[by TLTC member Ironlung]
i have been so, so, so stoked on this collaboration for a long time now, and i just came into some money, so today i took a ride out to the MASH shop and pulled the proverbial trigger on the ATOMIC 22 TRACK NUT SET that MASH offers. basically, MASH is now the sole US distributor of atomic 22's amazing, amazing security bolt system, and in addition to being able to procure individual stuff from atomic 22 at less than it would cost you to order it yourself, they put together 4 pre-packaged systems.
// PHIL WOOD SET - front and back phil wood hub security bolts, headset cap/bolt, 2 stem faceplate bolts, cinelli seat collar replacement bolt, micro key, and regular key.// TRACK NUT SET - front and back track nut security bolts, headset cap/bolt, 2 stem faceplate bolts, cinelli seat collar replacement bolt, micro key, and regular key.// TRIBE SET D - front skewer and security bolt, headset cap/bolt, atomic 22 seat collar.// TRIBE SET G - front and rear skewers and security bolts, headset cap/bolt, atomic 22 seat collar.
now, since i have rear track nuts and a front skewer, the logical thing would have been for me to buy the tribe set d, but honestly, i don't like that atomic 22 seat collar at all. i know that's shallow, but whatever, that's the way it is. but furthermore, i really liked the idea of stem faceplate bolts being in the equation as well. so despite the fact that the set i bought doesn't have a skewer in it, essentially leaving my front wheel vulnerable and forcing me to continue carrying 2 locks for a short future time, it gave me way more overall security for a nominal extra cost. and since i wanted to use MASH's help to individually order the saddle rail bolt direct from A22 (something that's ASTOUNDINGLY not in any of their pre-packaged kits), i figured i'd just get a skewer on that same order and use what i could for now. i have to call or swing by on tuesday to place that order.
but in the meantime...
yay, new toys!!! so obviously, i bought the ATOMIC 22 RATCHET as well, because it's tiny and beautiful and only $15, so i don't have to lug a big clunky ratchet in my bag, which is already big and clunky.
the way the system works is genius. the key pattern is not just a unique outer diameter shape, but there are also unique differences in the depth of various sections. because they're using custom shapes in two separate dimensions, there are literally tens of thousands of unique key shapes possible. a thief's chances of having access to your unique key is so close to impossible that it may as well be. my camera focused on the wrong part of the wrench here, but you can definitely get the idea from this shot of the key...
after noticing the brilliant and gorgeous attention to detail, i proceeded to install everything.
in order to line up the pattern correctly between the key and the bolt, a little guide groove is laid into each key, with a corresponding guide dot on the bolt itself. like so...
and from there it's just replacing bolts! from the headset, i went to the stem faceplates...
the seat collar bolt...
and finally, the rear track nuts. now, these remained the wild card to me. a track bike's rear wheel has to be secured REALLY tightly, and the fact that these security bolts are effectively sleeves which cover the entire protrusion of axle, there needs to be enough room inside to really crank them down. but in addition to that, i wanted to just really make sure i was doing everything right at this crucial juncture on the drivetrain, so i greased up the whole system before setting forth...
helpful hint, use a toothpick to get inside the bolt, unless you have a shop assistant with tiny fingers, which i know at least one of you does - concurrently, the only person on the board likely to be reading this post...
so with that all done, i cranked them down...
now i tried to manhandle the wheel back and forth, thankfully to no success, but only a ride will tell if these are cranked down tight enough. they did bottom out, as i feared, which is to say that my axle is actually touching the top of the bolt's depth limit. if these are not tight enough, i can easily fix the issue by insertion of a couple of axle washers for the required extra space, but that first ride (tonight) could prove interesting.
overall, my initial thoughts on this system could NOT be more positive. the fabrication and construction are attentive to every conceivable detail, the actual security is provably second-to-none, and it is so easy and intuitive to use. i just fucking love it, and i can't wait to get that order placed for the front skewer and saddle rail bolt in the next couple days, because at that point, i'm done. i can take the ghetto-ass chain contraption off my saddle/frame, and i can forevermore leave the second lock at home. one lock, around the headset, and my bike is more secure than 99% of the other bikes on the streets of SF. at LEAST secure enough that a thief is going to experience such frustration at not being able to figure out the system that they'll just move on.
i'm sure that eventually, someone will figure out how to beat this. but honestly, the atomic 22 system is rare in the US as a general rule, and the price point is prohibitively expensive for most people, so it's security remains pretty solid for at least the foreseeable future.
_________________: : :
THREE HAND WHITNEY"he's got the engine. he keeps it in his pants."it's a reality of science
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