Autobus

I want to get into commuting and need info on a good bike lock. Are those handcuffy looking ones good? Suggestions?

Cyclist0383

Try searching the forums. There are many threads which discuss the pro and cons of different locks.

In a word the handcuffs from Masterlock are rubbish. Try either a chain or U-lock from Kryptonite or OnGuard.

Mchaz

Well when deciding on a lock, you need to think about the crime rate in your area and the value of your bike. There's no need to carry around a 15lb chain for a beater bike in a town with little crime.

What Merton suggested will give you maximum security, but isn't always necessary. I feel pretty safe in my modest sized college town with an OnGuard Bulldog Mini around the back wheel/seat post, and a cable around the front wheel. That is on a vintage steel Trek road bike though, not the most inviting for theives. If I were locking something newer up, especially a mountain bike, I might get something more burly, or just not get into a situation where I have to lock it at all.

So picking a lock has a lot to do with the likelyhood of your particular bike being stolen in your particular area, and how determined you are from keeping the bike from getting stolen. If you really want, go ahead and use $200 of lock on a $50 garage sale beater bike. If you really like the bike, it may be worth it, I know I wouldn't want to deal with it though. More actual lock suggestions can be found in a search though.

*Edit*
Based on your title, Merton hit the nail on the head. That combo is the "Best Security" you can get, short of an armed guard.

catatonic

for a roadbike: Onguard Ultimate Mini. Break all the plastic off the crossmember, and wrap in electrical tape. That plastic does scratch frames, while the tape won't. I removed the yellow ends on this lock as well, since I found they dig into me when it's in a backpack (I use both bottle cage areas, so nowhere to mount it).

for a mountain bike: Onguard Ultimate. I have the Ultimate DoubleTeam, which has a heavy cable with loops on both ends. I use this cable with either U-lock in high tehft areas to secure my front wheel and bottle cages. Again, break the plastic off the lock...I left the yellow ends on the regular Ultimate.

They aren't NYlock security, but they are excellent security dollar for dollar.

jimmuter

Just as important as what you use to lock your bike is how you lock it. Sheldon Brown has good information on this topic here:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

HopOnPop

I like the BruteMini-
https://www.bikewhenever.com/u_lock.html

jz19

I like my Onguard Beast chain https://www.onguardlocks.com/beastchain.html
It is heavy which means that it is not a lock that you want to carry with you on your rides but that works great if you leave it locked somewhere waiting for you. I prefer a chain over a U-lock because chains are more adaptable to locking to different rack designs or posts. U-locks don't work well with the rack that I have at work.

Mchaz

Better yet, get a Bulldog Mini TC: https://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30...ils&sku=LK5033. No plastic to break off. Cycling Plus magazine gave the Bulldog Mini a high rating because of its resistance to prying attacks. Power tools will get through it pretty quick, and that's why they say if the thieves in your area will be using power tools, get the Krypto NY 3000 lock. It is hardened so it is more difficult to cut through.

unkchunk

I use three different locks. For long term (over one hour) I use a cable and a U lock. I've read that each can simply be overcome with a tool, but each requires a different tool to break and a thief won't likey have both.

Third is a simple thin combination cable for short term (less than ten minutes). It's soley to prevent a "grab and dash" crime of opportunity. For short stops (getting a soda at a convenience store or a to go order at a restaraunt) I have a tendency not to want to deal with the hassle of setting up two locks. I keep it permanetly wrapped around my frame so it is easy to attach to anything handy (chicken wire fence or newspaper stand). It's not to prevent a pro thief with tools and a lot of time to scout. It's just to stop someone from a quick ride away theft. From reading posts, that is a real vunerability, because you think you are only away for a few minutes and not worth the heavy stuff. The trick is the lock has to be really simple and accessable or you won't lock it. The problem with handcuffs here, is that they don't have a long enough reach to attach to most heavy anchors. Again it's only to prevent the grab and dash. In one minute riding, the thief on your bike will be completely out of sight. For short stops, you have to be careful too.

rmwun54

I use a 6'6" chain from the hardware store with a padlock. It will fit the front and back tire and around whatever. The chain size is one that will fit into a 700x28c inner tube for keeping the rust out and prevent scratching of the bike. Yeah it's 3 1/2 lbs. but it's my peace of mind.

Az B

I really, really like Abus. I use a Steel O Flex 1000 for my bicycle and motorcycle. It's not as heavy duty as the chain Merton suggests, but it's pretty theftproof. It features a 1" stranded cable inside hardened boron alloy links that spin. It's way too big for bolt cutters, and the links just spin with a hacksaw. And you can forget about picking the lock, I used to be a locksmith and I can't even pick the lock with the special tool designed to pick it. (The tool costs more than your bike and Abus locks are not very common in the US, so no bike thief will have the tool)

You can also get some little Uclamps that attach to your frame to make it easier to carry the lock. It weighs about 10lbs.

Az

catatonic

The Ultimate looks to be nearly the same thing, except it lacks the ligthed key, and the shackle is square in shape. Oh, and the annoying plastic on the crossmember.

I just figured it out...the Ultimate is probably discontinued. Would explain why I had a hard time finding the mini. I liked that lock far better than the Kryptoloks I used before.

rat_factory

i've been using the OnGuard Mastiff for a couple years with no problems. it has a Beast chain, but it has a massive combo lock permanently attatched to the chain -- weighs less and has fewer parts.

Mchaz

That's the thing, the "TC" model doesn't have the annoying plastic. Just a rubber sheath. The Ultimate is discontinued, so that's why I put in a plug for the Bulldog.

balto charlie

The minis are good but not in all situations. If you ride with fenders or a mnt bike they might not fit. They are a little tough to use due to their small size. You have to have the right situation...right size post, no fenders, small mnt bike tires etc. I use one but not for all of my bikes.

Walkafire

I always carry a Kryptonite Cable lock... But for Planned Trips around town.. I use a Kryptonite NYC U-lock and a Krypto Cable lock thru the wheels...


https://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

Jessica

Line of sight or a bike locker!!!!!

I use a cable and padlock from the hardware store, but I park inside at work, and would pay for a locker if that were a realistic choice. out of sight, out of mind.

gokiburi

i've got an onguard mini with plastic and mounting bits removed (rear wheel locked to seat tube), and a krypto-molly chain (main triangle and front wheel). if a thief wants your bike, he/she'll get it. mixing up locks/ not leaving it out too long/locking it with less secure bikes will increase the chances of the thief moving on to an easier target. i've had 2 bikes stolen. buy and use the best lock, it's not something to skimp on if you commute.

bellweatherman

I like to use a cable lock with a combination. That way I don't have to carry around an extra key and with the flexy cable I can keep my front/rear wheel attached to the bike and secure the frame + wheels attached all with the cable. Can't beat that! What's not to love?!

jrubzer

I wonder if the E-18H Mul-T Lock fit over ABUS Super Magnum chain 4.5' chain I just ordered. I don't want to spring for a padlock that is too narrow...