What lock??
03-14-14, 08:51 PM
#1
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What lock??
Ok. So you know that I recently had one of my bikes stolen...and due to my own naive innocence, I only locked the bike to itself...not TO something.
So...I DO NOT want that to happen again, so...what lock should I buy? Is it a U lock? Is it a chain? A cable? Combination of something? What?
Then...the other question...what is the best way to transport said lock when not in use?
Thanks in advance....
So...I DO NOT want that to happen again, so...what lock should I buy? Is it a U lock? Is it a chain? A cable? Combination of something? What?
Then...the other question...what is the best way to transport said lock when not in use?
Thanks in advance....
03-14-14, 09:01 PM
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I use the Kryptonite NY model and cable for the rear wheel. No bikes stolen.
03-14-14, 09:05 PM
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03-14-14, 09:28 PM
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The only times I leave my bicycle unattended is when I buy a coffee or bottle of water or something. Or if I use a public restroom. I never drink the coffee away from the bike. I always return to the bicycle to eat or drink. And on occasion I have even rolled my bike into the men's room at the park and leaned it against the changing station.
But when I do leave the bike.... I only will leave it where there is a place to chain it. Generally I only stop in nice neighborhoods and even then... I lock the bike to something. The bad thing is: I only use a cheap cable lock. The lock easily fits in my medium sized Topeak saddle bag.
I think my lack of a predictable pattern (I am not a commuter), entry level bicycle, and secure area habit protects me from "real" bicycle thieves. My biggest concern is the teen age boy that would ride off on (or with) a "loose bike" on a youthful impulse. I think the cheap cable lock deters a teen walking home without decent cable cutters in his pocket.
But when I do leave the bike.... I only will leave it where there is a place to chain it. Generally I only stop in nice neighborhoods and even then... I lock the bike to something. The bad thing is: I only use a cheap cable lock. The lock easily fits in my medium sized Topeak saddle bag.
I think my lack of a predictable pattern (I am not a commuter), entry level bicycle, and secure area habit protects me from "real" bicycle thieves. My biggest concern is the teen age boy that would ride off on (or with) a "loose bike" on a youthful impulse. I think the cheap cable lock deters a teen walking home without decent cable cutters in his pocket.
03-14-14, 09:56 PM
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what ever you use make sure it is attached to something stationary. 20 lb or less bikes are quite easy to throw on your shoulder and take off running.
If you want low protection/deterrence get a ulock or I prefer the masterlock street cuffs. If your more serious about keeping your bike buy a nyc fagettaboudit chain also and use both.
there is no real good way to transport your chain/ulock other than maybe a backpack.
If you want low protection/deterrence get a ulock or I prefer the masterlock street cuffs. If your more serious about keeping your bike buy a nyc fagettaboudit chain also and use both.
there is no real good way to transport your chain/ulock other than maybe a backpack.
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03-14-14, 10:11 PM
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Gone In 60 Seconds - The Bike Crime Wave Part 1 - YouTube
this is why i don't lock up my bike anywhere
this is why i don't lock up my bike anywhere
03-14-14, 10:34 PM
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My errand bike has a saddlebag where I carry my lock and cable. My lightweights I never leave so never have to lock.
Last edited by JTTDF; 03-14-14 at 10:41 PM.
03-14-14, 11:06 PM
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i use Kryptonite Evo Mini + 4ft cable combo
nothing happened by far—subjectively lucky as i don't usually leave it on nyc street more than a couple hours.
how i feel? not too much secure nor convenient, in fact.
Evo (orange) is rated under the NY model (yellow), and the flex cable is actually a joke.
"Mini" size has also not enough length to go around the front wheel + frame and the leverage—usually the street sign post—all together.
thinking upgrading it to regular size NYC + Abus chain combo this year.
pricey but guess better than losing the precious.
btw, i have a pair of Levi's commuter shorts that has a u-lock slot on the back.
pretty convenient, well thought-through.
nothing happened by far—subjectively lucky as i don't usually leave it on nyc street more than a couple hours.
how i feel? not too much secure nor convenient, in fact.
Evo (orange) is rated under the NY model (yellow), and the flex cable is actually a joke.
"Mini" size has also not enough length to go around the front wheel + frame and the leverage—usually the street sign post—all together.
thinking upgrading it to regular size NYC + Abus chain combo this year.
pricey but guess better than losing the precious.
btw, i have a pair of Levi's commuter shorts that has a u-lock slot on the back.
pretty convenient, well thought-through.
03-14-14, 11:21 PM
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Sad thing is anyone with a dremel cordless and set off lock tools can bust nearly any lock in under a minute.
03-15-14, 08:59 AM
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Interesting comparative destructive testing:
Best Bike Locks Tested and Reviewed | Bicycling Magazine
Also, thought provoking article:
The Best Bike Lock | The Sweethome
The article contends that this lock combo is all you need to foil foilable thieves.
Lock combo
Best Bike Locks Tested and Reviewed | Bicycling Magazine
Also, thought provoking article:
The Best Bike Lock | The Sweethome
The article contends that this lock combo is all you need to foil foilable thieves.
Lock combo
Last edited by Paramount1973; 03-15-14 at 09:13 AM.
03-15-14, 09:45 AM
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03-15-14, 10:48 AM
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Go to hardware store, buy a length of bulk chain...the thick one, similar to ABUS, or Krypto.
Slip it into an old MTB tube.
Buy a nice HD Master Lock.
Just about everything is defeatable, if the thief is determined and resourceful.
It's really about deterring him to a more easier target.
A cable is easy to cut through, it's only good for short periods of time, and convenience to run into a shop. Don't rely on one for long term security, unless your bike is a clunker/beater.
Slip it into an old MTB tube.
Buy a nice HD Master Lock.
Just about everything is defeatable, if the thief is determined and resourceful.
It's really about deterring him to a more easier target.
A cable is easy to cut through, it's only good for short periods of time, and convenience to run into a shop. Don't rely on one for long term security, unless your bike is a clunker/beater.
03-15-14, 11:33 AM
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Also, thought provoking article:
The Best Bike Lock | The Sweethome
The article contends that this lock combo is all you need to foil foilable thieves.
Lock combo
I really need to re-evaluate my locking needs now that I think I've gotten "nicer" bikes than what I've had in the past.
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03-15-14, 02:01 PM
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ABUS U-Lock 54/160HB230 (22976)
I have been using the Abus Granit X-Plus as my main u-lock for several years and have been very happy with it. It's lighter than a Kryptonite and the mounting bracket actually works pretty well. When working at a shop, I also found that Kryptonites, while secure, were much more prone to rusting/seizing up during the winter than comparable locks from Abus. That being said, I also have a Kryptonite New York lock that has been going strong for nearly a decade. Make sure you oil your lock a couple times a year and you'll get much longer use out of it.
While it is true that with the right tools a thief can defeat any lock, in my experience bike thieves with the proper tools are a rare breed. I think that you can only realistically defend against opportunity theft, but a well-locked bike is certainly a deterrent.
I have been using the Abus Granit X-Plus as my main u-lock for several years and have been very happy with it. It's lighter than a Kryptonite and the mounting bracket actually works pretty well. When working at a shop, I also found that Kryptonites, while secure, were much more prone to rusting/seizing up during the winter than comparable locks from Abus. That being said, I also have a Kryptonite New York lock that has been going strong for nearly a decade. Make sure you oil your lock a couple times a year and you'll get much longer use out of it.
While it is true that with the right tools a thief can defeat any lock, in my experience bike thieves with the proper tools are a rare breed. I think that you can only realistically defend against opportunity theft, but a well-locked bike is certainly a deterrent.
03-15-14, 02:10 PM
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Where's the post that says, "you just have to make sure your bike is more difficult to steal than the one you're parked next to."
03-15-14, 02:17 PM
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Just as important as finding the right, strong enough lock is carefully choosing where you leave your bike parked and how long you leave it parked.
In any area, there would always be better or worse places to park a bike. Try to find a spot with the best lighting, with people that might be watching for problems (like security guards or parking attendants). Unfortunately, just having many people around does not usually work, as people either do not notice these guys or people would usually rather not get "involved". Remember, most, if not all locks can be defeated by a determined/experienced thief if given enough time to do so.
Best yet is to not ever leave your bike out of your sight, but I understand that is not always possible for many riders....
In any area, there would always be better or worse places to park a bike. Try to find a spot with the best lighting, with people that might be watching for problems (like security guards or parking attendants). Unfortunately, just having many people around does not usually work, as people either do not notice these guys or people would usually rather not get "involved". Remember, most, if not all locks can be defeated by a determined/experienced thief if given enough time to do so.
Best yet is to not ever leave your bike out of your sight, but I understand that is not always possible for many riders....
