Originally Posted by
Easy Peasy
Thanks for the responses. The Abus 64 weighs about 2 pounds and the 54 weighs 3.4 pounds, but the width of the 64 is 67mm and that of the 54 is 108 mm, so you do give up the ability to lock to wider poles with the 64.
Sure, the limited width can be a problem for some, especially if you park your bike in lots of different places. All locks are a compromise between weight, security, price and convenience. I park and lock my bike several times a day and I am a somewhat impatient guy who likes to optimize things I do regularly. So it only takes seconds for me now to get my u-lock from the bracket, attach it to the frame (and a nearby post) and lock it. But the Abus 54 is simply too heavy and has too much inertia to be treated the same way; it would really bang up the frame if I don't slow down and is careful.
Originally Posted by
Easy Peasy
Also the security level of the 54 is 15 (maximum), and that of the 64 is 11, so you also give up some defense.
But I live in the burbs where bike thefts aren't as prevalent as say in a big city, so I'm favoring the 64 so far.
I looked at the Abus 51, which has a security rating of 10, but it has approximately the same dimensions and weight as the 54, so I'd just be losing defense as compared to the 54.
I don't obsess too much over security ratings, here is why; if the u-lock is strong enough to stop all non-motorized attacks like lock picking, hack saws, mallets and the leverage method, then its security is good enough for me.
Professional thieves with electric tools (diamond blades etc) who has targeted my bike, can get it no matter how strong my lock is. So for me at least, there is a point where I don't think a beefier lock will buy me much more security, and where convenience, weight and price are factors that are worth considering too.
I use a two lock strategy when possible; one frame lock and one u-lock for attachment to a fixture. If the thief can move the bike to a safe place, then even amateur thieves can open the locks. I also try to keep my bike out of sight and avoid locking my bikes at public places for long durations.
My locks are very, very fast to deploy. I like this convenience, not only because I am impatient, but because I am never tempted not to lock my bike; If I can't see me bike, then I lock it, even for a 30 second rush back to get stuff I forgot. Surprisingly many people have had their unlocked bikes stolen in that brief moment they went into a shop, or went inside to fetch something.
Other people may have other lock strategies; if you have to park your bike in a high threat public place, it is probably worth getting a lock that looks beefy, since the that could scare some away from even trying to break it open.
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Regards