choosing between two locks
 

I have already this lock, which I use to lock the bike outside for short periods of time (up to two hours or so).
However, I may have to leave the bike locked outside for longer (up to ten hours a day) about twice a week.

I was thinking of getting another lock and was considering these two:

https://www.evanscycles.com/kryptoni...acket-00104658

https://www.evanscycles.com/abus-gra...-lock-EV145845

Which one would be better?

In the product details for the Abus' it says the lock "has been specifically developed for the UK market...", which I find it a bit strange. How's a bike lock developed for a specific country? Is there a bike lock developed and sold specifically for, say, New York? :foo:

The Abus has a bit of a different shape, so maybe that is why they worded it that way? Maybe it will fit dutch style bikes better?

It goes on the left side of the bike.

...and doesn't need to be firearm resistant

Check youtube videos. It's surprising how fast some locks can be defeated.

I would never lock up any nice bike with any lock out of my sight. Locks of any kind are only marginally better than nothing IMO, if the bike is left unattended.

Cheers TRJB

TMassimo,

I bought that Abus Granit from Merlin Cycles in the UK and I live in the US. It's a beast; however, after watching a lot of Youtube video's, reading a lot of articles on how locks are broken and consulting other sources I have come away from U-Locks. The main reason is any of them can be broken from 15 seconds to inside 60 seconds. The key is to make your bike not an easy target. A big heavy chain with a strong lock actually, according to the multiple sources I checked takes longer to break than a U-Lock. The main thing though is to use TWO separate locks. That presents more of a delay than the bike next to yours; and, hopefully a thief will skip yours because of that.

For every day use I use this chain (I ordered a 36" chain that can go around my waist):
ABUS 12mm Maximum Security Chain - Custom Length: Lockitt.com

And this Lock with the 2" shackle and the 6-pin upgrade:
Lockitt 70 Series Steel Padlock - 6 pin cylinder: Lockitt.com

If I have to leave the bike for any length of time I take a small old Krypto U-lock and lock it with that to.

I don't think there would be a lot in it between the above two locks, but I would probably lean towards the Abus of the two.

If you are going to leave you lovely Sirrus locked up for 10hrs and you live in London, I think you should consider upping your security even more.

If where you are going to lock your bike allows for you to lock your frame to it using this short U-Lock, I would get the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini Lock and use your existing lock and cable to lock up your wheels.

If the NYFahgettaboudit is too restrictive because of the short length, I would look at getting the Kryptonite New York Lock LS

If you are planning to leave Any bike unattended for ten hours, please keep in mind that Any lock or chain can be defeated in under three minutes. if a thief has the tools needed to defeat anything above the most basic lock and chain, s/he can cut through or break Any lock or chain.

Basically, if the thief has a hacksaw, it might take ten hours to saw though a lock or chain ... but if said thief has an angle grinder or some 4-foot bolt cutters, in ten minutes your bike will be on its way to a new home.

For me the question would be, how bad is bike theft in the neighborhood, and what type of thieves? If most of the theft is casual---bikes locked with cables which can be cut in under a minute with a pair of pocket-sized dikes---then a serious chain is enough. if there are serious professional bike thieves using serious tools--the kind of stuff you cannot casually carry down the street in broad daylight---then don't lock your bike there.

Particularly if it is a regular thing---if your bike will be in the same place for a long time every working day during work or class hours, then someone will eventually figure .... two locks and chains would certainly help, but personally, if I need to carry security devices which weigh as much as the bike does, I ought not to be locking it there.

Heavy Sigh,
I must agree with the Kentucky Colonel and Maelochs above.
... It seems the locks you have chosen are all "much of a muchness" - "Six of one , Half a dozen of another". They are what I would consider to be mid-level security on!y.
...All are capable of being cropped with readily available Muscle Powered tools.
... I would NOT trust any, or all of your locks combined, to secure my 5-6 year old Fuji entry level road bike on the street as a commuter for even a couple hours, lf I were forced to utilize the same area on a consistent basis/ time frame. Let Alone for an entire work shift. This is on the streets of SUNNY Downtown Los Angeles, California with-in blocks of City Hall and LAPD Headquarters.
...My understanding is that L. A. Downtown doesn't have the severity of Bike Theft problem that other Large U.S. cities have (ie: San Francisco and New York).
... My bikes have MUCH LESS "Street Value" / "Bling Factor" than your NEW, High End, Carbon Fiber, Disk Equipped, HIGH PERFORMANCE Hybrid/Straight Bar Road bike.

...In my Honestly Respectful opinion, You Sir, could not have chosen a more Perfect Candidate for a "Gumtree Listing", Quick Back Alley Transaction, If you were working for "The Yard" to set up a "Sting Operation". Are you aware that London has replaced the "Big Apple" as #1 for bike theft?

I 'Most Strongly' urge you to ONLY consider LOCKS and Locking Techniques/Strategies that take ALL Muscle Powered attacks right off the table. You Need * "Locks That Work" * to keep your bike out of the "EastEnd Tealeaves" clutches. I'm saying Forget 13/14 mm D/U Locks AND CHAINS. I'm afraid you are going to have to step up to major Top Level, Strongest and Best.



/

Aaaaaaarrrrrgggggg
 

Ohhh, Emmm, GOSH,:eek::twitchy::bang:

Just did a more detailed research on the Sirrus.
... Mea Maxima Culpa, for not taking the time to appreciate the retail price. My Most sincere apologies. Where's the FACEPALM Emoji !!!!

... $2000 - £1600!!! ... Bike Commuter IN LONDON?, Seriously?, You've been Locking Up ON THE STREET WITH A LOW END KRYPTONITE!!!??? Are You Kidding Me????
... Absolutely Stunned/Gobsmacked.

... Please disregard my previous post from over an hour ago.
In My MOST HUMBLE Opinion, I would *MOST URGENTLY* advise you to purchase a used £100 "City Beater Bike" as your daily commuter. ... The same advice I would give to someone contemplating commuting into the Big Apple. SAVE the Nice Bike For weekends and Charity rides.



/

This, repeated until it sinks in.

Instead of spending £100 on a lock and chain, spend it on a cheap bike. I know it sounds harsh, but if you lock up a nice bike for a long time, particularly if you do it in the same place all day every day ... you are almost asking for grief.

Buy something that will get you to where you need be--preferably something which needs a coat of paint. Ride your nice bike only when you are going riding.

4 foot bolt cutters won't work on 16mm and greater U-Locks from Abus and Kryptonite, so the thief would need to use an angle grinder.

I hear what you say, and I couldn't agree more.

Yeah, leaving the bike locked anywhere for more than 20 mins is a concern. The only place I used the lock so far is at the supermarket near its entrance for about 30 mins or less. I 've not used the bike for commuting yet, but I'd like to start doing it for a couple of times a week (if it doesn't rain), hence the search for one more lock. But I will only leave the bike locked anywhere for a longer period of time if I think the place is safe enough; otherwise, I'll just use the train if in doubt.

Chainreactioncycles is selling the Fahgettaboudit for £54.94, and Evans has matched the price (so, no-brainer).

Thank you so much :beer:

Life is too short to ride cheap garbage commuters. I have commuted on a full carbon road bike and left it locked up for 8 hours with no issue.

Commute on a Brompton... take it inside.

2 mins (for 2 cuts) with an angle grinder for a Fahgettaboudit, although you can try parking in a quiet area to deter use of a grinder.

My favorite bike theft story was relayed to me from a guy in Amsterdam, who had his bike stolen when some thieves dressed up like the city workers whose job it was to cut and confiscate illegally chained bikes. Just drove down the street in the middle of the day picking what they wanted, and no one paid them any attention.

Dress up like a construction worker, almost no one will pay any attention to you working with an angle grinder, especially if you have an orange truck and a friend to sell the ruse. Even easier at a college, where facilities management or otherwise official shirts can often be found at the thrift shops.

LOL... I was trying to imagine the creative ways thieves steal bikes - a large bolt cutter could very easily be hidden and used in the arms if a jacket and is silent/quick. Angle grinders are trickier, but that's ^^ just brilliant.

Heck, I think just cutting the bike's frame (leaving the lock) and taking the rest for a parts sale would be worth it.

Anyone can steal a white van and stencil "Community Cleanup" or something on the side .... grey shirts and pants, maybe from a thrift store (find one with name tags and shoulder patches--no matter what they say) and chop away.

Ummm ... okay.

Great price, you have done very well here.

Another one I've heard is thieves cutting the rack itself in an inconspicuous place when it is an easier time of day, and then sticking some sort of camouflage over it (sticker, pipe, etc). Wait for people to come along and lock it up, wait for them to walk away, and then just undo the camo and slide the lock out through the cut, lock still attached to the bike for removal in a garage somewhere.

http://s10.postimg.org/u48dfr5hl/bike_locks.jpg
This should deter most thieves :lol:
5 Creative Ways to Protect Your Bike from Theft - WeLoveCycling magazine


don't know if you've read this...(tips from an ex bike-thief)
Bike thief reveals tricks of the trade in this shockingly candid interview - Cycling Weekly

90 Lbs of locks?

Tubus Locc rack tubus - Locc was made to carry an Abus U lock, conveniently,


https://www.abus.com/var/ImagesPIM/a...f094ac1cf9.jpg