Questions about locks, chains, cables, etc.
 

I recently bought a relatively expensive new bike.

I live in Chicago, so bike theft rates are pretty high. I'm going to be commuting daily soon, and I want to do the best I can to keep my bike safe.

I was roaming these forums, and everyone seems to be saying that the New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock is the best in the country. Because it's so small, I'd probably need a chain or cable, right?

I'm told that I shouldn't use chains, because if someone breaks even one link, it's all over.
& cables just seem like a terrible idea. What should I do?
If not the fahgettaboudit u-lock because it's too small to do anything, then which one?

Thanks!

Hi Choy - and welcome to Bike Forums,

This topic has been VERY heavily discussed of late - and I'll (gently) advise you to check those threads. Crawdaddio's is still getting a lot of traffic - and there are several others.

Please look at those - and then let the Commuting Forum family know if there's something specific that we can share that isn't covered (ad nauseum) in those posts.

Once again, welcome :)

"Street Cuffs" are another option. http://www.masterlock.com/viral.shtml?bcpid=1243481020

Scroll down on the menu on the right, until you get to "Street Cuff".

So it sounds like your bike is going to be outside. I wouldn't lock a nice bike outside for too long.

Per a post and link on crawdaddio's thread on locks as I recall the street cuffs are easily broken. The weak area is the connection between the two cuffs. Most of the Master Lock bike locks seem to be pretty poor for the prices.

Here is the link to the crawdaddio lock discussion, all 310 posts so far:eek:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=520597

A larger version of the fahgettaboudit U lock is the New York Lock M-18WL. It is shown in the Powersports section of the Kryptonite web site. BTW I weighed one and it is 6 pounds. Even the fahgettaboudit is over 4 pounds.

Thanks for the link. The Street Cuffs that I have are connected by a single chain link that is 2 inches long by 1 inch thick, and both ends swivel. Someone in the link posts a review that they tested and broke a pair of Street Cuffs with slight pressure. They mentioned they were going to video the test, but the lock broke before they could set up the camera. Usually....you set up your camera first if you're planning to video something.

I have two Kryptonite chain locks, and I have Street Cuffs. IMO, the Street Cuffs are just as durable as the Kryptonite locks.

don't go with anything less secure than a u-lock. as for which one, check some previous discussions. However, do not, under any circumstance, trust bike security to a cable lock. I learned the hard way.