Originally Posted by
JCNeumann
Liquid nitrogen or some type of rapid freezing agent, a hammer used to be popular for thieves in Boston in the 1980s and early 1990s. It would just shatter the lock mechanism.
Also the ever popular van pulls up, open the door, a small hydraulic jack or diamond saw, and bike is gone.
If someone wants your high-end bike, they will get it. If you are that concerned (hey, even paranoids have enemies!), the best insurance is to keep the bike inside in a secure area at your work or home.
My understanding is a lot of bike thefts were for the components - is this still the case?
Yes, there are thieves who go after the components because their never locked, and their easy to hock with no identification marks to worry about. But stripping parts takes more time then busting a lock and taking the whole bike.
Actually the best way to freeze a lock is with a large can of compressed air which does not contain liquid nitrogen. Turn the can upside down and spray the liquid on the lock till the can is empty and hit the lock immediately.
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bull...-bicycles/1182 This guy is using small short strikes, but one powerful strike is all that's needed.