Shpeck me a bike lock

growse · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:13

Hi all.

I'm planning on cycling to work, but may have to leave my (not cheap) bike outside my house. Obviously I'll need to lock it to something, so what's the best bike lock I can get that'll stop thieving scrotes from pinching my modus transporti? I'm willing to pay good, cold, hard cash for something that actually does the job and can't be defeated in 5 seconds by a muppet with a screwdriver.

Ta

mosfet · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:19

Abus Steel-o-flex Granit 1000. Almost all the couriers in London use them, it's about as strong as you can get other than a hex-core motorcycle chain (which weigh a ton).

Ideally you should have one around the front wheel and frame, then a D-Lock around the rear wheel and frame, just above the front deraileur. The Kryptonite New-York locks are the most popular for this.

badbob · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:19

Is the bike going to be left in open view to passers by? Can't you put the bike inside the house? Even cheap £100 Halfords bikes get nicked, so if yours is anything fancy...
One tip is to replace quick release levers with nut skewers. Also cover the bike with a cover if it's open to the elements, otherwise it'll rust in no time. I would use a couple ,of heavy locks, through both wheels and frame. Motorbike locks are a good, as one is long enough to go through front wheel, frame and rear wheels.

Monkey Puzzle · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:39

Any lock is breakable by a skilled bike thief given enough time and the right equipment. So unless your house is very out of the way it would be far safer to put your bike inside if that's possible.

Luke · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:45

Almax immobiliser IV

But to be honest, you're fighting a losing battle, as if they try to nick it and are defeated by the lock, they will just trash the bike.

Inside is the only safe place to keep it securely.

semi-pro waster · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:49

It probably isn't an issue when you are buying new since most manufacturers have replaced them but check that whatever you buy doesn't have a tubular cylinder lock as then all you need is a biro to open it apparantly.

badbob · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:49

Yup, if they can't break the lock, just saw through the frame, and take the bike...still worth fair bit of money in spares.
If you live in a low crime rate area, and the bike is in your back garden, with a locked sidegate, and passers by can't see it'll be much safer, still lock it up though...and only leave a cheaper bike outside (£200)

growse · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:52

Bah, don't think i have anywhere to put it inside. Not sure it'll fit. So now I've a bike on my hands that I can't do anything with and I can't keep anywhere.

Grrrrr

mosfet · 27 Sep 2007 at 14:15

I kept my bike outside behind my house for a year in my second year of uni in a relatively high crime area. Do you have a back garden with side access?

growse · 27 Sep 2007 at 14:35

No, block of 9 (new) flats and I'm on the first floor. Electrikery meter room is the option with the most potential here. I don't even think any insurance will cover it unless it's in a room locked to something...

Admiral Huddy · 27 Sep 2007 at 14:38

Abus locks.. I had some bits stolen off my bike this weekend.. The had a good go at the lock.. you can see the dent they made as they have tried a sledge hammer or something.. They obviously got fed up and just took bits instead.

Luke · 27 Sep 2007 at 14:45

semi-pro waster said:
It probably isn't an issue when you are buying new since most manufacturers have replaced them but check that whatever you buy doesn't have a tubular cylinder lock as then all you need is a biro to open it apparantly.

Yep, I was part of the group that were hounding Oxford Products as their range of cylinder keyed locks were openable using biro's. Thankfully they have now withdrawn them, but there are still a lot in circulation.

pitchfork · 27 Sep 2007 at 15:01

I use a huge chain wrapped in gaffer tape and a big thick master lock.