Originally Posted by San Rensho
I made a short lock/cable combo that I just use to lock around the top tube to keep someone from walking off with the bike when I'm at the store.
Building supply stores sell uncoiled, plastic covered cable of different diameters. I bought a legnth of fairly thin cable, made loops in the ends with cable fasteners and I use a small combination lock to secure. Very light, very compact, fits easily in the shoulder bag. Cost of the cable, less than $4.
If your in a very low crime area and have complete visiblity of your bike where you park it then this lock may be ok, but in the real world your locking system is so bad your almost not locking it!
If your locking a $50 bike with this system then your ok because the professional thief is not interested in a $50 bike that he can only hock for $5.