Hi, new here
 

Hi, I am new here. I just got a mountain bike that was left to my by a relative. I need to get a lock for it.

I was considering cable locks, 15mm. Is that a good choice for under 40 dollars, or is there better and can you recommend. I think I want a combination lock, unless it is ill advised...

Hi, I wouldn't buy a cable lock or a combination lock, but depending on where you are that maybe all you need.

Please expound.

Cable locks are easy to cut, and you can work out the combination easily (at least on my OnGuard Doberman). If you live in a quiet area this maybe all you need, but I wouldn't use one in a big city or if locking up for more than a short time.

Ok, thanks, but you're still not suggesting what I should get, is there a reason you don't want to say? I am shocked people aren't responding to this thread.

It is hard to answer the question since you want to stick to a budget on security. Many people recommend at least 10 percent of the total price of the bike on locks and security. Cable locks can be very easily cut, though u-locks can be a bit harder. We need to know where/what general area the bike will be to gauge the type of security you need. If you live in a big city, you would probably be best served by getting a beefy chain/lock combination. If you live in a more rural setting where thief is not a large concern, you can get away with a cable lock so people simply don't walk off with the bike.

With that said, I don't think I've seen any cable lock that has lasted more than 10 seconds to a cutting device, be it moderate to small bolt cutters, to simply wire clippers.

I live in a big city so that means I need some pretty good locks. I have from time to time locked my bike up with locks more expensive than the bike itself since I wanted the bike to be there when I got back to it.

Cheers laserjock, welcome to Bike Forums.

It might be because the thread is in our Electronics subforum. We don't have a dedicated forum for locks, but I'm moving this to General Cycling.

On the topic itself, 8Fishes nailed it. What is the best lock for you depends on what kind of bike you ride, the environment where you intend to leave it locked, how easy it would be for you to replace it etc.

All locks can be defeated. If someone really, really wants your bike, it's theirs. The aim is therefore to try to make sure your bike is not the easiest, best catch in the bike rack. Like the old joke about camping in Africa: you cannot outrun the lion, but you can outrun the fellow you're camping with.

Seeing your budget, you can get one decent lock (U lock or cable), not top of the line stuff. Kryptonite and Abus are some respectable brands, check to see which is more easily available to you. You could also consider a ring lock for rear wheel (the most valuable single component of your bike). Those are very common here in Europe and relatively cheap. You'll still need another lock to attach the bike to something solid.

--J

Thank you folks!

So chains can be better.

The bike is probably worth 600 give or take, new. It was bought from Costco, it isn't an elite one or anything, but losing it would be very bad for me. I reside in the suburbs of Waterbury, CT, USA. There is indeed some crime in Waterbury, it is one of those American cities that has fallen since the shift of industry overseas, it was a very industrial town when I was a boy (I am in my 50's).

I was under the impression that the U locks were easily defeated with car jacks or liquid nitrogen.

I think as money comes, I will get a ulock and a chain and padlock then. I will check out those brands. What online dealers do you recommend?

Why are you so concerned about locks and how easily they're broken or cut? Do you live or leave your bike unattended in a high crime area? Will your bike be out of view for a long time (more than 30 minutes)? Can you lock it in a safer location?
For most situations a good U-lock will suffice.

Why am I concerned? Gee wiz! My only transportation is bike and I have no money to replace it. Which shouldn't I be concerned, no offense, but what a question!

I know the concerns about bike thief, and 600 is a lot of money to a lot of folks. Especially to people in the more rural areas, or cities where industry has abandoned them. Thief also does seem to be a high risk for your city.

The Kryptonite New York line is pretty hefty, for both u-locks and chain types of security. The best way to be safe about parking bicycles is to never park them on the street, and take them inside with you as much as possible so you can keep an eye on it. If it is to commute, ask the building management or supervisor if there is a secure area in the garage or something to park the bike. If it is for trips to the store, I think it can be fine to lock it up outside, just don't leave alone for too long and make sure to take all your 'accessories' with you.

It is true that car jacks can defeat u-locks, and that is why you want to get the smallest one that you can use with your bike. The standard size kryptonite New york U-lock (8in by 4in) is probably good for most situations. If you can get away with using a smaller u-lock, you should get that one. If the thief can get liquid nitrogen, then I am afraid that they are well prepared to steal your bike, and you probably wouldn't be able to stop them short of seeing them in the act and calling the police. The same can be said with power tools. You also have to keep in mind the New York series is pretty heavy in itself. You can still probably get something like the series 4 evolution and still be pretty safe, as long as there are other lessor secure targets than your bike. I hate to say it but the thief will probably move on to the next bike if your's is hard to steal and they see something easier to take.

Amazon is my go-to place, because it's usually cheaper and I don't get charged tax.

Only two things work as a lock on a bike and that is your hand or your Butt. Keep one of them on the bike and it won't get borrowed. But there are several good locks about and the one I use is a Kryptonite. I use that to lock the frame to an immovable object and use a hawser to through the D Lock- wheels and saddle rails.

But even the best lock will only delay a thief if he wants your bike. The better ones delay for longer.

Thanks folks! I ordered this:

KRYPTONITE KRYPTO SERIES 2 MINI U L OCK

And a cable, after watching youtube videos and reading sites about how to properly secure a bike.

Later on I will get something better as I can afford it.

Just so you know, we Americans are thought to be very well off, but some of us, like me, aren't so well off. That said, I've seen horrible poverty, at least I know I will eat...

Back on topic: I chose that lock because it was smaller, as recommended, though I can imagine that even smaller is better, but since I will be going to various places, I can't just count on a small one always working where I can lock up.

I have a question: my bike has a rear suspension. There are two bolts so I wonder if locking inside of the triangle to the rear wheel still applies to me...

One other piece of advice allready mentioned in the thread: Store your bike inside your house. When I lived in Amsterdam I had to park my bike outside at my appartment for a while; I had some very heavy chains on it and secured it to the wall of my flat pretty secure but one day it was gone nevertheless. After a while it will be noticed and thieves will be prepared. No lock can stop them then.

Just a little theft advice:

(1) Don't get a Kyrptonite Lock!

(2) Get a thick chain lock, like the OnGuard Beast 5018. If nothing else, get a really thick chain and a MASTER KEY LOCK that JUST FITS!

(3) Don't establish a pattern of being parked at the same time and the same place, anywhere.

(4) Never park your bike outside for more than 90 minutes.

(5) Stay away from Quick Release devices. If you already have a quick release on the front wheel or seat, always take 'em with you.

(6) Don't buy expensive bike components, if you do park your bike outside for extended periods.

(7) Purchase an old seat, rip it up, and place duct tape over it everywhere. This will make your bike look unattractive. Only place this seat on your bike when you have to park it in risky places.

(8) Get a tube cover. Make it look worn and possibly place duct tape over it too.

(9) Place a bunch of stickers all over your tubes. It may look $H!!!Y, but you'll be able to mount it, whenever you get ready!

(10) Pray that you haven't befriended a bike thief!

Good Luck! :thumb:

Thanks guys!