canonikon

Should I lock up two bikes with one U-lock or should I lock them up separately? I live in NYC but I don't lock my bike up overnight usually only during the day time when I go biking with my gf to parks or grab dinner, lunch, etc. It would be locked up 1 hour max but mostly 30-45mins I would say. Should I get the Kryptonite New York LS Bicycle U-Lock ( 4-Inch x 10.25-Inch) to lock up both bikes together on a pole or should I lock them up separately with two cheaper U-locks? Cause if the bike thieves break one lock he gets two bikes. Should I get a Kryptonite or OnGuard? Which one's are better?

https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Bic.../dp/B001DWNK1A

cab chaser

No way. This translates as a 2-for-1 deal for thieves. The best way to deter theft is to make it not worth their while: eg 2 locks on 1 bike. 1 lock on 2 bikes has the opposite effect. My understanding is that thieves can cut through locks wicked fast with a cordless angle grinder (though I'm not sure if that also applies to kryptonite locks, but I would assume so). I would assume your front wheels would disappear this way, too.

illdthedj

i would say definitely get a U-lock in conjunction with a cable lock.

i guess the reasoning being that each requires a different type of tool for thieves to open.

also another thing to think about is you want to minimize the space in between the u-lock....like, in that picture is no bueno. theives need to insert a jack inside the u lock to break it open. that is harder if the space inside the ulock is taken up by bike.

so while i dont think locking two bikes up with the same lock is a bad thing, i would make sure the U lock is going thru the frames and wheels of both bikes AND around a sturdy pole or whatever (and not just two bikes locked together obviously)....THEN a cable lock for good measure. thats just me.

ichitz

i second the 2-for-1 deal for thieves. At the very least, get another cable lock too so that ulock locks rear wheel/frame/ pole, and cable locks front wheel/frame/pole.

TheGefish

1 u-lock for 2 bikes is begging to be stolen, a twofer. Get 2 u-locks and 2 cables, if the reputation of bike thieves in NYC is anything like college campuses you want to make sure thieves will look at it, see another bike down the street and go after someone elses. It's cruel and it sucks for that person, but that's what most good locking systems will do.

Dr. Banzai

I do this all the time when out with the wife. I also do not live in NYC.

As long as they cannot get the bottle jack in there you are good. Make sure something like a pole or bike stand is where the fist is in that picture.

Next up - logic. If they have the means to bust a u-lock (secured against bottle jack) a second cable is a cakewalk.

Scrodzilla

My wife and I also lock up with one U-lock quite often (coupled with a cable securing our front wheels if our bikes aren't visible to us) but - like Doc - where we live isn't anything like NYC when it comes to bike theft.

Leukybear 

2 locks each. Kryptonite preferably as thieves can easily identify them... not sure if they tend to avoid them or not however.... but from my first hand experience in SF (also a hotspot for bike theft), my bikes have stayed in my hands....

graciela

If anything, 2 u-locks would be better. Use one to go through the rear wheels and frames of the two bikes (attached to something study that can't be broken or cut). Then use the second u-lock to go through both front wheels, a sturdy object, and if possible the frames again. I think two u-locks is harder to deal with than a single one or even one plus a cable.

cab chaser

Cable locks are a joke in NYC.

Dr. Banzai

Better.

Leukybear 

Armed guards> locks

canonikon

what's a jack?

Leukybear 

Those used for cars... think replacing a car tire...

coma061

Similar to this

nycphotography

In NYC a Ulock is barely suitable for securing a bum's shopping cart.

There's no way I'm leaving my bike locked up in NYC with one.

calv

what else if not a u lock to lock up your bike? those big krypto chains?

cab chaser

Yes.

Dr. Banzai

No, if they want your bike they will defeat the krypto chain.

They. Define "they" and where you park your bike and for how long. Pro thieves and crack heads are different forms of they. If you cannot see the bike you are at risk from anything. Never leave a bike out of site. If you MUST then have insurance or consider paying for parking.

Yes, I just said consider paying for parking. Roll up to a car park and drop the guy a fiver to keep an eye on your locked bike in or near where they work. Tell him if corporate installs a bike rack they could get some extra and socially responsible revenue that can potentially increase their car parking revenue. You might find another cyclist where you go too. I went DT once and forgot my lock. Not really "forgot" I just thought I'd not need it. I had to pop in somewhere and it was a sketchy part of town. Security guard at the door - "Hey man can you watch my bike for 10 minutes?" - "Sure! I have a CAAD 9 myself. Just roll it inside here, I'll keep it safe."

There are many ways to deter thieves. Not all are free. Some are.

nycphotography

In NYC? Just don't leave a decent bike locked up outside. Period.

Even if they don't steal it... how many corpses do you see around town locked to a pole either stripped bare, or w/ taco'd wheels?

Leukybear 

No, armed guards.

GeorgePaul

Right. A thief can cut through a cable lock like a hot knife through butter.

TheBikeRollsOn 

2 locks each plus additional cable locks plus the long U lock to lock the bikes together. Also, loosen all of the components that way if your locks get broken the thief will have a hard time ridding away.

Squirrelli

Best lock evar.

Scrodzilla

That way someone can make off with your bike and your pooch.