jlakser49

how many people here use this lock strategy: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

I live in brooklyn and ride in NYC all the time which is pretty bad as far as bike theft goes.

I have been locking my bike up like this using a Kryptonite Mini around the back tire. I don't lock the frame because according to Sheldon Brown and common sense you cant really steal the frame even if they try to remove the back tire.

I also lock the front tire to the frame krepto chain. I am considering using a good quality cable lock instead to save some weight while I ride.

any way just wanted to see how many people are using this lock strategy or how people are locking up there bikes.

also wanted to know if there are any disadvantages to using Sheldon Browns Strategy ?

jinws

I don't because it is not common sense to thiefs and crack heads.

I bet most of this forum knows that locking strategy, but it won't stop a crack head from trying and bending/breaking something.

jlakser49

haha i like to see a crack head try and ride my fixed gear anyway

jpdesjar

I would lock up both, I bought a krypto mini last week and it seems to make sense to lock the rear wheel along with the frame. I would hate for someone to come along yanking on the frame and damaging the rear wheel and then just leave it. Right?

jinws

you're missing the point. You already know they won't be riding/walking away with your bike. It's the condition they leave it in after attempting to steal it. I live in an downtown area where there are literally crack heads down the street(well, down the street and around the corner). And believe me, they will try to steal your sh1t.

spacehippo

why not just lock your mini through the rim and seat stays? same idea, more secure I suppose. Atleast its actually locked to the frame...

maddyfish

The only disadvantage of that lock strategy is that it might take a thief several good jerks, and yanks of your bike (bending, breaking things) to figure out that the wheel won't go through the frame.
Other than maybe needing to carry a larger lock, there is no disadvantage to locking the frame and wheel.

jlakser49

these are all good points.. it just seems like a lot of stuff to fill in a mini krepto and then to fit it around a parking meter or sign post seems like a lot.. are u guys using your krepto mini to just lock the wheel to the frame or to secure it to something.

also i am not sure what you mean by putting the mini though the frame and seat stays. can you clarify or show a picture maybe

joetotale

I rock the Krypto Mini through the front wheel and frame to a solid object method. That being said, I also try to bring my bike inside to a safe location whenever possible.

filtersweep

I know you can't prove a negative, but I always lock my bike this way, and have never had a problem. You are making assumptions. You don't BELIEVE it will stop a crack head.

jinws

well, I'm glad you've never had a problem, and you are correct that I am assuming that a crack head will try. But I love my bike too much to risk it.

GTPowers

I use a K. Mini up here in Chicago when Im going to short trips. I find that I can only fit the wheel and frame in the mini on Chicago square tubing bike racks. Otherwise...I carry around both the mini and a 8' K. Ulock.

I really dont care about disadvantages when carrying a larger Ulock, Id rather not have to worry about have parts/bike stolen.

GTPowers

Woops. DP

bionnaki

my locking strategy:

1: dont lock up unless necessary - avoid overnight lockups at all costs.
2: pitbull mini through front tire/down-tube/secure parking meter or solid bike rack.
3. also krypo mini through back tire/seat-tube/secure parking meter/ bike rack when in sketchy & high-theft areas.
4. ball-bearings & gorilla glue in my components' bolts to prevent component theft including seatpost clamp and saddle clamp as well as front brake and stem.
5. cover my brooks with bodega black bag even when it's not raining.
6. never lock to sign posts or fences or trees or scaffolding - only use parking meters and city bike racks.

soon to be looking into pitlocks for front & rear wheels (+ chain tensioner for rear wheel for adjustment with the pitlock & extra hurdle for would-be thief)

paulwwalters

I do rear wheel through triangle locking. Come crackheads, do your worst... I want rid of these 27" wheels anyway. (Gives parents an excuse to buy me some 700c's.)

bionnaki

well for those who earn their own money and would be personally affected, sheldon's locking strategy is prone to damaged wheels and frames. his method might be fine in safer areas, but in major cities or areas with crime, it would be foolish.

bornagainst

I use a Krypto Mini around my rear wheel for quick trips but I prefer my Fahgettaboudit around the rear wheel and seattube with the Mini around the downtube and front wheel. Never had a problem either way but I kinda like my bike so I prefer both locks even though the Fahgettaboudit is heavy as s**t! I've been thinking about replacing it with another Mini for just that reason. Minneapolis is no NYC but there are plenty of thieves around here. I would definitely recommend using two u-locks rather than one with a cable. Cables are not going to slow down anyone(especially crackheads). Even the best can easily be cut with nothing more than a pair of side cutters.

Ride Among Us

i put a cable lock around my front spokes to any object thats convienient.

idiq

Just so you know, if your bike IS stolen, Kryptonite only insures their 'NY Locks' in New York itself. The Evolution Mini's insurance (if you filed for it) would not be covered. Additionally, the insurance only applies if the lock itself is broken. So if you lock your rear-wheel only, and someone yanks the front, it's not covered.

paulwwalters

Plus don't they only insure against hand tools, not power tools?

the_don

I always lock up with one of these!



It's great, I can attach it to the belt loop in my jeans and forget it's there!!!

I always think its crazy seeing really light builds with really heavy locks, but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do!!! Some places are just not safe and you gotta deal with it.

Aeroplane

Sometimes a boltcutter too, but those things are a little heavier.

the_don

Yeah, I guess we are lucky in Tokyo,

lanOGiro

I always go through the back wheel and frame because to crackheads, it looks more secure, so they'll go onto the next bike. I swear half of the use of a lock is for you bike to appear locked.

dervish

i use the cable + the mini lock method and it has worked so far
but then again, there isnt really a whole lot of bike theft in marin county