General Cycling Discussion - Suggestions for locking it up?

So, my bike is pretty new and I still get nervous locking it up and leaving it in public. I use a thick cable (3/8 inch?) locked with your regular hardened steel combination padlock. Does anyone have any suggestions on types/brands of locks to use? Do I have much to worry about using my current set up?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Add a good U-lock. Cables are cut in less than 1 sec by any cheap bolt cutter.

:)ensen.

Sure, here's my page with the usual suggestions: http://www.mechbgon.com/lock

To cut to the chase: cables are weak. Padlocks are weak.

As a starting point, consider a Kryptonite Series 4 U-lock (http://aebike.com/product/kryptonite-series-4-evolution-u-lock-4x9-sku-lk4212-qc30.htm) to lock the frame & rear wheel to something super-strong (parking meter) or inherently lethal (big electrical conduits or natural-gas mains). Use your cable & padlock to lock your front wheel to your frame, and go around a second secure object with the cable if possible.

If you leave the bike on a predictable timetable, leave it for hours at a time, or it's something fancy, then skip the Series 4 lock and go to the New York lock as your primary lock.

Do I have much to worry about using my current set up?

I think the degree of worry depends on your environment. Colleges, for example, tend to be high bike theft environments.

The first lock that you put on your bike, no matter how cheesy, is about 90% effective because it forces the thief to bring some kind of tool with him. There are lots of cable locks sold and many people find them adequate for their environment.

To go from 90% to 100% effective you engage in a high tech game of one-up-man-ship with the thief that you will ultimately lose. Anything can be cut, it's just a question of having the right tool.

Try to park your bike next to a nicer bike that has a less secure locking system.

I think the degree of worry depends on your environment. Colleges, for example, tend to be high bike theft environments.

The first lock that you put on your bike, no matter how cheesy, is about 90% effective because it forces the thief to bring some kind of tool with him. There are lots of cable locks sold and many people find them adequate for their environment.

To go from 90% to 100% effective you engage in a high tech game of one-up-man-ship with the thief that you will ultimately lose. Anything can be cut, it's just a question of having the right tool.

Try to park your bike next to a nicer bike that has a less secure locking system.

If you have a cable lock and your bike has nice components, parking next to a "nicer" bike does not help. I once had an uglified Bridgestone that I parked in front of a mall with a bunch of other bikes. Never mind the pretty Marin next to it. The thief saw my roadie parts and cut the cable on my bike instead.

:)ensen.

The only reason to not go with a top-level lock like one of Kryptonite's New York series is the cost, IMO. If you're willing to forego one night of boozing to afford one, do it. It's not going to be any heavier in practical terms (what's a few ounces when they weigh pounds already?), and you'll still have it to use later on any other bike you get.