Barrettscv 

I can store my bike indoors and never leave it unattended in a public place for more than 15 minutes. However, I do need to lock the bike if stopped along my route while snacking or using a restroom.

Please recommend a lightweight lock that I can rely on. Something that can't be forced open with a small pliers or one-handed wire cutter.

SethB

I highly recommend a lightweight U-Lock. Something like the Kryptonite commuter or similar. A cable lock can be cut through in 5 seconds using a pair of wire cutters purchased for 2 dollars at the dollar store.

I personally use a Kryptonite U-Lock New York Standard for every type of stop I make. Period. Remember, bike security is nothing but making it harder for the thief to take your bike, allowing them to pass it on and move to the next bike.

Don't skimp out on it. Unless you are in a very low threat area, even still, it only takes one person to eye up your bike in the right way.

ItsJustMe

I have one of the heavier cable locks that I use for that kind of stuff. I actually don't even carry a lock most of the time and I'm not even worried in this area. Occasionally I'm going somewhere that I'd like to add a little security. Just to keep idiots from dicking with the bike. If anyone really serious comes along, they're gonna have my bike anyway.

"Move on to the next bike" doesn't work for me. There are hardly ever any other bikes around. Very few cyclists here.

My cable lock is actually a Nashbar branded one, which I don't think they make anymore, but it's basically this thing:

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_589123_-1___

I have a really, really cheap KMart one too, that you could crack with a screwdriver, and I actually do use it sometimes, again, just to keep idiots from messing with the bike too much, not as any kind of serious theft deterrent.

I have a U lock but I really can't even remember the last time I used it. It's been probably at least 5 years and I can only remember actually using it 3 or 4 times in the last 12 years.

AusTexMurf

We have one of these:
Cable lock Raydo Pro 1440
Not the lightest but high quality reasonably secure cable type lock.
https://www.abus.com/eng/Mobile-Secu...Raydo-Pro-1440


Cool that anyone in the family can grab it and use it as it is combo not key. Also, everyone can unlock to move bikes corralled at home as needed. Ours has also proven durable as it is at least 3 years old and used almost every day.

canklecat

Something like the Abus with built in combination lock is probably good enough. I use a cable and a U-Haul disc lock. It's heavy and always takes me longer to lock/unlock than other folks I ride with on group rides. I may switch to an Abus type lock just so other folks aren't waiting for me on every pub stop.

azgreg

My son recently used a lightweight cable lock when he went into a McDonald's. He came out approx. 10 minutes later and his bike was gone.

ItsJustMe

Depends on your location of course. I have gone into McDs around here multiple times, and also grocery stores, home improvement stores, doctor, dentist office, pretty much you name it, never locked, and not had a problem.

other places, you can use multiple U locks and still lose your bike.

Where I ride, the worst it gets is "I just want to make it so they can't be off with my bike in 5 seconds with no tools" and I'm OK.

It's always a mistake to assume everyone is in the same situation you are. All advice must be given with context, like "If you live in NYC" versus "if you live in rural/farm areas" or "If you live in a rich area with gated communities" for instance.

SethB

This is exactly why I recommend even a U - Lock from Walmart over a cable lock.
I would have to disagree to an extent.

I live in the middle of nowhere in PA, and these two guys stole my 500 pound locked motorcycle right out of our driveway at 8am in the morning.

Its not always the location, but WHO is in that location at the time you are stopping. It only takes that ONE person in the "perfect" neighborhood to spot an opportunity and go for it. Security is about removing those opportunities, where a decently priced U-Lock would benefit. I personally would rather be safer than sorry.. You can get a cheap U-Lock for a low crime area or you could buy another bike.. I give advice for worst case scenarios. I much rather see someone spend a few bucks on a more sturdy lock then skimp out and have their bike stolen. Ideally tho, we should strive to live in a world where there is no theft.

azgreg

No doubt about it. Phoenix isn't the safest place to leave something unattended.

blackieoneshot

My current light weight lock is an Abus Catena 685 Shadow key. It's a 2 1/2 foot long 6mm chain that weighs less than two pounds. It's a much tougher lock than the Abus cable lock it replaced for about the same weight penalty.

jonc123

I often ride the same area you do, roll the bike into the restroom with you. I agree on the U-Lock also and keep your keys, wallet, phone or any $$ on your person at all times when away from your bike. Take that extra time.

Stores? I wear clear safety glasses at night...I forgot them and stopped by a Lowes in St. Louis to get a pair. I just rolled the bike right in past the security (if a store needs security, that's a sign to stay with your bike) grabbed the glasses and a bottle of GatorAid. Nobody said a word.

The only thing they can do is ask you to leave. Some place like a QT? They are usually too crowded and not much room inside. Lock it up outside.

rekmeyata

Combo locks are too easy to open, I've opened many without damaging the lock in about 1 minute, then once it's open and the person has stolen the bike he can keep the lock and reset the combo or keep the current combo. The OnGuard Akita is the best of the cable locks but that also means it's the worse of various types of locks because a cable lock can be defeated within one minute, and in big cities your bike will be gone fast.

If you want the best lightweight lock on the market I would steer you to Litelock; see: LITELOK® | Litelok® bike lock: lightweight, flexible, strong.

oddjob2

This summer at the pool and downtown, I saw a lot of kids bikes, with locks that aren't being used, even though their Trek, Giant, or Specialized is brand new. They just park 'em and forget them. And I am sure they reported them as locked if they were stolen.

These are nice for weight and easy to carry.
https://www.rei.com/product/832878/o...cable-lock-6mm

This is heavier duty
https://www.rei.com/product/800079/k...mbo-cable-lock

noglider 

There are some places where an easy-to-cut cable is the best thing, because the risk is known to be low and it's the most convenient type of bike lock. So I would recommend something cheap, but make sure it's at least a half inch thick. Wire cutters would not cut through it easily, though I did have to cut one open, and I used a cable cutter, the kind meant for brake cables and the like. It went through like paper through scissors, so you should know that.

Darth Lefty 

Honestly a U lock has not seemed any less convenient than a cable. There are smaller/lighter/not-as-tough ones like the new Kryptonite Messenger Mini model. They claim their 11mm shackle made of improved steel is as good as the 13mm Mini models and brings it down under 2 lb

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/en/pro...ey/001638.html

sathomasga

If you can wait until early next year, the OTTOLOCK might be a possibility:

ItsJustMe

I've been looking at that, but they only show anvil type cutter attacks like side cutters and bolt cutters.

I'd like to see it tested against bypass shears like a good pair of aviation snips, or really good cutters like Knipex that can cut piano wire with ease, and also maybe an angle grinder, those are small and battery powered these days.

MaxKatt

For what OP describes, I use the Dakine Micro Lock. Fits in the saddle bag. No key. Combo w/spooled cable. Bright neon green to draw attention if somebody goes to mess with it.

Certainly wouldn't want to be away from the bike for long, but for a run into a rest room, or at a bike event leaving it on a rack. Perfect.

mc9000

Here's a "just in case" lightweight cable lock I keep in my bag. It's long enough to loop through both tires and light enough where I don't even notice its weight. I believe the cable is from Kryptonite or Onguard.

ColonelSanders

I don't know if this will meet your definition of lightweight, but it will ward off small pliers & a one-handed wire cutter pretty easily.

Also one of its great strengths is the carrier it comes in, that allows you to replace a water bottle cage.

Most, if not all other locks lighter than this, are not as strong, nor are as easy to carry on one's bike in such a non-conspicuous way.

The 75cm version weighs 1030grams, the 90cm version weighs 1220 grams.

There is a bigger brother to this lock that is 85cm long and weighs 1580 grams, but I am assuming it is too heavy for your needs.

Anyway, the Abus Bordo 6000.

osco53

How to choose the best bike lock in 2016 - The Best Bike Lock

From this review I am ordering the Abus City Chain 1010/110,, But I am not a weight weenie

TenSpeedV2

None of my bikes are worthy of a cable lock no matter how long it will be unattended. I have one of those folding ABUS locks that will do much better in an attack vs a weak cable/lock combo. It has a mount that will attach to the bottle cage bolts on the frame. Hardly noticeable when riding aside from a little rattling. I have first hand experienced how easy it is to defeat a cable with a set of small bolt cutters. Buddy of mine had locked his bike to his car rack and his gf had left with the key out of state. I pulled my small cutters out and in one snip, it was cut. We both stood there in disbelief. This was a decent cable mind you, in one cut, less than 2 seconds, and I could have been off with that bike.

Unfortunately things are not how they used to be and the world is a different place now. No sense in losing a prized possession or even a beater due to an easy theft. Make them move on to the next one.