Noonievut

I'm generally a bit of a worrier and the idea of commuting to my new job has me worried about having my bike stolen. I've done some reading on locks, commuting and with common sense I thought of the following tactics:

- riding a steel Masi, 105 components, hand built wheels, Brooks B17 with rear rack and Ortlieb panniers (it's my touring bike, though I don't tour often or for really long distances)
- 2 u locks, one for front wheel and frame, one, smaller one for rear
- would remove the seat post each time, so have to get a quick release
- work parking involves a row of racks, maybe enough for 20 bikes, covered by overhead parking level with the racks close to an entrance that sees ok traffic in the day

Any other tips? It's a nice looking bike and would be attractive amongst beaters.

Artkansas 

Etch a mark in the metal of your seatpost so you know what height to put it at when you put it back on the bike.

agent pombero

Ask your job person if you can bring the bicycle inside.

wolfchild

Two U-Locks should be enough... unless you live in a high crime area with serious bike theft problem. In a high crime area it's better to ride an uglyfied bike that doesn't attract attention.

daredevil

...and good luck with that. The arsehole's at my company, in spite of a huge building, have no interest in accommodating literally a handful of cyclists.

blakcloud

Two U locks, good quality is a start but I wouldn't be taking the seat on and off. Take on old bicycle chain and loop it around a rear stay and the rail of your Brooks saddle and put it back together. I put the chain inside an old inner tube so it doesn't scratch anything.

Bikeforumuser0011

That's a great concern Noonievut. I, too, am a bit of a worrier. Although, I do not have that many customizations on Lola, she is still very important to me (LOL), because she is a great part of my life, both with commuting, recreation, as well as the expense I have put into her -initial cost, panniers, handlebar bag, rack, lights, Nutcase helmet (may be switching to a Yakkay in the future) etc.

Right now, I am simply using a Master Lock for bicycles, and cannot afford a better lock. When in town, I lock Lola up, or take her in when I can, take my panniers/handlebar bag off the bike when I leave it, lock my helmet onto it etc. Does anyone have any other security suggestions?

Thanks!

jolly_ross

It's always easier to seek forgiveness than permission.

majwell

You are probably okay with 2 U-locks, especially if they are quality U-locks as any lock can be compromised with time, but quality locks take significantly more time.

https://archive.mensjournal.com/tested-bike-locks
https://www.mensjournal.com/expert-ad...locks-20120925

That said if people are around the chance some is going to stand there to deal with 2 u-locks is small, most of the bikes I see get stolen here in Chicago are because people do a poor job of locking them and give people an quick and easy way to steal it.

Noonievut

Thanks for the tips.

it's a burb that has no homes surrounding (more of a "business park" area). I guess thieves wouldn't happen by, they would target the area.

i thought removing the seat via quick release does two things, prevents Brooks from disappearing and makes the bike harder to ride away...not to mention uglier to steal.

Lola, nice bike name. I'm going to think of a name for my bike now

fietsbob

If the trip is not too far , get a beater, to blend in, and save the theft magnet bike for weekend event rides.

then use the locks to make yours harder to steal, so you wont have to walk home..



& jeez ! .. tape on seatposts, rather than etched nicks in the post

lmtada

Good idea, about the chain/old inner tube. I will add this to my bike fanny pack.
Thank You

fietsbob

Make it a Hardened security chain , Not the run- of- the- mill, common, Mild steel chain.

the fact that the hardware store that sells the chain, off the Spool, Cuts it with a Bolt cutter ,
they also sell, ... should be a Hint.

alhedges

What city? Bike theft varies widely.

CenturionIM

Yup, happened to me.

Leebo

I use a black permanent sharpie.

tornado60

Lock up next to unlocked bicycles. Cable lock for any times U lock won't work.