Originally Posted by Lurker1999
Again, we're talking about a quick lockup. A cable can be cut in far less than 2-3 minutes using a pair of bolt cutters. Maybe just one snip if the thief is strong enough. Using a mini U-lock with pitlock skewers or other locking skewers is still far superior to using a cable lock, simply because a cable is so easily defeated. And since the skewers are a permanent attachment there's no need to fiddle with them until you need to do something with you wheel.
I agree with the cable, knowing what I know today I would not use a cable like I did back in the 70's in Santa Barbara CA, but disagree with the mini U bolt. You stated that for a quick lock up a cable could be defeated in 2 to 3 minutes, but you failed to mentioned that with a mini U lock your front wheel is gone in 2 to 3 SECONDS thanks to the quick release! So why not use a full size U lock and remove your wheel and be locked up in about 1 minute? There are front rims out there that can cost over $1,000 not alone the average rim on a roadie at probably around $400; these could easily be turned for a quick profit on E-Bay. But again if your so worried about theft of your bike why worry if you could instead lock up a cheapo bike?