How to not get your bike stolen...
10-14-08, 07:11 PM
#177
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common sense ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
10-14-08, 07:21 PM
#178
lifewaster.
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you could wrap it twice or find wide things to chain to. slack is probably the least of your worries if they're suiting up to bust an nyc chain though. double lock to be safest really.
01-07-09, 11:09 PM
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So I'm going to be moving to Queens from Arizona this summer. Is NYC really that bad for bike thefts? I have a NY Krypto Mini U-lock and an On Guard cable. Should I even chance locking my bike up? I've already decided to retire my Pista Concept from the street once I move there, so I'll be using my eighties Trek road bike with 105 compartments as a commuter. Everyone's making it out to be a scary city for bikes.
01-07-09, 11:24 PM
#180
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I don't live in NYC, so I wouldn't really know, but I do hear Union Square in Manhattan referred to as the "Bermuda Triangle of bicycles". I think using two u-locks is probably the way to go, but some one from NYC will probably set me straight.
01-08-09, 12:14 AM
#182
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So I'm going to be moving to Queens from Arizona this summer. Is NYC really that bad for bike thefts? I have a NY Krypto Mini U-lock and an On Guard cable. Should I even chance locking my bike up? I've already decided to retire my Pista Concept from the street once I move there, so I'll be using my eighties Trek road bike with 105 compartments as a commuter. Everyone's making it out to be a scary city for bikes.
you should be fine if you use a proper lock. i use a krypto mini most of the time, for short stops. if i am going to a movie or something that takes a while i use the NY fahgeddaboudit and a combination cable lock. also i have locking skewers.
never, not for 5 seconds, leave the bike unattended. dont leave it out overnight.
stories of people losing bikes that were locked properly with serious locks are rare. lots of bikes are stolen, but lots of folks are careless in some way or another.
01-08-09, 02:22 PM
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Agreed
I'm starting this thread in order to help people not get their bike stolen. I've explained this stuff to countless friends and customers when I worked in bike shops.
We all hate it. And most of us have had a bike stolen at least once in our lifetime.
Here are some of my thoughts on the matter:
1) Number 1 rule: Bike theft is a crime of opportunity 99% of the time. "Crime of opportunity" means that those that stole your bike weren't planning, tracking, and scheming on how to get your bike. They probably saw an unattended bike and went for it. To a theif, an unattended nice bike is like finding a $100 on the ground.
2) Crackhead theives like to steal bikes with names like "Trek" "Cannondale" etc... That's why some people de-badge their bikes to look like cheap bikes.
3) Crackheads will steal ANYTHING that they think they can sell for $20. Cocaine is a heluva drug.
4) No lock is 100% safe. Locks just buy time. A $20 cable lock will buy you about 5 seconds. A Kryptonite NY Fagidaboutit will by you about 15 minutes or much much less to a theif with the right tools.
5) An ounce of common sense goes a long way with you keeping your bike. Don't leave your bike unlocked while you "just run in for a second" to ANYWHERE.
6) Believe it or not, there are teams of theives that patrol major cities and college campuses in vans/trucks that steal 20+ bikes a night using pro tools. They then take them and sell them in other cities or online.
7) 99% of bystanders won't stop a theif if they see one stealing a bike either because they don't realize that it's being stolen or don't want to get involved.
8) Learn how to properly lock your bike. Locking a $1500 bike to a tree with a 2" trunk that can be snapped in two by a reasonably strong person isn't smart.
9) Thieves will take your bike from inside your house, apt, garage if it is unlocked.
10) Don't be surprised if your $80 Thomson post and your $150 Fizik seat are gone if you had just an allen bolt holding it on.
11) If they REALLY want your bike. They will get it sooner or later. Especially if you have a routine.
12) This is life in the big city. If you get caught slipping, you'll have to pay a "stupid tax".
13) Avoid locking your bike in a place were someone can work on your lock without being seen.
14) If you can, take your bike in with you to your job or whatever. Ask nicely.
15) Just because you live in a "nice neighborhood" doesn't mean people won't do dirt just for the hel of it. I know plenty of rich kids that steal for kicks.
16) If you are going in "just for a minute"...that still gives a thief 55 seconds more time than he needs to get your bike.
If you guys have anything to add, feel free.
We all hate it. And most of us have had a bike stolen at least once in our lifetime.
Here are some of my thoughts on the matter:
1) Number 1 rule: Bike theft is a crime of opportunity 99% of the time. "Crime of opportunity" means that those that stole your bike weren't planning, tracking, and scheming on how to get your bike. They probably saw an unattended bike and went for it. To a theif, an unattended nice bike is like finding a $100 on the ground.
2) Crackhead theives like to steal bikes with names like "Trek" "Cannondale" etc... That's why some people de-badge their bikes to look like cheap bikes.
3) Crackheads will steal ANYTHING that they think they can sell for $20. Cocaine is a heluva drug.
4) No lock is 100% safe. Locks just buy time. A $20 cable lock will buy you about 5 seconds. A Kryptonite NY Fagidaboutit will by you about 15 minutes or much much less to a theif with the right tools.
5) An ounce of common sense goes a long way with you keeping your bike. Don't leave your bike unlocked while you "just run in for a second" to ANYWHERE.
6) Believe it or not, there are teams of theives that patrol major cities and college campuses in vans/trucks that steal 20+ bikes a night using pro tools. They then take them and sell them in other cities or online.
7) 99% of bystanders won't stop a theif if they see one stealing a bike either because they don't realize that it's being stolen or don't want to get involved.
8) Learn how to properly lock your bike. Locking a $1500 bike to a tree with a 2" trunk that can be snapped in two by a reasonably strong person isn't smart.
9) Thieves will take your bike from inside your house, apt, garage if it is unlocked.
10) Don't be surprised if your $80 Thomson post and your $150 Fizik seat are gone if you had just an allen bolt holding it on.
11) If they REALLY want your bike. They will get it sooner or later. Especially if you have a routine.
12) This is life in the big city. If you get caught slipping, you'll have to pay a "stupid tax".
13) Avoid locking your bike in a place were someone can work on your lock without being seen.
14) If you can, take your bike in with you to your job or whatever. Ask nicely.
15) Just because you live in a "nice neighborhood" doesn't mean people won't do dirt just for the hel of it. I know plenty of rich kids that steal for kicks.
16) If you are going in "just for a minute"...that still gives a thief 55 seconds more time than he needs to get your bike.
If you guys have anything to add, feel free.
I have lost more bikes to thieves over the past 50 years than I'd like to admit. I bought and tried almost every lock on the market. Now I've found a way to make certain my bike will not be stolen and I don't own a lock. I never leave my bike locked up - no oppotunity=no theft!
01-08-09, 02:51 PM
#184
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I have lost more bikes to thieves over the past 50 years than I'd like to admit. I bought and tried almost every lock on the market. Now I've found a way to make certain my bike will not be stolen and I don't own a lock. I never leave my bike locked up - no oppotunity=no theft!
01-08-09, 05:17 PM
#185
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While this may be a little off-topic as it pertains to once your bike has already been stolen, but it is a good idea to write yur name and phone number on your rim tape and/or inside of your tire. Most thieves don't check there (i'm assuming); they simply file off the serial number and repaint the bike wiithout removing the tire from the rim.
01-09-09, 05:03 PM
#186
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Geting jacked
I agree. At any light or while walking with my bike somebody could "jack" me. However, That would be rare. Most bikes are robbed here in NYC when people think their $200 lock will guard their bike while they just run into a store for a moment. That's all it takes - a moment. That's my point! None of us are impervious to getting robbed - just be aware that a lock can be busted open in 2 seconds by a pro.
01-11-09, 09:14 PM
#187
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Though I'm sure it has been said before, don't be stupid about how and where you lock up. If you lock to a construction scaffolding, only lock to the vertical bars. Use an old chain in a tube to lock your seat to the frame. If you hate how that looks, you can also use one of those tiny Krytpo cables. I've seen people lace it through the saddle rails/clamp area but I usually just lock it into this tiny mini U I picked up at Continuum Cycles on Avenue B between 12 and 13th (Manhattan). The tiny mini locks my rear wheel to the rear triangle. This only works on some bikes (and thankfully, on all of mine). I normally then use one of the long shackle Krypto mini's for the front wheel/frame/post.
Likewise, on some bikes with tight enough geometry, you can actually get both wheels to a post with the same NYC chain (the regular 3.3 ft one).
If you are going to constantly lock up in the same place (outside school or a job), get a NY Chain and leave it locked up so you don't have to carry it around all the time. I can lace the chain through my rear wheel/frame/bike rack and then hook the lock itself through the saddle rail. I get my front wheel the usual way.
Likewise, on some bikes with tight enough geometry, you can actually get both wheels to a post with the same NYC chain (the regular 3.3 ft one).
If you are going to constantly lock up in the same place (outside school or a job), get a NY Chain and leave it locked up so you don't have to carry it around all the time. I can lace the chain through my rear wheel/frame/bike rack and then hook the lock itself through the saddle rail. I get my front wheel the usual way.
01-11-09, 09:21 PM
#188
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Can someone create a device that will electrify the frame of my bike unless it is disarmed? So any ****head who wants to steal my bike will be punished? Thanks.
01-11-09, 09:53 PM
#189
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If you're commuting to a university campus look for buildings where you can possibly lock it up inside, I lock up my bike at the bottom of the staircase in my engineering building; the basement isn't used anymore so no one ever goes down there. It's also particularly nice for when it's raining/snowing (now)
01-11-09, 10:05 PM
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01-11-09, 10:14 PM
#191
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Nice. Actually since if someone steals your bike, it is as good as gone, instead of wiring it to a stun gun, let's use plastic explosive.
Also I find it hilarious how in the second video he is inexplicably shirtless.
Also I find it hilarious how in the second video he is inexplicably shirtless.
01-12-09, 12:21 AM
#192
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Construction scaffolding is private property and you do not know who will remove your bike, you don't know the quality of the joints or the tubes, and you will most likely be in the way of someone or something. Scaffolding can be moved or removed at any time.
Please, stay away from private property and fight for a better bike rack program in NYC.
Aside, I've started a photoset of bikes in Chicago which are poorly locked.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesbo...7608215293494/
Last edited by Bikeforumuser0013; 01-12-09 at 12:35 AM.
01-12-09, 02:33 AM
#193
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I'd be careful of scaffolding, because if it does have to come down, the workers have to take possession of the bike, and who knows who might end up with it. It might just get slung into the construction site dumpster.
Another item to be wary about locking to (which I see a lot at UT and other Austin campuses) are temporary fences. These can come down or be moved at any time by the construction crew.
Another item to be wary about locking to (which I see a lot at UT and other Austin campuses) are temporary fences. These can come down or be moved at any time by the construction crew.
03-07-09, 01:32 PM
#195
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I have some quesitons: How does someone break a U-Lock? I am not asking for specific directions here, but I am curious about what types of tools would be necessary? I always thought that if I put the U-lock through my front tire and frame, that it was pretty safe (i don't live in a particularly dangerous area). Is it really that easy to bust a U-Lock? Also, the other day I saw this really nice road bike on campus that had a U-lock through its FRONT TIRE and then around the bike rack. All I would have to do is just take off the front tire (quick release skewer) and the rest of the bike would be mine. I almost considered doing it just to teach the kid a lesson (he is my friend).
03-07-09, 03:15 PM
#197
What?
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03-07-09, 03:42 PM
#198
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This is the lock my boss uses.
https://www.lockitt.com/Bicycleproducts.htm#bordo6000
He said that it was the only lock that couldn't be broken at some lock symposium. I wanted to know what you guys think.
https://www.lockitt.com/Bicycleproducts.htm#bordo6000
He said that it was the only lock that couldn't be broken at some lock symposium. I wanted to know what you guys think.
03-07-09, 07:18 PM
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