NormanF

In high theft areas, you need a u-lock, a cable lock and a hardened chain padlock. The more locks, the harder a bike thief has to work to defeat them.

ColonelSanders

That really sucks.

FamilyMan007

Sincere sympathies - that is a real shame - it sounds as though you really connected with the Althea 2 - Cannondale make some great bikes!

Hopefully the police and/or the insurance will work out for you.

ColonelSanders

Did they pick the lock or cut through the chain or lock loop?

Astrozombie

What kind of chain and what kind of lock? A Heat treated chain with a legit lock? Or something from Harbor Freight.....

meanwhile

Picking a lock takes serious skillz that you won't generally find outside of a caper movie - and even then it needs time. Cutting the average bike chain, otoh, just take a reasonably meaty set of bolt cutters and about 30 seconds.

In fact, even the larger chains used for motorcycles are easy with the right hardware:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck

Of course, u-locks are just as easy - you just need a different tool.

NormanF

A set of good locks won't deter a professional bike thief. If he really wants it, its good as gone.

But they will deter a casual bike thief who is looking for something easy to steal. And he doesn't want to take too much hassle to obtain a bike.

In other words, locks are for honest people but are no deterrent to determined criminals.

FamilyMan007

I am not convinced a better lock would have prevented this. Seems to me your bike was noticed by someone while you were riding, and 'targetted' for being stolen. In such circumstances locks would need to be pretty unbelievable to withstand the unwanted attention. Same thing happened several years ago to my daughter's new bike - it was not an expensive bike at all, BUT it was a lovely bright red & white colour which must have stood out when she took it for her one-and-only ride to show off to her grandmother!

While a stronger lock is always preferable to a weak one (and much preferable to no lock) - other possibilities include; (i) assess if there is somewhere out-of-sight' you could store the bike while at home; (ii) Alternatively one could choose a 'colour which is less noticeable.

vancouver80

I think so too... there were other bikes that weren't even chained up or locked! And good bikes too! My fiance said that my bike is rather unique in terms of colour and that Cannondale is brand that's bound to get noticed. I've submitted my insurance claim already, but I don't think I will be getting the same bike

FamilyMan007

I sympathise, the Cannondale is(was?) a great bike - perhaps you will find a deal on the Althea-1 which I believe is a less dramatic colour (and has upgraded features)!

ColonelSanders

I would like to see how the bolt cutters go on a top end u-lock.

Kingpcgeek

I read on Amazon reviews that most u-locks can be disabled by a car jack. Put it in the U and turn it a few times and pop goes the lock.

Grey.

I think location is crucial. You know, something public enough that a thief wouldn't drag out his trusty pair of gigantic bolt cutters for. I'd never leave a bike out overnight anywhere.

trainchaser

...go watch the YouTube video made in London showing guys trying to "steal" their own bikes, the video was made to show tests done to gauge public reaction or response to actual bike thefts taking place in public view. They made it clearly obvious to anyone near that a bike was being stolen, using huge bolt cutters or electric cutting discs. They were actually able to "steal" the bikes each time with absolutely no response from people passing by. With the realities of bike theft today, my wife and I have come to the point where we never leave our bikes alone, if we wish to stop for a bite we'll go where we can eat outside near our bikes, if one of us has to use a bathroom the other stays with the bikes. There are some places now that allow you to bring your bike in with you - they'll get our business. At home our bikes come into a storage area inside our house, not the garage...

vancouver80

That's very smart of you and your wife, trainchaser. I guess Vancouver, BC and Victoria, BC both have problems with bike theft. Really sucks.

vancouver80

Hi FamilyMan007, I'm actually thinking of going with my second choice before purchasing the Cannondale which is the Specialized Vita

Specialized Bicycle Components

what do you think?

FamilyMan007

Hi Vancouver80,

At the price point you are looking at, I think all the major brands can provide a good bike. It all depends what features one wants. In this respect you had a lot of advice earlier in this thread.

The Vita Elite looks very nice (needless to say I have not tried one myself) and if that was your #2 choice I see no real reason to start the whole process again. I would think you just want to get this episode behind you and start enjoying your cycling again! However, I do note it does not have a suspension front fork. I would see this as quite a change - ie I am not sure I would normally regard the Althea-2 as Cannondale model to compare with (I would think more of the Quick range).

Please remember my earlier advice: (i) to look for somewhere more private to store the bike; and (ii) consider getting stronger lock(s).

I am not sure I am providing the input you are wanting - anyway Good luck.

ColonelSanders

I'm not sure that would work so well on the top of the line Abus & Kryptonite locks.

vancouver80

No worries! Yes, top priority is keeping my bike in a safe place and locking it up securely. We've cleared the other storage locker that we have and will put my bike there. Bright side is that I got my fiance and his dad to throw away lots of old stuff that been kept there for years!

Who Dey3334

Wow I just read this and I cannot believe it, I feel so sorry for you! I really hope you can get a new bike because I know you love to ride and you were so excited about getting a new bike. Please keep us informed on what you are going to do...take care!

trainchaser

...not sure if you've picked up your new bike yet, but I just bought my wife a Vita Sport as a replacement for the "comfort" bike they thought she "needed" last year, that bike was truly a boat anchor and the difference in weight, appearance and handling between it and her new Vita is amazing. She's truly delighted with her new Vita, so I think she'd send you her recommendation for one...
...oh, and like you, we will keep it in a secured storage area inside our house...