While I do not intentionally try to make my bike look ugly, while on tour I do not clean it. I do not want my bike and gear to look too expensive or desirable. A knowledgeable bike thief can see passed the dirt for true value, but an opportunistic thief is less likely to know value when they see it.

Actually, having "soft" luggage on my motorcycle, that sure as hell would not be there when I came back to it after shopping; I'm used to removing my bags and placing them in a shopping cart. It's just a necessary routine and reality of living in SOCAL. People around here lock their bike up and spend a few minutes in the store just to come out and find parts of their bike missing. I'm sure there are plenty of other areas of the country that are just as bad and I know some worse. On the other hand there are areas that aren't so bad. While I couldn't bring my motorcycle inside with me, if I can bring my bicycle in, I will. If I have no other choice, then I'll lock it up as best I can and take my valuables with me in a cart. Yes, "all" the gear on my bike is valuable to me, and I will take every bit of it with me that I can. If I happen to find myself in Mayberry, and the Sheriff is near by, then maybe I'll just leave it out with some fresh bakes cookies in the basket for the neighbors, but short of that, I'll keep my valuables with me if at all possible.

Since you were obviously set in your mind as to what will make you feel secure I don't see the point of this thread.

Since bringing a bicycle inside with you is a possibility as opposed to being one on a motorcycle, at least at times. And since there are people here who shop while on tour, I wanted to see what other ideas and solutions there may be I haven't thought of yet.

That's been the most valuable information shared on this thread. I have no desire to tour there but if I did this would convince me it's not worth it. Come to Western Mass. I can assure you, your stuff will be safe 99% of the time.

My last tour was in Iceland. When in rural areas, I did not bother to lock up anything. But a thief would have had to contend with my clothesline.

I reverted to locking up in the major communities.

So much of it is a reality of where you are. No way would I have carried my bags around the crowded aisles of a European grocery store, let alone put them in the trollies that were smaller than the bags.

I really appreciate everyone's input on this. I'm in the process of deciding on a proper lock setup for those times that I must. I made a new thread on it over in the "Commuting" section because I figured the daily commuters would have the most experience with them.

That is true of the rural small town "general stores" in the US as well. Fortunately they are typically in relatively safe places.

+1. Harrison, in the middle of nowhere MT this June. The town didn't even have Verizon cell coverage. The risk of theft never came on my radar screen. However, I was concerned that someone would pull up to park and hit my bike if I left it out front so I put it on the side of the store. Left it unattended there and went inside for a juice to go with the sandwich I already had and then enjoyed my meal on the porch. Went inside a second time to use the head.

Olney, MT in 2009. Left all our stuff outside for some 30 min. Still there, but the dog was gone. We figured that if the local kids leave there bikes out, it should be pretty safe.

Situational awareness is always a good indicator. I stay in a lot of hostels when I am in Europe, I use the same method. If I walk in a room and everyone has stuff lying out, I don't generally worry about leaving non-valuables out, and vice versa.

Being continuously tied to all my personal possessions while on tour would severely diminish my experiences. For example, how does one take a hike or walk from camp if they won't leave their gear out of their sight? How does one take a day ride to an interesting place during a day off? Pack up everything on the bike just to have to set up camp again?


And how would one shower?

I don't do anything other than watching where I'm stopping. I try not to stop in bigger cities. If I get a bad feeling about the area I would probably change my attitude but I rarely lock my bike up, twice last year on a 3 month long trip.

No, I'm not riding a nice pretty bike that looks like a million bucks. I'm not that crazy. If I did I would lock it up for fear of someone taking it. It's not about the bike, its about the adventure. Keep that in mind when selecting equipment and it will change everything for you. You won't spend as much on the bike and then you won't be fearful of having the bike stolen.

Watch where you stop and be attentive when you do stop. Does the area give you bad feelings. Is something just not quite right. If so you might want to lock it up.

here's an interesting solution to bike theft:
Chemical bike lock causes vomiting to deter thieves

The "Skunklock" is a U-shaped steel bicycle lock with a pressurised, stinking gas inside.The gas escapes in a cloud if someone attempts to cut the lock.

The company claims its "noxious chemical" is so disgusting it "induces vomit in the majority of cases."
Even better, it claims, the gas causes "shortness of breathing" and impaired eyesight.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37732748


......

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37732748

Nice!