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I use a fat chain with a master lock from home depot, it can probably be picked with a little effort, but I'll keep in mind my bike looks like crap half the time to the non-cyclist eye.
I like being able to throw the lock over my shoulder or around my waist, its a good spot for it, and if need be I think it'd work as a good self protection item.
In the future I'd get a mini u-lock, as you can lock up just as much as you can with a chain. I use bolt-on wheels so I'm not as worried, but I still lock up my front wheel.
Anyone have the OnGaurd Mini? I've been wanting a lock so I can do the bar thing after the rides. I like the Evolution too but how's the bracket on that thing? Or do you guys just shove it in your rear pocket or belt?
It's lighter and easier to carry then a U-lock or cryptonite. If I got to leave my bike somewhere that I need and a NY bike lock, then I ain't leavin' it there. The cable will go around both wheels, or I use it to lock to other peoples bike, as a bike tree, or bike row. I never have to worry about losing my key. When I lock to other peoples bikes, I can give them my combo, and if they leave before me, they can unlock there bike and lock my bike up without having to find me.
The"'planet bike" and the "on-guard" version both have an easy "half washer", which switches over to the other side and you can change the combo with ease. I know "master lock" combo cable, is a bitch to change the combo. You have to push in these two little buttons and they are hard to push in. So I would say avoid any cable lock with that method to change the combo
Reguarding cables being cut easy. I know my friend broke a key off in a little 99 cent store cable lock. It took us twenty minutes, with four of us, working with two different size cable cutters, to cut the cable. I know the "on guard" and "planet bike" have thicker cables then the one we had to work to cut open. It's my understanding that has to do with the kind of steel that the cable is using
bollocks, I typed up a whole response and forgot to submit before I closed the tab..
Anyway, I use a krypto, and it seems to keep my bike safe. I've been meaning to pick another up, plus a good cable lock as well. I'm a firm believer in making a bike "too annoying to steal."
The other part of the equation is WHERE you lock up. Most thieves won't attack your locks in a highly trafficked area. Case in point, I lock up at my school which is on vermont/melrose and have never had a problem. Mostly because there are a lot of people walking around at night. That and the fact that there are sheriffs on campus.
I think thieves are mostly looking for the easy targets. Moral of the story: Don't be the weakest link.
I use an onguard U-Lock that was packaged with a cable. It makes for a pretty flexible combination that I can use for more security, to lock up some lazy friends who didn't bring a lock, or to lock up to something big like a tree or a light pole.
Thanks for the replies guys. I'll do the mini ulock and cable combo w/ Sheldon Brown's method and lock it up in high traffic areas. I've got a couple more questions.
1.) I've got a Brooks saddle. Do you guys run a small cable to secure the saddle? Or have known anyone's saddles being stolen?
2.) Has anyone known of instances of a ulock cut up w/ a battery powered angle grinder?
I'm sure you guys seen this vid before... kinda scary that people don't pay attention.
I had a friend of mine get his road bike stolen from in front of the police substation at Fox Hills Mall.
He had it locked up with a Kryptonite U-Lock, which was found at the scene.
Apparently, the thief sprayed freon into the locking mechanism causing it to freeze, and then struck it with a hammer.
I use a combination cable lock now. On my mountain bike, it stores easily on the handlebars, and on my fixed gear, there are no cables on the handlebars to get in the way.
If you're riding a geared road bike, a cable lock can be a bit annoying to carry.
I had good luck with this cable lock on my folding bike.
The mount works really well.
I have also secured it under the seat using the velcro wrap to hold it in place. However, its pretty annoying to unravel the cable all the time.
I just dont trust a cable anymore except for quick stops.
I have a Kryptonite New York which is a bit overkill but it was dirt cheap on ebay. The thing is, it's heavy as shit so i usually don't carry it with me (i didn't know this until i bought it). Instead, i usually bring my bike into stores with me. Most places are pretty cool about it. If i know i'm going to have to go into a place where i will need to lock it, i'll bring the lock, but if i'm running to the grocery store or a restaurant, i don't bother. I just never seem to lock up my bike for long periods of time. I'm more concerned with taking off my lights and computer since those are easy to grab and still end up costing a bunch of $.
On guard makes these locking quick releases for the wheels and seat. - trickmilla 04.24.07 - 3:28 pm
I work in Panorama City where I've seen that people will jack anything they can get. So, I did a search on eBay and found the locking quick release skewers by OnGuard that you mentioned Trickmilla.
Apparently, the thief sprayed freon into the locking mechanism causing it to freeze, and then struck it with a hammer. I use a combination cable lock now. BillyB 04.24.07 - 4:09 pm
Man, most U-locks have the keys thing right? Any U-locks w/ combinations out there? I wonder if certain ulocks can withstand the whole Freon thing. Obviously it worked on your friend’s bike but is there a way to prevent that? I guess a combo lock like you said.
If i know i'm going to have to go into a place where i will need to lock it, i'll bring the lock, but if i'm running to the grocery store or a restaurant, i don't bother. I just never seem to lock up my bike for long periods of time. brassknuckle 04.25.07 - 2:42 pm
I’m too paranoid to just have my bike being watched by an employee. One reason was because as a kid… that’s how I got my bike jacked two times. But I was a kid and I was playing Street Fighter one… so it wasn’t a quick in and out thing for me. I never got good on that game.
If you think about it… our rides are pretty good times for people to get their bikes jacked. *knock on wood*. The Safety Ride when we stopped at Gelson’s on Hyperion, some dude that I’ve never seen before, started freaking out screaming, “Has anyone seen my bike?? Has anyone seen my bike!?!?!?” I thought to myself that no waaay someone would jack a bike at our rides but as he kept running around I started thinking that maybe… he got jacked! Turns out, his bike was moved by somebody else cause it was blocking a parked car but scary thought though… Since I don’t have a lock ... yet… I’ll ask somebody I’ve met and ask them to watch it and vice versa. But then... I feel bad that someone has to stand there and watch my bike. So... hopefully the lock is going to get here soon. But then... what if during a stop... let's say... the 7-11 ride, you see some guy always locking up at each stop... do you think he's a puss cause he thinks he can't trust the people around him? Or that, "hey... he's a responsible person." Lates...
i don't think anyone's a pussy for locking up their bike. i can't knock anyone who wants to protect their property. i'm just lazy. hopefully it doesn't take my bike getting jacked to realize i'm being stupid.
Yeah, I'm a bit paranoid about having my stuff stolen; I've lost too much over the years. Even at a big ride stop I hardly like to leave my bike for more than a few seconds, if I do I'll ask someone I know & trust to keep an eye on it.
When I have to lock up I have a Kryptonite padlock with a heavy cable.
I'm hit and miss with locking up on big rides ... it really depends on the crew. Its not for a lack of trust, its just that with all that chaos, unless sombody knows you and your bike it would be exceedingly easy for sombody to steal a bike.
I rolled with sins and sprokets last weekend .. we stopped at this gallery/ community center and I decided to lock up because its a pretty shady corner of town and i didn't know too many people on the ride.
I ran into a friend inside the gallery, chatted a bit, came out and everybody was gone. Had I not locked up my bike, it would have been just chillin' unattended except for the ocasional street person stumbling past every few minutes.
I love the vibe on MR rides and I'd glad we all look out for each other but you can never be sure that the cool dude drinkin' a beer next to your ride isn't gonna wander off at the first smell of weed, and leave your bike unattended.
That's nothing, you should see how they do it in Amsterdam. (scroll down for pictures of multitudes of locks on $10 beater bikes and hot moms on bikes)
dak had his first bike stolen at the end of a midnight ridazz ride... uh... over a year ago? yeah. something about "parking" it (kickstand-ed) by some motorcycles?
a L0X chain/American Padlock for the back and frame and a short cobra link (hardened steel jacketed kevlar/steel braided cable) for the front and frame
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Ridazz Roulette!
this seems to be pretty good so far
I use an onguard U-Lock that was packaged with a cable. It makes for a pretty flexible combination that I can use for more security, to lock up some lazy friends who didn't bring a lock, or to lock up to something big like a tree or a light pole.
On guard makes these locking quick releases for the wheels and seat.
I had good luck with this cable lock on my folding bike.
That's nothing, you should see 