Do you have an indestructible lock?
03-15-09, 07:13 PM
#51
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bam, this never let me down
03-15-09, 08:22 PM
#52
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Okay, I see one of these lock threads pop up every couple of weeks here.
I am a CRL (certified registered locksmith) in Illinois. Have been for about 14 years.
I have dealt with many customers' questions after they just lost their bike to some thief. I know exactly which methods are used by thieves, and exactly which methods will actually work best on most, if not all of the locks out there.
Here are some thoughts:
You should lock your bike in accordance with:
1) Your risk of theft (crime rate in your area, or your personal paranoia)
2) Your available budget on a locking system.
3) The value of your bicycle.
4) The length of time you will be leaving your bike locked.
*Not necessarily in that order*
Most bike thefts ARE a crime of opportunity. Committed by low level thieves who carry around bolt cutters, pry bars, and/or a small jack.
**You CAN defend your bike against this type of theft with a locking system.**
SOME (very few, at least to my knowledge, in chicago) bike thefts are committed by individuals who specialize in this kind of work, have the skill, speed, tools, and know-how to steal bikes very quickly. They usually carry a variety of tools in a van and can steal, pretty much any bike they want.
**You CANNOT prevent this type of theft with ANY locking system that I have seen**
Thieves do not pick locks, they break them.
A cordless angle grinder with the right blade can and will cut through any LOCK/CABLE/CHAIN that I have seen on the market. This can be done in under five minutes per lock/cable.
So, you can't stop someone with a grinder, you can only slow them down by using multiple locks.
The best way to lock your bike for MAXIMUM security is to use this cable with this lock (links below), looping one end of the cable through your front and back wheels, around the frame, and around whatever you are locking to. Lock both ends of the cable with the padlock. They will barely fit into the shackle, but they will fit. Even more easily if you cut away the plastic covering in one small section of the eyelets to help with this.
https://www.mul-t-lockusa.com/product...=1938&catid=25
https://www.kryptonitelock.com/produ...=1001&pid=1124
Then use one or more kryptonite U locks (the best you can afford) to lock the frame and/or wheels in addition to the above lock. This is deterrence. Even hearty bike thieves will move on to another 'easier' target when they see this. The more locks that they have to cut through, even with a fast grinder, the better. Opportunistic thieves won't even look twice before moving on.
Multi lock brand locks MUST be purchased through a locksmith. The keyways are restricted to individual lockshops and, therefore, cannot be duplicated, even by another multi lock dealing locksmith. When you purchase a lock and keys, the key bitting(s) will be recorded by the locksmith onto a key authorization form. The only people that will ever be able to get keys to your lock will be the people named on this list. Period. You will have to return to that same lockshop, with a valid photo ID, to obtain replacement/extra keys (very handy if you lose your keys).
The lock cylinders cannot be picked, drilled, or 'bumped' open.
Very secure.
Unless you are in a very low risk area, DO NOT use combination cable locks. They are too easy to open if you know how, and it is not hard to find out.
Don't lock your bike in dark, low traffic areas, or parking garages, if it can be avoided.
With all of that being said, I use the above cable locking method, but with a kryptonite U lock EVERY time I lock my bike. I will use a secondary kryptonite U lock on the frame if I will be locking it for an extended period of time.
I hate bike thieves.
You can't stop them all, but you can stop 90% of them if you just invest a little money and lock your bike properly every time.
I am a CRL (certified registered locksmith) in Illinois. Have been for about 14 years.
I have dealt with many customers' questions after they just lost their bike to some thief. I know exactly which methods are used by thieves, and exactly which methods will actually work best on most, if not all of the locks out there.
Here are some thoughts:
You should lock your bike in accordance with:
1) Your risk of theft (crime rate in your area, or your personal paranoia)
2) Your available budget on a locking system.
3) The value of your bicycle.
4) The length of time you will be leaving your bike locked.
*Not necessarily in that order*
Most bike thefts ARE a crime of opportunity. Committed by low level thieves who carry around bolt cutters, pry bars, and/or a small jack.
**You CAN defend your bike against this type of theft with a locking system.**
SOME (very few, at least to my knowledge, in chicago) bike thefts are committed by individuals who specialize in this kind of work, have the skill, speed, tools, and know-how to steal bikes very quickly. They usually carry a variety of tools in a van and can steal, pretty much any bike they want.
**You CANNOT prevent this type of theft with ANY locking system that I have seen**
Thieves do not pick locks, they break them.
A cordless angle grinder with the right blade can and will cut through any LOCK/CABLE/CHAIN that I have seen on the market. This can be done in under five minutes per lock/cable.
So, you can't stop someone with a grinder, you can only slow them down by using multiple locks.
The best way to lock your bike for MAXIMUM security is to use this cable with this lock (links below), looping one end of the cable through your front and back wheels, around the frame, and around whatever you are locking to. Lock both ends of the cable with the padlock. They will barely fit into the shackle, but they will fit. Even more easily if you cut away the plastic covering in one small section of the eyelets to help with this.
https://www.mul-t-lockusa.com/product...=1938&catid=25
https://www.kryptonitelock.com/produ...=1001&pid=1124
Then use one or more kryptonite U locks (the best you can afford) to lock the frame and/or wheels in addition to the above lock. This is deterrence. Even hearty bike thieves will move on to another 'easier' target when they see this. The more locks that they have to cut through, even with a fast grinder, the better. Opportunistic thieves won't even look twice before moving on.
Multi lock brand locks MUST be purchased through a locksmith. The keyways are restricted to individual lockshops and, therefore, cannot be duplicated, even by another multi lock dealing locksmith. When you purchase a lock and keys, the key bitting(s) will be recorded by the locksmith onto a key authorization form. The only people that will ever be able to get keys to your lock will be the people named on this list. Period. You will have to return to that same lockshop, with a valid photo ID, to obtain replacement/extra keys (very handy if you lose your keys).
The lock cylinders cannot be picked, drilled, or 'bumped' open.
Very secure.
Unless you are in a very low risk area, DO NOT use combination cable locks. They are too easy to open if you know how, and it is not hard to find out.
Don't lock your bike in dark, low traffic areas, or parking garages, if it can be avoided.
With all of that being said, I use the above cable locking method, but with a kryptonite U lock EVERY time I lock my bike. I will use a secondary kryptonite U lock on the frame if I will be locking it for an extended period of time.
I hate bike thieves.
You can't stop them all, but you can stop 90% of them if you just invest a little money and lock your bike properly every time.
03-15-09, 09:12 PM
#53
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Here are some thoughts:
You should lock your bike in accordance with:
1) your risk of theft (crime rate in your area, or your personal paranoia)
2) your available budget on a locking system.
3) the value of your bicycle.
4) the length of time you will be leaving your bike locked.
*not necessarily in that order*
most bike thefts are a crime of opportunity. Committed by low level thieves who carry around bolt cutters, pry bars, and/or a small jack.
**you can defend your bike against this type of theft with a locking system.**
some (very few, at least to my knowledge, in chicago) bike thefts are committed by individuals who specialize in this kind of work, have the skill, speed, tools, and know-how to steal bikes very quickly. They usually carry a variety of tools in a van and can steal, pretty much any bike they want.
**you cannot prevent this type of theft with any locking system that i have seen**
thieves do not pick locks, they break them.
A cordless angle grinder with the right blade can and will cut through any lock/cable/chain that i have seen on the market. This can be done in under five minutes per lock/cable.
So, you can't stop someone with a grinder, you can only slow them down by using multiple locks.
The best way to lock your bike for maximum security is to use this cable with this lock (links below), looping one end of the cable through your front and back wheels, around the frame, and around whatever you are locking to. Lock both ends of the cable with the padlock. They will barely fit into the shackle, but they will fit. Even more easily if you cut away the plastic covering in one small section of the eyelets to help with this.
Then use one or more kryptonite u locks (the best you can afford) to lock the frame and/or wheels in addition to the above lock. This is deterrence. Even hearty bike thieves will move on to another 'easier' target when they see this. The more locks that they have to cut through, even with a fast grinder, the better. Opportunistic thieves won't even look twice before moving on.
Unless you are in a very low risk area, do not use combination cable locks. They are too easy to open if you know how, and it is not hard to find out.
Don't lock your bike in dark, low traffic areas, or parking garages, if it can be avoided.
You can't stop them all, but you can stop 90% of them if you just invest a little money and lock your bike properly every time.
You should lock your bike in accordance with:
1) your risk of theft (crime rate in your area, or your personal paranoia)
2) your available budget on a locking system.
3) the value of your bicycle.
4) the length of time you will be leaving your bike locked.
*not necessarily in that order*
most bike thefts are a crime of opportunity. Committed by low level thieves who carry around bolt cutters, pry bars, and/or a small jack.
**you can defend your bike against this type of theft with a locking system.**
some (very few, at least to my knowledge, in chicago) bike thefts are committed by individuals who specialize in this kind of work, have the skill, speed, tools, and know-how to steal bikes very quickly. They usually carry a variety of tools in a van and can steal, pretty much any bike they want.
**you cannot prevent this type of theft with any locking system that i have seen**
thieves do not pick locks, they break them.
A cordless angle grinder with the right blade can and will cut through any lock/cable/chain that i have seen on the market. This can be done in under five minutes per lock/cable.
So, you can't stop someone with a grinder, you can only slow them down by using multiple locks.
The best way to lock your bike for maximum security is to use this cable with this lock (links below), looping one end of the cable through your front and back wheels, around the frame, and around whatever you are locking to. Lock both ends of the cable with the padlock. They will barely fit into the shackle, but they will fit. Even more easily if you cut away the plastic covering in one small section of the eyelets to help with this.
Then use one or more kryptonite u locks (the best you can afford) to lock the frame and/or wheels in addition to the above lock. This is deterrence. Even hearty bike thieves will move on to another 'easier' target when they see this. The more locks that they have to cut through, even with a fast grinder, the better. Opportunistic thieves won't even look twice before moving on.
Unless you are in a very low risk area, do not use combination cable locks. They are too easy to open if you know how, and it is not hard to find out.
Don't lock your bike in dark, low traffic areas, or parking garages, if it can be avoided.
You can't stop them all, but you can stop 90% of them if you just invest a little money and lock your bike properly every time.
Sage words, my friend.
03-16-09, 05:56 AM
#54
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Thieves do not pick locks, they break them.
...
Multi lock brand locks MUST be purchased through a locksmith. The keyways are restricted to individual lockshops and, therefore, cannot be duplicated, even by another multi lock dealing locksmith. When you purchase a lock and keys, the key bitting(s) will be recorded by the locksmith onto a key authorization form. The only people that will ever be able to get keys to your lock will be the people named on this list. Period. You will have to return to that same lockshop, with a valid photo ID, to obtain replacement/extra keys (very handy if you lose your keys).
The lock cylinders cannot be picked, drilled, or 'bumped' open.
Very secure.
...
Multi lock brand locks MUST be purchased through a locksmith. The keyways are restricted to individual lockshops and, therefore, cannot be duplicated, even by another multi lock dealing locksmith. When you purchase a lock and keys, the key bitting(s) will be recorded by the locksmith onto a key authorization form. The only people that will ever be able to get keys to your lock will be the people named on this list. Period. You will have to return to that same lockshop, with a valid photo ID, to obtain replacement/extra keys (very handy if you lose your keys).
The lock cylinders cannot be picked, drilled, or 'bumped' open.
Very secure.
Otherwise, very good advice, especially regarding locking to meet your security needs.
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Last edited by ItsJustMe; 03-16-09 at 06:00 AM.
03-16-09, 05:59 AM
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I just rode for the first time with the Cannondale / OnGuard lock on the bike. It came off the bracket the first time I bumped it, and it fell against, but not into, the spokes. It could easily have fallen into the spokes.
Upon examination, the catch on this bracket is useless. the lock comes loose at a slight tug. I guess I'll have to secure it somewhere with velcro or something, or just leave it in my bag. Been thinking about a handlebar bag anyway; it'd keep my stuff from getting muddy like it does in the panniers.
What do you folks do for carrying your lock?
Upon examination, the catch on this bracket is useless. the lock comes loose at a slight tug. I guess I'll have to secure it somewhere with velcro or something, or just leave it in my bag. Been thinking about a handlebar bag anyway; it'd keep my stuff from getting muddy like it does in the panniers.
What do you folks do for carrying your lock?
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Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
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03-16-09, 07:47 AM
#56
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I toss my lock into the bag I have on the rear rack. I have an Arkel Tail Rider pack that carries the lock just fine. Not too long ago I saw a clever setup using hooks mounted to the rack to hold the u-lock (thread link, with several responses on how people carry their locks).
03-16-09, 09:31 AM
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I toss my lock into the bag I have on the rear rack. I have an Arkel Tail Rider pack that carries the lock just fine. Not too long ago I saw a clever setup using hooks mounted to the rack to hold the u-lock (thread link, with several responses on how people carry their locks).
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03-21-09, 12:19 AM
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This is the best U lock mount that I have seen. Holds on to the lock like Krazy glue. Releases easily when you want it to. I have it on one of my bikes.
https://www.petracycles.co.uk/product...ource=googleus
When on one of the other bikes, I just carry mine on top of my rack with one of those bunjee nets, or in my bag.
https://www.petracycles.co.uk/product...ource=googleus
When on one of the other bikes, I just carry mine on top of my rack with one of those bunjee nets, or in my bag.
03-28-09, 06:07 PM
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. Honestly, if you have a 1 in 10000 chance (4 digits) of guessing, no thief is going to sit around guessing. They're going to either cut it or move on. Assuming the lock is good enough to not allow opening by feel, IMHO combo is as good as keys in that they'll cut it before they bother trying to guess the password OR pick the lock.
03-28-09, 06:27 PM
#61
it's easy if you let it.
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Just make sure it is 4 digits. I was given a briefcase with a 3 digit lock to open . Took me less than 10 minutes. Started at 001, did about one number higher each second, the actual combination was in the mid four hundreds. At least with a 4 digit combination lock you are no more than 2.8 hours late if you forget the combo.
03-28-09, 11:21 PM
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I have an Onguard Pitbull lock with cable for the rear wheel and cable through the seat and an Onguard Beast chain lock through the front wheel. I have not had any problem with it. I also have a Trek cable lock (rebranded Kryptonite), that I use in combination with the u-lock when I am out on errands and am not carrying the chain lock.
Here is a good read on bike locks/theft:
https://quickrelease.tv/?p=327
Here is a good read on bike locks/theft:
https://quickrelease.tv/?p=327
03-29-09, 01:13 AM
#63
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I just rode for the first time with the Cannondale / OnGuard lock on the bike. It came off the bracket the first time I bumped it, and it fell against, but not into, the spokes. It could easily have fallen into the spokes.
Upon examination, the catch on this bracket is useless. the lock comes loose at a slight tug. I guess I'll have to secure it somewhere with velcro or something, or just leave it in my bag. Been thinking about a handlebar bag anyway; it'd keep my stuff from getting muddy like it does in the panniers.
What do you folks do for carrying your lock?
Upon examination, the catch on this bracket is useless. the lock comes loose at a slight tug. I guess I'll have to secure it somewhere with velcro or something, or just leave it in my bag. Been thinking about a handlebar bag anyway; it'd keep my stuff from getting muddy like it does in the panniers.
What do you folks do for carrying your lock?
carry the lock in your backpack or on your rack.
if you're without a bag or rack, put the u-lock under your belt just above your rear pocket
or in your back pocket if it fits.
Or purchase a velcro strap and lock the u-lock to your saddle rails and use the velcro strap to secure it to your seatpost or seat stays tightly so it doesnt rattle. this might get in the way of your tail light if you have it mounted on your seatpost, however.
Last edited by Geordi Laforge; 03-29-09 at 01:18 AM.
03-29-09, 05:05 PM
#64
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We only lock our house when we are away for more than a day. I don't even have a house key on the car key ring. My wife has a house key on her ring, we don't both need one because the only time it's ever locked is when we leave for the weekend, and we always come home together.
There really is pretty close to zero crime here. I forget and leave the garage door open at least once a week, and there are several thousand dollars worth of tools, telescopes, bikes and such in there. I don't even worry about it.
There was a guy casing the neighborhood this past summer. Apparently within 30 minutes one weekday afternoon, he'd been spotted by 3 different people, they each pulled up to the guy's car and asked if they could help with directions or anything, he took off every time. They reported to the cops including plate number, they knew the guy and sent out a patrol car but the guy decided people were a little too observant around here, we never saw him again.
I've lived in places like this most of my life. The house I lived in when I was at college, nobody even knew if there was a key. It didn't come up for a couple of years, then it turned out that everyone was going to be gone for a whole week at xmas one year, and we looked around and couldn't find a key, so we just left the place unlocked.
A friend left his bike, unlocked, in the rack in front of the student union all summer while he was home on break. It was still there, with flat tires, when he got back. I never heard of anyone having a bike stolen on that campus. Nobody would have put up with it; if anyone found out you were stealing, we'd make damn sure you knew we weren't going to put up with it, give it back, and either stop it or go somewhere where they'd put up with your crap.
I don't generally lock my car either, unless there's something fairly valuable inside like a laptop.
There really is pretty close to zero crime here. I forget and leave the garage door open at least once a week, and there are several thousand dollars worth of tools, telescopes, bikes and such in there. I don't even worry about it.
There was a guy casing the neighborhood this past summer. Apparently within 30 minutes one weekday afternoon, he'd been spotted by 3 different people, they each pulled up to the guy's car and asked if they could help with directions or anything, he took off every time. They reported to the cops including plate number, they knew the guy and sent out a patrol car but the guy decided people were a little too observant around here, we never saw him again.
I've lived in places like this most of my life. The house I lived in when I was at college, nobody even knew if there was a key. It didn't come up for a couple of years, then it turned out that everyone was going to be gone for a whole week at xmas one year, and we looked around and couldn't find a key, so we just left the place unlocked.
A friend left his bike, unlocked, in the rack in front of the student union all summer while he was home on break. It was still there, with flat tires, when he got back. I never heard of anyone having a bike stolen on that campus. Nobody would have put up with it; if anyone found out you were stealing, we'd make damn sure you knew we weren't going to put up with it, give it back, and either stop it or go somewhere where they'd put up with your crap.
I don't generally lock my car either, unless there's something fairly valuable inside like a laptop.
Sounds like you dont live on planet earth. No offense, but i doubt your townw has no theft. Thieves are found in any class. No one is a fan of thieves, but they are around. You just havent noticed them because they havent hit you...yet
03-29-09, 06:04 PM
#65
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There actually were some break-ins not too far from here about 2 years ago. Houses back in the woods, where the thieves can move in after people go to work in the morning and work all day without anyone seeing them. At most houses that are visible from the street, if any strange car or activity is there people will check on it.
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03-29-09, 06:42 PM
#66
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Also, I noticed an effect where I went to school, were there was also a culture of not letting thieves get away with stealing. Freshmen would move in from big cities for their first term, and we'd have a few thefts, bikes, backpacks, etc. Then the stuff would be quickly returned, because those guys were living in dorms and you can't really keep that secret, and people would not put up with it, they'd get "return it on your own or we're turning you in." Almost inevitably, those guys would quit school and move back to their big cities where they could continue their way of life around people who would just look the other way.
I suspect the same thing goes on around here. Kids who grow up around here and have those tendencies know that they can't get away with it here, so they move somewhere they can be anonymous. Around here if you see someone you don't know, it's unusual and you tend to pay attention. Thieves don't like it when cars slow down and stop in the road near their cars when they're checking out a place, and the driver looks them in the eye, then rolls up next to them, rolls down the window and asks "can I help you with something?" That happened last year right on my street; the guy took off, then it happened again. The neighbors called in the plate number and the guy was wanted but apparently didn't like the heat around here, he was caught robbing a place the next night over in a bigger town.
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03-29-09, 07:14 PM
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I live in a big city and I always deadbolt and lock the bottom door-knob lock to my apartment. The front of the apartment has a locked-front door. I have steel bars on my back windows and I keep my bikes locked up even inside so if I get robbed they'll be safe -- I'd rather my tv or computer be stolen.
Different worlds, man.
Different worlds, man.
