Commuting - light & indestructible? (bike locks)

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camelbak
08-08-04, 08:34 PM
Any recommendations for a good bike lock? I'm currently using a Specialized Big Rapper Lock, but it's pretty heavy and bit bulky for longer commutes. I initially got it to be able to wrap around both my wheels (w/o removing them) as well as the bike. But I bought a 2nd bike with cheaper, non-race wheels, and don't care as much anymore.

Of course the ideal would be light and strong, but that description can practically be used to describe anything piece of cycle equipment.

What's everyone using now? So I'm speaking to you bike theives out there... any locks that given you a lot of trouble?

Thx!


Guest
08-08-04, 08:55 PM
Why not go for those Kryptonite locking skewers so you can lock your wheels, then get a small u lock? I believe Kryptonite has a small one called the "Evolution" lock (I have it, but can't remember the name). Someone told me that the small locks are difficult for people to break, so with the wheels locked, and the small lock around the frame, you should be able to protect your bike.

I have the Kryptonite New York Chain, plus the Evolution lock and for the days when I feel paranoid, I have a third lock by Kryptonite- just a common u lock, nothing special.

Koffee

slvoid
08-08-04, 10:14 PM
Light & Indestructible doesn't currently exist, unfortunately. Unless you want to epoxy the bike to the ground...


supcom
08-09-04, 07:15 AM
Leave the heavy lock at work locked to wherever you park the bike. Carry a lightweight lock for short stops in between, if neccessary.

latortilla
08-09-04, 12:11 PM
Question for your NYC commuters out there (and anyone else commuting in big, bad cities):

How secure do you think Sheldon Brown's suggestion of 1 cable lock through front wheel, frame, and stationary object + 1 U-lock through rear wheel and rear triangle is in the City?

camelbak
08-09-04, 10:35 PM
Yeah, actually i'm doing that now. And will probably end up getting one of the lighter U-locks for portability. I think I'm going to break down and get a rack and panniers. Sacrificing speed for practicality.




Leave the heavy lock at work locked to wherever you park the bike. Carry a lightweight lock for short stops in between, if neccessary.

camelbak
08-09-04, 10:37 PM
Anyone ridden with one of Kryptonite's NY chain's around the shoulder? Is that comfortable? I'm thinking that could distribute some of the weight, rather than packing it my bag and having the full weight (along with other crap) tugging only at the shoulder strap.

Raiyn
08-09-04, 11:30 PM
Question for your NYC commuters out there (and anyone else commuting in big, bad cities):

How secure do you think Sheldon Brown's suggestion of 1 cable lock through front wheel, frame, and stationary object + 1 U-lock through rear wheel and rear triangle is in the City?
Makes sense as most crooks will have tools for one but not the other.

Sloth
08-10-04, 04:03 AM
Question for your NYC commuters out there (and anyone else commuting in big, bad cities):

How secure do you think Sheldon Brown's suggestion of 1 cable lock through front wheel, frame, and stationary object + 1 U-lock through rear wheel and rear triangle is in the City?

I think it's quite secure (and I keep a bike locked at Porter Square in Cambridge, MA, a high theft area.)

slvoid
08-10-04, 06:16 AM
Question for your NYC commuters out there (and anyone else commuting in big, bad cities):

How secure do you think Sheldon Brown's suggestion of 1 cable lock through front wheel, frame, and stationary object + 1 U-lock through rear wheel and rear triangle is in the City?

I think that's actually the standard locking procedure for most people. Seems to work pretty well. Usually, the more visually massive the lock, the more secure it is. Materials be damned, once someone actually starts working on your bike, it's all over. Chances are they'll have the tools to break through most things. So visually deterring the thief is probably you first and last line of defense.

slvoid
08-10-04, 06:17 AM
Anyone ridden with one of Kryptonite's NY chain's around the shoulder? Is that comfortable? I'm thinking that could distribute some of the weight, rather than packing it my bag and having the full weight (along with other crap) tugging only at the shoulder strap.

Try wrapping it around the top tube. I don't really care about the paint on my specialized hardrock (ride it, don't baby it). Otherwise, it's fairly comfortable. All of the chains except for the smallest and the largest (the 11 pound fahgaddaboudit) can have the end link lock to any link inbetween, not just end to end, so you can wear it tight like a belt around your waist. Otherwise, shoulder works but waist seems a lot more comfortable.

kurremkarm
08-10-04, 09:11 AM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3691846771&category=22689&sspagename=rvi:1:1

I just bought this one, not sure if you can see the auction or not. I figure 30 bucks shipped, $1250 warranty, 2 lbs, and no keys.

He's got 2 more for sale.

If u cant see the auction do a search for kryptolok.

LittleBigMan
08-10-04, 10:40 AM
If you could bring your bike inside, that would be best.

tacomee
08-10-04, 11:01 PM
You can get a chunk of chain and cheap brass core padlock (better for leaving outside) for around 10 bucks. Leave it were you park your bike all the time. Double lock it with a good U lock.

U locks need to be jacked or filed (this takes tools and time) and chain needs to be cut with bolt cutters (different tools and more time). No one will steal your bike locked like this. They may, however, trash your bike becuase they can't steal it.

Nothing is perfect I guess.

latortilla
08-12-04, 09:29 AM
I think that's actually the standard locking procedure for most people. Seems to work pretty well. Usually, the more visually massive the lock, the more secure it is. Materials be damned, once someone actually starts working on your bike, it's all over. Chances are they'll have the tools to break through most things. So visually deterring the thief is probably you first and last line of defense.

I remember seeing your rig on one of these threads and noticing your fugeddaboutit (sp?) lock from Kryptonite. That'll definitely help maximize that visual deterrence. However, I just can't imagine having to ride with that millstone wrapped around my waist in addition to the crap that's weighing down the bag on my back. Isn't it a pain in the ass (or more likely lower back)?