Had a Knox cable that I lost the keys to. Tried a Knox u-lock that the locking mechanism was rather funky. Now using a cheapo Bell cable (had like no $ at the time) and noticed that a) it's losing it's "elasticity" as the temps drop and b) that the keyhole is pointing up while it rests in its cradle when not in use. That could let moisture in and actually freeze it all up.

Thinking about going with another u-lock, but unsure of which make/model. The only time I really need the lock is in the mornings at the bus station during the 25 minutes between buses. As it's been getting colder, I've started locking up to the rack and waiting inside to just before the bus gets there. And I typically sit/stand where I can see it through the glass.

Don't need a lock currently at work, as the bike comes inside with me. At home it stays in the back of the Suburban with doors locked and the alarm on.

So any input would be appreciated- both on make/model and how to carry when not being used.

I bought a cable lock on Amazon.com that uses letters instead of numbers, "WordLock".. you spell out a word and that is the combo. Excellent and very reasonable price. It naturally coils itself, so I have it threaded though the two rails of my saddle and it sits just below the saddle on the back side of the seat post and forward of the rack mounted "trunk" bag. I slid the seat post reflector down to the point that I can pull the cable loop down over the reflector to keep the cable from bouncing around or making noise. It's all very secure and tidy. When I stop to lock the bike up at a poll, I just unlock the wordlork, take the loose end and wrap it around the poll I'm securing to and then attach it back to the lock which is still threaded through the seat rails.

This is my default recommendation these days: https://aebike.com/product/kryptonite...k4212-qc30.htm Secure enough for a SoldSecure "gold" rating, three keys (and you can get more from Krpytonite if necessary). I usually carry mine in either a pannier or a trunk bag.

Sounds like you do an outstanding job locking your seat/seatpost.

Funny man... The seat locking method I use is fast to lock and unlock and keeps the coiled lock out of the way and quiet, also, when I slip the cable around the poll, it also goes through the bike frame, so it's not just the seat that is being locked.
The point is, NO bike lock is going to protect bike parts from being stolen, as I'm sure you know. Have you got locks on your bike bags too? You would have to put a cable through every part and it still wouldn't be safe, right? The cases where I lock my bike are for brief stops where I go into a store or restaurant briefly and park my bike in front. The purpose is to keep some one from hopping on the bike and riding off, I doubt some one is going to start unbolting parts right in front of everyone. I don't park my bike in public places over night either.

If you've got a Brooks saddle, or any other saddle that has a lot of space underneath, you can carry the lock by threading it above the saddle rails just like how Doane carries his cable lock.

This is a Kryptonite Evolution Mini, but my New York Standard fits in there, too.

Agreed, I apologize for my earlier comment. Too many hours awake with too little sleep.

No problem, it actually was funny.

Here's some photos of my setup..



That looks very tidy and compact, Barrackssi!

My first question to these questions is how much is your bike worth? If the bike is a expensive bike then the best way to secure it is to leave it at home and buy a cheap bike to lock up if your really worried about it; because no lock is theft proof, and if a thief wants it he'll get it.

If buying a second bike is out of the question then I suggest using two locks, not just one; because it's more of a hassle to carry tools to defeat two different locks.

The Krpytonite a poster mentioned is a very good lock, but Bike.com has the lock for $35.21. Combine that with a On Guard Doberman Cable lock that features a 15mm thick cable which cost about $25 at REI, their cheaper at Amazon but no mention of the width which could be 12mm or 15mm. The two of these together would present quite a challenge

Compared to many others, I guess I do have a cheap bike, but I still don't want some one to hop on it and ride off, so I lock it up on the few occasions where I stop on the bike and go in a store, etc. The reason I like my setup is that it can be done quickly and easily, with out a lot of fuss and put back to a non rattling carrying position just as quickly and easily. My saddle is now probably more desirable then the bike is, but they would have a hard time getting it loose from the cable.