vsopking

How can I lock my road bike safely: like to lock frame ánd wheels - I use a U-lock but it's too heavy - would a steel cable do?

erig007

Unless you live where there is no theft and your bike is not worth the hassle for any thief then nope.

Dave Horne

My approach is to have a permanently mounted ring lock that always gets used and a second lock, in my case an Abus U lock, that gets used when the situation calls for it.

All locks have weight. If someone is determined to have your bike, they'll cut through any lock you can buy.

vsopking

Well I am going on holiday; and will take the bike along to ride in other areas than I used to.
To have an occasional drink or when riding and nature's calling, it may prove handy to bring in some lock.
I agree with you that when someone really wants the bike he will be able to steal it -
I was thinking about a longer steel cable thats still is a hassle to cut through.

chaadster

If managing weight, portability, security and convenience is an issue for you, you should take a look at TiGr locks.

They have a couple of widths in a trio of lengths, but the standard length offers the ability to capture both wheels in situ, which I like. Whether you go 075 or 125 width depends on your security needs, but you do sacrifice some flexibility and ease of use with the wider one, which is StichtingArt 2 Star rated.

I have a couple that have really improved my cycling life; I don't fret over how to carry a lock anymore, always have one, like the looks, light weight and silence, and can lock up as I like to a decent variety of lock points, though large diameter posts don't work.

I highly recommend TiGr. It's not for all lockup scenarios, but if you have right mix and weight of needs, it's unbeatable.

vsopking

Great, appreciate your suggestion.

fietsbob

Also Heavy, but easier to carry is the Abus Bordo , a folding link lock ..
I also like Abus and Axa chain and lock combinations. they have a nylon sleeve over them to not mark your paint.

TiGr being Titanium is light , but softer than steel , and bolt cutters have no problem slicing through it so quite 'beatable', defeat-able

I wouldn't let the bike out of your sight, but grab and run theft, If attached to something solid, may be resisted .

chaadster

Just to be clear, Abus' top Bordo, the Granit X 6500 or something like that, shares the same security rating as the TiGr 125, meaning it's equally resistant to attacks, and more secure than some Bordo models.

vsopking

I just bought a chain lock; that fits in my spare bottle. Should be OK for the matter.

Retro Grouch 

Anything that can be made by one man can be cut by another man who has the right tool. Bicycle lock selection is a matter of matching cost, weight and cumbersomeness with the perceived degree of risk. Even the cheesiest light cable lock is about 90% effective because it requires the thief to bring some kind of tool with him. As you progress from 90% effective to 99% effective you engage in a high tech game of one-up-man-ship with the thief which you will ALWAYS eventually lose. There is no 100% effective locking system.

LGHT

Agreed, I recall watching a video made in Brittan posted some time ago showing how every known lock could be had in a matter of minutes. Steel cables melted like butter with a pocket torch. U locks failed after being twisted to death. Even a combo of 2 locks failed by 1 guy in less than 3 minutes with tools you could carry in your pockets. The only suggestion they video had was to lock it in an area that gets high traffic where a brazen theif will be less likely to try and steal it.

Porschefan

That's what it boils down to, for sure.

I recently decided to start riding my bike to the YMCA for workouts and started researching locks and came to the identical conclusion. I also called my homeowner's insurance agent and asked him about what kind of coverage I had in case my bike were stolen. I don't know whether I have an exceptionally good policy (Farmers) or what, but according to him I am 100% covered for full replacement if my bike is stolen--anywhere, anytime under any circumstances. That was very reassuring, so I'm going with a minimal cable/padlock system since the risk at the Y is very low to start with.

Update: I spoke with the manager at the Y and they are going to let me bring my bike inside the building too--as long as it's not muddy/wet. All good.

STP

chaadster

@Porschefan 928? I roll an '88 and a Murf Stage III supersharked '90!

Porschefan

Hi Chaadster,

Yep--that's an '88 S4 (chassis) with an '87 "oil squirter" engine from Devek after original owner blew up his. Long story--detailed on the 928 forum at Rennlist. Your '90 with the Murf Stage III must be a true beast! My family is from SE Michigan....small world.

STP

chaadster

Ah, Rennlist...I need to get back over there, it has been years. I used to be quite active, but just started running out of time and money to indulge the cars; one hasn't been out of storage in three years, and neither came out last year. I definitely need to sell one...to get a Colnago!