Quick release skewers and thru axles get all the attention when it comes to bike security but what about every other bolt holding your components in place? Your saddle clamp, your rack, your fender mounts, your e-bike motor cover: all secured by standard Allen bolts that any thief with a hex wrench can undo in seconds.
That's exactly the problem Pitstoppers solve.
Ordering from the United States? Skip the international shipping costs and customs hassle. Our official US partner Urban Bike Tech carries the full Pitlock range and ships domestically. Shop at urbanbiketech.com or call (800) 704-8310.
What Is a Pitstopper?
A Pitstopper is a small, conical insert made from stainless steel. It presses into the hexagonal socket of a standard Allen bolt and blocks access to it: no hex wrench can get in, and the insert won't pull out with pliers or magnets (Pitstoppers are non-magnetic). The only way to remove it is with the special screw that comes included in every set, which has a non-standard thread and pitch not available off the shelf.
What makes the design clever is its shape. Pitstoppers look cylindrical at first glance, but they're actually slightly conical. That taper is what holds them in place, and once gently hammered flush, an interference fit keeps them snug even over rough roads and potholes. And when you do need to remove one, the included screw pushes it out cleanly from the inside.
Pitstoppers are reusable. Install them, remove them, install them again: the mechanism doesn't wear out.
What Can You Secure With Pitstoppers?
Pretty much anything on your bike that uses an Allen bolt:
- Saddle / seatpost clamp: the M8 size fits most seat bolts
- Rear rack and fender/mudguard mounts
- Stem bolts on city and trekking bikes
- E-bike motor covers and battery mounts
- Bell, lights, and accessory brackets
- Thru axle bolts on some fork and frame designs
If it has a hex socket, a Pitstopper can protect it.
Sizing: Which Pitstopper Do You Need?
Pitstopper sizes refer to the thread diameter of the bolt, not the size of the hex wrench you use to remove it. Here's the full breakdown:
| Pitstopper Size | Thread Diameter | Allen Wrench Used on the Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| M5 | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| M6 | 6 mm | 5 mm |
| M8 | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| M10 | 10 mm | 8 mm |
Not sure which size you have? Use your Allen wrenches to measure the socket diameter directly, which will tell you the thread size. When in doubt, the M8 covers the most common case (saddle bolts, rack bolts).
Each Pitstopper set contains two inserts and one removal screw. Don't lose the screw, keep it on your keychain or in a small container. Urban Bike Tech sells keychain holders specifically for this.
How to Install (and Remove) a Pitstopper
Installation takes about two minutes per bolt and requires no special tools beyond a small hammer.
To install:
- Clean the hex socket and apply a light grease to prevent corrosion.
- Insert the Pitstopper into the socket. If it doesn't fit easily, flip it: the taper means it only goes in one direction.
- Press it in by hand, then gently tap it flush with the bolt head. Once in, pliers can't grip it.
To remove:
- Thread in the included screw by hand. Don't force it.
- Drive the screw in with a Phillips-head screwdriver until the Pitstopper pops out.
Installation tip: If the hex socket is very deep, add a small spacer (like a ball bearing wrapped in tape to prevent rattling) so the removal screw has something to push against.
For a visual walkthrough, check out this installation video from our US partner Urban Bike Tech:
Their written installation guide covers the same steps in detail if you prefer to read along.
Pitstoppers and the Rest of the Pitlock System
Pitstoppers are designed to complement rather than replace a full Pitlock setup. For your wheels, thru axles, and seatpost, Pitlock's coded locking skewers offer individually keyed security that's harder to defeat. Pitstoppers handle everything else: the bolts that coded skewers can't reach.
Together, they close the gaps that a standard U-lock leaves wide open.
Buying Pitstoppers in the United States
We're based in Berlin, and we ship worldwide, but international shipping from Germany to the US adds up. For US-based cyclists, we strongly recommend ordering through our long-standing US partner:
Urban Bike Tech
urbanbiketech.com
(800) 704-8310
info@urbanbiketech.com
Urban Bike Tech has been representing Pitlock in the United States longer than any other retailer, and they carry the full product range, including all four Pitstopper sizes, complete Pitlock sets, individual skewers, thru axle locks, replacement keys, and accessories. They also maintain one of the best Pitlock resources on the web, including sizing guides, installation walkthroughs, and answers to the most common fit questions.
Ordering through them means faster shipping, no customs hassle, and access to a team that genuinely knows the products inside and out.
Questions about which Pitstopper size fits your specific component? Reach out to Urban Bike Tech directly or contact us and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Where can I buy Pitlock products in the United States?
Urban Bike Tech (urbanbiketech.com) is the official and longest-standing Pitlock dealer in the US. They carry the complete product range, including Pitstoppers, locking skewers, thru axle locks, solid axle nuts, replacement keys, and accessories. You can reach them at (800) 704-8310 or info@urbanbiketech.com.
+ Does Pitlock ship to the US?
Yes, we ship worldwide from Berlin. However, international shipping costs and potential customs fees make ordering from a US-based dealer the better option for American customers. Urban Bike Tech ships domestically and carries everything we make.
+ Are Pitstoppers available in the US?
Yes. Urban Bike Tech stocks all four Pitstopper sizes (M5, M6, M8, M10) and ships them within the United States.
+ What is the difference between a Pitstopper and a Pitlock skewer?
Pitlock skewers are individually coded locking systems for wheel axles, seatposts, and headsets. Pitstoppers are non-coded inserts that block access to standard Allen bolts on any other component, such as racks, saddle clamps, stem bolts, or e-bike motor covers. The two systems are designed to work together.
+ Can I use Pitstoppers on my e-bike?
Yes. Pitstoppers are a popular choice for securing Allen bolt-mounted components on e-bikes, including motor covers and battery mounts. They are weatherproof and reusable.
