Abus Nutfix fights back against bicycle cannibals

The Abus NutFix is a brave attempt at security for bicycle components. As bike locks have become sturdier, thieves have move their attention towards seats, wheels, shifters – pretty much anything they can pull, twist or wrench from your bicycle without too much trouble. The Abus NutFix is a nut over which is fitted a cap that can only be removed when the bicycle is on its side.

It’s an elegant and simple deterrent against the opportunist thief. The downside is that while there may be little honour amongst thieves, we imagine there is more than a little sharing of tips – news of how to operate the Abus Nutfix system will soon spread. It's the reason that ETA cycle insurance covers all bicycle components against theft - irrespective of whether they are secured or quick release.

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The changing face of bicycle crime

Quick release wheels have become standard issue on bicycles; great news when you need to change an inner tube at the roadside - not so good if you become a victim of bicycle cannibals.

As locks have become stronger, components have become the target for a new breed of criminal. And it’s pretty much the perfect crime; bicycle components are easy to steal, usually impossible to trace and a breeze to sell on. Having parts stolen by bicycle cannibals is at best an inconvenience, but it’s also demoralising. Unless they are covered by insurance, it can be enough to put an occasional rider off cycling for good.

• Invest as much as you can afford in your lock and learn to use it properly – insurers specify that it needs to secure the bike frame for good reason. Don’t worry too much about getting the lock around the wheels or other bike parts as a good insurance policy will cover them against theft whether they are locked or not.
• Bike thieves might have the equipment to cut through padlocks and silently remove shed door hinges, but they don't like to feel they have an audience. Motion-activated security lights are cheap to buy, easy to install and thieves don't like them at all

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

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