Need help unscrewing a Giant road bike front wheel

[sadian]

So I bought this bike recently and punctured the front wheel. I assumed the inner tube tore but having never really changed an inner tube myself, I decided not to risk it. I took it to the local bike shop but the guy said he could not open the front wheel up because it needed a custom key to unscrew.

This is the front wheel, both sides:

http://i.imgur.com/MiBEMNv.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/m1U8k4L.jpg

Can I not unscrew this if I don't have the custom key?

 

[Cyclist33]

that looks like a 2013 defy 3... never seen axles like that before, sorrry i cant help but wonder who replaced the standard quick release levers with one of those?!

 

[biggs682]

it must be a security quick release so should use the correct key , gripping both sides tightly each side might enable it to be loosened and i say might

 

[Tim Hall]

Looks like a pitlock. Try here for more details. Or ask the person you bought it from.

 

[sadian]

Yeah, I've contacted the previous owner so it should be sorted.

that looks like a 2013 defy 3... never seen axles like that before, sorrry i cant help but wonder who replaced the standard quick release levers with one of those?!

Amazing, how could you tell that it's 2013 and defy 3 from just that picture?

 

[Cyclist33]

Coz I've got one!