ooh maybe something like this
http://www.toolking.com/makita/view.asp?id=14165

That'll work, if you need to cut through the lamp post the bike is attached to. ;)

Thieves probably use handheld battery-powered cutters that are about the size of a drill.

Golly, why don't we start a thread called "How To Steal A Bike"? We could post photos of the most effective tools, explain how to use them, and then post links to websites where would-be crooks can buy the tools on-line.

Or, we could discuss effective ways to DEFEAT crooks, and NOT discuss the specifics of "How To Steal A Bike".

The guys who work at my neighborhood hardware store are nice guys. But, they don't know a thing about security issues. They sell "high priced" door locks that can be picked in seconds, yet DON'T stock a brand of door locks that is essentially pick proof. They could take twenty minutes cutting a chain that a New York thief could cut in seconds. But, they are NICE guys...

I would not buy a bike sold at a hardware store. I would not lock an expensive bike with a chain sold at a hardware store.

Originally Posted by Ziemas
Ask the hardware store how long it takes for them to cut the chain. Then you'll have an idea of the quality of your chain.


Neither would I. My point was that the hardware store has to cut the chain they are selling you. You can bet they aren't going to spend 20 minutes cutting a chain that sells for $12.

I agree, of course folks will argue that all the information on how to steal a bike are available to anyone that wants it, but my counter to that is why contribute to making it even immeasurably easier, or worse lead to new ideas. Basically the more you talk about something publicly the better understanding there will be on average.

As to bikes being stolen... Does anyone have an guess, estimate, knowledge of how many bikes are stolen by being ridden away vs. being driven away in 'get-away' vehicle?

Al

You cannot have a meaningful discussion on how to defeat a thief without also discussing how a thief will defeat you. In order to protect against a threat, one must first identify the threat.

The way I look at it, the theives already know the tricks to steal your bike. If you are going to try to deter them, you have to know what you are up against. I think this thread has been enlightening in that respect.

Yup, experienced, highly successful crooks know all they need to know. But, there are still klutzy crooks out there. When you find hacksaw marks on a New York 3000, you know that the would-be crook "needs some schoolin". Somebody needs to show this dummy a photo of a more effective tool, and then give him a link to where he can purchase that tool on-line.

But, YOU can be the guy to "school 'em". I'd rather discuss how to DEFEAT these guys.

Maybe putting poo-poo on the lock.

Or pretend you are keeping thieves ignorant by refusing to discuss how locks are broken. Do a simple google search and you'll find out all about how to bust locks. It's no secret.

Part of my contention is that there are plenty of situations which do not require the biggest, baddest lock. Not everyone lives in NYC or other high theft region. Many people live and ride in areas where the biggest risk is the opportunist thief who might take an unlocked bike on impulse. These people don't walk around with bolt cutters under their jackets.

I was in New Orleans walking all around the French Quarter last year. I saw a lot of bikes locked to light poles there. I was surprised by the number of bikes that were secured by a simple hardware store chain and Masterlock padlock. Some cheap U-Locks. No OnGuard or high end Kryptonite locks.

Unless New Orleans has changed a lot in the last 15 years you'd be surprised by the amount of bike theft too. When I lived there it was horrible. So was the murder rate.

That's why I was surprised to see so many bikes locked up with 'inferior' devices. Many of the bikes I saw were locked only by the frame. Both wheels could easily be stolen.