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SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING
LATEST UPDATE: APRIL 26th
HOW DO WE DECIDE OUR OVERALL RATINGS FOR PRODUCTS WE REVIEW?
SYSTEM EX SECURITY SKEWERS
79g £9.99 pair Mid Term (4 month) Test
The System EX Security Skewers are a wallet friendly means of deterring casual wheel theft in lower crime contexts. Those living in rougher neighbourhoods and/or locking up longer than a few minutes (i.e. running quick errands, “comfort” and impromptu stops) will need to invest in models with unique keys and other, 'tea-leaf' foiling design. However, they are also a cheap fix, if standard quick releases aren’t holding your disc/dyno hub wheels tightly enough.
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Pros: Inexpensive, simple to use, hold wheels securely.
Cons: Easily undone by anyone with a 5mm Allen key.
Materials/Specification
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The ends are nicely machined aluminium alloy with a choice of gloss black, or silver anodized finishes. I have mixed feelings about black components. There’s no denying they look sharp but silver ages more gracefully. However, finish quality seems reassuringly good - ours are in rude health, several months down the line. The skewer part is made from steel and features a recessed 5mm Allen head. 100mm up front and 135mm at the rear, catering for most road, mountain and mountain bike builds still running traditional hollow axles.
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Test context/build
Aside from the lower-level theft deterrent, I was finding the Halo Evaura/ Shutter Precision SL9 wheel was prone to moving very slightly in the Kinesis fork ends, when using a cam type quick release.
This resulted in some annoying disc rub, especially when climbing and along rougher country roads.
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I check the fork blades and ends for any signs of wear/damage, as a matter of course, so knew it wasn’t serious. Exchanging the quick release would offer three tangible benefits; (a) make the wheel harder to nick (b) improve wheel tenure and finally (c) save a few grams into the bargain. They may also make wheel removal more convenient, with a front, low-rider rack.
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Since I always carry a multi tool (usually two, truth be told), removal to tend a flat wasn’t going to be an issue. A light coating of grease was applied to the skewer to prevent corrosion ensures everything stays mobile and corrosion free.
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Security/Ease of Use 2.75/5
Models such as these Halo Hex Key Skewer Set have “no turn tabs”. These brace them against the right-side fork end dropout, preventing the right cap from turning. The System EX security skewers lack this refinement, but still play very nicely when removing and refitting wheels.
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The notched sides have offered decent bite and I've only needed to hold the right cover steady for about three turns of the Allen key-no hint of it spinning uselessly when I've been trying to reinstate wheels, during a downpour. Talking of soggy stuff, several months down the line, the black anodizing is in seriously good nick. (That said; the salt monster can chew through anything. A lick of wax, while you’re doing the bike is a good move).
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The steel skewer and head components are similarly rugged. Taint free with no chewing/rounding. Obviously, some mechanical sympathy should be a given, but I've whipped ours on and off regularly, swapping between wheels and bikes for good measure. Being slightly shorter than the Halo, they have a slight edge on the aesthetic front since there’s no exposed thread protruding from the hub shell/ends. In common with the Halo and others around this price point, they’ll stop little 'scrotes' from nicking your skewers as a “joke” but thieves wielding a 5mm Allen key won’t miss a beat.
These Kryptonite Wheelboltz will buy a bit more time, but beefy locks used properly are a more effective means of persuading thieves to plod on and find easier pickings.
Value 3.5/5
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£9.99 is very reasonable for a set of skewers. The Halo Hex Key Skewer Set is £10.99rrp and has a slight edge, if every gram counts. Delta Hublox Security Skewers are £18.99. Hexlox Security Skewers employ a unique key and are designed to prevent pliers and other brute force techniques getting traction. They can also be bought individually (from £10) Pin Head Locks Quick Release 2 pack start at £48.99. Kryptonite Wheel Boltz are £54.99 (pair).
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Summary
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Ultimately, if you’re seeking a lightweight, reliable wallet-friendly skewers first, protection from casual thieves and “pranksters” second, the System EX are cheerful options. However, on their own, no more than a minor inconvenience to serious/habitual crooks.
Verdict: 3/5 Cheap and cheerful skewers but will only deter opportunist theft.
Michael Stenning
PUBLISHED AUGUST 2021
