As an advocate of "lightweight" touring, I'm happy to see more and more threads that examine how folks can tour lighter without spending a chunk of money.

That said, a friend of mine just gave some bike touring folks a ride to Austin and in the short time they were there, one of their bikes was stolen. I really felt for the tourers and the anguish they were going through, but then I saw a picture of the victim in question holding his very thin combination cable lock which had probably been cut in a matter of seconds. I still feel for him, but looking at it, I can only wonder, "What did you expect in Austin?"

So please, PLEASE, if you're going on tour, consider a smallish u-lock over a "lightweight" cable. Mine only weighs about a pound, and the smaller size also equates to less room for a thief to get any leverage and break your lock. (I've seen it done with car jacks, among other devices) The extra pound is so worth it over losing your precious bike and all your gear, leaving you stranded.