Bike Security away from home

Richie

Richie

Richie

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
10,635
Location
7th Level of Hell...
Looking to get myself a bike very soon. Ok, its nothing expensive compared to most ppl (200 quid) but I would rather not have it half-inched if I pop into a shop etc.

At home it wont be a problem as it can be kept indoors but was wondering what people can recommend away from the home. I dont mind wearing a backpack as it will probably hold other stuff but that doesn't mean I want to cart about 20KG of lock kit with me....

Anyone ??
 
I use one of the grey Kryptonite U-Locks with the Kryptonite cable for the front wheel. Does the job but I wouldn't leave it anywhere extremely dodgy for a long time even with that on.
 
I own five bikes, the only one I leave locked anywhere is my cheap commuter, ~160 quid SS road bike. I use a Kryptonite NY U lock to clamp the frame to the signpost, bike rack etc, then loop a cable through the wheels into the u-lock. I'd never leave a decent bike locked up out of my sight.
 
I use a £35 Kryptonite Mini D-Lock for my bike (£350) whenever I need to leave it. As mentioned above I wouldn't leave it anywhere dodgy for a long amount of time, only place I leave it is supermarkets, cafés or locked up inside our warehouse at work. Anywhere else and I judge each location for what it is, try to be as quick as I can.

Oh, and whenever you do leave it, take anything that can be removed without a tool with you (lights, bottle, saddlebags etc), because they will go. Having a decent rucksack makes this easier.
Also some locks come with a mounting bracket, some good, some pap. Depending on your frame you may be able to fit it nicely, the Kryptonite one I use works fine with my hybrid MTB frame / road wheels bike.
 
Cheers ppl.... Looks like I will probably go for the New Yorker U-Lock of some description.

TO the ppl with the "mini" versions, how do you find the "reach" of the bar i.e. is it long enough or does it sometimes cause issues ??
 
I've got a couple of these that I use on my shopper bikes:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Kryptonite-Series-2-D-Bike-Cycle-Lock-w-4-Ft-Cable-/280398493311

They come with bracket so it can mount to the bike. It's quite handy and a nice secure feeling lock. I've also got a very thick motorcycle braid with a built-in clasp that I use for my racers. Generally I've found entry level motorcycle kit is a lot stronger than bicycle locks.

Just to clarify what it says on Sheldon Brown, if you use two types of lock then it's two different tools required to break the locks, so your bike is more secure.

Carrier bag over the saddle is a good way to hide a nice saddle "from the rain" if you know what I mean.

And obviously, swap any quick release fasteners for proper nuts and bolts so chancers can't quickly whip components off.

Spend good money on your locks. They are an investment, they last forever and it's not about what the bike is worth. It's making sure it's still there when you come back.
 
On the other hand, if you're leaving your bike anywhere dodgy for an extended period I'd replace the standard nuts and bolts on the seatpost for a quick release so you can take your saddle with you or at least string it through a cable lock.
 
Richie said:
TO the ppl with the "mini" versions, how do you find the "reach" of the bar i.e. is it long enough or does it sometimes cause issues ??
Click to expand...

Most situations it's fine, but there has been a few times when I could have done with the larger size of the standard one.
 
Jonny69 said:
I've got a couple of these that I use on my shopper bikes:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Kryptonite-Series-2-D-Bike-Cycle-Lock-w-4-Ft-Cable-/280398493311

They come with bracket so it can mount to the bike. It's quite handy and a nice secure feeling lock. I've also got a very thick motorcycle braid with a built-in clasp that I use for my racers. Generally I've found entry level motorcycle kit is a lot stronger than bicycle locks.

Just to clarify what it says on Sheldon Brown, if you use two types of lock then it's two different tools required to break the locks, so your bike is more secure.

Carrier bag over the saddle is a good way to hide a nice saddle "from the rain" if you know what I mean.

And obviously, swap any quick release fasteners for proper nuts and bolts so chancers can't quickly whip components off.

Spend good money on your locks. They are an investment, they last forever and it's not about what the bike is worth. It's making sure it's still there when you come back.
Click to expand...


got this not long ago too.. seems quite good.. leave my bike for ~3hrs out of sight in front of the college locked to the bike "Rack" w/e you want to call it.. i do ride bmx tho.. so the cable goes around front+rear wheels.. and then through the U lock.. its quite heavy when you got other things in the back(puncture/pumps/tools/books etc) ;)
 
on its own ye ;) but once pack your bag its a different story.. specially when i use the "nike" sports bag.. that makes my shoulders hurt after 3 miles..
 
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