BikerBilly

Hey guys,

I am looking for a secondary lock to chain my bike up with. I already have some pitlock locking skewers and an Onguard Brute 5001 U-Lock, and I'm thinking of adding just a little something else on for safety curb appeal.

I am looking to spend no more than 30 or so dollars, and I've found two different products that caught my eye - The Onguard Mastiff 5022D Chain Lock, and the Pinhead Bubble U-Lock. I already have one U-lock that's been well reviewed and received a silver rating on Sold Secure's website, but I noticed that the Bubble U-Lock is rated Gold on the same site, and is currently on a $70 sale on another website.

I did my review searching and found the Chain is well liked, except for the actual lock that locks the chain; The Bubble Lock I couldn't find a single review for, apart from the Sold Secure rating.

So I turn to you, fellow commuters and bike junkies. Which of the two would you pick, knowing you've already got a beefy U-Lock and locking skewers?

newkie

The general idea for 2 locks is they should be different types in the hope that the thief only has 1 set of tools specific to 1 type of lock.

rekmeyata

Newkie is correct. So instead of the two you listed get the thickest armored cable lock you can find, On Guard makes a really nice one. Sure cable is easy to get through, but like Newkie said, it will require the criminal to bring two different set of tools to the party, they won't do that, they'll just move on to an easier target.

If your bike is extremely nice, and your worried about it getting stolen, the best thing to do is to buy a junker or a Walmart special and ride it and lock it up then use the good bike when you don't need to lock it up somewhere. Because in the end, any bike can be stolen regardless of the lock or locks used.

BikerBilly

Thank you both for your quick reply.

I've looked into the Rottweiler series Onguard has. Though it's a little more than my intended 30 dollar price range, I think I'll invest in their thickest 30mm cable. Sounds beastly and visually intimidating (which is just what I wanted).

My bike isn't that expensive, but I'll worry about any bike getting stolen (I'm that type of person). That's why I want to look really annoying for a thief - big cable lock, brute U-Lock, etc. The harder it looks, the less likely it is to happen.

The only question I have left is that it was my impression that chain and U-Lock are considered different types of lock. Is this not the case?

rekmeyata

A U lock is made of the hardened steel, the same as the chain links, thus the same tool is used. Keep in mind no lock is theft proof, and lock can be defeated. But if the bike you have is inexpensive, and you have it locked up with two different type of locks, the thief will move on to an easier and more expensive target.

MilitantPotato

Bolt cutters get through cable locks very easily, U locks easily too, but thicker ones take more oomph. Cable locks should only be used to keep cheap stuff attached, like your $50 wheel or saddle.
I believe securing your seat with an old chain, and removing the front wheel and locking it with one very good U-lock (which also takes up extra space) to your frame and a thick piece of steel is the best route.

If you want to use two locks, get a regular U lock for the bike, and a mini for the front wheel.
But get a U lock with the thickest U section ya can afford that's made of hardened steel.

rekmeyata

A battery powered angle grinder will cut through both too. A good lock picker can get through both locks without carrying any obvious tools that would make him stand out as being a thief. The point is to try to frustrate a thief.

Speaking of locking up stuff this is the proper way to lock up a bike with a U-Bolt: https://www.missinglink.org/page/how-lock-bike If the U bolt is not long enough do that then simply take the front wheel with you. Also lock the cable around the same way as the U lock is. Make sure whatever you lock the bike too that it can't be cut, or pulled out of the ground, or the bike lifted over.

Personally if the bike is worth $100 or so I wouldn't even invest in another lock, just use what you have and lock it the way the web site shows and call it a day.