It has happened to many of us: we lock-up our bike, go do something
and come back to find one, or both, of our wheels have been stolen
from our bike.

Mostly, this is due to the rather common practise of locking our bike
frame to the bikerack, while negelcting to properly secure the
wheels. I think many of us have seen the remains of a bicycle locked
to a bikerack, with both tires stolen

Often we are faced with some choices if we want to avoid this:

1) remove the front wheel and thread the Kryptonite U-lock through
the front and rear wheels to secure it to the bikerack, while making
sure to thread the U-Lock through a part of the frame. This is a
common solution.

2) rely on a coil lock to thread through both wheels and the frame to
secure it. Coil locks - even the Kryptonite coil lock - are not as
strong as a U-lock. They can be cut rather easily. The Kryptonite
coil lock simply takes a little longer. If you leave your bike for
extended periods of time a potential bike thief will have a better
chance to steal your bike and/or wheels.

3) Remove the front wheel, secure the rear wheel and frame to the
bikerack and carry your front wheel with you. A bit of an
inconvenience, but better than having to carry your bike home, minus
the front wheel.

4) Carry two U-Locks, one for each wheel. U-locks, while the best
protection around, are heavy. Carrying two adds more weight to
whatever it is you're carrying, already.

During a recent visit to the Bikefactory, I discovered a new option,
but it only works for bicycles with the Quick Release wheels: the
Kryptonite Spindle Lock System. It comes in a set of three spindles,
one to replace each of the Quick Release spindle on each of your
wheels and one to replace the Quick Release on your seatpost, if you
have that kind of seat on your bike.

Simply remove your Quick Release spindles and install the Kryptonite
spindles, tightening them with the special key that comes with the
set. Kryptonite claims that the only way to remove a properly
installed wheel from the frame is with the key. You cant do it by
hand or with a regular wrench. So, you need only to carry one U-Lock
to secure the bike to the bikerack, since neither wheel can be
removed without the spindle key, which only you will have.

Even if, somehow, your whole bike gets stolen, the thief wont be able
to ride it after the first time either tire gets a flat due to a
puncture, since they wont be able to change the tube. They wont be
able to take the tire off the frame since they wont have the key.
They will have to cut the rim off the bike to remove it.

If you want to check it out for yourself, go to the Bikefactory on
Ala Moana Blvd and ask the staff about it. Unfortunately, the Bike
Shop doesnt stock them and I dont know who else does.

I installed the Krypto-spindles and have had no problems. The wheels
spin as well as they did before I installed them.

You may never have to deal with a stolen wheel again.