Commuting - What type(s) of lock(s) do you use for your bike?

This is a multiple-answer poll, so you can check more than one.

I use a cheap cable and a small (mini) size u-lock that is also relatively heavy. I think u-locks are more likely to be described according to their shackle size than their weight, so you may change that up a bit to get better results.

Thanks for taking the poll. TurbineBlade, thanks for the reply. I think weight better characterizes the U locks, because heavy ones are usually stronger and more secure. Your mini heavy lock is probably a very strong one, just like the Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboutit Mini U lock. OTOH some big U locks are very light and may not be very reliable. The purpose of the poll is to see the reliability/security of the locks people use. :)

I use a ring lock and a medium-ish (8mm thick) chain.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4955607664_b30ebd0210_z.jpg

On my Aurora, I have pitlock skewers and saddle bolt. I just use my Kryptonite U-Lock alone. My sputnik doesn't have locking skewers, plus my saddle's more expensive on that bike, so I use the U-Lock, plus a cable for the front wheel and saddle.

I have a Kryptonite ML18 (a long-shackle variant of a Faghedaboudit), about 5.6 pounds, and a Kryptonite Series 2 budget model, probably about 3 pounds. Recently I picked up an Evolution Series 4 for a pretty secure lock that's not much heavier than the Series 2, at 3.3 pounds. I usually leash the front wheel with a medium cable when parking short-term.

U lock, heavy chain w/lock, medium cable w/lock. I would like to get a ring lock or frame lock as well.

I use an Onguard Bulldog Mini and a cable lock. I listed both as being 'light' versions.

I use this through the rear wheel and frame:

http://www.magnum.ws/Magnum/Products/ULocks/3000.gif (http://www.magnum.ws/Magnum/3000.htm)

And this through both wheels and frame:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IUhuWDxZL.jpg (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/2030.html)

Secured with this:

http://ecom1.planetbike.com/planetbike/media/2028.jpg (http://ecom1.planetbike.com/2028.html)

The u-lock weighs almost 5 lbs but fits on my rack perfectly. The chain, however, I leave locked to the bike rack (that bad boy weighs close to 10 lbs).

I use a ring lock and a medium-ish (8mm thick) chain.

Ring lock is very convenient but can only lock the bike to itself, not to a rack. Is it available in the U.S.?

irclean, you must have a very good bike :)

The u-lock weighs almost 5 lbs but fits on my rack perfectly. The chain, however, I leave locked to the bike rack (that bad boy weighs close to 10 lbs).

Can I presume that you park at an un-crowded location? Or do you just move the chain to another spot if someone 'parks' in your spot? I see cables locked to racks at my Metro station, and have wondered how that works for folks...

Can I presume that you park at an un-crowded location? Or do you just move the chain to another spot if someone 'parks' in your spot? I see cables locked to racks at my Metro station, and have wondered how that works for folks...
I just move the chain and bike to another spot. There are plenty of u-locks hanging on the rack on any given day, so I know I'm not the only one.

Kryptonite and Onguard seem to be the two major bike lock makers. They each has its rating system of the security levels of their products. It will be interesting to know the correspondence between the two rating systems, e.g. a level "9" in Kryptonite is equivalent to 4 or 5 stars in Onguard?

I think the best way for them to advertise or compete is to invite each other to pick/break the rival's locks--and publish the result for us :D

I still don't think using cables makes much sense, since everyone says it's a matter of seconds to cut it. Everyone also says that although cables are not good for locking your bike, it's good for locking the front wheel, or the seat...

So I wonder, how many or few cases have there been in which thieves cut the cable just to steal a wheel or a seat? Do they really think it's not worth cutting if it's not the whole bike?

Ring lock is very convenient but can only lock the bike to itself, not to a rack. Is it available in the U.S.?
That's what the chain is for.

The ring lock has an attachment for the chain.

Its convenient and especially useful when throwing it on the front of a bus.

I forget where I ordered mine from, but yes, they can be found in the US.

I live by the philosophy that everything I need should be on my bike. That way I don't have to worry about forgetting something. I leave the chain wrapped around my rack and the key stays in the lock when not in use.

I use a kryptonite mini along with a kryptonite 4' cable. For quick lockups (running into subway or gas station for example) I just use the mini. Longer lock ups I use both.

I'm with Mike Ring lock and lockup chain, integrated pair, AXA rather than Abus, But Clever Cycles in Portland sells both brands , now.

I gave my 25 year old Kryptonite long shackle lock to my son (it still works fine) and got one of these for my commuter: http://www.abus.de/us/main.asp?ScreenLang=us&sid=70956057317394407092010642152091&select=0104b11&artikel=4003318335679

I really like it.

I use extra thick cable from Home Depot, the kind contractors use to lock their equipment at the jobsite. Although, I hardly ever leave my bike alone for extended periods of time. Plus I have a motion alarm and everything is bolted, no quick releases at all.

Krypto cable here. Bear in mind that my bike spends most of its time (when not moving!) in my garage or parked in a rack at work that is not visible from the street, near a uniformed guard and lots of foot traffic.

Other times, say visits to the store, I'll ask to bring it in if conditions are sketchy, but usually not a problem. Few people go to the food coop to lift a bike.

What's a ring lock?

I use a o-lock (frame lock) and an auxiliary cable to run to my front tire. I then use a u-lock(kryptonite keeper) to secure the frame, and front wheel if possible, to a post. Sometimes I even run a second thick cable with another lock through everything again if I plan on being gone for over an hour. Even in the high crime areas of the city I feel safe that my bicycle will still be there when I return. Now I just need to start locking my saddle.

Two heavy chains, medium U-Lock (old), light cable. Hardly use them though since I park my bike that needs to get passed three locked doors. I park the bike in another area now, and that needs a card-swipe to get in, and then get back out again. I suppose I should start using at least one chain.