Trike security/alarms

[MarTay6]

As new owner(s) of trikes, we are concerned about the security of them if we want to stop at the beach while out, etc. Our current program consists of not letting them out of our sight when we stop.
I came across an ad for a bike alarm (http://www.bikealarm.com)- and am wondering if a setup like this would be of benefit to the security of our trikes? What do others here do to secure their trikes?
Thanks for any thoughts-
Wes

[aenlaasu]

I'll be interested in seeing the answers myself. I've stopped and looked at the alarm locks myself when in the bike section of certain stores.

For now, I only leave the trike for short moments in low population areas with a good cable lock. Sometimes, the dog stays with it as I run into little country groceries for supplies. He's also good for keeping foxes away from our food when we camp.

[Notso_fastLane]

I'd also look into some of the small motorcycle alarms, there are a mix of strategies for those that might serve well on a trike. In particular, one with a motion sensor that will send a page to a remote if it gets triggered.

[WPeabody]

I've been wondering about that as well. I've been using a simple cable lock for when I run into the store, and I am not away more then 5 min. But I am not comfortable leaving it anywhere for long. I have a heavy duty U-lock and cable for when I lock it up at home in my garage, but I've been doing a bit of online research for alarm locks.
I don't know the reliability of the companies personally or the quality of the product but here are some links for you to do some spelunking:

http://www.alarmlocks.com/

http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/safety.htm

http://www.thehomesecuritysuperstore...593-GAW-p=2594

http://www.bikebone.com/page/BBSC/PROD/BC/TAL2548 (this one looks heavy)

[Notso_fastLane]

I will tell you what most of the security experts recommend: If you have an expensive (or at least expensive looking) bike, then a cable/physical lock will only deter the casual snatch and grab type thief. Dedicated bike thieves, and the same applies to motorcycles, can snatch a bike in less than a minute, and be off with it. So you're better off focusing on an alarm/pager that has a locator if you really want to protect your goods.

[WPeabody]

I noticed on the motorcycle security site there were disk brake locks. Wondering if that would be a deterrent, and how easy would it be for a thief to remove it? It would be difficult for a thief to sell the bike as is, without resorting to dismantling the wheel, and replacing the disk, first.
Was also curious how common is it for recumbents to be stolen? Since they are unusual, it would attract a lot more attention to the rider, given the thief even knew how to ride it away.

[Notso_fastLane]

I think those types of locks are not so great for a bicycle. The more dedicated bike thieves aren't riding bikes away, they are throwing them in the back of a van/pickup and driving away. Those are the ones that shoot for more expensive/high end bikes.

[WPeabody]

I don't think there is much anyone can do about dedicated bike thieves, but the act of stealing a trike is going to attract more attention since they are not as common as bicycles. Personally speaking my trike is on the bike registry site, serial numbers recorded on frame and major parts, and I have homeowner's insurance... I use heavy duty u-lock and cable for locking up in my own garage, and a combination cable lock for when I run into the store. If I'm in an iffy part of town, I will bring my u-lock and lock the frame to the bike rack, in addition to the cable lock. Can't think of what else to do with that setup. The front wheels don't come off easily, the back wheel is quick release so it is generally locked in with the u-lock and frame. A bit different than a bicycle, and not as many options for locking...