Bike theft is big business in NYC, and I've had 2 stolen in 10 years.
The original U locks are useless unless used with other chains/locks, as with lever action, they can be broken.
The heavier, hardened steel U locks are much better, but I use a Kryptonite New York Chain with the mini-U padlock.
1st bike theft - popped original (large) Kryponite U. (Estimated time to steal: 3 to 5 seconds.)
2nd bike theft - picked Kryptonite barrel-key padlock on chain. (It was the earlier variety, and I'd pick-tested it, so thought it was safe.) The thieves left the chain and lock (re-locked) on the post after removing the bike. (Estimated time to steal: 5 seconds to open lock/take bike; 2 seconds to re-secure chain/lock to post.)
Accessories (and any clips or brackets which hold them) cannot be left unattended on a bike.
Anything and everything that can be stolen will be.
Last edited by Bicure; 12-19-07 at 04:03 PM.
Reason: change