General Cycling Discussion - Bike Locking Combinations

Which combination would you prefer to have on your bike?


2 Kryptonite U-Locks + Pinhead System (full set: headcap, skewers, seatpost)
1 Kryptonite U-Lock + Kryptonite Cable Lock + Pinhead System (full set: headcap, skewers, seatpost)
2 Kryptonite U-Lock + Kryptonite Cable Lock


My worry is that skewers won't dissuade people from trying to steal my wheels. Also, I'd rather not fool with three locks, although it probably wouldn't hurt to try with how cheap cable locks are.

If it's an expensive bike you can't afford to lose, clearly I would go with the most secure option you can.

Also, if I go the 2 U-Lock route, what should be my second. I have a small Kryptronite Evolution already. Would you suggest getting a longer lock for more versatility, or just sucking it up and getting the NY?

Expensive is relative. It's very expensive to me, but, more importantly, I'd like it to be a more complete mode of transportation. I want to be able to travel far from home or relatively dangerous places (university campus) and not have to think about it every minute.

Well I went through this dilemma too and went 2 u locks though i am using a cheap seat cable for that but plan to replace it soonish. Are you set 100% on Kryptonite locks or ? Id go the 2+cable option but that really depends on your area going to be locking your bike up in. If theres a good number of bikes without seat posts, handlebars, forks, etc go for the full pinhead/pitlock I guess. Oh and while the theft protection on kryptonite seems nice if the thief isnt polite enough to leave the lock behind youre sol on getting the money from them also read this: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/780591-Mehods-beat-locking-skewers-publish-or-keep-secret

edit: Also if going 2 u lock or even one, I suggest removing front wheel and locking it up in the rear if youre not going to get a standard/long version of the lock. A real mini might not be long enough inside the shackle to fit inside the rim and around the frame so might want to measure that first.

Well I went through this dilemma too and went 2 u locks though i am using a cheap seat cable for that but plan to replace it soonish. Are you set 100% on Kryptonite locks or ? Id go the 2+cable option but that really depends on your area going to be locking your bike up in. If theres a good number of bikes without seat posts, handlebars, forks, etc go for the full pinhead/pitlock I guess. Oh and while the theft protection on kryptonite seems nice if the thief isnt polite enough to leave the lock behind youre sol on getting the money from them also read this: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/780591-Mehods-beat-locking-skewers-publish-or-keep-secret

edit: Also if going 2 u lock or even one, I suggest removing front wheel and locking it up in the rear if youre not going to get a standard/long version of the lock. A real mini might not be long enough inside the shackle to fit inside the rim and around the frame so might want to measure that first.

Are you suggesting 2 U-Locks? Your paragraph got a bit confusing. I'm not set on Kryptonites for the second, although I already have an Evolution.

Despite the way to crack Pitlocks and Pinheads, it seems to me that they'll be more confusing than a simple cable. Is this the general opinion?

Yes Im suggesting 2. And I was saying no matter which you go with 2 locks or just 1 if you dont get the long version or possibly standard size youll have to remove the front wheel and lock it with the rear and frame because it might be to short to reach from the inside of the front rim and the frame. Though if you go pinhead/pitlock or another brand of similar items then you probably wont need a cable. And are you talking full set including v brakes/disc? Well not sure if pinhead has those but pitlock does. And if you dont mind paying more then check out Abus.

No disc brakes. I'm on a nicely upgraded Cross Check. I'll probably go with Pinheads over Pitlocks. Pitlocks are not recommended for horizontal drop outs.

What product from Abus do you suggest?

Im currently using a Abus Granit X-Plus 54 LS which is expensive but a very strong u lock and a cheaper Abus Facilo 32. The Facilo 32 is just here until I decide to get another 54 or a Kryptonite NY standard possibly. I could have gotten 2 of the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit for the price of the 54 but they were too short for my needs. The Abus Granit Futura 64 Mini looks good too along with the strato 64 and granit 51 but these are my first Abus locks so I dont have much experience with them just reviews online and reading. Dont think Ill have the key problems that the ny's seem to have about the keys breaking. The key for the 54 is about twice as thick as my apartment key and the more middle range facilo is about the same thickness as my door key. They also have this funky(not in a bad way) folding locks but theyre a bit more expensive and didnt get as good reviews as the 54 or the fah. Onguard seems to make a good lock too and i was considering those too though they also have locks getting froze/keys breaking on their reviews too but that could have been more user error. But whichever brand you go I suggest a u lock that is double bolted that way if someone does try to steal it they have to cut through both sides instead of just one and turning it.

I got Abus granit, their best folding Link lock, pouch stores on water bottle-bosses,
and an OnGuard armored cable lock, i loop over the handlebar.
also have a cable, double loop, to extend the length of either .

another bike I have an AXA ring lock on the seatstays and the locking chain
they made to go with it.

between the 2 both wheels are secured, and the chain goes also around
a solid tall post or bike rack.
Abus is in that market too with a ringlock and chain to fit into their ringlock.

just allen bolt skewers.. but i am not in the Gotham city metropolis..

I would go with the 1 u-lock, loop cable, + locking skewers. The likelihood someone will try to snip a cable, then attempt to get through your locking skewers, just to get a wheel, is incredibly low. The Krypto Evo is an excellent lock & with your other methods of locking, should suffice. It's also much lighter.

This is why an LBS owner I know says all bikes weigh 30 pounds: you can lock a 29-pound bike with anything, but a 16-pound bike needs 14 pounds of hardware.

I could have gotten 2 of the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit for the price of the 54 but they were too short for my needs.

Kryptonite does make a bigger version of the Fahgettaboudit: http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1000&scid=1000&pid=1093 I used to have one. It was a little overkill for what I actually used it for, which is parking at a grocery store for 20 minutes on a random schedule, so I went with an Evolution Series 4 next time. Anyway, if you want such a beast, it does exist.

On the original topic, I'd lean towards the two U-locks and then a non-coiling cable. I'd use one U-lock that's long enough to get a parking meter, both seatstays and the rear wheel, then use the other one to lock the front wheel to the frame (a mini would probably work there). Lasoo the seat rails with the cable and put the free end over a U-lock shackle.

Thats a motorcycle lock but yes I was considering that but hard to find oddly.
edit: I had found one I think on amazon but cant find it now.

I would get a NY STD U-lock and a bikeregistry chain with the upgraded abus padlock. It is a good combo. If you live in cities like Chicago, NewYork, Boston ect... then you need extra good locks. There are professional bike thieves that have the tools to beat ya but it will it take a lot of effort.

I think it would all depend on the value of the bike and rate of theft where you live. I love my bikes, but the most protection I've ever used was one u-lock through the rear triangle, locking skewers, and a non-QR seatpost. then I would fill my stembolts with solder. Other people have used glue and ball bearings, silicon, wax, etc.

Lowtech can work really well sometimes and save a bundle

No disc brakes. I'm on a nicely upgraded Cross Check. I'll probably go with Pinheads over Pitlocks. Pitlocks are not recommended for horizontal drop outs.

What product from Abus do you suggest?
My wife has used Pitlocks on her Cross Check for years with no problems. FWIW Pitlocks are a much higher quality, and easier to use, locking skewer.

Also, just where are you locking up that you think you need such incredibly high security?

At most, two U-Locks.

1 Kryptonite U-Lock + Kryptonite Cable Lock + Pinhead System (full set: headcap, skewers, seatpost)


This is about when I run. Change "Pinhead" to "Pitlock" and make the U-lock a NY Standard and the cable lock a Hardwire series, (I think mine is the 2085).

For errands and the like, I use just the U-lock. When I have meetings at the downtown library, where they've even figured out how to break into the bike lockers, I make sure to have the Hardwire too. And I strip the accessories.