A Few Lock Combinations or Pairing Techniques for Greater Security:
The best advice is to never leave a bike outside where it can be stolen. However, some of us must commute, so we can ride cheap bikes that ride well, which is a great idea- or we can use locks. Two locks are better than one. Here are a few combos I like.
Note: all of these combos effectively have the same strategy, to secure the frame and back rim with the U-Lock through a post and then secure the front tire, frame and crank through a post.
Combo 1. A Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit Mini Bicycle U-Lock paired with a Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit chain.
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Fahgettaboutit-Bicycle-U-Lock-6-Inch/dp/B000OZ9VLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1245618037&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-York-Fahgettaboudit-Chain-Disc/dp/B000LPJQZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1245618037&sr=8-2
I would call this the most secure combo on the planet- as well as the heaviest!
Now, the reality of someone actually using this combo is probably pretty slim, but if you are in need of some “serious” piece of mind, this ought to do the trick. That is, if you don’t mind carrying around about 20 pounds. I admit, this is overkill, but who can argue that it wouldn’t be secure? Not full proof- as no lock is full-proof, but secure in the sense that it will not only deter a thief, but also prohibit most thieves from being able to take your bike. It would take some serious time and tools to crack this combo.
Combo 2. A Kryptonite Evolution Mini Series 4 U-Lock coupled with a Kryptonite New York Chain with EV Series 4 Disc Lock
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Evolution-U-Lock-x-5-5/dp/B000AMPRG0/ref=acc_glance_sg_ai_-1_1_tit
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-York-Chain-Disc-Lock/dp/B001B16394/ref=pd_sbs_sg_33
This is actually a great method, not to mention practical. The total weight should not exceed much more than 10 pounds. Of course, it is not as secure as the first combo, but it is really a better combo for those who are not so obsessed with security. If I was locking up a 10 thousand dollar bike I wouldn’t pick this method, but for all other purposes it’s a winner. It’s cheaper lighter, and very effective. Good luck breaking this without lots of time and power tools.
Combo 3. A Kryptonite New York Standard Bicycle U-Lock with Bracket ( 4-Inch x 8-Inch) coupled with the OnGuard 5022C Mastiff Chain Bicycle Lock (85cm x 8mm)
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Standard-Bicycle-U-Lock-Bracket/dp/B000BS0D4Y/ref=pd_sbs_auto_9
http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-5022C-Mastiff-Chain-Bicycle/dp/B00186CEG8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1245619305&sr=1-3
The beauty of this combo is that you don’t have to carry two sets of keys. The Kryptonite U-Lock secures your frame and back tire while the Onguard combination lock secures your front tire and frame. An added bonus is that the 8inch U-Lock leaves more room to work with just be sure to fill up the space! You can fill the remainder of the space with your crank if need be. I really like this combination. Of course, a combination-lock does not provide as much security, but the main purpose in this set up is just to secure the front wheel. I am really not too worried about it. One might also mention that this is actually quite affordable. The Kryptonite lock is only 58.00 dollars from Amazon and shipping is included.
Combo 4. For those on the lighter side of things, a Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 U-Lock 3 x 5.5 coupled with the OnGuard 5022C Mastiff Chain Bicycle Lock (85cm x 8mm)
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Evolution-U-Lock-x-5-5/dp/B000AMPRG0/ref=pd_sbs_sg_4
http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-5022C-Mastiff-Chain-Bicycle/dp/B00186CEG8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1245619305&sr=1-3
This is a much lighter and more economical combo, but don’t be fooled, it offers great security. Again, is has the benefit of only needing one set of keys.
Combo 5. A Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit Mini Bicycle U-Lock paired with the OnGuard 5022C Mastiff Chain Bicycle Lock (85cm x 8mm)
http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Fahgettaboutit-Bicycle-U-Lock-6-Inch/dp/B000OZ9VLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1245618037&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-5022C-Mastiff-Chain-Bicycle/dp/B00186CEG8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1245619305&sr=1-3
This is my personal favorite, but don’t forget that the Fahgettaboutit U-lock is quite heavy as well as expensive. However, this set makes a great combo- good luck penetrating the Fahgettaboutit U-lock. Again, we only have to carry one key.
You will notice that I did not pair any larger U-Locks, the reason for this is that you have to fill up all that extra space or else a bottle jack can crack the U-lock.
Now having mentioned some combos that allow you to keep your front rim attached to the bike- the proper way to lock a bike is to take off the front wheel and place it next to the back wheel, then insert a U-Lock through the frame, poll and both rims, and for this you only need the right sized U-Lock. In the end it all depends upon how much weight you want to carry, how much money you want to spend and how much security you think you need to foster piece of mind.
Respectfully
Jack
Last edited by jackklas; 06-21-09 at 06:35 PM.