philburden

I am looking for recommendations for bike locks that are ideal for short café stops. The bike would almost always be visible so its mostly something for deterring. It would be nice if it could be carried in my jersey pocket.
I've seen the "zip tie" type locks, anyone have experience with these? Maybe mini folding locks?

Rolla

Here are a few.

philburden

Right, I've seen! But I want to hear people's personal experiences and preferences.

Rolla

I bought a PacSafe retractable combo lock a few years ago, but it’s honestly no easier or more convenient than the small Kryptonite U-lock that fits in my back pocket, and is nowhere near as secure. For $12 it does what it’s supposed to do, I guess, but I haven’t used it in a very long time. I think they’re better suited for luggage or a snowboard.

WhyFi

I use an OttoLock for lower risk/opportunity theft situations like this. It's a combination lock, so no key to lose, it's fairly light, and will fit in a jersey pocket.

Barry2 

Another vote for the OTTOLOCK, but it's only an in-view snatch and grab solution.
It won't roll up as tight as you'd like.
I purchased a second & shorter version to fit better in a pocket.

Barry

jamesdak 

Well, have you considered a frame lock? Not knowing what bike you have something like that may work for you. I have one on my dutch errand bike and it's a godsend. These lock a steel shackle around the rear wheel so no one can hop on the bike and take off. Mine also has a port in it where you can also add a chain if needed.

If your going to be in sight of the bike then a lock like this may be something to consider. It mounts to the bike so it's always there.

https://www.amazon.com/Abus-Tectic-4...ct_top?ie=UTF8

BTinNYC 

I use a retractable TSA lock for my cafe stop. It's a fluffy nothing of lock, only keeping the bike from being walked off. I can see my bike through the window and don't use the lock anywhere else. Plus my Italian cafe is in the middle of an Italian neighborhood...there's just not a lot of unorganized crime going on here.

https://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark...62&sr=8-6&th=1

tcs

So, are we talking about locks that can't be compromised in the time it takes to give the barista your order? Or locks that can't be compromised in the time it takes to use the facilities?

So, Ideal Café Bike Lock?

Nope.

Choose your compromise.

Certainly, nothing that could be cut with an EDC Leatherman. "Friends don't let friends use cable locks."

My #1 compromise: I don't carry a lock. My café bike stays right with me.



My #2 compromise is a small aluminum U-lock. YMMV

Barry2 

When going in to place my order, I bring the (clean & dry) bike with me.
I’ve never been asked to leave it outside.
First time I’m asked = last visit to that location, bike or no bike.

I have also used the drive through (for fun)

Barry

70sSanO

Redundancy.

I rarely leave my bike unattended, but I have used a combination of a U-lock and cable.

I’ve locked my surfboards using a stainless fin box attachment (which I made) with an Abus chain, and a Kevlar/cable strap, using an Abloy padlock.

This obviously does not fit your requirements, but my approach has always been redundancy. An Ottolock and a Bordo is making the thief have to deal with multiple methods to defeat the security.

John

BikeLite

Sheldon's lock strategery.
https://sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html