SecretSatellite

i was just wondering what kind of locking schemes you all used. since my bike is my only transportation and i only have one, i get really paranoid. i use a kryptonite chain lock and a u-lock with those wire things-the ones that fit on the u-lock and can be wound around and thru stuff. its takes time to lock and unlock but i dont feel so queasy while at work. anybody use the krypto new york chain lock?

recursive

I have an Onguard Beast chain, but I don't use it at work. But then there are hundreds of bikes parked where I work. I just some kind of Onguard ULock around the front tire and chain. (I know about Sheldon's method, but physical constraints make it impractical in that location)

becnal

What is the number one, toughest bike lock?

KrisPistofferson

I use a Kryptonite U-lock with a wraparound "Kryptoflex" cable for my wheels. I have had just about every kind of lock cut before I stepped up to a U-lock, no complaints. I also keep the bike inside with me at home. My system seems to keep the wolves at bay within reason, but I wouldn't leave my bike locked up for several nights like many do.

geeklpc1985

I'm also car free, I use a lot of different locks. I have a Kryptoflex to hold the front wheel, and back wheel, bike frame, and rack to the tree (or whatever I'm locking to), then a bike club u-lock to the back wheel and the frame. Then a small cable thought the frame, seat, and rack. When I have my Burly trailer I have cable locked to, then I lock it to my rack and back wheel.

Good luck,

GEEK

Guest

kryponite chain and a u-lock.

Koffee

pedex

kryptonite 2000(the mini version)

alanbikehouston

1. Kryptonite New York 3000 U-lock (four pounds).

2. Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Chain lock (eight pounds).

becnal

Thanks folks. I'm gonna get me a NY3K.

becnal

What's this stuff about the "flat keys" being bad or something?

Raiyn

Ignore it. If they can get past the laser cut keys to pick your lock then they desreve a free bike. It's the round BiCable keyways that raise my hackels

12XU

At work, I use a Kryptonite NY Chain on the front wheel + frame and a Kryptonite tubular key U-Lock (read: easily picked) on the back wheel and frame. I already had the latter lock and haven't been bothered to send it back to the company. I figure the NY Chain is enough of a deterrant for would be bike thieves that the second lock is there just for looks.

patc

I use a Kryptonite U-lock (from the replacement program) through one wheel, the frame, and the bike rack. Then I add a strong cable and heavy padlock, with the cable through both wheels, the frame, and the bike rack. My bike is also insured through our homeowner's policy.

biodiesel

Mini U Lock rear wheel to post.
Cable lock to front wheel and frame.

If you're in an area that strips a lot of bikes get a 7' small diameter cable. Loop it through your handlebars, run it through the gap in your chainring, through the seat and to the mini.
Someone could still strip the bike but they'd either have to cut the cable or cut bothe the brake and shifting cables.

Course you could order like 5 matched key mini's and wrap the bike in 1/2 mile of cable, and some thief will just throw a chain to the post/ bike rack and yank the whole thing out of it's concrete...

funtai

Conventional wisdom from before the Bic pen exploit - a circular lock has to be picked multiple times to get it to open, so it takes longer to open a lock of the same quality without specialized tools. Now that "specialized tools" = a pen, circular locks are not so good.

Juha

Abus from Germany make some very beefy U-locks too. And there are several companies that manufacture strong padlocks to be used with a chain of your choice. Many of those will make virtually any chain the weakest link in your locking strategy. See Abloy, for example.

--J

[edit] Oh yes, as an answer to the original question: I use a medium security Abus U-lock (Sinus 46 or something like that) in combination with a small frame-installed rear wheel lock. My bike is usually more locked than 90% of its neighbours in the bike rack. That has been enough so far (knocks wood). [/edit]

womble

Kryptonite seems to be big in the US. However, for something a little closer to home and probably just as good* try the ABUS Granit X-Plus 54. The Granit Extreme 59 if you want to use one rated for motorcycle protection.

The better ABUS locks can be made with custom keys- i.e. if you get a D-lock and a cable lock, you can get them with identically matched keys to save yourself hassle.

I have an ABUS Manhattan d-lock and a Steel-O-Flex 1000. For my hometown of Sydney, using them in combination is massive overkill, so I only carry the d-lock.



* If not better. These guys never used the stupid barrel-key design that was a big Kryptonite design flaw.

Guest

The problem with ABUS is that you can't find it here in the USA! At least, not readily (for someone who may find it in their bike shop somewhere tucked in the corner). I'm not sure what the heck is going on, but ABUS is just not here. So whenever the internationals get online and advocate ABUS, it doesn't really do anything for us here in the States. You can't get it, so that's why we talk about the Kryptonite and On Guard locks. ABUS is not closer to home for us... it's farther.

If anyone knows of a place you can walk in and buy the locks here in the States, let me know. And no, I'm not willing to have it shipped, because the heaviness would probably cost me a ton in shipping (unless sent bulk or reduced rate somehow!).

Koffee

landstander

I ordered mine from LockItt... they offer free shipping, but only for orders over $100. I purchased 2 of the Granit X-Plus 54 U-locks with the 12" shackle, as some of our local bike racks (including the ones at work) won't easily accomodate the more common sizes.

My only complaint is that it doesn't come with any mounting hardware, although to be fair there's probably not enough freespace on my frame anyway... for now, I just bungee it to the rear rack. I'm thinking of trying a Topeak OS rack, however, which looks like it can handle this a bit more elegantly.

EDIT: You're absolutely right, tho... they certainly aren't easy to find in the USA!

powerhouse

My concerns about bike locks are in 2 different areas.

Indeed, some U-locks such as Kryptonite and others are really tough. However, I learned that even they can be picked with as much as a bic pen! Having these locks is better than not (I have one) but are there ones that can't be picked?

Also, as other members have pointed out, they tend to be heavy or cumbersome to carry. For example, taking up a lot of panier space, heavy in a backpack, and "one more thing" by strapping it to a rack.
Dependinig upon the area where you live, are carrying these locks more trouble than they're worth?

That's what I have to say. I welcome any replies.

bwinton

No. Anything man made, man can unmake, and the fact that there is a key for that lock implies that someone can pick it. (Please, someone, bring up the Medeco example to prove me wrong...)


It depends on the area in which you live. Seriously, I've never been to a place that didn't have at least one or two disenfranchised youth who would be willing to steal someone's unlocked bike for a joy ride. Hell, I've been that disenfranchised youth (although I never did steal a bike, mostly because I didn't see any unlocked ones). Maybe you live in one of those areas, and no-one disreputable ever passes through. But I'm guessing you don't, and so yeah, the lock is worth it.

Yoshi

I've met people who have claimed to have been able to pick Medeco locks. However none of them have ever claimed to have been able to do it in under an hour. The real question that should be asked is not whether a lock can be picked, but rather is it worth the effort?

Guest

Thanks. The ABUS Granit 59 HB U-lock... is that the maximum security lock and does it fit around the frame and wheel while locked to an ummoveable object?

Koffee

landstander

The Granit 59 appears to be the highest security U-lock which Abus has to offer, according to their website (you have to look under "Motorbike security" to find it). It's available in both a 260mm and 310mm length (approximately 10" and 12", respectively), but I'm not sure which version LockItt is selling... you might want to email pat@lockitt.com to check (they were pretty prompt when I inquired about the Granit 54).

In the larger version, I doubt you'd have any trouble fastening it through your frame/wheel to an appropriate object. My lock's approximately the same size, and I'm not having any trouble with that scenario.

alanbikehouston

The "Abus" lock has become somewhat of a "cult" item in the USA, because it is so difficult to find. Each April, the editors of "Cycling Plus" test bike locks. No Abus U-lock has done better in the tests than the Kryptonite New York 3000. But, some Abus locks have done worse. Even, MUCH worse.

Because the New York 3000 is in every good bike shop in America, it is not going to become a "cult" item. But, it remains the best bike lock sold in America that is readily portable (weighing only four pounds...compared with the eight pound locks that can provide equal security).