quick release wheels?

Quick release wheel skewers are one of the most beneficial bike technologies, but they also aide thieves in the process of stealing your bike wheel or even the whole bike, depending on how your bike is locked to the bike rack.

Are front and rear rims different?

Yes, with standard wheels the front and rear rims are identical. Just make sure the number of spoke holes of the rim matches your rear hub. Sometimes they use fewer spokes on the front.

Is there a difference between front and rear wheels?

First, the bulk of the weight is over the front (driving wheels) which assists with traction. The other is that power is being put to the road in the same direction that you’re steering. With a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the front tires might be initiating a turn but the rear wheels are still pointed straight ahead.

Does turning your wheels prevent theft?

Turn Your Wheels When you park your car, turn the wheels to a 45-degree angle. This will make it difficult for a thief to get the lug nuts off, because the inner fender will likely be in the way.

Why are the front and back wheels of a bike stolen?

The front wheel is a very standard item, easily resold. The back wheel has all the expensive parts on it. They are stolen sometimes because people lock the bike frame but NOT the wheels, as that takes more time. Wheels usually come off fast, they have something called a ‘quick release’, on any bike worth thieving.

Why is the back wheel of a bike so expensive?

The back wheel has all the expensive parts on it. They are stolen sometimes because people lock the bike frame but NOT the wheels, as that takes more time. Wheels usually come off fast, they have something called a ‘quick release’, on any bike worth thieving.

How can I protect my bike from theft?

Use two different locks on the front and back wheels of your bike, so that thieves have to carry more than one tool to break them. Photograph: Alex Segre/Rex Features Use two different locks on the front and back wheels of your bike, so that thieves have to carry more than one tool to break them.

Does CCTV deter thieves from stealing bikes?

On at least one occasion, having eyed-up a bike, Aziz first stole tools before going back for the bike. CCTV it seems, is also no deterrent. “Even if there is cameras they don’t care. For me the best place is to leave your bike is a place where there are people around.”