Commuting - **Best lock for commuting**

I work in an office. Outside there are rings for locks. What do you recommend for using?

I read about Onguard, and New York and PItlocks? What should use?

The crime is moderate to high. Even though the area is good clean and secure.

i figure the thieves would not steal with elaborate tools, probably opportunists.

And though, overnight is bad, let's say an emergency, what would it be?

You should use a lock which is both ART Foundation Four Star and Sold Secure Gold rated. These are the highest level of bicycle security as tested by the independent testing agencies which rate them. I also use Pitlocks (as does my wife) and are very happy with the security they provide.

Also be aware that in some cities (Toronto comes to mind) theives have been breaking the rings which people lock up to. You might want to ensure that yours are secure.

ART Foundation click on 'Foto's tonen' for pictures - http://www.stichtingart.nl/sloten_resultaat.asp

Sold Secure - http://www.soldsecure.com/Leisure.htm

You should use a lock which is both ART Foundation Four Star and Sold Secure Gold rated. These are the highest level of bicycle security as tested by the independent testing agencies which rate them. I also use Pitlocks (as does my wife) and are very happy with the security they provide.

Also be aware that in some cities (Toronto comes to mind) theives have been breaking the rings which people lock up to. You might want to ensure that yours are secure.

ART Foundation click on 'Foto's tonen' for pictures - http://www.stichtingart.nl/sloten_resultaat.asp

Sold Secure - http://www.soldsecure.com/Leisure.htm

Wow they sure make it difficult to find information.

^^^^

Huh? What's so difficult about finding info on those sites?

^^^^

Huh? What's so difficult about finding info on those sites?

Well, there's a bit of a language barrier on one. On the other, no photos, list of features, or prices. Not having time right now for further research, I must move on.

Well, there's a bit of a language barrier on one. On the other, no photos, list of features, or prices. Not having time right now for further research, I must move on.

You should be able to figure out the one in Dutch (ART) with no problems as the names of the locks are mostly in English and there are photos. People do speak other languages aside from English in this big world of ours.

As for the Sold Secure site, their job isn't to review the cost or features of locks, just the security, which they do. They also provide contact info for the wholesalers of the locks.

It sounds to me like you are simply too lazy to do a little research on your own. Too bad for you.

Bear with me. If you have a schedule of:

Ride bike to work.
Lock bike up.
Ride bike back home.

Then you can pretty much get whatever lock you want. The Onguard Beast:

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/413WY7PZ7DL._AA280_.jpg

Great lock, after I put it on my wife's bike, nobody has even attempted to steal it. It's heavy as crap, but you can just lock it up to the rack overnight and leave it there. The initial carrying of it may suck, but will pay off. It retails for $100 but you can get it for WAAAAAAY cheaper after very little shopping around.

I personally use this:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FMRSPADEL._AA280_.jpg

Never had a problem with it. A theif cut through the cable for my wife's bike... but didn't even take the wheel. Don't ask me. Their tough as crap and will work... I just never leave my bike locked up for long enough for someone to attempt stealing it. :Knock on wood: Good luck, OnGuard is a reputable brand though... I like 'em.

In a "medium to high" crime area, I'd really try to bring the bike inside, if at all possible. Don't ask, just do it and be confident about it. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission (or for a ride home when your bike disappears).

+1 to leaving the lock overnight on the rack.

Otherwise, in addition to the best locks you can find, I'd either ride a beater, or try to make a nicer bike look like a beater. Remove logos, etc. Lacquer thinner takes a lot of painted logos off, but be careful with it. If you have a choice of locations to park, pick the one that has the most people nearby. Where I work, that's the bike rack near the main entrance where the valet guys work, not the bike rack around the corner from the side entrance, obscured from view. I park in my office, but if I was parking outside, I'd try to befriend the valets ("who wants bagels?") & get them to keep an eye on my bike. Maybe there's somebody near where you park who you can enlist in a similar way.

Kryptonite Fugetaboutit?

You should be able to figure out the one in Dutch (ART) with no problems as the names of the locks are mostly in English and there are photos. People do speak other languages aside from English in this big world of ours.

As for the Sold Secure site, their job isn't to review the cost or features of locks, just the security, which they do. They also provide contact info for the wholesalers of the locks.

It sounds to me like you are simply too lazy to do a little research on your own. Too bad for you.

Give me a break. Don't turn this into some sort of diversity rant. I didn't complain about the Dutch web page. And I am certainly not lazy. Let's face it. Any page that makes readers take 10 mins to figure out what's going on is a terrible source for information. It surprises me that these organizations that aim at certifying locks and presenting it to the public (their market, after all right?) don't know how to present data better.

My preference...this is cheap and very strong (bearing in mind that nothing is perfect)...This will be stronger than the bike and the pole you are anchoring to...but it'll be something you leave at the pole at night, cause its very heavy. Go to a truck/trailer/industrial parts supply place and buy a few feet of 3/8" grade 70 chain ( a few bucks a foot) (I've tried cutting it with 3 foot long bolt cutters and I just wrecked the jaws of the boltcutters). Then take the chain to a locksmith shop and buy an Abus disklock (or the Master knock off)(around $25 in Canada) to fit. Ta Dah. If you are worried about the finish of the bike you can sew up a cloth sleeve for the chain.

If you are worried about the finish of the bike you can sew up a cloth sleeve for the chain.

Or use an old MTB inner tube.

I use this:
http://pod.ath.cx/lock.jpg

Kryptonite swapped my original round key lock with a new one that looks the same
but uses a standard house type key lock.

Brutal. Heavy. No one has been able to get it open to steal my bike since.

My chiropractor loves it. It's heavy.

I use this:
http://pod.ath.cx/lock.jpg

Kryptonite swapped my original round key lock with a new one that looks the same
but uses a standard house type key lock.

Brutal. Heavy. No one has been able to get it open to steal my bike since.

My chiropractor loves it. It's heavy.

Is that good? Is it more of a theft deterrant than a New York U-lock? Or just as? Is it as sturdy as a U-lock (New York)? Cause I would like something with more room than a U-Lock. Would be cool.

Do you know how heavy it is compared to the U-lock? Is it more saw resistant and more bolt cutter resistant than the U-locks?

I like the combo of NY U Lock Fugheddaboutit with a a big thick chain lock (mine is an onguard beast), but a Kryptonite would be just as good.

Makes me damned glad to be commuting on a military installation. If I were to get ripped off by one of my brothers/sisters in arms, there's a lot more wrong than just losing my ride! Every morning outside the squadron are three bikes with no locks -- and every evening they're still there waiting for the ride home. (knock wood)

Is that good? Is it more of a theft deterrant than a New York U-lock? Or just as? Is it as sturdy as a U-lock (New York)? Cause I would like something with more room than a U-Lock. Would be cool.

Do you know how heavy it is compared to the U-lock? Is it more saw resistant and more bolt cutter resistant than the U-locks?

It's pretty bulletproof but you definetely notice it if you're carrying it in a backpack
on the way to work.

All I know I've had no problems with bike theft attempts (that I've been able to detect)
since I bought it. I'd have to weigh it to see how heavy it is.

I've read that you basically need a jaws of life to break the chain.

It's pretty bulletproof but you definetely notice it if you're carrying it in a backpack
on the way to work.

All I know I've had no problems with bike theft attempts (that I've been able to detect)
since I bought it. I'd have to weigh it to see how heavy it is.

I've read that you basically need a jaws of life to break the chain.

i wear my chain around my waist, you dont notice it like in a pack.

onthe topic of the jaws of life being needed, i'm going to blunt and serious here, even krypto chains can be cut quite easily with a bolt cutter and cheater bar. There is also the new method (at least here in BC) of using a cordless dremel with a thin metal cutoff disc at 45,000 rpms. I trimmed (cut thru) my 1/2" thick links Grade 80 overhead lifting chain in about 15 seconds using this method. somthing to be aware of. That beign said, a hefty chain is always better than anything else, thieves tend to go for the QUICKEST to steal bike......

Give me a break. Don't turn this into some sort of diversity rant. I didn't complain about the Dutch web page. And I am certainly not lazy. Let's face it. Any page that makes readers take 10 mins to figure out what's going on is a terrible source for information. It surprises me that these organizations that aim at certifying locks and presenting it to the public (their market, after all right?) don't know how to present data better.

Diversity rant? WTF are you talking about?

The ART site provides the name of the lock a photo for most locks, and a star rating system. What could be easier?

The Sold Secure site provides the model name of the lock, a metal rating system (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and contact info for the wholesaler. What's the issue you have with that?

I've posted these links many times for people looking for info on locks here at BF, and you are the first ungrateful person to complain about them. I say the problem is with you, not the information provided.

Is that good? Is it more of a theft deterrant than a New York U-lock? Or just as? Is it as sturdy as a U-lock (New York)? Cause I would like something with more room than a U-Lock. Would be cool.

Do you know how heavy it is compared to the U-lock? Is it more saw resistant and more bolt cutter resistant than the U-locks?

The Kryptonite NY U-lock and the chain pictured offer a similar level of security, although the chain is much heavier. One thing to keep in mind with a U-lock is the diameter of the pole you wish to lock up to. Will the U-lock be wide enough to fit around it?

Another thing, it's really easy to obsess about 'what's the ultimate level of security I can obtain?', to the point where all this worry overtakes the joys of biking. Any ART foundation Four Star and Sold Secure Gold rated lock will provide enough security for the average city rider. We all love our bikes and love riding them, and shouldn't let the worry of theft stop us from doing that.

All locks can be broken, and you want want that stops common thieves and make pro thieves move on to an easier bike.

FWIW, I have both a high end U-lock and a high end chain. I use the U-lock 95% of the time as it is so much lighter and easier to carry. I use the chain when I know I will be locking up more than one bike (riding with my wife or friends) or when I know that poles narrow enough to fit a U-lock around won't be available.

The Kryptonite NY U-lock and the chain pictured offer a similar level of security, although the chain is much heavier. One thing to keep in mind with a U-lock is the diameter of the pole you wish to lock up to. Will the U-lock be wide enough to fit around it?

Another thing, it's really easy to obsess about 'what's the ultimate level of security I can obtain?', to the point where all this worry overtakes the joys of biking. Any ART foundation Four Star and Sold Secure Gold rated lock will provide enough security for the average city rider. We all love our bikes and love riding them, and shouldn't let the worry of theft stop us from doing that.

All locks can be broken, and you want want that stops common thieves and make pro thieves move on to an easier bike.

FWIW, I have both a high end U-lock and a high end chain. I use the U-lock 95% of the time as it is so much lighter and easier to carry. I use the chain when I know I will be locking up more than one bike (riding with my wife or friends) or when I know that poles narrow enough to fit a U-lock around won't be available.

+ 1 well said

I was a locksmith by trade so I have defeated/cut/picked open a lot of this stuff. Anything can be beaten. Heavy hardened chain is about as good as I am aware of. The grade 70 stuff is hard enuf to be very resistant to boltcutters, and still cheap, but yeah more leverage or dremel tools/die grinders/aangle grinders with cut off discs are threats. You can get even harder chain if you want to spend more but I think its overkill to protect against the casual thief and cut off disks are still a threat. What you want is to make the thief go pick an easier target. Your lock should also have 3/8 diameter hardened shackle and if its a design that hides the shackle (like the Abus disklock I mentioned above , or like the padlock on the chain in the picture above) then it makes it difficult to get bolt cutters around the shackle. Great idea about the inner tube for the chain sleeve!!! I'm gonna use that. Don't use a padlock with a code stamped on it (like some of the master locks), since that lets someone go to a locksmith and get a key cut for the lock for a few bucks.

I was a locksmith by trade so I have defeated/cut/picked open a lot of this stuff. Anything can be beaten. Heavy hardened chain is about as good as I am aware of. The grade 70 stuff is hard enuf to be very resistant to boltcutters, and still cheap, but yeah more leverage or dremel tools/die grinders/aangle grinders with cut off discs are threats. You can get even harder chain if you want to spend more but I think its overkill to protect against the casual thief and cut off disks are still a threat. What you want is to make the thief go pick an easier target. Your lock should also have 3/8 diameter hardened shackle and if its a design that hides the shackle (like the Abus disklock I mentioned above , or like the padlock on the chain in the picture above) then it makes it difficult to get bolt cutters around the shackle. Great idea about the inner tube for the chain sleeve!!! I'm gonna use that. Don't use a padlock with a code stamped on it (like some of the master locks), since that lets someone go to a locksmith and get a key cut for the lock for a few bucks.


+ 1