Bianchi bike with wheel and seat locks lost key

[bren1519]

Hi all,
I'm a casual cyclist and found a Bianchi hybrid bike on kijiji that is in very good condition (2016 Bianchi Milano Dama) for a decent price. Was all set to meet up and buy the bike but she was unable to find the key for the wheel and seat locks. I have absolutely no experience with these types of locks and would like to be better informed before she gets back to me. She said that she was going to look but also said that the bike was still rideable just wouldn't be able to lock the wheels without the key. But I'm wondering after googling if I need this key in order to remove the wheels or seat from the bike even if it's not "locked". And if that's the case, would a bike mechanic be able to remove those locks without a key? I'm anticipating that she is going to be unable to find the key and would like to know what I'm talking about when I respond. Thanks!

 

[Globalti]

I've looked at the spec and some pictures online and can't see what the seller means by wheel locks, unless she's offering you something like a chain and padlock or a D lock. There seems to be something under the saddle, which might be some kind of retractable cable lock. If that's the case, use the lack of key to bargain the price down because it looks a comfortable and fashionable bike for a trip to the shops. If it bothered you, you could easily fit a nice saddle without lock and save some weight.

More important is to check the wheels run true and everything works properly. You can buy a good D lock later if you're planning to leave the bike in town.

Are you in the USA? This is a British cycling forum and most of us wouldn't dare leave any kind of bike in a British city, locked or unlocked as theft is so rife.

 

[vickster]

Presumably it’s something like Pitlocks on saddle and wheels. If she’s the genuine owner, she should be able to contact the manufacturer for duplicate keys (might take a while obviously). If they are unlocked, replace with normal QR skewers or seat pin bolt

 

[Globalti]

I've just Googled Pitlocks and yes, that could well be what the seller means.

I guess a decent bike mechanic ought to be able to get them undone without the key.

 

[bren1519]

I'm actually in Canada but Bianchi's Canadian website seems to be untouched for a couple of years and I can't find a dealer here either. I contacted Bianchi through their main site but no response. You wouldn't leave a bike in Toronto unlocked either but I do know how rife it is in the UK as I have a friend there and usually visit at least once a year. I think they are pitlocks as well and hard to determine if they are after market or manufacturer but I did find an old thread on google where someone particularly mentioned her daughter's Bianchi bike with these locks. I just don't know how easy it would be to get a replacement key with no dealers here and no response from Bianchi as of yet. I love the look of this bike and rode a Bianchi when I rented a bike in the States once and really liked it. Currently have a Specialist hybrid that I like but it's a bit older and I'm bored and quarantine shopping here lol!
So if they are pitlocks, can they be removed without obtaining a replacement key? And if they are unlocked as she says, do they cause any issues with the bike, other than just existing? She sent me some more pics and there is one of the back wheel if that helps! thanks!
Sorry...delayed responses here as my newbie posts require approval still lol! thx!

 

[Ajax Bay]

Canada, I presume: https://www.kijiji.ca/kijijicentral/general/about-us/?utm_source=Kijiji&utm_medium=Footer

 

[Justinitus]

There seems to be something under the saddle, which might be some kind of retractable cable lock.

It looks like a sprung seat, so I think they’re the springs.

 

[bren1519]

I think there is something under the seat as well...here is another pic. Not a very good one mind!

 

[Globalti]

I'm afraid we are none the wiser as the pictures are useless.

Why don't you phone your local bike shop (a proper shop not a bike supermarket staffed by kids) explain the problem and ask if they can remove the locks?

 

[vickster]

If they are unlocked, just ask the seller to remove them and the wheels and send a photo of skewers next to removed wheels, ditto the seat pin, remove, take photo. Then buy the bike if satisfied and new security skewers if necessary.
Unless I’m misunderstanding the issue.

 

[bren1519]

If they are unlocked, just ask the seller to remove them and the wheels and send a photo of skewers next to removed wheels, ditto the seat pin, remove, take photo. Then buy the bike if satisfied and new security skewers if necessary.
Unless I’m misunderstanding the issue.

Thanks....silly me didn't think of that lol! If she can't remove them, then probably won't bother. Thanks all!