it's been a few years since the last thread - Masterlock Street Cuffs
11-23-09, 09:52 AM
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it's been a few years since the last thread - Masterlock Street Cuffs
i searched - there are few topics on this lock - one in '05 and one in '02 I just got a nice chrome FG, so it's time to decide on locks.
I know the preferred NYC strategy is to have 1-2 Kryptonite New York U-Locks locking wheel-frame-rack, along with a kryptonite cable running between them. they're also heavy as hell. I would only need to lock up the bike for an occasional run into a store/friend's house, etc.
anyone using Masterlock Street Cuffs?
they are pretty well reviewed around the 'net, and i could pair them with a set of real handcuffs from work. visual deterrence, maybe. this would be in addition to some Pitlock skewers.
I know the preferred NYC strategy is to have 1-2 Kryptonite New York U-Locks locking wheel-frame-rack, along with a kryptonite cable running between them. they're also heavy as hell. I would only need to lock up the bike for an occasional run into a store/friend's house, etc.
anyone using Masterlock Street Cuffs?
they are pretty well reviewed around the 'net, and i could pair them with a set of real handcuffs from work. visual deterrence, maybe. this would be in addition to some Pitlock skewers.
11-23-09, 10:06 AM
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https://commutebybike.com/2006/04/09/street-cuffs-snap/
They look very weak. You live in NYC? I would not use them. If you're looking to save weight you might consider OnGuard Mini Bulldog TC, it's about 2lbs, inexpensive, and fairly close to the security of the Krypto minis. They both resist leverage attacks due to their size and I think may require power tools to defeat. Using the sheldon method you just need to go through the rear wheel inside the rear triangle (grabbing the frame can't hurt either if there's room). Use a 2nd one for your front wheel, or use a separate locking cable for it + frame + rack. That way the crook would have to cut 2 kinds of locks to get the bike. i see no need to have a cable running between 2 u-locks.
They look very weak. You live in NYC? I would not use them. If you're looking to save weight you might consider OnGuard Mini Bulldog TC, it's about 2lbs, inexpensive, and fairly close to the security of the Krypto minis. They both resist leverage attacks due to their size and I think may require power tools to defeat. Using the sheldon method you just need to go through the rear wheel inside the rear triangle (grabbing the frame can't hurt either if there's room). Use a 2nd one for your front wheel, or use a separate locking cable for it + frame + rack. That way the crook would have to cut 2 kinds of locks to get the bike. i see no need to have a cable running between 2 u-locks.
11-23-09, 10:26 AM
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wow, hadn't seen that post. jesus.
well, alright. i was hoping to avoid the Kryptos becasue of the size. you know - you buy a fixie because it's light, simple, and clean. then you carry around a 20lb monstrosity just so you can run into a store for five seconds.
well, alright. i was hoping to avoid the Kryptos becasue of the size. you know - you buy a fixie because it's light, simple, and clean. then you carry around a 20lb monstrosity just so you can run into a store for five seconds.
11-23-09, 10:38 AM
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The Kryptonite minis are pretty small and not too heavy. Then get a lock holster to carry it and you won't even notice the weight. I carry a full size Kryptonite like this, and it's never bothered me in the slightest.
11-23-09, 10:49 AM
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It's worth it to have a good lock. I have a Krypto NY Fagetaboutit. https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Fah...ef=pd_sbs_sg_4 Yeah, it's heavy as hell. Carrying it in my bag makes it seem even heavier, although it's not too bad on my waist in a holster
https://fabrichorse.com/index.php?page=lockholsters
Just as important as having a decent lock is knowing how to lock up your bike. I use the Sheldon method:
In addition to that, I throw my front wheel in there with it., locking up the rear wheel, front wheel, and stationary object all together with one lock. Sheldon says that it's unneeded to take the bike apart, but I can take my front wheel off in 2 seconds. That means someone else can too. I don't trust a cable to hold it down. Anyway, that way I only have to carry one lock around. I think that an Evo Mini (also Kryptonite) would probably also work just as well, and be much lighter. I also like the Krypto chains, which you can wear around your waist for extra street cred points, though I've never owned/used one.
https://fabrichorse.com/index.php?page=lockholsters
Just as important as having a decent lock is knowing how to lock up your bike. I use the Sheldon method:
People tend to buy the big clunky U-locks because they don't know how to use them properly. A U-lock should go around the rear rim and tire, somewhere inside the rear triangle of the frame. There is no need to loop it around the seat tube as well, because the wheel cannot be pulled through the rear triangle.
Some will object that felons might cut the rear rim and tire to remove the lock. Believe me, this just doesn't happen in the real world. First, this would be a lot of work to steal a frame without a useable rear wheel, the most expensive part of a bike, after the frame. Second, cutting the rear rim is much harder than you might think. Since the rim is under substantial compression due to the tension on the spokes, it would pinch a hacksaw blade tight as soon as it cut partway through. Then there are the wire beads of the tire, also difficult to cut.
Some will object that felons might cut the rear rim and tire to remove the lock. Believe me, this just doesn't happen in the real world. First, this would be a lot of work to steal a frame without a useable rear wheel, the most expensive part of a bike, after the frame. Second, cutting the rear rim is much harder than you might think. Since the rim is under substantial compression due to the tension on the spokes, it would pinch a hacksaw blade tight as soon as it cut partway through. Then there are the wire beads of the tire, also difficult to cut.
11-23-09, 11:02 AM
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i read the sheldon method...i'm thinking about just doing the single U-lock with pitlock skewers instead of the U-lock + cable thing. i have to do a little reading to see if the pitlocks are easily defeated around here.
11-23-09, 03:29 PM
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the number of half-cuffs I've seen locked to things probably means something.
Although I have seen a police bike locked up with a pair of real handcuffs.
Although I have seen a police bike locked up with a pair of real handcuffs.
