Originally Posted by
BlazingPedals
The U-Lock doesn't have to go around the seat tube, as shown. Yes, it's slightly more secure that way, but if the U-lock just won't reach that far, locking the rear wheel (inside the triangle) to the post is functionally the same. A thief would have to either cut the lock or the rim/tire to get the rest of the bike.
Locking the wheel to the post (through the triangle) is just as effective from a security standpoint, locking around the rear wheel and frame provides a better visual deterrent and will keep folks from thinking that they can simply remove the rear wheel and get the rest of the bike.
Have seen this happen and the perps often damage the bike in the attempt.
I like my mini shackle a great deal, it serves to disable the bike and if it isn't used with the cable (which I don;t always use) it can be slipped through the chain rings or in some cases can secure the crank to the chain stay which makes the bike un-rideable.
There are different classes of bike thieves... professionals will have better tools and be more selective about what they steal while opportunistic thieves are looking for an easy ride and something they can pawn / sell quickly.