squiggy42790

This forum was a great help in choosing my bike, 2010 Jamis Beatnik, so I figured it would be just as helpful in finding an efficient bike lock. I live in a college town so a good lock is a neccessity. I've been using a cheap, OnGuard cable combo lock from Wal-Mart the past few days but don't feel too comfortable leaving my bike out while I'm in class with just that cable lock securing it. I bring the bike up to my room while I'm at my apartment so I really don't need anything too big or expensive, just economical and efficient. I am a college student so please keep in mind that I am on a VERY limited budget. Thanks in advance for all your help!

Also, if you have any suggestions on bike lights that would be awesome!

THANKS!

yummygooey

The orange or yellow Kryptonite u-locks are pretty good. You can find them for about $50-60 a pop on Amazon. I personally use an OnGuard u-lock with a cable that I think I got for $20-30. I've been fine so far locking it up at class so far, but I'm still saving my pennies for a nicer Kryptonite U.

As for lights, I know the Knog Boomer got good reviews from a forum member. The Planet Bike Superflash also seems pretty popular.

____asdfghjkl

get a ulock.

what lights do you have now...if you have any

yummygooey

Also, just wondering, what campus are you on?

Squirrelli

Nashbar is having a sale on lights, haven't checked it out myself but it should be good.

Also, Krypto Faghettabutit? chain lock is an extremely good lock if you are willing to carry 5lbs worth of metal with you.

yummygooey

Nashbar also has 20% any one item right now.

I think the Krypto chain locks are closer to 10lbs. My girlfriend has a NY LS (yellow u-lock) and I'd say it's at least 10 lbs as well, but it's big enough to lock two bikes in some situations.

Squirrelli

I actually have the Bike Planet rip off version of the Krypto chain, which is ~6lbs, I have no idea how much the real thing weights.

hairnet

Adroitly

Kyrptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini if you want a peace of mind

squiggy42790

Now, I have no lights.
My ride starts at 7am which is before sunrise so I would like to avoid getting a ticket.

Please keep in mind that my budget is low.

squiggy42790

Yeah I've noticed that u-locks are what all the other bikes on campus are secured with so that's the way I think I'm gonna go.
Should I go with a Kryptonite just to prevent from having to upgrade later or is the quality between the locks not that different?

I am at the University of Florida. GO GATORS!!!

Crappymonkey

Maybe one of these? They're $40 in stores here and I think just under $50 on Amazon.

Squirrelli

That's the same one that I have, bought at MEC.

____asdfghjkl

what is a 'tight' budget for you?
I like the blackburn mars 3.0, planetbike superflash.
I hear good things about blackburn flea but I dont have any experience with them.
I have a dinotte - expensive but you get what you pay for.

squeegeesunny 

I have a cheapo kryptonite keeper, but I live in a town where you basically don't even have to lock up your bikes.... so, I am good for now.

lights.. for front, i use a mini led flashlight that i got from Dave and Busters, held up by a rubber band.

Squirrelli

Portland Design Works Radbot is also a damn good light.

https://www.amazon.com/Portland-Desig.../dp/B0030BS30K

macnab

This lock if you're going to carry it with you

https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Evo...dp/B000AMPRG0/

____asdfghjkl

do you have one?

Squirrelli

Yea, I bought one a month ago and it is still going strong...very very very bright. I also like how the button is on the surface instead of the back, easier to press and they 2 triple-A.

I am not sure if Superflash is bright than the Radbot 1000, I like the Radbot so far.

kyselad

OnGuard mini is affordable and I like mine, especially its portability. Frankly, apart from the older models that turned out to be easy to defeat, most U-locks are going to offer similar protection -- i.e. it's a heck of a lot more work to get your bike than the cable-locked or unlocked bike next to it.

I just picked up a Blackburn Flea. It's super-awesome for visibility and even offers a reasonable amount of illumination for its size.

WickedOne513

I like this one Its heavy though

Cyclist0106

How low will your budget be if your $600 bike gets stolen?

I was thinking the same budget thing as I searched for bike locks, until I thought of the above statement. I leave a Krypto Chain locked to the bike-rack in front of my school, and I carry an OnGuard U-Lock w/ me. This is for weekdays. On weekends when I go elsewhere w/ my bike, I determine how long I will lock my bike and either take my Krypto from the rack in front of school or I just manage with the U-lock.

NYC is different than Florida... but even so, I must admit I feel pretty safe when leaving my bike w/ two different heavy-duty locks + a cable on it.

Leukybear 

This^ & an accessory cable.

WickedOne513

whats a good cable that you guys use for your seats?

squiggy42790

The limited budget thing was for any lights that anybody would suggest. I understand and don't mind spending some money on a lock because this ultimately will keep the bike mine. I just don't want to spend too much money on lights because those could possibly get stolen and I really just need them to be seen in the mornings.