I recently got into cycling, with a 2010 Cannondale CAAD8 - love it. I intend to occasionally use it for commuting.

Sketched up a little picture of how I locked it up yesterday and I'd like you guys to share your opinion on it.

The lock I'm using is an inexpensive 6ft braided cable (rubber coated) word lock.

I m no expert but what about the saddle?

I intend to just take that risk - it would require tools to remove. Along with the computer and LED lights that are easily removable without tools, and my helmet when I bring it along. Those wouldn't be devastating losses to me. But my frame and wheels would be! FWIW, the lock-up spots are in heavy foot-traffic areas.

If a braided cable word lock is good enough to deter theft in his area, he probably doesn't have to worry about the seat being stolen, especially if it doesn't have a quick release.
Typically it takes a good pry from a screwdriver to break one of those locks, so this is just to discourage opportunistic theft, not a pro.

Yes that is accurate. Simply to deter crimes of opportunity.

I can open a word/number lock very quickly. Watched a kid do it on youtube and it is amazingly easy. We have a variety of decent cable locks with combos and I was able to crack them all. I would consider at least a padlock setup.

Both wheels are secured, which is good, but "inexpensive" and "cable" don't inspire much confidence. There's no such thing as a fool-proof bike lock, so what you should try to do is to make it as time-consuming as possible for any potential bike thief.

You have to take into considerations the risks of the area. Like ItsJustMe says above, if this is good enough for your area, then fine. If it isn't, then either get a U-lock as well and use the two in combination, or park next to a bike that's less secure than yours is, and/or a more attractive bike for a thief. You've got an attractive bike already, so chances are your bike is going to catch a potential thief's eye more than most other bikes.

My judgement: you could be doing a lot better. Invest in a U-lock, use the U-lock to secure the rear wheel and frame to the bike rack, use the cable to secure the front wheel to the U-lock. This video should give you a good idea of what's a good locking technique:

https://www.streetfilms.org/hal-grade...-bike-locking/

No need to go through the frame twice.

There are different levels of opportunity. That's better than not locking your bike at all, but a U-lock is better than a cable lock. Using both is better still.

I wouldn't leave a bike of much value locked like that if I was planning to be away from it for very long. You have the right idea with securing the wheels and the frame. It's just that a cable isn't particularly secure and that type of lock definitely isn't.

If the cable or the lock is not strong enough, it doesn't matter how complex your locking method.

It goes through once.

Thanks all for the opinions. I didn't consider the lock being the weakness here.

No lock is theft proof depending on what tools the thief has; screwdriver, bolt-cutters, angle grinder...
U-lock or frame lock, and wire lock at least may deter. Even fuglyfying your bike with tape or whatever may help. Even so, components can be nicked.

I try to take my bike indoors whenever possible and NEVER leave it on the street overnight.

While better than nothing, a cable isn't much security.Someone could take that bike in under 10 seconds.

Use more than 1 lock

Uhhhmmm,
Probably it's just me? But Any bike, or wheel that would be Devastating (either emotional and/or financial) to lose, deserves better protection than a cable based lock.

If you don't feel the need lock up your home, if you are comfortable leaving the family auto unattended with the windows down, Then you are indeed fortunate to live, work, and shop in one of the few remaining Mayberry's left in this great nation of ours, And you Sir/Mam have my personal everlasting envy.

On the other hand if your community has it's share of crime, substance abuse/addiction, vagrants? If seeing a friend's or coworker's car windows down at work, coffee shop/diner, gym, or grocer causes even the slightest concern. Then you owe it to yourself to step up to a U-lock.

With your extremely desirable CAAD, Investing in an O.G. Bulldog Mini (or mini 7) if financially concerned, or Big K's Evo Mini (or mini 7) if you have the scratch, would be a smart decision. And the absolute minimum step I would take.

I used to lock up my old bike like this with a Kryptonite Kryptolok all the time. I never had any issues, but now I'm beginning to think I was just lucky all those times my bike was never taken.
I now have a new (less expensive bike) and after reading some of the stories/suggestions here and elsewhere, I'd definitely have to agree with going for a U-Lock at least (or in combination with the cable).

OP. I used to lock my bike exactly like that when I attended class at a local community college. No problem for months. Then one night the bike was gone, the cable cut.

The campus security told me I should use the U type locks. He said that right now the thieves were passing them up because it was so easy to cut the cable type locks. He also showed me the video footage. I had felt safe because there were security cameras all over the campus. After dark the cameras couldn't see squat at the bike rack.

With my new bike I started using both a u-lock and a cable lock. The u-lock covered the frame and back wheel. The cable covered the frame and front wheel. I just took my chances on the saddle as well.

Im alongside the rack, usually, rather than putting my front wheel through it ..

Not good. Hobble the bike. Take off the front wheel and place next to back wheel. Take a longer u lock and get both wheels, the frame and a solid ,secure post or rack to then lock it all together.

I you ride it to work and park in the same place everytime you might consider a decent lock and leave it locked on the bike rack. That way you don't have to lug it around.

If I had your current set-up I would kiss my bike everytime I left it figuring it would probably be the last time I saw it.