Living Car Free - Bike Security...

I'm by no means car free but I would like to use my bike more for general errands. The biggest hurdle holding me back comes down to security. I've got a decent bike that I've invested a bit of money in and I hate to risk leaving out in front of stores. I guess I'm a bit "gun shy" because I did have a bike stolen several years ago while locked up with a quality U bar lock...evidently it didn't deter the theives. I'll ride to certain locations that I can keep a view of my bike but they are very few. What do you guys/gals use to keep the theives at bay? It just seems that a valuable bike is such an easy target for theives. Of course, I could get a "beater" but I spent the money to create a bike I love to ride....seems a shame to now leave it sitting at home in fear of theft.

jra2212,

I guess I don't necessarily ride "beaters" but I do ride bikes that I can afford to lose. (Even though I hate to lose one!) Maybe you can keep your eye out for an inexpensive but nice used bike, and ride that when you're going someplace you feel is risky. You can still ride your expensive ride most of the time.

You might want to select a second bike that's more utilitarian--one you can put rack, fenders, even a milk crate on. This will make it more practical for your "carfree" riding, and also make it less attractive to most thieves.

What do you guys/gals use to keep the theives at bay?

I do the Sheldon Brown--a heavy chain lock through the frame, the front wheel and a secure rack. And then a U-lock through the main frame and the rear wheel. Remove accessories, of course, and remove the saddle if it's a QR.

I use a Kryptonite NY Forgetaboutit Lock and Chain (http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1002&pid=1168) and Pitlocks (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/pitlock.asp), and always lock to something solid.
I ride nice bikes, it's a risk, but you have to be a dedicated thief to ride off on my bike.

+1 to AllenG, and the other wise ones out there who armor their bikes with a good lock system.

If you're riding a bike you can afford to lose (sorry, can't do it), then it's just exercise. Riding YOUR bike is a personal, intimate experience, that just can't be done with any two-wheeled double-diamond.

If I can't ride what I choose as MY BIKE, then I might as well play frickin' volleyball or some shee-yite. (BTW -- i DO ride my choice, take it inside most places, and lock the snot out of it when i can't.)

I've recently switched to a pretty nice touring bike, after riding an old hybrid for years, and I've had concerns myself. After a bit of thought, I've decided to go ahead and use the bike everywhere I go, because it's such a pleasure to ride, and that's the whole reason I got it to begin with, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let some vague fear of theft ruin it for me. I use a newer, beefy U-lock, and lock it to something solid (see above), and so far, no problems, not even late at night. Just in case, though, I have checked with my insurance guy to make sure I'm covered.

Same as AllenG, but I go the larger NY fahgettaboudit U-lock.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/images/products/997986.jpg

If you're riding a bike you can afford to lose (sorry, can't do it), then it's just exercise. Riding YOUR bike is a personal, intimate experience, that just can't be done with any two-wheeled double-diamond.

If I can't ride what I choose as MY BIKE, then I might as well play frickin' volleyball or some shee-yite. (BTW -- i DO ride my choice, take it inside most places, and lock the snot out of it when i can't.)

Personally I think volleyball is great, except for one thing - I have never figured out a way to use volleyball as a method of transportation.

I choose bikes based on a lot of factors, but almost all of them have to do with the bicycle being a tool for transportation. I'm not the type to have a personal, intimate experience with an adjustable wrench or a bicycle, and I also do not let marketers convince me that my identity or my value as a person depends on the kind of car I have either (which is good, since I don't have a car).

I could go out and buy security bolts for my brakes, seat, fork, and every other part that a thief might want, plus the best locks money can buy. Or I can just continue to ride what I have, which is one of the dorkiest, ugliest, most practical transportation vehicles I have ever met. It's a good bike, it's a fast bike, but a pretty bike it is not - thieves don't want it... well, they probably do, but not badly enough to cut one simple, no-nonsense lock.

If you have to travel without a bicycle because your bicycle isn't one that can be out of your sight, I fail to see how that's better than having an ugly&inexpensive&durable bike you can lock up wherever you please. I refuse to let thieves decide for me whether or not I should travel by bicycle.

Same as AllenG, but I go the larger NY fahgettaboudit U-lock.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/images/products/997986.jpg

This is what I use, or The NY Chain, depending on my situation.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/images/products/730132.jpg

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1002&pid=1168

The key to Bike Security has less to do with the lock and more to do with observing a possible theif at or near a place you plan to leave your bike and then creating just enough of a deterrent so that the theif walks away and you are not inconvenienced.

Try it, it is worth observing the human condition that drives people to inspect, poke, test and then, hopefully walk away. If they return with an arc welder or rotary saw, or you think they may, just bring the bike in with you.

If you have to travel without a bicycle because your bicycle isn't one that can be out of your sight, I fail to see how that's better than having an ugly&inexpensive&durable bike you can lock up wherever you please. I refuse to let thieves decide for me whether or not I should travel by bicycle.
+1
It's harder to enjoy a ride if you're panicked by the thought somebody is going to steal a bike that you can't afford to replace. Also, how do you enjoy your shopping, movie, meal or other activity if you're constantly worried about the bike?



The key to Bike Security has less to do with the lock and more to do with observing a possible theif at or near a place you plan to leave your bike and then creating just enough of a deterrent so that the theif walks away and you are not inconvenienced.

Try it, it is worth observing the human condition that drives people to inspect, poke, test and then, hopefully walk away. If they return with an arc welder or rotary saw, or you think they may, just bring the bike in with you.
It seems likely that a thief who's smart enough to use an arc welder might be too smart to let you see him casing your ride or stealing it.

Heh, today I had someone messing around with my bike. I lock it to a power pole and it's right there in front of me where I work. A couple of kids like a 14 year old and his 9 year old brother went up to my bike while I was watching. The older one then grabbed one of the handlebars and gave it a firm yank. Using my best voice of Doom intonation I said, "I know you WANT to get away from that bike." The kid spun around fast with a shocked look on his face and tried really hard to pretend that he was just on his way somewhere else.

Currently I have 2 bikes, one that I love to ride and the other was formely the one I love to ride but down graded to the risky area bike, still love to ride it also. I have had one stolen before (a cool cruiser) and it sucks but it's just a risk, it's kind of like I could be killed at any minute for any many of reasons (hell, I just had a close call that sent me to the hospital saturday night) but I keep on living life to the fulliest within reason. I go by keeping two decent/reliable bikes in stock so no matter what happens I am not stuck without a ride, but they are material things I own and don't own me. Even if the good bike gets stolen I am sure to get another. Just my take on it, btw the stolen cruiser had a not so great lock on it, just a simple life lesson, no biggie, now I understand the value of good lock.

An excellent way is to get a vintage high-end bike, something from the 70's or 80's. That bike will be almost as fast as a new high-end bike, the craftsmanship will be superb, it will look great, it will be cheap, and no-one will steal it.

An excellent way is to get a vintage high-end bike, something from the 70's or 80's. That bike will be almost as fast as a new high-end bike, the craftsmanship will be superb, it will look great, it will be cheap, and no-one will steal it.
Not in my area. I had a 1975 Raleigh stolen from the library. It was all scratched up from years of use, with those 27 inch wheels, cheap simplex friction shifting. The thing cost $150 new. I had it tied up with a cable lock. I graduated to a chain lock on a single speed cruiser. That chain got cut on my front porch and the bike is gone. Then I graduated to two locks a higher quality cable and a wheel lock, on a Specialized Globe that bike got ripped off from a subway station. Now I use the heavy Kryptonite chain. Since I moved to the city 8 years ago and went car free. I've been using the heavy chain for about 10 or 11 years. No bike theft yet. Two of my current bikes are expensive. My favorite city bike has the built in wheel lock but I use that and the heavy chain.

An excellent way is to get a vintage high-end bike, something from the 70's or 80's. That bike will be almost as fast as a new high-end bike, the craftsmanship will be superb, it will look great, it will be cheap, and no-one will steal it.
Funny story.... Last year somebody cut my cable lock and stole my two-year-old Giant Rincon--a cheap mountain bike--but kinda flashy and very nice by walmart standards. The thief left me, as an "exchange", a cherry 1970s Fuji steel 10-speed with not a scratch or ding on it. I wonder if he knew that on today's market, with the craze for fixed gear conversions, the Fuji is probably worth at least a few bucks more than the Giant that he "swapped" for.

^^^^^I assume you kept the Fuji?

Of course you know the thief left the Fuji, and that another rider didn't just park his bike there with no lock?

I'm by no means car free but I would like to use my bike more for general errands. The biggest hurdle holding me back comes down to security. I've got a decent bike that I've invested a bit of money in and I hate to risk leaving out in front of stores. I guess I'm a bit "gun shy" because I did have a bike stolen several years ago while locked up with a quality U bar lock...evidently it didn't deter the theives.

Security-or rather the lack of-was the number one reason why I gave up cycling back in the early 1980s. I tried it all-cable locks, U-locks, watching it through windows, you name it. It did not work. Until I discovered a unique sort of bike. After that, any other bike was non existent as far as I was concerned.


I'll ride to certain locations that I can keep a view of my bike but they are very few. What do you guys/gals use to keep the theives at bay? It just seems that a valuable bike is such an easy target for theives. Of course, I could get a "beater" but I spent the money to create a bike I love to ride....seems a shame to now leave it sitting at home in fear of theft.

When I bought my first folding bike, all the other half assed means of bike security were tossed out the window. I now simply fold up and bring it inside anywhere I care to take it. End of problem. If I cannot bring it in, I don't go in (never really happened to me yet). Please see my World Of Folding Bicycles series for more information. And that does not mean you have to give up your present bike. You can ride it around all you want. Just use your folder for the times you have to run errands, visit someone, etc.

Keep in mind that errands have a low risk of theft because your bike is locked in a random place for usually short periods of time.

Is your bike flashy to thieves, or just valuable to you? If its valuable to you but not particularly attention grabbing, I would go the route of good security: a New York u-lock, and pitlocks for the wheels. You have to find something secure to lock up TO which is not always readily available at every errand destination (shops that provide only wheel-bender bike racks for instance)

If its flashy I would get a second bike to use for errands. You can still secure the bike really well, but a potential thief could get frustrated and kick your rims in, and do you really want to have to replace both wheels? Flashy attracts much more attention.

The second bike for errands can have the advantage of always having baskets or milk crates or other carrying things attached to it making it easier to pick things up, without having to remove these items when you want to go somewhere fast. It can still be fun to ride. Particularly if your errands are often a few miles or less you probably won't notice its not your dream bike on these rides.

With this bike you can probably get away with a cable lock if necessary for some errands, which can be handy if the only thing around to lock up to is a mature tree.

I have three bikes I use regularly. If I'm going to go on a long errand (an hour ride each way) I want to ride the best bike, but the one I feel least comfortable locking up. But you have to consider where you are going to. For instance going to a suburban IKEA, you've got to figure its not going to be a mecca of bike thieves. Bike thief would wait a *long* time in that parking lot to find something worth stealing.

I've recently switched to a pretty nice touring bike, after riding an old hybrid for years, and I've had concerns myself. After a bit of thought, I've decided to go ahead and use the bike everywhere I go, because it's such a pleasure to ride, and that's the whole reason I got it to begin with, and I'll be damned if I'm going to let some vague fear of theft ruin it for me. I use a newer, beefy U-lock, and lock it to something solid (see above), and so far, no problems, not even late at night. Just in case, though, I have checked with my insurance guy to make sure I'm covered.

My reasoning exactly.
I'm too old, too stubborn, and too well insured to ride on a POS bike because of a chance of theft.
My house may be robbed while I'm not at home. I don't only own purposefully distressed goods because of that chance.

^^^^^I assume you kept the Fuji?

Of course you know the thief left the Fuji, and that another rider didn't just park his bike there with no lock?

Yes to both. The Fuji was dropped on the ground right by where the Giant had been stolen. Nobody claimed it as I waited about 40 minutes for a cop to show up. I assumed that the Fuji was stolen also, so I wanted to give the police a chance to find the owner. But the cop said he couldn't do anything, asd as far as he's concerned, it's a case of finder's keeper.

Unfortunately the Fuji has a small frame, so I really can't ride it. I keep it around for friends to ride when they're visiting. I probably should sell it and get something else.

Another good place to look for a nice bike is police auctions. You might even get your own bike back.

Not in my area. I had a 1975 Raleigh stolen from the library. It was all scratched up from years of use, with those 27 inch wheels, cheap simplex friction shifting. The thing cost $150 new. I had it tied up with a cable lock. I graduated to a chain lock on a single speed cruiser. That chain got cut on my front porch and the bike is gone. Then I graduated to two locks a higher quality cable and a wheel lock, on a Specialized Globe that bike got ripped off from a subway station. Now I use the heavy Kryptonite chain. Since I moved to the city 8 years ago and went car free. I've been using the heavy chain for about 10 or 11 years. No bike theft yet. Two of my current bikes are expensive. My favorite city bike has the built in wheel lock but I use that and the heavy chain.

As I read each one of these incidents, there is one single common factor. All the stolen bikes were left in full view of the criminal element. This is the reason why I will never use a bike rack or park in front of a store. I always look for a place to hide the bike and when I don't do this, my bike has been trashed again and again. It happend to me this year where I parked just a block away from the train station and someone stole the front wheel. I now park two blocks away in a hidden location and nothing happens.

+1
It's harder to enjoy a ride if you're panicked by the thought somebody is going to steal a bike that you can't afford to replace. Also, how do you enjoy your shopping, movie, meal or other activity if you're constantly worried about the bike?


Agreed.

You really can't enjoy a movie or shopping knowing constantly being worried about my bicycles being stolen. It would be a different story if the bike had insurance like a motorcar but it doesn't. Furthermore, the police could care less if your bicycle is stolen and consider it a toy. In case no one has told you, ALL locks have been compromised including the New York Chain and the Kryptonite 3000 U-Lock. In the past six months, I've heard many bikes stolen using the most industrial chains and U-locks. The crooks have gotten better and no one is safe anymore.

This is the reason I purchased an old Schwinn World Tour from 1980. I figured, the pain would be alot less if this $200.00 dollar bike is stolen than my $800.00 dollar Bianchi. However, I won't park this bike at a train station or bike rack because of the high theft.

Recently, I noticed they placed a new rack at the train station and very nice and "New" bikes have been locked using the New York Chain. I decided to take a picture with my phone to see how many weeks these bikes would last on that rack. I'm counting about 3 months and ALL those bikes will no longer be there!

This is the reason why I spend quality time looking for a place to "hide" the bike. The cooks don't look for hidden bikes when there are so many good ones at bike racks and in front of stores.

Another good place to look for a nice bike is police auctions. You might even get your own bike back.

It might be so trashed you won't want it back.

As I read each one of these incidents, there is one single common factor. All the stolen bikes were left in full view of the criminal element. This is the reason why I will never use a bike rack or park in front of a store. I always look for a place to hide the bike and when I don't do this, my bike has been trashed again and again. It happend to me this year where I parked just a block away from the train station and someone stole the front wheel. I now park two blocks away in a hidden location and nothing happens.

What kind of places do you hide them in?

As I read each one of these incidents, there is one single common factor. All the stolen bikes were left in full view of the criminal element. This is the reason why I will never use a bike rack or park in front of a store. I always look for a place to hide the bike and when I don't do this, my bike has been trashed again and again. It happend to me this year where I parked just a block away from the train station and someone stole the front wheel. I now park two blocks away in a hidden location and nothing happens.
The subway station theft was a one-time parking job, the other two had a significant common element, I parked the bike in the same spot day after day. Of
course at the subway there are always bikes there every day so the crook can go every day to find a bike he likes, the globe was too nice to keep all day at the station. Also the cop pointed out that I parked it near the street so the crooks didn't have to break the wheel lock to load the bike in a pickup truck or van, just the lock tying it to the fence.

I don't like the hidden location strategy if the location is too hidden because it gives the crooks a concealed position where they can work on the lock undetected. Some of the bike parking at the airport is like this.

Some people posting to this thread seem too paranoid. My bikes have paid for themselves many times over in health and reduced transportation costs so I lock em up in the best way that the situation allows and don't worry. If I go to the theater I don't sit throughout the play worrying about someone taking my bike from the parking garage anymore than I worry about someone lifting my rain suit and helmet from the coat check.

You could also look at it this way, a car costs $______ a year to own, operate and maintain. Most bikes could be bought way under that number. I ran the numbers for me it was around $1800, with a paid off car, wich would allow me to buy my workhorse bike new 2.25 times a year if needed and still come out even.

What kind of places do you hide them in?

If I'm going to a mall with loads of parking, I'll park in the back or lock it to a fence where there's trees or bushes in the back. I've parked behind a dumpster yesterday because the bike rack had a bike with missing rear wheel. I like large parking lots because I'll put the bike way deep into the lot where only motorist walk and it's very unlikely they will steal a used beater. At a train station, I'll count two or three blocks and then start looking for a spot.

Agreed.

You really can't enjoy a movie or shopping knowing constantly being worried about my bicycles being stolen. It would be a different story if the bike had insurance like a motorcar but it doesn't. Furthermore, the police could care less if your bicycle is stolen and consider it a toy. In case no one has told you, ALL locks have been compromised including the New York Chain and the Kryptonite 3000 U-Lock. In the past six months, I've heard many bikes stolen using the most industrial chains and U-locks. The crooks have gotten better and no one is safe anymore.

Could you be more specific? How have bike thieves gotten better?

BTW, you may want to pause and consider. If a determined thief wants your bike, it's gone. But that's also true for cars, wallets, etc. I'm quite willing to believe that it's almost as easy to steal a car as a bike, yet most car drivers don't leave their cars at home because they might get stolen...

Could you be more specific? How have bike thieves gotten better?

BTW, you may want to pause and consider. If a determined thief wants your bike, it's gone. But that's also true for cars, wallets, etc. I'm quite willing to believe that it's almost as easy to steal a car as a bike, yet most car drivers don't leave their cars at home because they might get stolen...

Easier to steal a car.
One doesn't need a grinder to disengage a car from the lamp post in front of its parking space.

Easier to steal a car.
One doesn't need a grinder to disengage a car from the lamp post in front of its parking space.

+1

I just wanted to thank everyone for the comments and suggestions thus far. It seems there are different takes on security issues and it's great to see them discussed.

Hiding a bike seems like the most dangerous way to park a bike.

If it's hidden, a thief can work on it with drill / saw / torch in broad daylight because well.. he's hidden.

If you park it near the entrance of a high traffic area, no one is going to steal your bike as long as it's locked well with a U lock (locking the front / rear tire and Frame). Replace the QR with at least a hex bolt on the seatpost clamp and leave it in.

If you're breaking down your bike every time you park it, there is a chance people will see it as if the bike is already partially stripped and has been abandoned for some time.

I would say:
-Don't lock it like an idiot. Use at least a quality U-lock and lock the frame and both wheels.
-Replace QR seatpost if you have it.
-Lock it in high traffic areas.
-Don't leave it for extended periods of time, particularly overnight, outside.

I just have a Wells Fargo truck follow me, lock it inside while I run in for a stick of gum,,,,

I don't have a lock, but I ride a rusty Varsity. If I take it to school in the fall, I'll buy a lock. For now, it hasn't vanished after a couple of trips to the library and grocery store.

Okay, you guys have some great ideas, but I think I can top them with three tried and tested methods. I'll try to provide pics for reference.

1. Get a personal alarm. They're super light and super cheap. And they make a freaking mess of sound for everyone to turn and see. They are small, lightweight boxes about the size of a deck of cards. Attach it to your bike. There's a lanyard that attatches to the alarm, and if it's pulled the alarm rings (it's LOUD). Most thieves won't even see it if it's hidden fairly well and the lanyard is attached to the nearest thing (or tied to the wheel so that when it turns it pulls out of socket, making noise.

http://www.c-p-p.co.uk/_images/products/Personal_Alarms/Full_Images/chaperone_mini_keyring_personal_alarm_pulled.jpg

2. Get rid of those Trek, Cannondale, Gary Fisher stickers and give Huffy a call. Seriously. Peel off those sticker or, if they are painted on, but big Huffy or Murray stickers right over them. Sure you won't look as cool walking your bike through the office in the morning, but nobody will want to steal your "99-dollar" bike that you got from Walmart, wink wink.

http://www.boardriderstickers.com/catalog/images/Huffy.jpg

3. Finally, with a little paint and extra stickers, you can make your bike look like crap without adding any extra weight. Get some rust-colored paint (home depot, Michael's), and paint "rust" on the joints and other areas, and then get some of those stickers people put on their windshields that make the glass look cracked or look like gunshots.

http://i0.ediy.co.nz/51964.jpg


So, when the theives (who are always in a hurry), see your cracked, rusted, piece of crap Huffy leaning against a post, they aren't going to steal it. They're going to say, "Some idiot actually locked that thing up. We should steal it and do him a favor."

But the joke is as far as they'll go, because they won't want that crappy bike.

And even if they do go to work on the lock, when they pull it a few inches from the post all heck will break loose from the alarm.

Okay, you guys have some great ideas, but I think I can top them with three tried and tested methods. I'll try to provide pics for reference.

1. Get a personal alarm. They're super light and super cheap. And they make a freaking mess of sound for everyone to turn and see. They are small, lightweight boxes about the size of a deck of cards. Attach it to your bike. There's a lanyard that attatches to the alarm, and if it's pulled the alarm rings (it's LOUD). Most thieves won't even see it if it's hidden fairly well and the lanyard is attached to the nearest thing (or tied to the wheel so that when it turns it pulls out of socket, making noise.

http://www.c-p-p.co.uk/_images/products/Personal_Alarms/Full_Images/chaperone_mini_keyring_personal_alarm_pulled.jpg

2. Get rid of those Trek, Cannondale, Gary Fisher stickers and give Huffy a call. Seriously. Peel off those sticker or, if they are painted on, but big Huffy or Murray stickers right over them. Sure you won't look as cool walking your bike through the office in the morning, but nobody will want to steal your "99-dollar" bike that you got from Walmart, wink wink.

http://www.boardriderstickers.com/catalog/images/Huffy.jpg

3. Finally, with a little paint and extra stickers, you can make your bike look like crap without adding any extra weight. Get some rust-colored paint (home depot, Michael's), and paint "rust" on the joints and other areas, and then get some of those stickers people put on their windshields that make the glass look cracked or look like gunshots.

http://i0.ediy.co.nz/51964.jpg


So, when the theives (who are always in a hurry), see your cracked, rusted, piece of crap Huffy leaning against a post, they aren't going to steal it. They're going to say, "Some idiot actually locked that thing up. We should steal it and do him a favor."

But the joke is as far as they'll go, because they won't want that crappy bike.

And even if they do go to work on the lock, when they pull it a few inches from the post all heck will break loose from the alarm.

I think your alarm idea is worth thinking about. However, I don't think I'd want to go out of my way to make my bike look like a piece of sh*t. I rode a "crappy" hybrid for years, and it served its purpose admirably, but now that I have a somewhat better bike (it's still not a Cervelo), I'm not about to make it look stupid. I did strip off the decals, because I didn't like them, and see no reason to draw attention, and I have a good U lock, but other than that, I'll leave it up to my common sense, the decency of others, and my homeowners insurance.

Update to the thread: I got a bike lock! It's a simple cable lock from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FL3EIO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top). I might get a U-lock when I move to the town; might not. But for now, when my lock comes in the mail, it'll be nice to at least have a way of saying "leave my bike alone" when parking it at the library.

I and people I know have had "Huffy" and worse bikes stolen - while locked to something. So that idea won't work around here. But, it has merit to make your $2000.00 bike look less attractive. I think the serious bike thieves, who know bikes can see through the disguises. If I notice bikes with rustoleum paint jobs, good components and well made frames thieves do too.

While we're on the topic of bike security. Two days ago I saw a guy at the metro station with a bike laid on the ground and tools spread out. I stopped to chat. He said his seat had been stolen. We got yakking about recumbents. When I rode off I thought to myself " Why'd he have his tools out? I wonder if he was planning to grab a seat from one of the other bikes parked there." In the nice weather I took a roundabout route and as I was coming back to the direct route there was the guy riding his bike with a seat on it. He smiled an waved as he rode past. If everyone had his morals there would be a long chain of bike seat thefts.

I and people I know have had "Huffy" and worse bikes stolen - while locked to something. So that idea won't work around here. But, it has merit to make your $2000.00 bike look less attractive. I think the serious bike thieves, who know bikes can see through the disguises. If I notice bikes with rustoleum paint jobs, good components and well made frames thieves do too.

My sister had a rusted out bike she kept in the garden as a trellis. It was stolen.

in my experience, how nice the bike is has much more to do with how annoyed/upset you are when it is eventually stolen, rather than the risk of theft.

I have a krypto NY, lock through the rear frame and wheel (a la Sheldon), and use a cheap U for the front wheel.

I try to park on a post that has another bike on the opposite side (harder to get a 2x4 or jack in when there are two bike frames to deal with), and park in a public area with lots of other bikes around.

Generally there will be 5-10 bikes that are more valuable than mine plus dozens of crappier looking bikes locked up with cheap cables in the immediate area. I consider these to be decoys so that the theives take advantage of the foolish, rather than me.

I don't worry too much about people stealing my seat/post, front wheel, etc. The stuff I have there is pretty worn out and relatively cheap to replace.

If you feel strongly about not getting your bike stolen do not use a cheap cable! Anyone with bolt cutters bigger than an average pair of scissors can steal your bike in less than 5 sec.

BTW I have had 4 bikes stolen already, I just hope that when one of my bikes gets stolen, most of the parts have given me good use and are basically worn out.

I've been avoiding the kryptonites ever since the bic pen pick was shown to work. my lock of choice is a horizontal cut cylinder lock with integrated cable. I think it's made by Master, but since the label peeled off miles ago, ICBW

I've been avoiding the kryptonites ever since the bic pen pick was shown to work. my lock of choice is a horizontal cut cylinder lock with integrated cable. I think it's made by Master, but since the label peeled off miles ago, ICBW

Kryptonite fixed that issue years ago.

Easier to steal a car.
One doesn't need a grinder to disengage a car from the lamp post in front of its parking space.

The reason there's less fear about leaving a car vs. a bike locked in public (IMO) is that cars are more easily traceable. VIN databases, registrations, and license plates make it easier to recover a stolen vehicle than a stolen bicycle. Level of police involvement is different with cars, too. Most police departments are willing to put more effort into recovering someone's $500 beater rustbucket car than they will into recovering someone's $4000 custom bicycle.

What about some kind of RFID system? My dog has one. Granted you have to actually scan the back of my dog's neck with a scanner, but it would at least help. What if there is some kind of chip mounted in the bike tube with, say, a five-year battery (it could easily weigh a few grams)? If it were powerful enough it might be possible to identify it better.

Of course, if the thief never took the bike out much it might never be recovered, but if he brought it to a bike shop they could scan it and realize it was stolen.

Maybe a lower weight Lo-Jack system? I don't know.

Since I do all my own wheel work, on my rim strips I have written "Call <my phone number> if this bicycle is brought in for service. It has been stolen."

What about some kind of RFID system? My dog has one. Granted you have to actually scan the back of my dog's neck with a scanner, but it would at least help. What if there is some kind of chip mounted in the bike tube with, say, a five-year battery (it could easily weigh a few grams)? If it were powerful enough it might be possible to identify it better.

Or just write on a piece of paper:

"This bike may have been stolen. I had it for many years, and it has great sentimental value. Reward offered. Please contact..."

You put it somewhere that a bike mechanic is likely to find it (ideas?). You could wrap another one under the handlebar tape. Maybe the next person to change the tape will have a conscience.

Beat me to it, Clifton. Rim strips -- good idea.

I've heard about using a jack from a car to break open a u lock, but how do you do it with a 2 x 4? Just use it like a big lever?