How to lock your bike...
#51
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the cyclops, agreed, peace of mind, that is very important. (I actually do live in NYC.)
Now another question: what about the wheels and saddle? Most (almost all) people lock them with a crappy cable lock. Why the thieves didn't take these easy stuffs has always baffled me. It is not much better if you come out of the coffee shop and found you bike is missing a wheel, or the saddle, especially if you are far away from home. So in my opinion locking the wheels and seat with cable locks can't provide peace of mind.
Incidentally, the other day I saw a guy in the subway train, who had his own bike in the train, but was also carrying a separate wheel in his hand. He didn't look very innocent to me...
Now another question: what about the wheels and saddle? Most (almost all) people lock them with a crappy cable lock. Why the thieves didn't take these easy stuffs has always baffled me. It is not much better if you come out of the coffee shop and found you bike is missing a wheel, or the saddle, especially if you are far away from home. So in my opinion locking the wheels and seat with cable locks can't provide peace of mind.
Incidentally, the other day I saw a guy in the subway train, who had his own bike in the train, but was also carrying a separate wheel in his hand. He didn't look very innocent to me...
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So the real question now is, what mini u-lock to buy... I own a Club Ultra Bike Jr, or something like that. It's made by the same people that make "The Club" for car steering wheels and I can't say anything other than that it hasn't failed me so far for the last few years but my girlfriend just got a bike, so we need a second lock. Here are the requirements:
1. size: I don't want to carry a big chain around. Though I commute, it's mainly because/when I want to, otherwise the subway works fine. I ride because I enjoy it and if I stop enjoying it, there's no point.
2. frame-only needed but room for more is nice: see above; I have wheels, seatpost etc secured through Pitlock, so that I need only quickly clip the lock to something stationary. See above re fun and convenience, plus quickness necessary--if I have to add 5 mins each to secure and unsecure the bike at grocery/cafe, then the 5 min ride vs 20 min walk no longer makes sense. It would be nice, however, to be able to lock 2 bikes to one post w/ one lock when needed.
3. I will carry lock in basket, bag, etc, so accessory mount not really a concern but size/weight is, though not too much of one.
I am prob interested in comparisons of Krypto NY Fahgeddaboutit, OnGuard Mini Bulldog, Club Bike Ultra Jr and other similars.
Anyone know if the Krypto NYFU thing of multiple locks having the same key has been remedied?
1. size: I don't want to carry a big chain around. Though I commute, it's mainly because/when I want to, otherwise the subway works fine. I ride because I enjoy it and if I stop enjoying it, there's no point.
2. frame-only needed but room for more is nice: see above; I have wheels, seatpost etc secured through Pitlock, so that I need only quickly clip the lock to something stationary. See above re fun and convenience, plus quickness necessary--if I have to add 5 mins each to secure and unsecure the bike at grocery/cafe, then the 5 min ride vs 20 min walk no longer makes sense. It would be nice, however, to be able to lock 2 bikes to one post w/ one lock when needed.
3. I will carry lock in basket, bag, etc, so accessory mount not really a concern but size/weight is, though not too much of one.
I am prob interested in comparisons of Krypto NY Fahgeddaboutit, OnGuard Mini Bulldog, Club Bike Ultra Jr and other similars.
Anyone know if the Krypto NYFU thing of multiple locks having the same key has been remedied?
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Magnum Industries Limited does indeed make OnGuard locks.
https://www.magnum.ws/
I bought my Magnum lock, however, right here in Canada at MEC.
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...34374302692967
https://www.magnum.ws/
I bought my Magnum lock, however, right here in Canada at MEC.
https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...34374302692967
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So the real question now is, what mini u-lock to buy... I own a Club Ultra Bike Jr, or something like that. It's made by the same people that make "The Club" for car steering wheels and I can't say anything other than that it hasn't failed me so far for the last few years but my girlfriend just got a bike, so we need a second lock.
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I wonder why all the great U-locks and chain locks have crappy fragile keys? I have U lock, chain lock, cable locks, all the keys are similar, covered by plastics.
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@ the cyclops: Thanks for recommendation. I'm not really interested in the chain solution unless you think it is roughly the same size/weight overall as a comparable mini U. I will not chain it around my waist but if it fits in a bag/basket as easily as a mini U, I'm open to it, esp since it will be more flexible (functionally-speaking.)
@jpatkinson: the Abus granit x-plus could be an exception to above. It definitely looks interesting and fun, which is among the criteria.
@irclean: thank you for the suggestions. I was already considering the OnGuard mini bulldog. Is there a reason you chose the Krypto Evolution over the NYFU mini U?
@vol: my Club lock has a really nice metal key that is covered with plastic over the part you put between your fingers. I suspect this is for finger comfort. The key itself is thick, contoured and, seemingly, high-end. Are the others not? I haven't used any other brand since back in the Krypto cylindrical bic-pen-style (which was the lock's and bike's downfall) key days.
Thanks all.
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Just because it is "The choice of bike messengers worldwide", according to Kryptonite. Personally, I have no experience with the lock. My u-lock is a Magnum, so I have no problem recommending their locks (or OnGuard for that matter, since they're manufactured by Magnum). I use an ABUS bracket to carry my lock and I am impressed with their products as well.
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I just got my Abus Granit X-Plus, and I couldn't be more impressed. This has an excellent frame mount (for water bottle braze-ons), folds into a "brick," and has the highest security rating possible. Of course, you may not need something this secure.
The rivets on the Bordo locks are a weak point, and bikeradar's reviewer was able to pop one out in well under a minute. The photo shows that it didn't even mangle the lock very much.
Oh, and for what it's worth, my setup: Krypto mini, Sheldon method, and cheap skewers and wheel tether from BikeRegistry (both easy to overcome with tools, but I've increased the number of tools a thief needs to have to get at my wheels, which is the best I can really hope for).
#62
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See pix. These are keys for U locks, chain locks, cable locks. Not only all are plastic covered, but the holes for keyrings are all very small or ridiculously shaped and can't fit most keyrings, and the plastic part of the hole is extremely thin and easily broken when you try to put on a keyring (look at the 2nd pic, OnGuard U lock keys).
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You're right; I need something more secure. Don't count on ratings.
The rivets on the Bordo locks are a weak point, and bikeradar's reviewer was able to pop one out in well under a minute. The photo shows that it didn't even mangle the lock very much.
The rivets on the Bordo locks are a weak point, and bikeradar's reviewer was able to pop one out in well under a minute. The photo shows that it didn't even mangle the lock very much.
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In all honesty,even hal,the guy who rates our bike locking technique,will tell you that ANY lock is just a deterrent.If someone wants your bike bad enough,and has the time,they will get it.I think those locks like you have are nice,and very secure,but I think a chain(such as I have) is more secure,but MUCH heavier.My lock can be cut big BIG bolt cutters.A good U-lock can be busted by a bottle jack,or serious prying.And the lock you have can be busted as well,but I wouldn't even put another thought about someone breaking that lock,especially if you are not locking the bike in the same place everyday(for someone to "case"your bike)or if parking it in a very high crime area daily.Even then I would think you have a good lock,Abus doesn't make junk.Make sure you are locking it properly(through frame and both wheels),make sure the seat is secured and dont worry about it.
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I lock the down tube and front wheel to whatever I'm locking to with a Kyptonite u-lock. The back wheel requires a wrench and some knowledge to remove (i.g.h.) so I don't lock that up. The rack at work must be fairly safe because we had an abandoned unlocked bike leaned up against it for several weeks, untouched.
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Here is how not to lock two bikes. Saw this outside the grocery store today.
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How do you lock your bike?
Through the rear wheel and frame, cable lock to the front
What kind of lock(s) do you use?
OnGuard x4
How do you transport these lock(s)?
Behind seat (I'll post a photo, you'll love it if you can get away with it)
What grade do you think your bike would have gotten?
I'd almost always get an A. Only when I can't find a pole to put the u-lock through do I need to run only the cable around an object.
Also, you can stick the lock on the rack, notice in the photo I've got a bunge cord? Use it to hold the lock if you can't mount to the seat rails.
Joe
Through the rear wheel and frame, cable lock to the front
What kind of lock(s) do you use?
OnGuard x4
How do you transport these lock(s)?
Behind seat (I'll post a photo, you'll love it if you can get away with it)
What grade do you think your bike would have gotten?
I'd almost always get an A. Only when I can't find a pole to put the u-lock through do I need to run only the cable around an object.
Also, you can stick the lock on the rack, notice in the photo I've got a bunge cord? Use it to hold the lock if you can't mount to the seat rails.
Joe
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Well Im not buying anymore (scouts owner) but found this abus catena 685 on clearance at the LBS for $15 and couldnt turn it down...Now I dont have to take the front wheel off to lock everything up,this will be enough for that...
https://penncycle.com/product/abus-ca...ow-83045-1.htm
https://penncycle.com/product/abus-ca...ow-83045-1.htm
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What is the difference between this and the abus steel-o-chain 685?
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What is the difference between this and the abus steel-o-chain 685?
Seems to be nice chain though,Im happy for $15.
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Abus definitely doesn't make junk, but that thing doesn't inspire more confidence in me than a good short U.
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It's the second from the bottom - https://www.stichtingart.nl/sloten_resultaat.asp
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Oh, well, my $120 is spent, and I really like this lock, so I am going to use it and not lose any sleep over it. I highly doubt someone is going to nick my ride when locked properly with this thing. Abus themselves rate this as secure as the most secure lock they sell in the US, so I will just have to hope the thieves didn't read the ART report!
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I only noticed one post about out but does anyone use (or trust) those lock nuts that take a special tool to remove for say their seat post or maybe their wheels? Or do you double up and use those and still chain them together?
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I use a chain for the front tire,chain for the rear and frame,and a small cable for the seat.The cable is really the only thing they could get to without some SERIOUS tools.