Do the combination cable locks hold up? Some of the locking mechanisms look pretty flimsy. I would hate to lock up the bike and have the tumbler break. (I don't carry a cable cutter) Are there certain brands to avoid? I am looking at the $15-20 locks for use in low risk areas. Thanks for your input.

Hey B2 I think with a cable lock, the tumblers are the least of your worries, but like you said ,,low risk area might be find,,,I've lost a couple of bikes with cable locks,,,,,,,,,one can never tell.........

Never seen a problem with them breaking spontaneously and I'd worry more about someone else carrying a cable cutter. But I've been using only a combination cable lock for my local shopping trips for years without any problems. Your post just reminded me that I bought mine for our daughter to use when she rode her bike to school in 5th grade. I ended up getting it back after she finished college. She's a pediatrician now. So this lock has been in regular use for quite some time and hasn't lost a bike yet (but is supplemented by a U-lock when in riskier areas).

Integrated Combination Chain lock would be better IMO ABUS Lock-Chain Combination 1610/85 chain (55163)

A cable lock will only stop the type of thief who would steal a bike that was unlocked only. I guess if in your neighborhood there's nobody who (a) wants to steal a bike and or (b) does want to steal the bike but doesn't own a pair of $25 bolt cutters, then any lock will do.

Honestly though, a cable lock is the lowest form of bike lock in terms of security, I wouldn't recommend any brand, but then again I speak as someone who had a very nice cable lock on their bike and lost it!

Avoid the old Master style twist dial locks. They can be quickly opened with a soda can.

I use a self coiling On Guard cable lock. It used to have a lighted dial, but that has gone bad years ago (or maybe I never replaced the battery). The plastic over the end of the lock mechanism has fallen off. It doesn't compromise the lock, but looks funky, and a couple of wires stick out.



If you're locking anything of any value, get at least a 1/2" thick cable. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BIKE CHAINED TO A POST OVERNIGHT. My bike gets used for errands, but I'm not locking it outside for commuting or for long periods at school, at least not now.

So, make sure your lock matches your riding and your environment.

I would be careful about some of the thinner ones, I have seen someone yank them apart and it just snaps apart. If you are going to do a combination lock, I would get a heavy duty one. I prefer key locks, I have one made of kevlar.

OK as an anti-snatch lock but probably not for real security.

Best, of course, is to take your bike inside...

The only use i have for a cable lock is as a 3rd layer of security to secure my saddle and rear wheel. I have 2 other layers of security before my cable lock goes into action.

Cable locks are fine to stop the thief that is looking for the easy steal. Often at bike events I use one. I figure the many other bikes there with no lock will be the first choice for the thirds. Also when you consider how many bikes look the same a lock stops someone from taking your bike by mistake.
Like others have said take it inside your house for real protection.

Mike

3/8" cable locks fall into the category of cafe or walk-off locks. They are designed to discourage opportunists and joy riders when a bike will be left for a short period of time in a relatively low risk area. I have just a standard 6' cable with a loop at each end (Brinks brand) and a small keyed Masterlock. I have no delusions about this stopping a serious bike thief, but it's enough to stop some lazy loser from taking a free ride to the local pawn shop.