General Cycling Discussion - Bike lock help

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View Full Version : Bike lock help


BeachCruising22
08-29-11, 04:38 PM
I recently got Mini Cable Lock from WordLock and was wondering if this thing is secure. Do you think it would be easy to break off? Is it secure?

-48 inches long x 0.25 inches thick (1219mm x 6mm)

I don't live in a big city or anything, so I am not that worried but I would like something that won't just snap off.

http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/zach277/cable_miniCables.jpg

LINK! (http://wordlock.com/bike_locks/)


Mithrandir
08-29-11, 06:53 PM
Don't know anything about that one specifically, but I should note that all cable locks are susceptible to bolt cutters, so I carry a U-lock (which are susceptible to angle grinders, but those are more rare so... choose your level of comfort I guess)

UberGeek
08-29-11, 07:12 PM
Those cables look like they're about 1/8". They are easily defeated with a pair of diagonal cutters. Even many 1/4" cables can be easily cut with a quality pair of diagonals or tin snips. In about 5 seconds.

They could work for a low-risk area, or as a secondary (ie, locking front wheel to frame, with u-lock securing frame to rack).

---EDIT---

Saw the cable dimensions. Would not use it it lock up overnight, or for more than an hour or so in a public place (Assuming low-risk area); or as a secondary lock.

More or less, to keep "Honest people honest".


Paranoid.Guy
08-30-11, 04:45 AM
Combination locks are generally less secure than key locks. A thief could figure out the combo, plus that when you remove the lock you must be sure that nobody can see the combination. Furthermore an unprotected cable can be easily defeated with bolt cutters. The conclusion: simple cable combination locks are the least secure bike locks. The best way to secure a bicycle is to use a flat-key U-lock. Or, if you want something portable, you can use an armoured(steel-jacketed) cable, like I do. Armoured cables are not typically susceptible to bolt cutters.

Top Gunner
08-31-11, 11:38 PM
It is a weak lock. You may be in an area where cable locks, though ALL can be easily cut, are enough to prevent your bike from being stolen, but this is still a weak lock, even by cable standards.

SlimRider
09-01-11, 11:32 AM
Since you don't live in a large city, you're most probably alright.

If you lived in NYC, Detriot, Chicago, Miami, or Oakland you should've just saved your lock money to go towards another bike. It's a really crappy lock!

A thick chain and a Master Key Lock would serve you much better anywhere...

PS.

Bike thieves hate ugly seats! If you have an ordinary bike with just ok components, they'll look over your bike if it has a really missed up seat, or no seat at all!

himespau
09-01-11, 11:35 AM
I'd say it's fine to lock your wheels to your frame while you use a U-lock to lock your frame to something secure. Might not prevent all thieves, but a thief that sees you have two different locks might move on to a different bike that just has one (or none).

Peter_leo
09-01-11, 09:33 PM
A combination of a good U-Bolt lock with a cable lock laced through the front & rear wheels.

All bikes deserve a good lock.

BeachCruising22
09-02-11, 03:45 PM
Thanks guys!! I think I will pickup a U-lock tomorrow and use them both.

Paranoid.Guy
09-05-11, 12:47 PM
Thanks guys!! I think I will pickup a U-lock tomorrow and use them both.
Yep, that's the best choice ;-).
But make sure the new U-lock is not vulnerable to picking. Many tubular pin tumbler locks (https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Tubular_pin_tumbler_lock) can be opened with the barrel of a cheap pen, so make sure to avoid these models.

fietsbob
09-05-11, 12:53 PM
yea lock the rear wheel thru the rear triangle to a tall pole, or bikerack,
and the cable lock around the front wheel , to the frame or the U lock to keep 2 wheels on it,
for brief daytime stops.