Originally Posted by rms695

I'm building a custom road/commuting bike with nicer than average frame and components. I live in New York City and hope to use this bike to commute to work daily and otherwise get around town as weather permits.

There's plenty of reading material on the subject of bike theft in NYC, and I've probably read it all. I'm up on my locks and techniques, but if no bike is truly safe in NY as many suggest, then I'm wondering if I shouldn't just keep my custom bike at home and stick to subways and walking. I'm gonna be seriously devastated if this beauty gets swiped.
I'm prepared to buy a second lock and suffer the added weight if this will seriously diminish the chances of theft. Currently have an Evolution Series 4 u-lock, and looking at backing that up with the Abus Granit 1060 on the assumption that a different type and make of lock will foil all but the most determined thieves. Also using pinhead skewers on wheels, seat and headset, filled with superglue and painted silver to mimic metal.

There are plenty of victim stories on the internet, but few of them describe in much detail how their bikes were "secured" and stolen. Those who do seem to have used really crappy cable locks and/or bad locking techniques that made it easy. I rarely hear the story of the guy whose bike never gets stolen. Maybe that story is a fairy tale?

My question: Do I need to worry if I'm using a high quality u-lock + heavy duty chain and never locking my bike outside for more than a couple of hours? I realize there's no solution that totally prevents theft, but what gets me as close as possible in New York?