Advocacy & Safety - My bike was stolen!

Darn it!! It happened. I lock my bike to a tree in the woods with a brown tarp over it. I didn't think people other than my coworkers even knew it was there. Somebody cut my (sh*itty) kryptonite cable lock. I knew that the lock wasn't the greatest but didn't really worry about it since I thought that it was in such a safe, hidden spot. I guess I was wrong. The good thing about this fiasco is I'm getting a new bike!!


Now the question is, what type of lock should I buy??


Gabe

p.s. Any and all sympathy would be much appreciated.

p.p.s. My bike was a 2003 Trek 4300 with the Hemisphere tires, brand new toe clips, a new chain, a nice rear rack, and my lovely/geeky old-school bell!

sorry for the loss, but at least kryptonite's warranty (I'm assuming) will cover the cost of a new bike. is it not possible to bring the bike inside your place of work?

I don't think their theft warranty covers cable locks. Nor does it cover being locked to something that can be sawed down, like a tree or fence.

I don't think their theft warranty covers cable locks. Nor does it cover being locked to something that can be sawed down, like a tree or fence

When I saw what Larue wrote I got all excited, but I think that Slvoid is right. But I am gonna check just in case.

Gabe

ew that sucks, I automatically assumed since you were excited about getting a new bike it meant that kryptonite was paying for it. sorry about that.

Confirmation from Kryptonite:

Q: Do cable locks have an anti-theft protection offer?

A: Kryptonite does not offer an anti-theft protection plan for our cable locks. Although cables are the popular choice of some cyclists, they offer deterrent protection only. For best protection of your bike Kryptonite recommends using a U-lock and cables when securing your bike.

Sorry for your loss. But hey look on the bright side, new bike! :)
The specialized sirrus is pretty sweet.

Sorry to hear that gqsmoothie.

Obviously you want a better lock than a cheap cable lock! If the crooks got your bike once, you know they'll be looking for your brand new one too.

Hiding a bike, especially in some woods, is an example of 'security by obscurity'. Unfortunately, someone probably saw you wheel your bike in there and watched where you put it. The thief was able to use those same woods to hide his own actions. How well do you trust your coworkers? It is possible that the thief was tipped off.

Confirmation from Kryptonite:

Q: Do cable locks have an anti-theft protection offer?

A: Kryptonite does not offer an anti-theft protection plan for our cable locks. Although cables are the popular choice of some cyclists, they offer deterrent protection only. For best protection of your bike Kryptonite recommends using a U-lock and cables when securing your bike.

Sorry for your loss. But hey look on the bright side, new bike! :)
The specialized sirrus is pretty sweet.There was a mention in a earlier thread about a U lock being opened with a car jack, by the way im using a magnum cable lock which threads arrond both wheels and frame to solid object.

There's also a thread about u locks being opened by bic's.

the kryptonite new york noose is nearly impossible to get thru, and it is bic pen proof. locking in the woods, one could use a blowtorch and noisy powertools and not get caught... remember, if people can't see where you put it, they can't see it getting stolen, either. i feel you pain, that's why i carry a lock that weighs as much as two bricks.

the best lock i've seen is one of those massive chain locks w/ the fabric over it that weigh about 30lbs.they are also used for motorcycles.that would be your best bet.cable locks and u-locks are easy to get through....chain locks are nearly impossible.

the kryptonite new york noose is nearly impossible to get thru, and it is bic pen proof. locking in the woods, one could use a blowtorch and noisy powertools and not get caught... remember, if people can't see where you put it, they can't see it getting stolen, either. i feel you pain, that's why i carry a lock that weighs as much as two bricks.Not if you have the version with the EV Disc lock. It isn't BiC proof

Stealing a bike is almost as low as stealing someone's pet.

Sorry this happened to you. The good news is that you will recover from this.

:D

Darn it!! It happened. I lock my bike to a tree in the woods with a brown tarp over it. I didn't think people other than my coworkers even knew it was there. Somebody cut my (sh*itty) kryptonite cable lock. I knew that the lock wasn't the greatest but didn't really worry about it since I thought that it was in such a safe, hidden spot. I guess I was wrong. The good thing about this fiasco is I'm getting a new bike!!


I think part of the problem was that you put a tarp over it making it look like an "expensive" bike. While I think it was a good idea to hide the bike, the tarp was like a red flag for the crooks. I would never lock my bike on a bike rack. Too many kids steal the bikes from the rack or damage the components while trying.

I would NOT buy a new bike to replace the stolen cycle. In your case, it's better to get a used beater from Ebay, have an LBS give it a tuneup, buy new tires and wrap black tape all over. I think you can buy the Kryptonite chain by itself but use an American lock. Under no circumstances are you to buy that CV joke lock.