Northeast - Thin light bike lock recommendations?

I would like to purchase a light and thinnish bike lock that I can coil around the bike seat when not in use. I understand than any thief will easily break the lock if they wanted to, but I just want a lock more as a honest person deterrent for a quick run into-out of store. My bike's really cheap anyway, so no tears will be shed should it get stolen. Thanks.

Betty I use that technique too if I am riding alone - as you say, it is not serious theft protection but should be adequate for a few minutes with a not-too-blingy bike. If i am with others they can just watch my bike if I need to dash in someplace for a second.

I use a 17 yr old Kryptonite cable (the thin black ones (https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1001&pid=1185) - cheesy, but 6' length means you can go through both wheels easily), and while the cable could be cut with any decent cutters, I am sure the lock is even flimsier. But I have heard of people pulling the cheaper no-name brand cables open with their bare hands.

I think if you stick with a major brand like Kryptonite and just get a basic cable with its own lock you'll be fine. A slightly thicker cable with loop ends (https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1001&pid=1123) and a real padlock (I like American Lock's 700 with a 2" shackle) would be better (I have one of those and used to use it as a second lock for one wheel, my saddle, etc) but then you are adding weight, etc.

I went to the Kryptonite site and the strange thing is that they don't list the weight of the locks?

The people who make the "Club" for cars make med. thickness cable. I use one

I went to the Kryptonite site and the strange thing is that they don't list the weight of the locks?

They're all really heavy! :thumb:

I have a Kryptonite EVO something or another and it probably weighs around 10lbs. The NY Fuggedaboutit probably weighs more considering the chain links look beefier.

I went to the Kryptonite site and the strange thing is that they don't list the weight of the locks?

I'm thinking Nashbar/Performance's sites might.....

Post on the general board.

Cheapest solution is buy a cable with loops at each end at a hardware store. Then get a combination lock that can be set by you to something easy.

FWIW, I have an OnGuard Beast (http://www.magnum.ws/OnGuard/5016.htm) (not sure which length it is, actually) and it wraps around the seatpost of my bike. It mostly stays out of the way of my legs (good enough for riding around downtown) and stays in place when I "lock" it to the bike's rear rack.

http://www.cyclegear.com/images/security/onguard_beast_lock_MD.jpg

I use a very inexpensive master cable lock for that purpose.
for instance, at the World Financial Center, I lock it at the fence by the Winter Garden
if I want to sit at the tables to use Wifi or something. those 6ft in length cables means you
can also lock the bike to those lamp posts if you want to be closer to the Winter Garden/WFC.
But I still keep my eyes on it and it's always in sight.
You will probably need something more stout if you're going into a store and can't see your bike.
Maybe get two lightweight locks.

No standard cable lock offers any sort of security, so if you honestly don't care about possibly losing your bike just go to the shops and buy one. There really won't be any practical difference in terms of security between different brands.

I have the the thin black Kryptonite and it serves the purpose.

I am sure that a thief could break the lot but its only for quick stop and it stops someone from riding off with the bike. Locks keeps honest people honest.

i use nashbar coiled/plastic coated heat treated wire mesh chain with combination lock. secure both tires and bicycle frame to stable object like telephone pole. far has kept the honest honest. not too heavy either!

I use one of these:
https://www.kryptonitelock.com/images/products/210214.jpg
https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1001&pid=1127

for exactly that purpose. In rural MA and Maine, it keeps someone from walking away with my bike and leaving me stranded when I stop for a drink/ ice cream/ bathroom. It wraps around the seatpost and stays out of the way(esp. if you have a seat bag to rest it on). The combination is nice so you don't need a key, but could easily be opened or broken within 2 minutes if someone wanted the bike.

I wouldn't try to use it as a primary lock in Boston, but will use it to lock my frame and wheels together if it's with me in the city.

Betty, you anywhere near Philly? I have one you can have if you feel like coming to get it. It looks just like the picture in kweichsel's post.

PM me if you want it.