N0WBIE

I'm about to get a 500 dollar road bike and I am afraid of people trying to steal it. I do have a u lock.

zymphad

Lock it near security or police, or always keep it within line of sight.

If you want to just lock up and walk away, then buy a bike that you don't think will be stolen. But honestly, thieves are unpredictable. A co-worker had an old vintage that was in terrible condition, brakes were hard to squeeze, housing and cable doesn't look like it has been changed in a decade, lots of rust. It was stolen and he had a kryptonite lock too. It was next to far nicer bikes.

So who knows what thieves want. They're scum.

katsrevenge

This is what I do. More or less. Sheldon Method, around the back wheel and a nice fat cable lock around the whole shebang.

And this guy gives a good run down too.

Northwestrider

Last year I watched then stopped someone stealing my bike ( long story ). I now use a good cable lock AND keep it in sight at all times when I go into a shop for coffee. If I had to leave it un watched, even if for a couple of minutes, I'd use a strong U lock in addition to the cable lock. Your concern is valid, but don't let it keep you from buying your bike. Use your U lock

WestPablo

If you're using your bike to commute on mostly flat terrain, then just get a cheap single speed from www.bikesdirect.com. Otherwise, buy a used bike off the Craigslist. If you're that concerned about bike theft, just always think about cutting your losses.

Don't buy a $500 bike that is most likely to get stolen! Just about any lock can be compromised with a regular hacksaw, the right blade, and enough time.

Even a single speed from Uncle Wally would be better than a $500 bike that gets stolen after only a few weeks!

mgw4jc

I haven't looked, but I'm sure there is bike theft insurance of sorts out there too. Or do any of the lock companies offer any sort of guarantee / insurance?

Sixty Fiver

Passing the u-lock around the tyre and frame offers a better visual deterrent but going around the rear tyre and locking inside the frame to a fixed object is just as effective. One concern with locking around the frame is that the frame may be damaged during theft attempts.

The mini shackle disables the bike and as a fixed gear the rear wheel won't even turn so you'd have to carry it after defeating the main u-lock, the cable secures a front wheel that has no QR and the bike itself has no quick releases.

Ugly goes a long ways too.

spivonious

Is bike theft a problem in your area? It is not in mine, and as such I usually just put a u-lock on and call it a day.

DiabloScott

Yup - I have three at work - one U-lock with a flat key, one U-lock with a rotary combo, and one really thick long cable that gets locked with a mini-u-lock with a cylinder key. I keep the locks at work so I don't have to carry them around.

Unfortunately, someone stole my bike from my HOUSE!

schiiism

I had a new $700 bike stolen from my school campus that was locked with a Masterlock 12mm steel cable lock. After a lot of research so it wouldn't happen again, I bought this lock:

ProductInformation
https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Sta.../dp/B005YPK9SY

If you register for Anti-Theft Protection within 15 days of buying the lock, your bike is insured for up to $3000 as long as you have all the documentation. I didn't get the insurance, but I haven't had my bike stolen in 3 years of locking it up in high risk areas. It's the most secure U-lock on the market from what I've seen, but it is heavy and a bit pricey. To me it has been well worth it. There is a smaller version that is even more theft-proof, but you risk scratching up your frame by locking it so close to poles/racks/etc--it also limits your options because not all anchors are small enough to accommodate the mini. I've had no problems with the larger size, and Amazon sells one with a swivel mount that is very versatile for carrying on different frame types.

Make sure you read up on how to properly use a U-lock. With the size of that lock, it can fit the front wheel as well.

joeyduck

@Sixty Fiver

What lock do you use for the pedal/chainstay lock? I like the thinking there! Can I get a few more close ups.


I personally use the ulock through the back triangle and wheel. My sons seat is locked by a cable lock through the top tube seat stay junction. I use pin head wheel locks on both our bike's wheels. I special ordered the same key set for both so we can always grab either set of keys and be safe.

I do always lock my bike in the same spot everyday to a telephone pole guide wire, it is visible be me with a little walk (I check regularly) and our company office manager has a direct line of sight and would notice. Until the company moved somethings around I used to park it inside.

fietsbob

I moved away from a college town that has a subculture that steals bikes ..

allen bolt skewer on both hubs , Is adequate Here .. and a lock .. 1 bike it's a Ring lock and security chain... Axa defender

another bike Abus Bordo, folding link lock and a separate security chain lock combo ..

Leebo

Leave locked inside my garage or inside at work 99 % of the time. When I make a coffee run, no lock, just my large drooly dog, leashed to the top tube.

CommuteCommando

I have a good quality cable lock. It is easier to carry and use than a U lock. I rarely lock my bike at work, where I am allowed to bring it inside. It is a small manufacturing business so there is no public access. I lock it when stopping for my morning coffee on the way in. It is in a very public spot in front of the store, and never for more than five minutes.

$1600 road bike/

TransitBiker

U lock & i'm gonna get a "anchor chain" for more questionable areas.

- Andy

Sixty Fiver

It is the older version of the Planet Bike Mini U-lock that uses a flat key instead of the newer round key.

acidfast7

1. u-lock

2. locked bike locker

3. 24/7 recorded CCTV

PaulRivers

There is no such thing as a "good quality cable lock". They're...essentially all the same for security reasons. I carry this thin cable on my $5,000 road bike (Kabletek Flexweave Cable 3/16'' X 6') -


Why? - because my bike is to valuable to leave locked up anywhere where I can't see it. I'll only lock it up at restaurants where I can see my bike from the table, places where it's there to keep some punk from casually walking off with it without me noticing.

If your coffee shop is fairly safe, it could be fine.

I've considered getting something like this (for my cheaper bike that I do leave locked up sometimes) as a more portable option that's safer than a cable but more portable than a ulock -

Amazon.com : OnGuard K9 Folding Lock : Chain Bike Locks : Sports & Outdoors

wolfchild

I use a Krypto U Lock or a Krypto Chain. I prefer the chain . U Locks have their limits, they're ok for locking to a bike rack or parking meter, but they won't work for locking around a large lamp post or a thick sign post.
Nothing is really 100% guaranteed. Professional bike thieves have tools and experience to cut through any lock or bike rack.

DiabloScott

Twice as thick:

Rudz

At work I have an onguard u lock and thick on guard cable. I just bought pinhead locks for the skewers, headset and seatpost. I run the cable around the frame, through my helmet and saddle and lock the u lock through the seat stays and rear wheel. Lock it to so gas pipe fixture we have outside.

My co workers park there cars right up against where I put my bike so you wouldn't be able to see it anyway unless you knew it was there.

I leave the heavy locks at work and picked up a cheap combo lock for when I stop in somewhere to eat. I always park in front of the window and door, and never leave my bike out of sight.

Shahmatt

Rust stickers
Anti-Theft Car/Bike Device | Dominic Wilcox

Vibration sensitive alarm
Wireless Security Alarm Remote Control Siren for Door Window Car Motor Bike | eBay

Shahmatt

Or sell the bike.

Buy a foldie and take it in with you.

CommuteCommando

It is a 7-Eleven Store. At the time I get there, about 6:15 AM, there is heavy foot traffic. I lock it to the handicapped parking sign which is visible from most of the inside of the store. There are rare instances where I have to lock it out of sight for extended periods. These are doctors appointments and trips to the grocery store. It is a calculated risk I am willing to take. I always lock the bike in front of the store in areas of high foot traffic. These places often have bike racks in back, or out of sight by dumpsters and such. There are always handicapped parking signs right in front of the store and I use them.

I once locked to a flag pole in front of a Kaiser office and some security guard gave me grief and threatened to cut the lock-yada yada. I went in, got my drugs at the pharmacy and left. Wrote an e-mail to Kaiser about the incident and now that facility has a rack in front.

Cyclist0383

I've got a high-end bike, and live in a capital city. I use a top of the range U-lock and don't worry, as it would take away from the pure joy of riding. Unless you have a *very* fancy bike or live in bike theft central, a good U-lock is enough deterrent. There are plenty of other bikes with low-end locks for the thieves to choose from.