johngwheeler

I've started riding with a couple of groups that generally stop off mid-way for a coffee or for bathroom breaks.

On one ride, we stopped for coffee and the group left their bikes in the street, propped up against walls & benches, and headed inside to sit down.

I felt pretty uncomfortable about leaving my new Roubaix unattended in an urban area, and to be honest, I'd feel uncomfortable about leaving out of sight for more than a few seconds pretty much anywhere, unless I was in the middle of nowhere. So I stayed with the bikes and drank my coffee in the street. Maybe the rest of the group thought I was being paranoid, but it would super easy for an opportunist thief to take a bike and they have a fast get-away machine that vastly reduces the chances of catching them.

I was thinking that I should really carry a lock with me for such occasions. It doesn't have to be anything substantial or able to withstand a bolt cutter or saw, but just enough to deter the opportunist thief without tools.

What do you do, and what sort of locks have you found suitable? Obviously, I'm looking for the minimum weight and bulk and at least something that it going to provide enough security for a 5 minute bathroom break.

gregf83 

I do what all your friends do and don't think about my bike. Depends where you ride but we don't stop in sketchy areas.

caloso

Lean your bike up next to a nicer bike.

Doctor Morbius

If your friends are willing to allow their bikes be stolen that's their problem.

ModeratedUser17082018

I carry a thin, light braided cable and small lock. It won't stop a thief, but it will slow 'em down or force them to choose an unlocked bike over mine. The cable and lock roll up very small and are easy to tuck into a bag. Anything is better than nothing.

jch3n

Ottolock: https://ottodesignworks.com/shop/ottolock

atwl77

I often ride solo so, yes, I bring a lock.

johngwheeler

Is this a steel cable with eyelets on each end? What length do you find works for you?

johngwheeler

Looks nice, but is quite expensive!

seau grateau

Put your bike at the bottom of the pile.

rivers

We don't leave the bikes unattended. One person will always stay with the bikes, while everyone else heads inside to order food/drink. The person guarding the bikes tells someone what they want, or just heads inside when the first person comes out (depending on the size of the group).

johngwheeler

This makes sense to me, and is what I would suggest to any group. Maybe the people I'm with are just very trusting souls! I live in Sydney, Australia and in general crime is very low - people often leave their cell phones on a table while they order a drink from the bar and think nothing of it, and I guess this mindset applies elsewhere.

But it would be so easy to steal a bike and ride it away in a couple of seconds, that it could easily tempt an opportunist thief, and I just don't want to take the chance with my "pride and joy".

I'll take a lightweight lock on future rides, just for peace of mind. Even if it's not that secure, it will still be easier for potential thieves to just steal someone else's bike :-)

indyfabz

No.

f4rrest

I bring a 2ft X 1/8 inch cheap cable with a tiny keyed brass master lock (slightly larger than a luggage lock).

It coils up flat into a sock and fits in jersey pocket. The whole thing weighs 100 grams or so.

WhyFi

No. If I'm alone, I'm only stopping someplace where I can keep an eye on the bike or where I feel comfortable leaving it alone for 30 seconds. If I'm with others, I put it next to a nicer looking bike.

If you're concerned about someone hopping on and quickly getting away, do little things to make that harder: put it in the tallest or shortest gear before you get off, use a velcro strap to wrap a brake lever in the closed position, etc - if you're going to keep an eye on it, and you should, you just need an extra 30 seconds.

Reynolds 

No. I ride in low crime rural areas and keep my bike on sight at all times except if I need to use the toilet. On rare occasions I may take the front wheel with me.

rumrunn6

ksryder

Less expensive than a new bike lol but yeah everyone has to make their own cost/benefit analysis.

I just bought one & it is surprisingly light, I barely notice it in my jersey pocket. I wouldn't use it to leave locked up overnight, & the manufacturer even says it's for short duration use, but I live in a reasonably low crime area & it gives me peace of mind to deter crimes of opportunity if I want to stop for a cup of coffee or lunch or whatever.

mstateglfr 

You wouldnt do well on RAGBRAI.

All seriousness-
- lean your bike against the wall first and have someone put their bike over yours.
- get an extremely thin and small cable thats big enought to wrap from the seat tube thru the rear wheel. Like a saddle leash that people use who are afraid their saddle will be jacked. https://www.rei.com/product/832897/o...UaAptEEALw_wcB


good luck with the idea of feeling more comfortable.

BradH

I have a small bike lock made by Giant. It easily fits in a jersey pocket, weighs maybe 100 grams and it cost $15.

jfh

I keep a tiny retractable cable lock in my saddle bag. It's cheap and easily defeated so I only use for short stops into a store or quick errands, but it's always there as a short-term deterrent.

It's advertised as a ski lock, but I've never used it for skiing. The places I go people have no problem just leaving the skis outside the lodge for lunch or whatever. I've anecdotally heard it can be an issue at some resorts though.

jch3n

Another option if the Ottolock is too $$: Secure Zip Tie Z LOK: Reusable Armoured Zip Tie from Hiplok

gl98115

I carry a cheap cable combination lock that fits in my back pocket. 4 oz and $10.

deapee

I don't. But I'd have no problem bringing my bike into sheets with me to pee. I would not leave it outside unattended anywhere.

johngwheeler

Oh boy! I'm surprised that two guys could lift a heavy bike like that so easily. How much would it weigh?