Imagine this: you buy your dream bike on a classifieds site. First owner, great condition, fair price. A few weeks later you get your first puncture, and suddenly you're facing a problem that has nothing to do with the tyre itself. The previous owner had fitted a Pitlock axle. A security bonus for them. Quite frustrating for you right now, because neither the key nor the code card were included, and they may no longer be reachable.

It happens. Anyone who has had their set for a long time and lost track of the code card at some point faces the same question. The good news: in many cases, there is a solution.

First: Pitlock Is a Security Product

Our products work like any lock: they are built to open only with the matching key. Every Pitlock set is supplied with a matching Pit key and a code card. The code on the card makes it possible to order additional matching locks or new coded keys later on.

This is intentional, not an oversight. Just like a front door lock, the manufacturer cannot simply send a new key when the old one is lost. In the same way your bank won't send you your PIN if you forget it. The protection lies precisely in the fact that a Pitlock code cannot easily be reproduced. It cannot be reliably determined from a photo, and we have no secret technique for cracking our own products.

Anyone who keeps their Pit key and code card in a safe place will never need this article. For everyone else, here is what you need to know.

Case 1: Code Card Lost, but Key and Coded Nut Are Available

This is the straightforward case. Your Pitlock is doing exactly what it was built to do. You just no longer have the code to hand.

In this case, all you need to do is send us your Pit key. The axle and coded nut can stay on the bike. We will determine the code from the key and send you a new code card. The cost is €8.00. Shipping costs depend on the country of origin.

Case 2: Key and Code Card Are Both Gone, Axle Still Fitted

Go to a Pitlock specialist dealer or a bicycle workshop you trust. Please bring proof of purchase, meaning the receipt for the Pitlock set or the bike showing the item purchased and your address, and ask them to open the axle. Many dealers and workshops have the experience and means to open a Pitlock and will advise you on whether it is possible in your specific case.

The effort involved depends on the model fitted. Not every dealer will be willing to do this, and there will be charges for their time. If the workshop or dealer succeeds, they can initiate the code recovery process through us and will send us the coded nut along with proof of ownership.

Alternatively, you can send us the coded nut yourself. In that case we also need proof of ownership.

Without this route, the only remaining option is to forcibly remove the lock and replace it with a new one.

The cost for code recovery is €8.00 including a new code card, the same as in Case 1.

Case 3: Code Available, Key Lost

In our web shop, go to Reorder and click on "Reorder Pit Key". Enter your code and once payment is confirmed, your new key will be on its way to you as soon as possible.

Case 4: No Proof, No Key, No Dealer Nearby

Sometimes the situation is less clear: no receipt, no Pit key, no accessible specialist dealer. In these cases, please contact us directly. We will look at what is possible together. We cannot make promises, but giving up is rarely the first option.

To Avoid a Next Time: Keep Your Code Safe

Treat your Pitlock code like your house key. If it gets lost, things can become complicated and costly. A few tried and tested options:

• Customer account in the Pitlock web shop: Under "My Pitlock Codes" you can store your code with a note, for example the name or model of the bike. That way it is always within reach.
• Password manager: If you use one, you can store the code there just like a password. Add a note with the bike description as a label.
• Bike paperwork: Many people file receipts, frame numbers and warranty cards together. The code card belongs right there with them.

It takes two minutes once and saves you searching at the next house move, sale or spring clean.

Still Not Sure?

If you are not certain which case applies to you, get in touch via our contact form. We are happy to help.