Going Camping ..... how do i keep my bike safe**********
#1
matthewleehood
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Norwich UK
Posts: 24
Bikes: Planet X SL Pro Carbon With Campag Athena
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Going Camping ..... how do i keep my bike safe**********
Hi Guys,
Yet another question from me...
I'm off to Cornwall this summer with the Girlfriend and our friends (another couple) and the plan is to learn to surf and do some cycling around the countryside... herein lies the problem.... as we will be camping and are going in 1 car (with the bikes on a bike rack) how, when we are not using them do we secure the bikes? they wont all fit in the car plus that would make a nice target for any opertunist thief.... any sugestions?
P.s Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this but the thought proccess was most roadbikes are expensive so you will know how to secure them!!
Yet another question from me...
I'm off to Cornwall this summer with the Girlfriend and our friends (another couple) and the plan is to learn to surf and do some cycling around the countryside... herein lies the problem.... as we will be camping and are going in 1 car (with the bikes on a bike rack) how, when we are not using them do we secure the bikes? they wont all fit in the car plus that would make a nice target for any opertunist thief.... any sugestions?
P.s Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this but the thought proccess was most roadbikes are expensive so you will know how to secure them!!
#2
cyclopath
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 5,264
Bikes: Surly Krampus, Surly Straggler, Pivot Mach 6, Bike Friday Tikit, Bike Friday Tandem, Santa Cruz Nomad
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Lock them to the car or to something solid where you will be parked. Use enough locks that everything important is secured and it looks stupid hard to steal. If you can cover the whole lot with a tarp and some bungees.
The other option is to leave them somewhere secure like a bike shop, surf shop, etc... and not even take them to the beach.
The other option is to leave them somewhere secure like a bike shop, surf shop, etc... and not even take them to the beach.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 1,435
Bikes: IF steel deluxe 29er tourer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I always secure (lock & cover) in plain view. Then the thief might not know who's watching.
#4
Banned
On Bike tours I bring some long cables to lock my bike to trees and fences.
10 foot made up from plastic coated cable from the hardware store,
with aluminum fittings made for loop forming .. You Bang them tight around the cable with a hammer.
The Bike itself has a lock on it, handy, I put in the rear wheel and + a shorter, stouter cable
to secure both wheels and to Something.
But I suspect dusk to dawn then hit the road again camping is not what you have in mind..
10 foot made up from plastic coated cable from the hardware store,
with aluminum fittings made for loop forming .. You Bang them tight around the cable with a hammer.
The Bike itself has a lock on it, handy, I put in the rear wheel and + a shorter, stouter cable
to secure both wheels and to Something.
But I suspect dusk to dawn then hit the road again camping is not what you have in mind..
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,826
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2568 Post(s)
Liked 1,889 Times
in
1,185 Posts
I took the family's bikes camping several times, and never lost anything. When we left the campsite for the day, we'd use all the available locks (one per bike). Each lock wrapped around at least two bikes, and at least one lock was around a fixed object (like a concrete picnic table bench). When you get two, three or more bikes like this, it's impossible to lift them all up to put in a truck. Thieves, if there were any in the campground, were deterred by the need to get through at least two locks to get a single bike.
But most of the time you won't run into the professional bike thieves of a major city in a campground!
But most of the time you won't run into the professional bike thieves of a major city in a campground!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,097
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3418 Post(s)
Liked 1,434 Times
in
1,119 Posts
If the front wheel is in the car or in your tent, the bike is less likely to be stolen. Most thieves want a complete bike. They also prefer clean shiny bikes, not dirty ones.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Central Coast, CA
Posts: 3,392
Bikes: Surly LHT, Specialized Rockhopper, Nashbar Touring (old), Specialized Stumpjumper (older), Nishiki Tourer (model unknown)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Lock your bikes to something fairly secure. A friend of mine had his locked to the bike rack on the back of his minivan. He went into a store. When he came out it was gone. The thief had simply sliced through the nylon straps holding the rack to the car and taken the whole thing.
#8
matthewleehood
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Norwich UK
Posts: 24
Bikes: Planet X SL Pro Carbon With Campag Athena
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lock your bikes to something fairly secure. A friend of mine had his locked to the bike rack on the back of his minivan. He went into a store. When he came out it was gone. The thief had simply sliced through the nylon straps holding the rack to the car and taken the whole thing.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Posts: 592
Bikes: Soma Double Cross DC, Salsa Vaya, Redline D440, '87 Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
There is a Utube video ( I don't know how to do links) that shows a guy steeling his own bikes numerous diferent ways, hacksaw, bolt cutters, angle grinder, hammer. using numerous different locks, cables, chains, U locks. All you can really do is "keep the honest people honest" Make them LOOK hard to steal. Use big chain covered in plastic tubes preferabley see through (so they can see its big chain). You can look into an inclosed trailer like a small Uhaul or something similar that would certainly keep them safe but also hard to park
#10
Senior Member
A determined thief can still get the bike in a minute or so, but hopefully you'll only be places where there are lazy thieves. ;-)
__________________
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
Knows the weight of my bike to the nearest 10 pounds.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 225
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Then there's roof racks, some of which may have built-in locking systems. I can't speak to these much, though. I suspect that most such systems are not terribly heavy duty.
Either one of these are going to be pricier than a trunk rack by at least a factor of 2 or 3, and probably much more.
The main thing is to rely on locks as little as possible. Monitoring your stuff personally is always the best way to go. Also remember that your bike doesn't have to be entirely theftproof, just more so than the bike on the next guy's car.
#12
matthewleehood
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Norwich UK
Posts: 24
Bikes: Planet X SL Pro Carbon With Campag Athena
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Also remember that your bike doesn't have to be entirely theftproof, just more so than the bike on the next guy's car.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 225
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Why, have you been a bad boy?
Seriously, these are all good suggestions (especially the one about leaving the bikes in the care of somebody that you trust, away from the beach). The main thing to realize, though, is that none of these suggestions make your bikes impossible to steal, just harder to steal (or undesirable to steal). Even if you could put the bikes in the car, all you would have to do is break the door window and the bikes are gone. All you can do is minimize the risk as best you can, and monitor as much as you can while still doing the stuff that you want to do.
Seriously, these are all good suggestions (especially the one about leaving the bikes in the care of somebody that you trust, away from the beach). The main thing to realize, though, is that none of these suggestions make your bikes impossible to steal, just harder to steal (or undesirable to steal). Even if you could put the bikes in the car, all you would have to do is break the door window and the bikes are gone. All you can do is minimize the risk as best you can, and monitor as much as you can while still doing the stuff that you want to do.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Use 2 different types of locks, eg a shackle /cable /chain.
Each of these needs a different method. Lock to something solid on the vehicle.
Lock the wheels to the frame.
If you can take off some part, eg saddle or front wheel, the bike cannot be ridden away.
Make sure you have serial numbers and photographs of the bikes for insurance.
Each of these needs a different method. Lock to something solid on the vehicle.
Lock the wheels to the frame.
If you can take off some part, eg saddle or front wheel, the bike cannot be ridden away.
Make sure you have serial numbers and photographs of the bikes for insurance.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: the original jersey
Posts: 285
Bikes: lowracer, highracer, moving bottom bracket, 2 tall bikesl
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i would say this just about covers it !
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Cape Vincent, NY
Posts: 1,385
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac Expert, 2002 TREK 520, Schwinn Mesa WINTER BIKE, Huffy Rock Creek 29er, 1970s-era Ross ten speed. All my bikes are highly modified(except the Tarmac) yet functional, and generally look beat to ****. .
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 65 Post(s)
Liked 84 Times
in
49 Posts
I agree with the "out of sight, out of temptation" theory. If they aren't out in plain view, most thieves won't bother.
I'd lock them up and then put a generic motorcycle cover over them.
I'd lock them up and then put a generic motorcycle cover over them.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,268
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Dress up the bike you like least in knock-off Burberry and a track suit.
That should tempt the chavs away from the ones you want to keep.
That should tempt the chavs away from the ones you want to keep.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ottawa
Posts: 439
Bikes: Kona Dew Drop, Specialized Expedition Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a permanent roof rack on my car, so I lock the bike(s) to the rear-mounted bike rack, then cable lock the bike rack to the roof rack. It's far from theft-proof, but at least it makes it somewhat less convenient for the crooks.
#20
Senior Member
I have a Saab with a factory Thule roof rack.These factory racks mount very securely. It mounts to holes in the roof frame, behind the doors, so when the car doors are closed and locked the rack cannot be removed, at least without a heavy duty saw, or breaking into the car and setting off the alarm and trying to get the rack off with the alarm sounding. The bike carriers on the rack are fork mount and lockable, but you could break them with a pipe over the latching handle, so I use a big armored cable that goes through bike frames and around the rack itself. Sometimes two cables, ie. when overnight. The front wheels are in the trunk of the car. It is a pretty secure arrangement and I have often left $5000 worth of bikes on the rack while off sightseeing, at the beach/pub/hiking, etc. Even overnight in motel parking lots, but not too far from my room or out of sight.
When you are off and about, the key is making sure the vehicle is either invisible, ie. off the road or hidden in the trees so people driving by won't notice and be tempted, or in most cases totally visible in a location where everyone would notice or hear an attempt to break in. In this case 2-3 bikes on a secure roof rack and all cabled together makes for a difficult mess to get off the car, especially in a public place, without being very obvious. That said, there are places (usually in urban areas) where you just know you shouldn't be leaving anything visible to thieves, or where someone could be watching from a van for an opportunity - so always have situational awareness and use your better judgement.
When you are off and about, the key is making sure the vehicle is either invisible, ie. off the road or hidden in the trees so people driving by won't notice and be tempted, or in most cases totally visible in a location where everyone would notice or hear an attempt to break in. In this case 2-3 bikes on a secure roof rack and all cabled together makes for a difficult mess to get off the car, especially in a public place, without being very obvious. That said, there are places (usually in urban areas) where you just know you shouldn't be leaving anything visible to thieves, or where someone could be watching from a van for an opportunity - so always have situational awareness and use your better judgement.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,900
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
I use a long Kryptonite cable and combination lock when camping, traveling with my bikes. Haven't had one stolen yet.
#22
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Chicago suburbs
Posts: 40
Bikes: My Schwinn World GSE and Wifes CurrieTech Path+
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Seems to me the easiest thing to do is buy a Citadel lock (or two) and lock the frames of adjacent bikes together. Trying to steal two connected bikes would deter the teenage thief but not the one with the pickup truck and several helpers. Chains are the next best thing. Cables are easy to cut.
#23
afoot and lighthearted
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Puyallup WA
Posts: 121
Bikes: 1989 Trek 950, Trek 1220
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
when I can't find something to lock to, I loop the cable thru the stays and wheel and run the cable under my tent and locked to my Bob trailer
#24
www.Click-Stand.com
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Aberdeen, WA
Posts: 374
Bikes: Owner built touring & tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Paranoia set in last year and I bought one of these:
https://www.lockalarm.com/lockalarmmini%28no.html
I cable locked my bike to a tree or picnic bench and looped the alarm around some part of the frame. I did worry about it going off on its own, but it didn't.
Tom
https://www.lockalarm.com/lockalarmmini%28no.html
I cable locked my bike to a tree or picnic bench and looped the alarm around some part of the frame. I did worry about it going off on its own, but it didn't.
Tom
#25
Professional Fuss-Budget
I say get one of these:
Anyway, I'd stick with the standard Kryptonite-style lock with a cable. Make sure all the wheels are secured.
If you are staying in a hotel, you should be able to ask the staff to stow the bikes when not in use.
Anyway, I'd stick with the standard Kryptonite-style lock with a cable. Make sure all the wheels are secured.
If you are staying in a hotel, you should be able to ask the staff to stow the bikes when not in use.