For those that lock their bikes in an office park

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09-25-14 | 07:34 PM

#26

Medic Zero

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 2,285

Likes: 1

From: Kherson, Ukraine

Bikes: Old steel GT's, for touring and commuting

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostarchitect

Don't get 1 $10 U-Lock. Get a good quality one. I recommend the Kryptonite orange or yellow lines since they lock both legs and a theif would have to cut them twice to steal the bike. I also recommend a cable for the wheels--you can probably use your old cable lock for this. If you don't want to carry the lock around, leave it on the rack and just bring the cable lock with you.

I disagree. For locks at a fairly safe place, I don't think it makes any difference between the best u-lock and an inexpensive one, particularly if you are using two locks. As mentioned upthread, most thieves are going to look for an easier target if they see a bike with two locks. If they are going to go to the trouble to cut through the locks, does it really matter whether it'll take them 15 seconds or 20? I really doubt it, if they've made the decision to cut through the locks, they've decided you bike is worth the risk. In fact, that's why I often carry an aluminum lock, I doubt most thieves know every brand and are going to realize that my lock would take them a few seconds less to cut through, or that that is the deciding factor in whether or not they are going to attempt to steal my bike.

The locks the OP is looking for are more for peace of mind, it doesn't sound like he's locking it up overnight on the street in NYC. For situations that are more dangerous higher end locks are definitely the way to go, but if you are just leaving a couple of locks on a rack at work, in a very low theft area, cheap ones are fine.

09-25-14 | 09:15 PM

#27

vol

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Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 3,816

Likes: 23

Are there surveillance cameras near the bike rack? If so, park within its view.

09-26-14 | 05:46 AM

#28

Worknomore

Full Member

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 464

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From: SE Michigan

Bikes: Serotta CRL, Litespeed Blue Ridge, Bacchetta Ti Aero, Cannondale delta V, 67 Schwinn Sting Ray stick shift.

Bring the security guys a big box of donuts/pastries. Tell them thanks so much while parking your bike in the storage closet.

09-26-14 | 05:56 AM

#29

jon c.

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 4,869

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From: Tallahassee, FL

I don't ride to work often, but when I do I keep the bike in my office. It's not allowed, but I'm right next to an external stairwell and as long as I'm not wheeling it through the halls, I'm okay. The building manager used to work for me and if he sees the bike in my office he's okay with it. He just doesn't want to see me in the hallway.

09-26-14 | 08:10 AM

#30

Tundra_Man

Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 2,692

Likes: 440

From: Sioux Falls, SD

Bikes: '81 Panasonic Sport, '02 Giant Boulder SE, '08 Felt S32, '10 Diamondback Insight RS, '10 Windsor Clockwork, '15 Kestrel Evoke 3.0, '19 Salsa Mukluk

For those about to lock, we salute you!

09-26-14 | 08:29 AM

#31

wle

Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 245

Likes: 10

From: atlanta ga

Bikes: road: 1999 GT road:40Kmi+ // 2001 fuji finest AL:9Kmi+//1991 schwinn paramount ODG:0.1Kmi+

also ask yourself, are bike thieves likely to be trolling here?
why would this be prime territory for them?

i leave my bike unlocked if i am somewhere where i expect no bike thieves
thrift store
costco
MY office park

only lock for
long time periods
coffee joints
farmers markets
library
college campus

wle

09-26-14 | 01:58 PM

#32

Onyxaxe

Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 203

Likes: 0

Cheap U locks can be broken from just pulling the bike away from the rack. If they want the bike and they see a bunch of locks they still might try it since it takes less than a couple minutes.

FYI, I know a guy who stole a bike with a bic pen. Stupid ass proves it does happen.