Hey everyone,

Love this forum and it has really helped me in my transition over to commuting to work. I just had a couple of questions I was hoping some of you more experienced riders could help answer.

1) I am trying to decide on what Ulock I want to buy. I have heard good things about the Kryptonite Evo Mini-7 with 4-Foot Flex Lock. But some people have said that it's not big enough for a lot of places to lock up. I guess I am just wanting some recommendations for U-locks and to know if you think this would be a good fit for me. Do you think it would go through my back tire and frame? (See pictures below)

2) My tires are 700x32c. I am wanting to buy a spare tube for in case I get a flat during my commute. Will any 700x32 tube work? Or is there something else I need to look for? I've never replaced a tire tube before so I would need to watch youtube video so I would have an idea of what to expect.

Here is a picture of the bike rack that I will be locking it up to at work. There are never any other bikes there so I can lock it anywhere I choose on the rack.



Picture of my bike for reference.

For the tube, you'll either have a Schraeder or Presta valve.
Use what the bike currently has.

Welcome To Bike Forums, Zerg!

The type of lock you buy should to some extent reflect the bike you're currently in possession. I mean, if you own a used Walgoose, it would be purely foolish to attempt to lock it up with a bonafide NY fahgettaboudtit U-Lock! The lock itself, would be worth more than the worthless bike itself!

OTOH, if you own a brand new Trek Madone, you might want to invest in a NY Fahgetaboudit U-lock + a case hardened 100 grained steel chain with a case hardened steel combination lock, with a pitbull at the end of it all!

Anything from Kryptonite is probably good, but it depends on your area. If it's a high-crime area where you'll be locking up, the beefier (more expensive hahahaha) lock you'll need. What many of us do is carry both a U-Lock and a good, strong cable. When we lock the bike, we lock the cable through the rack (of course) and through the wheels. The U-Lock then is used to lock the frame to the rack. Many thieves that may have the correct tools to break a U-Lock cannot break the cable, and if they have something to break the cable they usually don't have the tools to break the U.

My personal method is simply to remove the front wheel (your Escape should have quick-release on the front wheel, so it's easy) then use the U-lock to lock the rack and the two wheels together inside of the rear triangle. The frame is secure in this setup because it's impossible to pull the rear wheel through the rear triangle. (see https://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html) Then I add the cable lock to increase security.

As far as tubes, any 700 by 32 should work but you have to use the correct stem, either Schrader or Presta. Schraders are the ones in use on automobile wheels, and I believe the entire Escape line uses these. Other than the choice of these two types of stems, any correct sized tube would be ok.

Enjoy commuting, and ride free!

If no one else is using the bike rack, buy the biggest, heaviest U lock you can afford, and leave it locked to the rack.
That way you don't have to ride around with the extra weight, but still have the lock to secure your bike.

+1^

But don't use the old Kryptonite U Lock. A Bic Pen will undo it!

+2

We have a similar bike rack at my workplace. I bought an On Guard 5009 Bulldog LS (a big honkin' keyed U-Lock) that I leave on the rack at work and use to lock my bike up when commuting. It is big enough to lock the frame and front wheel.

My workplace is very safe during daylight hours, and the rack is in plain view of the main windows. So this approach works for me.

Definitely consider leaving the U-lock at the work rack if you don't need it for other bike trips. Convenient and weight-saving. Also consider leaving a belt and shoes at work if you have extras you can spare and a place to keep them....

Also, on the rack you pictured, if you are sure no other bikes will be using it, I personally would lift my bike up over the rack, put it behind the rack lengthwise (if it fits behind - depends on handlebars, otherwise put it lengthwise in front), and U-lock it through the frame and front wheel (or take front wheel off and lock through frame and both wheels for more security).

you need to park the bike in a high-visibility area (where there's a lot of foot traffic) so that people will say something if they see someone with tools trying to remove it.

as close to reception as possible, perhaps? also, you'll get more props for being the only guy that rides to work every day

I agree, but some clarification: Avoid locks that use the tubular keys. Use newer locks that use regular flat keys.

The only way I locked my bike up, is when I am looking at it. Period. Other than that, it comes with me. I had one bike stolen about 25 years ago. It was recovered the next day. I learned from that. I wouldn't leave a bike locked up unless I am looking at it, or I have my very, very rusty beater bike. I carry a small inexpensive cable lock with me. I will locked up my bike when I go to eat in a cafe. I make sure I am not more than 20 feet from the bike, and I am eyeballing it too. Call me parinoid, but I ain't writing in that my bike has been stolen.

I always carry a spare tube, and a mini pump too.

Thanks to everyone for the replies! I can't make up my mind between the Kryptonite Evolution mini with cable or the Kryptonite Kryptolok with cable.

Dont use the wheelbending feature of that rack. Put you bike alongside and lock front and back wheels which a shackle and a cable lock.

Locks are heavy fashion accessaries. I would get a convenient bike lock cable so you can lock up anywhere.

Don't bother wasting your money on expensive locks of any kind. Locks are simply a deterant. If a thief really wants your bike, they can cut through ANY lock in less than a minute with a hand-held grinder wheel OR, given a few minutes, can cut through any lock with a common hack saw. I know - I have done it many times for friends with lost keys and lost combinations.

With a hand-held battery powered cutting tool, you can cut through a Kryponite U-lock in less time than it takes to lock the bike to a bike rack.

The irony is that you can cut through an expensive $70.00 bike lock with a hacksaw that costs under $4.00.

I would add that many tubes are sold to fit a range of tires. So, you don't have to find a tube that says 700x32. Instead, you may find a tube that says it fits 700x28-35. Since your tire size is in this range, it will work for you.

Since you haven't changed a tire before I would recommend practicing at home. You will also want to pick up a pair of tire levers and some sort of portable pump.

The mini is smaller, lighter and more portable. Supposedly the compact size makes it more difficult to pry open. Downside: a mini lock may limit your locking options. A larger U lock may fit around a light post or thick pole that the mini will not. It also has more reach.