To avoid bike seat being nicked

1. Take it with you (not always practical)

2. Get allen key skewers as opposed to quick release

• Reduces chance of theft, but in some cities, thiefs carry allen key set.

Take number 2 a step further. This is a great tip I learnt from a NYC bike mechanic:

• Find a ball bearing thats same size as allen key hole.
• Dab some grease/vaseline in hole
• Place ball bearing in.

= Only way to get ball bearing out is with a magnet.

To avoid bike seat being nicked

1. Take it with you (not always practical)

2. Use a cable or chain to attach it to the bike frame. These are made commercially, but even a fairly token bit of wire rope works - the people who will cut that will generally also cut your lock.

3. Get allen key skewers as opposed to quick release. This reduces the chances of theft, but in some cities, thiefs carry allen key sets.

4. Buy a proper locking bolt for it. One example is pitlock. If you're buying those for your wheels the additional cost for a seat bolt is low.

Take number 3 a step further. This is a great tip I learnt from a NYC bike mechanic:

• Find a ball bearing thats same size as allen key hole.
• Dab some grease/vaseline in hole
• Place ball bearing in.

= Only way to get ball bearing out is with a magnet.