Best Bike Locks
 

What are some of the better bike locks availible now.

I need to get a good lock for a decent price. there are so many to choose from and they all claim to be the best.

Check the archives of Bicycle Magazine. They hired a retired bike thief to use his tools and skills to defeat a number of locks. They list how many seconds it took him to break each one. Kryptonite's New York U-lock and New York Chain were not broken.

Tom

i used to use a Kryptonite Evolution 2000 u-lock (before my bike got too expensive to leave outside!) but i like how the 'New York' u-lock looks too. the chain looks invicible!

For quick parking where the bike is still visible (such as at my local Starbuck's), the best theft protection is my rear brake caliper. I adjust the brake so that it is properly adjusted with the adjuster knob in the upward position. When I need to leave the bike for a minute, I simply push the knob all the way down, making the bike completely unrideable.

Cool idea. Undoing the rear axle quick release can also be fun and effective, although a strong, impatient thief could damage your rear rim.

The Kryptonite NY series look invincible.

But i don't want to spend $70 on a lock for a $500 bike.

I need something midrange that does a heck of a job.

Actually i prefer a wire lock that isn't too heavy.:beer:

the best bike lock, is No lock, I have not used any bike lock on my bike, and I still have my bike,, my bike goes with me where ever I go... no lock,

Great idea, but sometimes that solution just can't cut it.

There are many stores, restaurants, etc. etc. in NY that do not permit bikes.

So unfortantely there will be occasions where a lock is needed

What is wrong with a heavy duty wire lock.

Kryptonite makes one under $20?

And why are bike theft so high? I do not get it, it seems like person that i know who is into bikes at least one time or another has had their bikes stolen.

It is horrible

Well to be fair, he does live here in Toronto and the number of bicycle thefts is rather ridiculous, even compared to NYC (and I believe he owns a rather expensive road bike). I've never had a bike stolen but I don't lock my expensive bike under any circumstances either.

My solution for commuting/errands is to use my beater bike (old MTB worth about $150) and to use two generic U-locks when doing so. The only problem I have ever had was about eight months ago when the seat post was reefed out of the frame even though the seat clamp was fastened with a nut and bolt (they were after the flashy seat). Now I use an old-style seatpost and an old (but comfortable) crappy-looking seat. I have since left this bike locked in the same place for 3 days straight without incident but I am prepared to lose it at any time.

Now, to answer your question I need to ask:

Where do you live (You implied NYC, is that correct)? Where do you intend on locking this bike? Will it be in the same place every day? For how long will it be locked at a time? Are the wheels and the seat clamp quick release? Is the headset threadless?

With a New York chain on your front wheel and frame and a New York U-Lock on your rear wheel and frame, you will have a nice solid combination. (And if you're down to your last key, go get a duplicate made. Pronto.)

The New York chain might seem unwiedly at first to carry around because of its weight, but it can actually be worn around one's waist quite nicely.

Rule of thumb - the cost of the locks on your bike should be 10% of the replacement value of the bike