Best bike lock?
 

What's the BEST type of bike lock (that is most resistant to cutting)? Is it a hardened steel shackle? A Kevlar cable? Are there any that are nearly impossible to cut? Thanks.

Do a forum and internet search. This info is easily available and the details get complex. But basically: a good chain (hardened hex links) or U Lock is best. But that "good" takes some defining. So do the search and read the threads.

Look into the Kryptonite and Master Lock brands. Kryptonite makes a hardened steel chain with a bombproof looking padlock for about $75.00. However, considering that car thieves defeat car locks and alarms, be aware that any lock, given enough time, cutters, freon -or whatever theives use -can be defeated.

Cables are weak, so avoid using them as a primary lock. Since you're asking if there's locks that are nearly impossible to cut, you might want to mull over this info I compiled: http://www.mechbgon.com/lock/index.html One of the strategies shown there, besides using a really good primary lock and securing the bike to something really, really strong, is to double-lock to a second strong object using a second decent lock.

Depending on how much money you want to throw at the problem, you could go all the way to a Kryptonite M-18WL U-lock plus a Kryptonite New York chain/lock. An oxy-acetylene torch will still make short work of them, or what they're attached to, so never say never. If theft is a severe problem, consider getting a cheap "beater" bike and uglifying it with duct tape and spray paint, or get permission to park the bike indoors in a secure location.

Sometimes you can solve 2 problems at once.

Most places today, at least in the US, have dog leash laws. So leash your pit bull to your bicycle.

I'm currently using one of these beasties:

OnGuard LS (long shackle) Brute 5000

It's a great lock if you don't mind its weight of a couple of kg.

And I agree with the other guys... don't even contemplate getting a cable lock. I chomped through one (of my own!) with two bites from a mini bolt-cutter in around 5 seconds. I guess like a lot of stuff, you gets what you pays for with bike locks. I'd see 10—15% of the bike's cost as reasonable for a lock.

Cheers.

All locks can be defeated given sufficient time, as the others have stated. Grant Peterson of Rivendell Bicycle Works claims to have done significant research and that the Abus lock is the hardest to defeat quickly.

There was test done by one of the bike mags over here a few years ago and this is true. Only thing is the amount you spend generaly denotes whether it is a 2 second lock or 5 minutes.

But I have the best lock going- it is either my hand or my butt. As long as one of those is on it- it will not be going walkies.

Nah, None of this sissy stuff. Get ya a Pitbull to stand guard over your bike.

Cordless tools with the right cutting blade/wheel will now cut through any U-Lock.

This is true, but your best bet currently is to carry 2 u-locks (one to lock your front wheel to your frame, and another to lock your rear wheel / frame to a parking meter / rack /etc.), or to carry a U-lock to secure your rear wheel and frame and a cable that attaches to the U-lock to secure your front wheel.

Cables are easy to cut, but it's usually not worth a criminal's time to cut a cable for a front wheel (unless the bike is left outside overnight).

Just make sure to lock your bike to something immoveable, and to lock up your wheels (and seat if you've got a Brooks or anything with a quick release seatpost).

A cable lock (no matter how thick) as a primary lock is basically a signal that you're tired of owning your bike and that it's time for it to go to a new owner.

Whatever lock you get, you need to make sure your bike is locked "properly."

This page has 3 links to information about properly locking a bike.

I use a beater bike around town and lock it with a U lock and a cable lock at places where it is observed by humans.

Ray

Smack 'im around a bit: :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IayYsG0xP5A

There's also the saying that "every bike weighs 40 pounds." If the bike is a big, heavy, old beast, not many people would want it, so a small chain or cable would suffice. If it's a 15-lb racing bike, it's a lot more attractive, so you'd need 25 lbs of locks to keep it safe. ;)

Since locks aren't 100% secure, think of them as deterrents. Get something that appears to be a big enough pain in the ass to cut or remove, lock up to something similarly beefy (if there's no rack, use a tree or lamp post, not a No Parking sign), and that's about all you can do.

I once lost the key to a motorcycle cable lock. I borrowed a tool that cut through the cable like it was butter.

http://www.lockitt.com/chain5.htm

I just bought the Beast #5017, its about 9-10lbs, for $55 on sale down from $100. It fits PERFECTLY around my waist, as a belt. I've only used it a few times when I'm leaving the bike out for a long time, or out bar hopping. I'm sure it confuses people as it locks up my FG bike most of the time, which was free to me. Well I bought the flip flop wheel.

I like to know my transportation is going to be there when I get back, no matter its cost.

Other then that, a quality U-lock works great. I use one for quick runs to the store or other errands.