Know your enemy
 

I'll be starting school in about 2 weeks and plan on riding there so I did a little searching for the best locks in the business. Instead I ran across some forums where lock picking is a hobby and I can only assume that some members would choose to use this information against myself or others to snag some cool whips. At first I was so pissed off that this "hobby" even existed but after sleeping on it and reading up I feel as though I'm at least a little more educated as to what works and what doesn't. I still don't know exactly what a "serrated" lock is but apparently that's the biggest ***** to get past. Check some of these links and lemme know what you think. Cuz right now I feel pretty much as though it's only a matter of time and if someone really wants my bike, they'll get it.:(

http://www.lockpicking101.com/
http://ezpicking.com/forum/index.php
http://www.bumpkeyforum.com/

Looks like I've got some reading to do. (and sorry if I screwed up the links)

NAES

Lock picking doesn't mean you steal. I can pick a lock to a house in 2 seconds and I never use it to my advantage. Just something to make you feel like James Bond and it's sure nice when you lose your keys.

Another way to look at it is giving lock makers extra incentive to up the security of their locks.

Because frankly, while amusing, it's scary that it's possible to pick a lock with a banana.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...92675188173552

I learned how to pick locks not as a hobby, but because one day I left my keys in the house and had to wait hours for my mom to get home. It's useful when you use it responsibly; unfortunately others use it to get the best of you

If they want your bike they'll get it. POwer tools. People passing by won't care.

thats how my friends bike got taken, on SF state campus next to the library in the middle of the day. All that was left were his 2 u-locks that had been ground thru.

If you are really woried, use a U lock and a cable/chain lock. Theives tend to learn how to defeat one type (usually cutting cables with wire cutters), but rarely more.

If you chain a blood thirsty bear to your locked up bike no one will **** with it. http://i26.tinypic.com/dc3gg0.gif

I do plan on running a U lock and I've got some hardened chain that's at an upholstery shop getting a sleeve made so it won't scratch everything and will be semi-comfey when riding. The weak link is my padlock so I've been looking around at what is the most secure.

Also, I realize not everyone who plays lock picker is a thief but all it takes is one ass-hat to ruin my day.

NAES

Awesome website - check some of the bump key videos either in Foo or on the google video site. Makes you realise just how crap standard locks are.

Buy the most expensive U-lock and lock and chain that you can find and use both any time you leave the bike unattended. Never, ever lean lock.

ur linx dont werk

LOL!

Should now

You shouldn't have a huge problem at school if you're commuting via bike. If you are lock it up where other people lock up -- usually around the greens/library/computer center/etc. If you are living oncampus and your bike is expensive you might wanna just bring it in all the time. I did that with no problem. Other times I would lock it up across the street on a fence I could see out of my window. Also no problem. It depends on how comfortable you are, the size of campus, etc. There were certainly no infamous "vans with carjacks driving through, stealing bikes en masse." I used a krypto mini.

I think we're all safer if people do security analysis of locks and understand how to beat them -- in turn lock builders will make better locks. It really goes both ways.

In any case, as somebody else mentionned, it doesn't take much knowledge to use a power tool on a lock.

Appart from the actual lock that you use be smart about the location you choose to lock the bike. peabodypride is absolutely right.

I don't know where you are going to school, but unless it is a place with actual professional bike thieves (NYC, Philly, etc.) the biggest threat to the on campus cyclist is drunkards. I have had friends who woke up Sunday to bent wheels, slashed tires, I once saw an entire bike rack area (20-30 bikes) with their seats stolen.

The best solution? Lock your bike up tightly. There should be no slack in your chain, or even better use a U-lock. since your bike won't be able to be pulled out for a beating, they will bother someone else who was less careful.

Also, if you have a quick release seat, either take it in with you every time you get off your bike, or replace it. I have never had or heard of a problem with a quick release front wheel, just seat.

If you can find a parking spot near some sort of authority figure (I always locked up outside my RA's room) your problems will likely take care of themselves.

Hope this helps.
jim

I have a hard time having any sympathy for bike thieves. Or giving them any chances. Just f*** school policy and take your ride with you into the lecture hall or into your classroom. People look crossways at you, and they may give you sh**. But if you have a nice ride, don't leave it outside. Otherwise, get a beater.

Here maybe this will make you feel better....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TNTq3nhuh0

locks buy you time. eventually someone will use dynamite.

get a kryptonite u-lock that barely goes around your bike and a pole and use a good chain if you're locking at night.... avoid long periods locked outside at night.

bonus points if you can lock to something explosive- like a gas line- that someone would hopefully notice and avoid taking a jack to.