Threads like this make my brain hurt.

I guess I do find it ironic that the only bike I do lock up when I ride it, is my least expensive bike. I wouldn't leave my roadbikes anywhere where I couldn't see them, and never far enough away that I couldn't horsecollar anyone who tried to make off with one. The bike I use for errands I lock up because I like it enough that I don't want someone to be able to just sling a leg over it and ride away. It's not nice enough for anyone to spend the time and energy it would take to defeat the lock.

So, are bike locks for morons? I don't think so. Is it wise to lock up a really nice bike, and leave it for an extended period of time, and still expect the bike to be there when you get back? Same answer.