storckm

I've had two bikes stolen. One was from an unlocked but shut backyard shed in suburban MD, in the middle of winter. The second was from an open garage in Columbus, OH, which was, I think, probably the kids' fault (or at least it's convenient to blame them).

The second time was a fixie, which seems to have given the thief a little bit of a hard time. I found some of the stuff that had been on the bike at three different places along the thief's route: I found my pump and helmet just over the low retaining wall next to the parking lot where the thief must have dropped the bike and jump down (and I was quite glad to have them back). I found a few more things that had been in my saddlebag in the middle of the parking lot, and a few tools and my hat a quarter mile along one of the local bike trails. I have a vision of the thief lurching around and falling off at these points as he tried to figure out the bike.

I'm more careful now, but not enough, it seems. I had the tandem (with trailer) chained up downtown for about an hour yesterday, and someone grabbed my pump. Irritating, but at least it wasn't a wheel or the trailer. I didn't have a long enough chain for the rear wheel. I got one today from the hardware store, and I'll be sure to lock the wheels of the trailer together--they're quick release too. My chain isn't as secure as a chain designed for locking up a bike, I'm sure, but I hope it will be enough for the wheel. I may just get pitlock skewers, and certainly plan to replace the tandem's seat-post quick releases, although they are awfully handy. I definitely plan to take the pump inside after this, although I think I won't worry about the generator light. Has anyone ever had one of those stolen? Is it possible to be too cautious and lock too much?

I've brought my bike into stores before, either wheeling it around with me in the grocery store, or leaving it near the cashier at the hardware store. The credit union security guard wouldn't let me one time, though, so I went through the drive through. I usually do that with a bike now. It's sort of fun.

I'm thinking about going for zefal lock and roll skewers and seat-posts, so that I don't have to carry too long a chain with me. I'd combine them with either a mini U-lock for the rear wheel within the frame, or a stoutish chain and padlock. What do you think about that idea?

MarcusW

I have a set of Pinhead locks on my wheels, seat and headset. I often park my bike outside in NYC. I still have my wheels, saddle and headset ... your mileage may vary.

I like these, because it means that I can lock my bike frame up with just a big Kryptonite U-lock since everything else is locked up already - and I don't have to carry a chain.