Originally Posted by jyl (Post 16326710)

Ride the Lotus or whatever C&V bike you like. I ride my C&V, it has over $1,000 in it, I'd be very sad if it were stolen but I make sure the odds of theft are low and that's all you can do.

Remember fenders (I use PDW Full Metal Fenders, they look nice on a C&V road bike, and are solid metal not plastic) and lights (don't be a ninja).

Get two quality and large U-locks, use one on the rear wheel and triangle, the other on the front wheel and downtube. If the bike rack doesn't quite allow that, find some other locking method that will force a thief to cut through both U-locks to take the frame. Mark the U-locks with your name/phone and leave them attached to the bike rack so you don't have to carry them, their weight and bulk now doesn't matter. Unless someone really really wants your bike - and why would they, it is just an "old bike" - they won't bother dealing with that hassle.

Carry a small U-lock (the kind that just fits a frame tube + bike rack) in your backpack for those errands on the way home.

Finally, while I have never heard of anyone actually getting paid on the "guarantees" that some U-lock companies offer, it might be amusing to do the necessary to get paid if your bike is stolen. E.g. the Kryptonite terms and conditinos are here

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/Docum...CONDITIONS.pdf

and include

[I]Requirements in the event of a theft:
1. Report the theft to the police within 72 hours.
2. Mail or email notice of the theft to Kryptonite within seven (7) days of the theft.
3. Immediately report the theft to your insurance company, if covered by insurance.
4. Mail or email the following to Kryptonite within ninety (90) days: broken lock and/or broken links– required as proof of product failure (Note: We recommend that you return the entire lock if available so that we can better understand how the product failed), [ii] at least one (1) key, [iii] a copy of the official police report, [iv] a copy of your itemized lock bill of sale, [v] a copy of your bicycle/powersport bill of sale, not including accessories, or a dated and signed dealer appraisal reflecting the market value of the bicycle/powersport vehicle, not including accessories, and [vi] evidence you have notified your insurance company, if covered by insurance. Failure to forward all materials within ninety (90) days will void your claim and Kryptonite will have no further responsibility under this Offer. Certified mail, return receipt is recommended since Kryptonite is not responsible for non-receipt of mail.