General Cycling Discussion - Please advise on a lock and chain security combo!

Dear All

I have just invested in my first, semi-proper, adult bike. A slightly beaten-up, second-hand, Trek 7.3FX (19").

I am concerned about security whenever I leave it unattended for a few minutes (or hours!) in a city. So I before I take it anywhere, I intend to invest in a credible u-lock and chain.

Not being made of money, I have considered a medium-range combo to be potentially suitable for my needs. I should be most grateful if you more learned bicycle enthusiasts and professionals would be so kind as to advise me of whether my money would be well spent on my intended purchase, or whether I should perhaps consider a different product.

My thought so far is as follows:
- Squire Urban Protector D-Lock 2009 (http://www.parker-international.co.uk/11081/Squire-Urban-Protector-D-Lock.html?referrer=froogle&utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid11081);
- Squire 12mm Security Cable 2009 (http://www.parker-international.co.uk/11063/Squire-12mm-Security-Cable.html).

Would this be a good way to protect a second-hand bike, for the most reasonable sum of £27?

I look forward to reading all replies. Thank you.

I think the key is not to depend on the lock very much. See the other post where the guy had one of the best locks around sawed off.

I saw a Yehuda Moon where the guy asked if he needed a 2nd lock, and was told, "No, just park it close to a nicer bike."

Dear All



Would this be a good way to protect a second-hand bike, for the most reasonable sum of £27?

I look forward to reading all replies. Thank you.

There are only a few locks that I would trust and they cost a lot more than £27.

But a cheap way- two sensible quality locks used at the same time. Not used this method myself but someone once told me that a thief would not take the trouble to break open 2 locks on a bike.

But going to something that will deter thiefs for longer you have to go for something like a Kryptonite lock and hawser. Should set you back about £70.

My own lock method is foolproof. I keep one of two things on my saddle at all times- My Butt or my hand.

And it will not matter which form of security you use on your bike- If someone wants it- they will get it.

Dear Gents

Thank you for to interesting and useful replies. Though you didn't quite answer my question fully, I think you probably did better than that. You gave me new ideas which are likely to be ever more beneficial.

Indeed, it would appear that it is not worth spending the extra time or money worrying incessantly about a pristine new bike. I am beginning to see that owning a pristine new bike is only worthwhile if it can be stored both indoors and under 24 hour supervision at both ends of one's journey.

Thank you for your help. I will continue to meditate on these matters.

But a cheap way- two sensible quality locks used at the same time. Not used this method myself but someone once told me that a thief would not take the trouble to break open 2 locks on a bike.

It's not two locks so much as two different types of locks.

You use a bolt cutter on a cable lock. You use a car jack to defeat a U-lock. If a bike is locked with one of each, you have to carry one of each with you.