Just read the thread about thiefs caught.
I am really scared that mine is not safe enough after reading this.

I basically have a metal chain and a separate lock to close the ends.
I heard the lock is usually the weakest link and easy to brake.

What lock would be really save?


I'll probably get a Kryptonite U-Lock for work, where I leave the bike for most of the day, but for the city, shopping and restaurant or gym stops, I'd like to carry a little lighter lock with me.

krypto mini-evo, or NY lock are excellent u-lock solutions.

if you want REALLY beefy, I have the older generation NY-lock/faggedaboudit (sp?) chain, and it's great. the newest generation is even beefier.

also: in before the (other) lock(s)...

got a link to that NY lock you're recommending?

I have Planet bikes' version of Faghettabutit? and it is extremely thick. On the down side, I had to carry ~7lb of stuff everytime I have to make a stop of some sort.

Be sure to check out this thread for some locking advice.

I'm gonna buy one of those mec/PB mini u-locks. I'm tired of lugging a 348 pound lock around.

If they want it, they'll take it. I just want to deter the n00bs and the meth heads.

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/produ...=1002&pid=1168

here's the new hotness. there are also a few slightly more reasonable ny lock/chain combos, but overall, if you want your bike safe, these are pretty much the way to go.

I've found that with the 3'3" chain I have, normally I just lock a wheel and the frame, but if I'm leaving it anywhere for an extended period of time, I can thread the chain through both wheels and the rear triangle, and around whatever I'm locking to (street sign/light pole). It's great if I ever have to leave my bike outside at night for any extended period of time.

the new one that i linked to might have links that are a little too fat to easily slip through spokes, but it's still probably possible, and if not, one of the other, smaller chains will definitely work for that purpose too.

addition: banzai, true, if they want the whole bike, they'll get it, but at the same time, being able to lock both wheels and the frame eliminates the most expensive single pieces from wandering away from your bike. If there's anything worse than coming to find your whole bike stolen, it's coming to find that a wheel has gone missing because you didn't lock it.

OP: in general, a solid ulock will be fine. However, if you're like me and dont like leaving parts for the taking with a mere 15mm, then either get a chain and lock wheels and frame, or get an auxiliary lock for the other wheel if you plan on locking up for an extended time or overnight.

Kryptonite's mini evo or onguard's pitbull mini in conjunction with a accessory cable for those slightly longer lock ups.

In my opinion the new york locks are just overkill to carry around.... I have the one john posted for longer lock ups (got it for cheap on CL after a guy figured <--<--<-- that out); I still havent figured out how people wear it around their waist and not be bothered by a 10+ pound "belt".....

And don't people in japan use only cable locks and those aluminum palmy u locks to lock up their nice NJS bikes because deliberate bike theft isn't such a threat?

that thread from the lock smith guy is perfect.
thanks.

¥€$!

Messengers use the small aluminum U-locks. but those guys never leave their bikes for long.
For longer lock ups everyone seems to be using chains similar to the thickness of Kryptonite 880 chain and a pad lock.

Too bad there's no insurance for bicycles.

- I love adriano -

Not to sound like a sketchball, but I have another hobby, that is lockpicking (don't worry, I only use my skills for good!) but you'd be surprised how easy most locks are to open. i see people using regular padlocks + a chain to lock up bikes thinking that a big "master lock" is secure... guess again- it's not. I can open so many master locks in less than 1 second with a pick and a tension wrench... I wish I was kidding.

I use a kryptonite u-lock, not sure which model it is, but it's the middle sized length, and pretty beefy, about 5 lbs. (also makes a good weapon, had to use it to keep some dude from jacking my bike once :-\ )

So, what do you recommend then?
I need a U-Lock only for when I lock my bike at work.
For the city, I just want something that I can carry around without a backpack.
What about those https://www.amazon.com/Abus-Steel-O-C...2351778&sr=8-1
abus chains with the lock attached to the ends? Does that make it any safer?

I wouldn't suggest that style of lock. With a can of compressed air and a hammer a thief could break that in about 10 seconds. The male side of those locks are very weak.

Is this one any good?

^

That's the same one that I have but it is like 7 pounds, somewhat annoying to carry in my bag. I bought a Kryptonite and I'm going to save that beast for winter.

I have the Kryptolok Series 2 Mini, I don't really see how the higher end models are that much better. This one gives me a little more room to lock up on irregularly shaped/bigger things.

I found this article by Sheldon Brown very helpful.

One thing I really like about my Kryptonite Mini Evolution is the shape of the key. I was considering getting the Kryptonite Krypto Series 2 lock just to have something a little smaller and lighter - does anyone know if the Series 2 keys are the same shape as the Evolution series keys?

They are.

Series 2 minis are bigger.

Are you referring to the size of the Series 2 lock or the keys? If the latter, then which answer is correct?

The lock itself.