I am a commuter. I use my bike to get to classes and locations off campus. Mostly, I use it to get to the DART station where I can then travel to different cities. Once I left my bike on the rack over-night. It was still there. I felt safe. I left it there again 2 weeks later for 6 hours and it was stolen. I now vow to never have my bike stolen again.
First, I learned I had a chain lock which is a no-no. I need a U lock. A Kyrponite mini. I use it and lock the frame and the wheel to the post.
QUESTION:
1. How do you know before hand whether or not the U lock is too small for your frame?
2. Is it true that narrow U locks are better than wider ones because you can put some weird theif thing in it?
"I have removeable wheels and seat," I said to myself.
Solution to my seat troubles:
http://www.4bike-police.com/Duty_Bik...duct_info.html
QUESTION
1. How many people use a seat lock? I can't imagine someone spending time to break through the plastic.
2. What is this business about allen bolts? I haven't a clue how to put it in.
"Yes, we're getting closer to feeling really secure, now! How about my front wheel? It's also quick release," I think. Now, it is getting tricky. I could actually remove the wheel and lock it in the back, but that is an extreme pain. I might be willing to do that when I park it at the DART station, but not when I go to places that do not seem as shady.
QUESTION
1. How the f*** do you use a "wheel skewer"?
2. Again, what is this business with bolts?
3. Some U locks come with extension cables. If a theif could quickly get through my cable lock, wouldn't an extension cable be even EASIER to cut through? So it is essentially useless, right? I saw a website that said they are harder to cut through. As thin as they are, I don't believe it.
4. Why can't I just buy another U lock and lock the front wheel to a post with that?
Lastly, location is everything.
I usually park at school. Police are always driving around. Students and faculty walking around. I think I'm safe.
Sometimes I park just outside the restauraunt or business building I am entering. Lots of cars and people coming in and out, right? I put it next to the bus stop once.
At the DART station, I put it in the rack. The rack is kind of hidden buy trees/bushes. Cars do not go past the rack since its facing the parking lot which is usually empty. What was I thinking? Next time, should I park it at the crossing where people are coming on and off the buses and up and down the stairs? Should I park it next to a store? And will all of this matter in the late nights? I use DART at night. How can I keep my bike secure during the night when people are not walking by so often?