Commuting - Locking Multiple Bikes Up

I was going to put this in the Family section and if the mods feel it is better there please feel free to move it but...

I have been going on rides regularly with my wife and kids. We like to stop sometimes and get a bike to eat. I have a long cable and a shackle lock I use to lock up my bike on my car's bike rack but it can be a burden to carry it with us if we go on a ride. What do you guys do to lock up 4 bikes if/when you go out with the fam?

I am considering getting a Kryptonite U-Lock for my ride for when I stop on my commutes but have nothing solid for locking everyone up and I don't see myself buying 4 Krypto locks for 3 bikes that are hardly ridden.

The only thing that comes to mind is if it's not a sit down dinner then stay with the bikes until the Family comes out with the food then find a great place to sit and enjoy.

Some clubs in my area stage a very long cable and locking cable at the destination before the ride; and pick it up later when out in the car and in the area anyway. Up to 24 road bikes can be leaned up against each other and locked.
For smaller groups a 6' coiling cable with loops at each end can lock up 6 road bikes. Thread the cable around the outermost bike's top tube and then through the cable loop (like a noose). Then the innermost bike gets the loop at the other end padlocked to the rest of the cable. Make sure the cable runs through something fairly secure, like a wrought iron fence or bike rack.
Put the cheapest bike in the most vulnerable position. And still keep an eye on your bikes. Ask for a table next to the window or sit on the patio.

I have to agree with nkfrench on this one- a single cable would be fine. I can tie my cable around two adult bicycles and the pole or whatever and still have room enough for both the end loops to meet the lock- I'm guessing it is a 6ft cable. If you have many bicycles, they are just as safe (or not safe?) if you simply make the cable into a loop around one bicycle threaded through the rest as nkfrench described. Would only take a minute but it would keep the bikes from walking away with the idle passers-by.

If you have quick-release seats you could consider semi-permanent tiny cables and mini-locks to keep seats locked up to their individual frames.

Sounds good. Cable it is!!! Interesting that I post this today. I get home and my wife says that bikes have been reported being stolen in the same general location we ride.

Sounds good. Cable it is!!! Interesting that I post this today. I get home and my wife says that bikes have been reported being stolen in the same general location we ride.

I'm sorry, but a cable is only proof against a thief that doesn't even have a pair of scissors. Cables suck, don't use them.

When I go out with friends, I am the designated lock-carrier. I carry one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Bicycle-Evolution-Series-3-Foot/dp/B001KQ5ZRG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342629320&sr=8-1&keywords=kryptonite+chain).

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IMO, there simply is no other solution to securely locking multiple bikes.

I'm sorry, but a cable is only proof against a thief that doesn't even have a pair of scissors. Cables suck, don't use them.

When I go out with friends, I am the designated lock-carrier. I carry one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Bicycle-Evolution-Series-3-Foot/dp/B001KQ5ZRG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342629320&sr=8-1&keywords=kryptonite+chain).

262206

IMO, there simply is no other solution to securely locking multiple bikes.

I have also been looking for a lock for my bike only as I am now going to start running some errands on the way home. You would prefer a chain over a U-Lock? I have been tossing between the U-Lock and a chain type like the one you posted. I have heard that U-Locks are more secure as they can't really be cut easily with bolt cutters where as a chain can. Plus the chain is a beast to lug 15 miles a day on a commute. I am not too keen on the idea that a U-Lock may not fit everything I may need to lock it to though. Pros and cons of everything I guess.

The cable I have been using for the multiple bike rides, usually 4 bikes and sometimes up to 6 or 8 is this cable: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25ecodZ5yc1v/R-100343091/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=locks+and+cables&storeId=10051 but the longer length. Something like 20' or so. Not the best but it is better than nothing.

The area I am locking the bike sup in is a busy area with lots of foot and bike traffic and will only be left for however long a meal takes at a sit down restaurant. Hour or so. Not always possible to sit next to the bikes either.

I'm sorry, but a cable is only proof against a thief that doesn't even have a pair of scissors. Cables suck, don't use them.

When I go out with friends, I am the designated lock-carrier. I carry one of these (http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Bicycle-Evolution-Series-3-Foot/dp/B001KQ5ZRG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342629320&sr=8-1&keywords=kryptonite+chain).

262206

IMO, there simply is no other solution to securely locking multiple bikes.
I'm sorry, but this is just wrong. There are *huge swaths* of the US where a cable lock is completely adequate, particularly for parking in the day time. Ever part of the country isn't crawling with thieves armed with bolt cutters looking to ride off with your hybrid.

You need to use a lock that is appropriate to your situation. There is a reason Kryptonite's NY lock is called the "NY" lock and not the "Witchita" lock.

You need to use a lock that is appropriate to your situation. There is a reason Kryptonite's NY lock is called the "NY" lock and not the "Witchita" lock.

I heard the Amarillo lock is impenetrable. I may get that one! lol

I have also been looking for a lock for my bike only as I am now going to start running some errands on the way home. You would prefer a chain over a U-Lock? I have been tossing between the U-Lock and a chain type like the one you posted. I have heard that U-Locks are more secure as they can't really be cut easily with bolt cutters where as a chain can. Plus the chain is a beast to lug 15 miles a day on a commute. I am not too keen on the idea that a U-Lock may not fit everything I may need to lock it to though. Pros and cons of everything I guess.

The cable I have been using for the multiple bike rides, usually 4 bikes and sometimes up to 6 or 8 is this cable: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25ecodZ5yc1v/R-100343091/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=locks+and+cables&storeId=10051 but the longer length. Something like 20' or so. Not the best but it is better than nothing.

The area I am locking the bike sup in is a busy area with lots of foot and bike traffic and will only be left for however long a meal takes at a sit down restaurant. Hour or so. Not always possible to sit next to the bikes either.

I prefer a chain for multiple people as it's secure and relatively easy to carry (over the shoulder). I prefer a U-lock for a single person as it's easier to carry on my 15 mile commute (mounting bracket or back pack).

A U-lock will fit all bike parking racks.

For 6 or 8 bikes, you can't get a chain that long that is still possible to carry, in which case an easily cut and insecure cable like you have is pretty much your only option. Just accept that at some point you and your family may be walking home.

And why don't all of your family members have locks of their own, anyway? How do they bike anywhere by themselves?

I have a coiling Kryptonite cable lock that I can easily strap to a rack or carry in a Camelbak. For just popping into a restaurant in a busy location I find it works just fine. It's possible but unlikely that a bike thief with bolt cutters will be lurking in these places. Depends on where you live, I suppose.

I prefer a chain for multiple people as it's secure and relatively easy to carry (over the shoulder). I prefer a U-lock for a single person as it's easier to carry on my 15 mile commute (mounting bracket or back pack).

A U-lock will fit all bike parking racks.

For 6 or 8 bikes, you can't get a chain that long that is still possible to carry, in which case an easily cut and insecure cable like you have is pretty much your only option. Just accept that at some point you and your family may be walking home.

And why don't all of your family members have locks of their own, anyway? How do they bike anywhere by themselves?

Aight. Sounds good. I'll just get me a nice u-lock for my errands and hope the cable works. The area is not bad so I'll just have to hope to be safe. The rest of the family does not have locks because 2 of them are small children and don't ride alone. If my wife goes somewhere alone she would take the small lock I currently have.


I have a coiling Kryptonite cable lock that I can easily strap to a rack or carry in a Camelbak. For just popping into a restaurant in a busy location I find it works just fine. It's possible but unlikely that a bike thief with bolt cutters will be lurking in these places. Depends on where you live, I suppose.

The areas I would be stopping in are fairly safe and busy so I should have no worries with the family locked up on the long cable then. I'll get me a U for my errands. Just easier to manage.