Zero_Enigma

Ok just read some really sad stories in this thread with the poll on the bikes/parts getting stolen. So it brings to start a thread for poeple that use thie bikes day to day and also light travelling for day to day use how to not get thier bike/stuff stolen while on the move. This is not the 'quick errands' thread of locking up quickly for a bag/bottle of milk at the convience store or some 5-10min stop over.

This thread is for people that need to be away for extended periods of time but not on vaction leaving the bike alone for days but more hours at a time. The topics I would like to cover are:

1. Light/heavy touring/travelling on the bike for a weekend or extended period of time.

2. Going to a mall to see a movie for hours

3. In school for ~3-4 hours at a time.

4. Sight seeing/events (possible repeat of #1)

5. All of the above factoring in long distance 30+ km may/may-not be in a transit friendly area to get transit if your bike is stolen, possible rural area, etc


Now I know a good Ulock can only do so much and location helps but how can you keep your wheels there for a long time? Like I'm thinking of takening classes again and the campus bike theiving thing is what's worrying me as the extended time of the bike left for about 3-4 hours at a time. Also I am planning on checking out some movies later on (last one I remember was Waynes World, yes I'm dating myself >_< and also light weekend touring where I will be stopping for hours locking upt hte bike to see things. I'd estimating probably 2-3hr bike exposure outside locked up for movies/classes/events/etc at a time but if travelling I'm thinking of using hostels and I'm not sure of thier bike policy and I suspect you have to lock the bike outside overnight and I will be riding a good bike then for all my extended distance rides and it worries me having the bike exposed locked up outside for ~10-15hrs overnight. Also say I'm not at a hostel but camping it outside in the woods/campsite it still worries me as well.

I would like to know how to secure my bike for extended periods (not days) while outside. I am thinking of using 2 x Ulocks, accessory cable, and a cable lock. I'm trying to balance the weight out because the locks are fixed weight where as other provisions and gear (food/clothing/tools/kit/etc) I can mix and match a bit to save some weight to a degree while I'm out at class/movies/travelling/etc.

While I know no lock is undefeatible and it only buys you extra time that has been my major limiting factor while riding and have not enjoyed the other things of life while worrying about the bike. I mainly ride and lock for short 5-10mins at a time but that is all local whereI can return at home and store the bike safely but when you're outside (in the 'field' as I like to call it) in the field I'm not sure how to secure and lock up the bike and I am not rich to have to afford the top of the line locks or pay extra fees to take the bike somewhere (if a place charges extra fees for bike storage) or hotels/hostels not allowing bikes inside or schools.

Thanks for hearing me out and sorry for the long post. I wanted to try and get out what I had on my chest for a long time in hopes others can help me out and so I can go out and enjoy more.


Thanks you kindly in advance.

fender1

How about using quick release pedals in addition to the locks to make less attractive to thief's? They sell them at velo orange.

EnigManiac

I recommend never having a bike with quick-rlease anything. Unless you're a racer or other type of competitor, quick release is just a pain in the a...err...neck. But, any bike being locked up for an extended period of time should have at least three locks, each one different: chain, cable and U-lock. Secure the wheels to the frame and a secure apparatus and then use the other lock(s) to secure the frame to the appatus as well. If you can find one of those alarm cables, use one of those too. You want to make the bike as unappealing to steal as possible. There are usually lots of others a thief can turn his (or her) attention to that are much easier targets. Park the bike where it is visible to the public and, hopefully, in a high-traffic, well-lighted area. If you know somebody nearby, have them keep an eye on it. Remove anything that can be easily taken off, even with simple tools. And then hope for the best. Any thief who really wants your bike, will get it, especially late at night when there are few people around and especially if they have power tools. Remember, professional thieves usually want the parts, not the bike itself and slicing through a frame is relatively easy. All your efforts are really doing is thwarting the casual or opportunistic thief.

dr.raleigh

Put empty shotgun shells on your cable lock.

K6-III

Get a raleigh 3 speed. Thieves don't get how good they are.

relyt

Use a cable lock and a U-lock, and replace your quick release skewers with a different type. If someone still manages to steal your bike, when it is that secure, chances are that they would have gotten it no matter what security measures you took. Anyone who carries the tools to break both a U-lock and a cable lock is a serious bike thief, and the fact is that if someone like that wants your bike, they will get it.

So use the two types of locks and rest secure in the knowledge that you have done the best that you could have.

Double U-locks is a bad idea, if they can break one they can break another.

Discourage thefts of opportunity by always removing the lights and anything else on the bike (tools, panniers etc.) and taking them with you.

oneredstar

I think there are a few key point to securely locking up a bike. FOr me the first thing I do is lock mine up to a bike that is not locked up as good as mine is. This will eliminate most of the thieves. They want something easy to steal, so they will take the other bike and not mine. I then lock the rear wheel and seat tube of frame to something solid. For this I use a heavy chain lock (Warden Chain, by Bike Guard). If I have a quick release on the front I will use another lock for this, usually a heavy cable, again only to deter theft.

If your bike is really valuable and a professional thief really wants it there is no way to stop them, I think the real key is to eliminate crime of opportunity.

MichaelW

A U-lock + cable lock will double the effort and bike thieves like an easy steal.
You have to watch out for mindless vandalism as well as thievery. I often lock to bike pedestrian barriers with my bike resting against the road side, not the sidewalk. As long as the bike doesnt overhang the road it will be safe from passing traffic and protected from drunk yobs.
Usually it is better to leave the bike in plain view but there are occasions , esp late on a Friday or Sat night when I hide the bike in a few nooks and crannies I know.

Zero_Enigma

When you're riding 500-600km I for one am NOT riding a 3 speeder. For local short range sure ok but long range no.

I am leaning more on the travel side of things right now.

Zero_Enigma

I'm keeping my QR wheels and seat as when I'm travelling I can quickly fix a flat and such without having to take the nuts off and worry about losing the nuts in the day/dark. Also when locking up I will be taking the front wheel off and locking it witthe rear wheel like I normally do.

kmac27

I live in an area that is somewhat mild. The place I lock my bike up to is at a community center but there also a lot of homeless and poor people in my area. I am guessing that may make my bike more inclined to get stolen. I have had lights taken before so now I detach everything that is easy to take. lights, comp and other stuff. I use a cable lock, locking up the bikes back wheel, front wheel and frame to the pole I lock it up to. Then I use a chain lock, the bulldog one forgot one it was but it has a double locking mechanism on the key insertion. The chain is thick as hell and if something breaks that I'm sure someone will hear it for sure. I would like to get a u lock too in the future then I doubt any thief would try taking on this unless they had some serious equipment. All in all someone has tried to take my bike and after getting that second lock thiefs just left it alone, its been about 3 months now and no problems.

kmac27

woops P.S. My bike is locked up till 10 at night and 8 hours from saterday morning till late afternoon.

kmac27

If your traveling why not take it up to your appeartment room?

energyandair

My wife works at U Vic.

After her last bike was stolen, we bought the heaviest chain lock we could find at the time. Heavy Chain

Its a lot heavier than we would want to carry but she parks in the same undercover location all the time and just leaves the lock there.

It looks a lot tougher than the locks on the other bikes there. I assume that it makes her bike safe from a casual thief and relatively unappealing to a pro. So far so good.

David

Cindy Joffrion

Can anyone recommend the best bike lock?

makeinu

Get a nice folder and take it with you.

Dahon.Steve

1. Light/heavy touring --- I would travel with a very light U-lock or cable. You do not want to travel with a heavy industrial chain when touring.

2. Going to mall to see a movie ---- Avoid the bike racks. Only the kids use that rack and they will destroy your bike or attempt to steal it. Hide the bike far away from the rack or in back of the mall. The only time my bike was attacked at the mall was when I used the bike rack. Use a U-lock and hid it far from walking traffic.

3. In school --- Avoid the bike racks. The teens know how to steal bikes and you would be smart to get a $100.00 beater and $150.00 dollars in locks. A better idea would be to park in the farthest parking lot spot and lock the bike behind some bushes to conceal it.

4. Sight seeing/events --- Find a place to park the bike from foot traffic. Use a U-lock and get a beater. I just purchased a 65$ dollar ten speed from the 80's (Schwinn World Sport) for this purpose. I love that heavy bike because no one wants to steal them since "Mountain bikes" are the preferred cycle.

5. long distance 30+ km may/may-not be in a transit friendly area to get transit if your bike is stolen, possible rural area, etc ---

If you're traveling to a distance that far, make sure you use a quality lock like the Kryptonite Evolution. I know people say that hiding your bike makes it a prime target for theft. I found that leaving your bike exposed in front of eveyone does just that. I also found that people who do discover your hiding place do not steal bikes. Those that do steal bikes are more likely to use bike racks. Go figure.

dwood

I can understand 'why' those with experience recommend getting a 'beater bike' to park here and there to help avoid it being stolen.

What bothers me is that I don't want to ride a beater. I've got a couple of nice bikes and I want to ride 'them'.

The whole thing with someone stealing a bike just pisses me off.

DON

kmac27

Yup me too. An industrial chain isn't that bad to carry around really. I ride with about 40 lbs in my pack, you just get use to it. I just label it as power training and also lower back workout. I would like to see someone take my bike without me noticing it. I lock it up with an industrial chain and cable lock. I find this to be the best combo a u lock would work good with it best and those 3 locks would deter anyone from my area. What would it really take to break my lock? I know it would have to make a hell of a lot of noise. its the chain lock from bulldog or whatever it is its 13mm heat treated metal.

JusticeZero

Get a U-lock and ALWAYS use it. Lock around the back tire through the frame to something solid, and try to lock up next to bikes that are fancier and not as well locked.