The best "easy to use" system involves replacing the quick releases on the seat and the front wheel with bolts. Lock the rear wheel to a steel post that is set in concrete using a Kryptonite or OnGuard U-lock. Use an independent cable lock to attach the front wheel to the frame or to the bike rack or locking post.

Why an independent cable lock? If the cable lock is secured ONLY by the U-lock, if a crook succeeds in defeating the U-lock, the cable lock is also defeated.

If the cable lock is independent of the U-lock, the crook must carry two sets of tools: one for the U-lock, and a second set of tools for the cable lock. Crooks are lazy, so two independent locks will send him to the bike further down the rack with only one lock.

If your bike is ever parked overnight in a large city or on an urban campus, use two U-locks: one on the rear wheel and one on the front wheel.

The heaviest chain locks from OnGuard and Kryptonite are as strong as a good U-lock. But, the best chain locks weigh eight to ten pounds. Good U-locks weigh two pounds, and the best U-lock weighs four pounds.