Advocacy & Safety - A Cable Is a Cable, Right?

If two cable-locks are of the same diameter and same length, they're about the same, correct? That is, if there's a significance difference in price, I need not to be concerned with something like "brand," right? I imagine — unlock with a U-lock, in which locking-mechanism is an important consideration — cables, when broken, are almost always cut; their locks aren't usually tampered with.

Thank you.

*What's the minimum diameter I ought to look for in a cable-lock, anyway? I've considered armored ones, but they're too rigid for my liking.

Where do you live?

Nope, in my experience....the 'cheap" ie Masterlock (from target) 12m combination cable locks have much less robust lock mechanisms than the more expensive (onguard/krypton). for me is doesnt make a lot of difference as I don't lock the bikes for long times or really out of sigh.

not a fan of cable locks. I only consider them a secondary security mechanism.

I am, in fact, looking at a MasterLock cable. The cable looks robust, and the lock, not bad, but I wonder if I ought to consider shelling out about twice as much for a comparable-diameter OnGuard or Kryptonite one. I'd hate to have the lock jam or something...

I am, in fact, looking at a MasterLock cable. The cable looks robust, and the lock, not bad, but I wonder if I ought to consider shelling out about twice as much for a comparable-diameter OnGuard or Kryptonite one. I'd hate to have the lock jam or something...

It depends on how you are using the lock. Is is meant to protect the bike in a high risk area where it will be out of your sight for hours or is it meant just to prevent a quick grab and throw into a pickup while you are close by?

The former you probably need more horsepower in locking .... the latter is how I use the masterlock....but the masterlock locking mechanism is definitely more light weight....ie potentially easier to break.

take a look in commuting there are a number of threads on locks and locking...including one from a locksmith

For more heavy-duty stuff, I have a U-lock; I just don't like carrying the thing around all the time. I'm looking at a couple of cables, and the MasterLock one I'm considering is of similar thickness to a Kryptonite, and I wonder if I should be concerned with the actual lock (and if there's any potential for difference in "quality" of cable-steel, itself).

For more heavy-duty stuff, I have a U-lock; I just don't like carrying the thing around all the time. I'm looking at a couple of cables, and the MasterLock one I'm considering is of similar thickness to a Kryptonite, and I wonder if I should be concerned with the actual lock (and if there's any potential for difference in "quality" of cable-steel, itself).

Are there one or more place that you visit on a regular basis? If so you might consider buying a lock and leaving it locked to the rack that you use. That way you wouldn't have to carry "all the weight" of a lock around with you.

A lot of people do this, yes it may mean investing in more then one lock, but it's an option.

Krypto sells a hardened chain with vending machine lock retails 29.99 at bike shop not as good as u-lock but much better than cable and cables are not all the same harder the steel harder to cut and thin strands are harder to cut with hac saw but easier with cable cutters.

yep, cable is cable and metal is metal. so get the cheapest one. espcially with cheap bike... no point buying $30 lock to protect $50 bike... $5 lock will do.

I think amazon had some cheap cable locks with free shipping awhile ago.

Does anyone use a Bell cable-lock? They seem to be affordable.

I currently have a Master Lock Python, for carrying on the bike; I never have my bike locked up for long periods of time. When I commute, my bike comes in the building with me. I don't really go anywhere else for long periods. At restaurants, I sit where I can see the bike, and it's locked up.

I also have a loooooong 12mm cable with looped ends, and a 'security' lock that barely takes the loops. That one, I hafta remember to grab -- usually for family rides when we are going someplace that requires a lock-up.

I also have my eye on a 3' chain, Brinks covered square-link, that I'll mate with a good U-lock. My baby will be protected, and if they want it THAT bad, they'll still have to work at it....

How long is the 12mm cable?