Bike locks
 

This is my first post. Not sure if i'm in the correct place for this but here we go. I need a bike lock, indestructible would be awesome but I know there's no such thing.

U lock / Chain type, don't care. Weight isn't an issue either. I just want something that's going to hold up.

U-lock/chain combo. Some people prefer Kryptonite, some prefer On Guard. There are lots of threads on here already--do a search, see what you prefer. A smaller U-lock is lighter, but if you don't mind weight, then the Kyrptonite Fahgettaboudit looks pretty serious--and a big part about good bike locking is showing any potential thief that it would be too much work to try to steal your bike.

Once you do get a lock, watch these videos:
http://www.streetfilms.org/hal-grade...-bike-locking/
http://www.streetfilms.org/hal-and-k...-bike-locking/
http://www.streetfilms.org/hal-grade...final-warning/

Where do you live and ride and lock up?

The variety out there is pretty big. A couple weeks back we were planning a trip to DC - higher crime than where I live, so I wanted some u-locks and a heavy chain lock. I ordered online - three On Guard u locks and a Beast 12mm chain with lock.

Long story short, the shipment was delayed so I went searching locally. All the local shops where I live didnt' have much...so I took a chance at the Wal Mart. They had some decent Kryptonite 8mm chain locks, plus a lot of junk (and a decent but small on guard u-lock). I bought the chain locks and we used them for the trip.

When I got home, the other locks had arrived. Well, the Beast is just that - a beast. It's about 10 lbs with the lock, and I'm pretty sure it would take an angle grinder or torch to cut either....not touching this thing with bolt cutters. But there's no way I'm riding around with it either. So in the end I'm keeping one kryptonite ulock (LBS), two kryptonite chain locks (Wally Mart), and one On Guard u lock (bought online).

But where I live, bike theft isn't a big deal. And if I travel I'll take bikes that I"m not too worried about.

Get locking wheel skewers so you don't have to cable up your wheels. Non-quick release seatpost collar. Fill all your hex bolt heads with hot glue to prevent component/saddle theft. Onguard u-locks seem to have pretty consistent problems with seizing up due to the dual bolt design. Kryptonites use the bent foot so are single bolt and more reliable.

I recommend this lock (not too big so a hydraulic jack can fit in and break it, not too small. The Kryptonite Mini 5 is too small to reach much) and these skewers.

Both U-lock and heavy duty cable key-lock, I use both when leaving my rig in the garage. I use a medium security combination cable lock in low-crime areas, where I'm not away for more than half an hour. If it's a bit dicey, I'll bring the U-lock and cable along with the combination lock cable, for peace of mind.

Here's a new offering from ABUS, they will have a booth at the Sea Otter Classic, so I hope to go over there to have a look at them:

http://lockitt.com/CablesArmored.htm#1050

If weight is no issue, then get the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock (3.25" x 6"). If that is too small, get the Kryptonite New York STD U-lock (4" x 8"). They both weigh about 4lbs, though the Fahgettaboudit is slightly heavier.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/produc...=1000&pid=1095

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/produc...=1000&pid=1096

They are consistently ranked as the best U-locks on the market. I have the STD. It's a force to be reckoned with. Very secure (as long as it's used properly)

If price is an issue, go with Onguard. They are a reputable company, I've been happy with their products as well. Again, weight no issue, go 1st with the Brute Mini, or the Brute STD if you need more room.

http://www.onguardlock.com/products/cat_ulock_5112.html

http://www.onguardlock.com/products/cat_ulock_5001.html

I suggest you do some research on how to lock up a bike.

I like the Abus products. I use the ring locks and the Bordo on different bikes. If weight is not a concern the strength and convenience of the Bordo locks are great, but at $100 a pop they should be.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U5cslSOI4D...0/IMG_0156.JPG

Marc

#1, I moved away from places that have a bike stealing food chain.
feeding off college freshmen every year,

And use a couple different kinds of locks when I leave the bike on the curb,
until closing time..

I'm using the Krypto NY Noose with locking skewers. I really like the adaptability/convenience of this set up and the security rating on the lock/chain is pretty high.

My most secure setup was a Kryptonite evolution mini with a cable!
The U-Lock kept my frame safe, and the cable deterred wheel thieves.
I used this setup over night in various moderate crime areas and still had my bike. lol.

I've sinced switched to an Abus Bordo... ITs a folding lock that has a very small size and is extremely convienent. It folds out into a giant loop that can wrap around the thickest of telephone poles no problem. Its rated a 8, which is the same level as abus's lowest end U-Lock... So I'm sure its good enough!

There's no foolproof lock. You need a combination of a good lock, good locking technique, good location, and good luck, and you're still at risk of eventually losing a bike. I commute on old cheap bikes, and if one is stolen I suck it up and replace it with another old cheap bike. My "good" bike, I don't lock, because I don't leave it anywhere.

More locks is better than a better lock. Lock diversity is also an advantage. One U-lock plus one good cable with its own separate lock is a pretty good way to go.

I've got three locks on my commuter and I've seen four other bikes from the same rack get stolen over the last few years while mine was untouched... except once the bastards stole my seat bag.

I rock a New York Fahgettaboudit & an Evolution Mini at all times. I feel pretty safe at night on a big-city college campus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck

Chains are not as secure as they seem.

Kryptonite NY series U-locks are only locks I recommend to people.

1) Good short read on metal, chains etc:
http://lockitt.com/chaininfo.htm


On that video:
Those are 1 meter long strong cutters. They are also leaned against the floor to cut that Abus chain. Thieves don't cary 1 meter long cutters underneath their jaskets. Those cutters would cut most U-locks as well.

Tips:
Try to lock both wheels to the frame and frame to something immobile, not easily cut. This can be done with two chains, or one long chain, chain plus u-lock, whatever you like.

Make sure chain/u-lock isn't close to the ground, so thieves can not use the ground as leverage, or use hammer/chisel to break locks/chains.

Make sure both the chain, lock and key mechanism are good. Chain is as good as it's weakest link. If you can afford, Abus stuff that is above protection level 15 (on Abus scale) is good. Don't know about Kryptonite stuff, none available where I live. I would never pay that much for locks, so any other chain that's over 60 rockwell and a decent lock will probably do.

If your bike is apealing enough and if there is enough time, any lock/chain can be broken.

Most of high-end bike chains are case hardened however, they can't beat the bolt cutters. What make you think thieves can't lean against the ground?

Professional bike thieves don't hide their tools. And you will be surprised how many people just walk by when they cut the locks.

Strong U-locks are pain to cut so they don't bother. I've seen guys with NY chains get their bikes stolen.

there is round link soft, and square link hardened chain.
but with the battery operated grinding disc ,
only a sniper will stop them.

I moved instead..