Advocacy & Safety - Best method of locking up a bike

On Sunday I am going to need to lock my road bike to a rack for the first time. I could use some tips on the most secure method possible so that I do not need to remove either wheel or my saddle.

I also would like the "lightest" solution possible, since I don't feel like carrying 50 pounds of chain and U-bolt with me. :)

I don't think there's such a thing as a light but highly secure lock - those that'll cope with 5 minutes abuse seem to weigh arould 5lb or more. The only really secure way of locking your bike is to remove one wheel and put a lock through the frame and both wheels. As for the saddle and post, if you can't carry them with you then your best bet is to make sure your clamp isn't quick release and consider a post saver (bung inside the post attached by cable to bung that drops below your waterbottle bolts) not overly secure but might make someone pass on to an easier bike. A plastic bag wrapped round the saddle and post can also help disguise the bikes value.

Richard

Depends on the security risk: Value/swishness of your bike, that of other bikes in rack, crime rate, bicycle density (low density = poor feeding spot for pro bike thieves.)
If you can leave a hardened steel chain or armoured cable at a regular locup, do that.
Use a shackle lock through the rear wheel, and the removed front wheel.
Narrow U locks are more secure, but wider ones fit around bigger posts.
An additional small but good cable means the thieves need 2 methods of lock removal.

On a regular commuter bike, avoid QR fittings that you do not need to remove quickly. replace them with bolts. Think about stuff attatched to the bike (lights, computer etc).

I use a pre-coiled cable type of lock that's long enough to thread through both wheels and frame. I don't remove any wheels. I prefer locking to a vertical post or horizontal railing as opposed to the traditional bike rack that is designed to hold the front or rear wheel upright. Those racks tend to scratch the paint up on the forks.

Remove the front wheel, lock it to whatever, but remove the QR and take it with you. Makes theft useless except for componet theft.

Just do what your common sense tells you.
You are a vise person yourself, plus you know all the circumstances...

I really didn't feel like removing any components, such as the saddle or front wheel. So I bought a non-QR bolt for the seat post and a Kryptonite cable lock long enough to thread through both wheels and the frame (plus whatever I'll be locking to).

Thanks folks.