I am just starting to prototype two fasteners that will make stealing bike parts much harder. I have yet to have a full bike stolen, but have had my wheels jacked several times; same experience from my friends (no bikes stolen, many wheels and seatposts/saddles stolen.)
The basic idea is to replace a common hex/bolt size/shape with a much less common one. Replace a 5mm hex with a 2mm button torx, etc.
I am creating a sleeve that fits into a hex bolt head, into which you screw a set screw with an uncommon wrench type (button torx, button hex, etc)
I am also creating a metal sleeve that fits over a regular bolt, into which a set screw has been tapped. Again, unusual set screw size.
The next step would be to make custom/unique set screw/wrench sets.
Michael Mandiberg
R&D Fellow
Eyebeam OpenLab
All work licensed CC-BY-SA
