Folding Bikes - Bike security, so you think you have a strong lock?

I just thought that I would post this link to some tests of motorcycle chains being cropped.
YouTube - Various Sold Secure and Thatcham chains chopped.

I realise that these men where using a lot of force on the locks with full size bolt croppers but I think it goes to show just how vulnerable locks can be if the thief has a few moments alone with a locked bike. There again if you saw two guys with uniforms and hi-viz jackets cropping a lock and loading a bike into a van would you ask them what they where doing?

BTW, I don’t use any lock on my folder, I take it with me:thumb:

Exactly the same thing I do with my own folders. I don't lock them up outside-ever!

I would still feel more secure with a giant chain lock over a u lock.

I lock mine outside, but only where I can see it.

Those are heavy motorcycle chains. What chance would any bicyclye lock or chain have?

One thought: If you keep the chain away from the ground then they wouldn't be able to use their body weight leverage on the bolt cutters.

lets not forget that this is a HUGE bolt cutter ...... those chains will deter 98 % of thieves ....
after all.

Remember that thieves are lazy they will pick the easy bike first all the time. Thats why even a flimsy but lightweight lock is better than a heavy 5 lbs lock, you have in your garage and not with your bike at all times....

thor

Those are heavy motorcycle chains. What chance would any bicyclye lock or chain have?

One thought: If you keep the chain away from the ground then they wouldn't be able to use their body weight leverage on the bolt cutters.

I notice they are also using some paddings on the floor so the cutters has a grip on the floor.

How about dropping some oil or grease on the floor next to your bike.
That would be fun to watch. :-)

good info, but i can't believe those guys aren't wearing any eye protection. did you see the chunks of metal fly when the chain gave out?

I uglified my bike so it doesn't get stolen, and it worked! I locked my bike near the side of my house beside my bro's bike, and his got stolen, but mine was still there. I guess the thieves thought it was waaaaaaaaay too distinctive to steal.

I notice they are also using some paddings on the floor so the cutters has a grip on the floor.

How about dropping some oil or grease on the floor next to your bike.
That would be fun to watch. :-)

nice one, but seriously I dont think a thief would break into your house with a big ccutter like that through the window of your garage to break a chain. But you are right about the paddings, and as someone said, is a nice idea to keep the chain out of the ground or something so it wont be easy

Miniature Rottweilers might fit in a pannier.

There used to be a saying "All bikes weigh 60 pounds"
It worked like this:
A 20 pound bike needs a 40 pound chain = 60lb
A 30 pound bike needs a 30 pound chain = 60lb
A 40 pound bike needs a 10 pound chain = 60lb
A 50 pound bike needs a 10 pound chain = 60lb

BUT a 60 pound bike needs no chain at all!

When some people at my school have a thin cable and a locker combo lock locking up their $1000 Giant bike, while I have a $70 Kryptonite evolution mini protecting my beater road bike, and my $600 MTB, depending what I ride that day, I'm not too worried.

That's probably the best idea - park next to something better :)

It's actually more important what kind of lock you have on it. If it is easier to steal, even if it is a cheaper bike, the thief will generally go for the cheaper lock. So get a good lock!

My beater Sekine road bike: Lock is worth more than the bike!

check out this ex-bike thief on you-tube.

YouTube - How to steal a bike (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1yImVLW_Q0)



I don't think any lock is really going to stop a determined thief

I use a half decent lock but also stick this little alarm on.

http://www.shedrite.com/itemdetl.php/itemcode/33

I don't usually leave my folding bike locked up if I can help it (Dahon MU SL), but use this on my commuter road bike all the time (Bianchi C2C). I haven't quite worked out how best to secure it to the frame so that it stays squealing with the bike if it's stolen....

I don't think any lock is really going to stop a determined thief

Exactly. So the point is to make sure he's not determined.

Cyclists need to use what President Bush calls "straterjurey" If a bike is going to be left on a public street in a big city for more than a few minutes, you need a "beater" bike that is too ugly to steal. Under the ugly paint, it can have Reynolds or Columbus steel, but it needs to be ugly.

Put a two pound u-lock around the front wheel and the frame. Put a five pound u-lock around the rear wheel and a beefy pole that is set in concrete. Park next to a shiny new Cannondale that is locked with a $5 cable lock. Which bike is the crook gonna take?

My strategy works for me... I stopped carrying a lock. This necessitates that I MUST leave the bike in a secure enough place, eg fold it, carry inside and place in an out-of-the-way corner in the same room where I have to be, like doctor's waiting room. I never ask permission, this can result in people refusing permission. But if I brazenly carry or wheel it inside as if it is the normal thing to do, nobody bats an eyelid. Don't give them opportunity to think about it.

But if I brazenly carry or wheel it inside as if it is the normal thing to do, nobody bats an eyelid. Don't give them opportunity to think about it.

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There ya go! I figured out that technique long ago. Just stare straight ahead and walk with a purposeful stride, and you'll fool 99% of the people into thinking you belong wherever you just snuck in and know WTF you are doing there!

I agree with Alanb, too. That's why I like to keep my bikes, and my motor vehicles, looking as ugly as possible.