machinestatic

Hi all - I know it's a universal Internet rite of passage to ask a lame easy question as your first post, but I swear, I searched for similar posts first.

So, I just started bike commuting to work this month (3 miles, from Cambridge to Boston, for anyone local) and I'm on a KHS Urban Soul. At home I can lock it up inside, and at work I have racks in the office parking garage. I'm currently using a Kryptonite Series 2 U-Lock and I'm happy with it, but I picked up a Kryptonite Hardwire cable lock (keyed) to temporarily secure another bike I'm selling and noticed that it's MUCH more comfortable to travel with in my bag than the Kryptolok.

My question is, does anyone know if the Hardwire is harder to cut through than the cheaper cable locks out there, or would I be a complete idiot for using it instead of the U-lock? I'm obviously most concerned about the rare times when I have to lock it up outside a mall, grocery store, etc. and not home/work. Thanks!

8Fishes

I am going to think that any cable lock is going to be just as easy to cut as any other. It comes down to how thick the actual cable is, but that doesn't amount to much because I beleive any smaller end bolt cutter would do the job just fine.

If you don't want to carry the u-lock, you can always just leave it attached tot he bike rack at work. Cable locks are more meant to keep people from simply walking off with your bike. It can probably work if you plan to hop in a store for 5 minutes and back out. Five real minutes and not '5 minutes'. If they wanted to steal your bike, they will take it no matter what security is on it.

chefisaac

you can get a holder for the u lock that can be mounted on your bike.

tsl

Just to be clear, the Hardwire series from Kryptonite is significantly different from the Keeper, Kryptoflex or Modulus cable locks, or any other cable locks I've ever seen. It's much stronger stuff.

I own a Hardwire 2085. It's pretty stout, for a cable lock.

That said, even Kryptonite rates it only for low to moderate crime areas at best. While it is certainly stronger stuff than any other cable lock I've seen, bear in mind that every electrician in the business has cutters on the truck for cable much heavier than the Hardwire.

I use mine mainly to supplement a U-lock, following the "use two types of locks" advice. I'll use it alone only in secure areas or if I'm locking up someplace where I can't find something a U-lock will fit. (In our downtown they've taken away all the parking meters and signposts. All I can lock to are light poles, which are roughly 8-10" in diameter.)

I wouldn't feel secure locking up for all day long in a parking garage with it. And that's coming from someone who likes the lock. Then again, I wouldn't feel secure in the same parking garage with just a U-lock either.

machinestatic

Ah, very helpful replies for a first time poster, thank you.

The Kryptonite locks did come with the standard frame mounts, but I find that the U-lock rattles in it, and the mount ends up magically spinning out of place after only a day or two. Though, I have seen a few links on the forum for custom U-lock mounts, bags, pouches, etc. so there's another option for down the road (no pun intended, huzzah!).

THIS is exactly the info I was looking for. This is what I was worried about, as I know that the people who are hardcore into stealing bikes have a disturbingly prepared setup, with the professional tools, and the pickup truck they throw the bike into in 10 seconds. Jerks. I will likely stick with the U-lock, and try shoving it in my Chrome bag again. (I've been skipping the two-lock method because my wheels are bolted, not quick release.)

Thanks again.

Top Gunner

All cable locks are extremely easy to cut, even the hardwire model. Use the u-lock.

machinestatic

Thanks, I agree. Since I started this thread, I stopped considering the Hardwire and just stuck with my U-lock. I'm even sucking it up and using the Kryptonite frame mount, even though I like the look of the bike better without it. Bike aesthetics aren't important if the bike doesn't exist anymore, due to being stolen.

vol

What about the so called armored cable locks?

SouthFLpix

Bolt cutter still gets through it. The best security options are U-locks and hardened steel chains.

That doesn't mean the cables are worthless. In certain areas that's all you need. Depends on where you live / work.

chefisaac

sounds like the cycling industry still has a lot more room to improve on this. I am suprised that something stronger hasent popped up yet.

DEW21

Just wondering if anyone who owns this lock can tell me if the cable is flexable enough to fit in this rack bag https://www.amazon.com/MTX-Trunk-rigi...ywords=mtx+bag I just started riding last year and would like to start riding further distances which means getting off the bike for bathroom breaks, lunch stops, ect. Not going to be in any high crime areas but just dont want somewon to jump on and ride away. I had a Schwinn Varsity get stolen on me while I was in a store watching it thru the window and by the time I got out of the store, he was gone.