Am I crazy to carry a 12 pound security chain around with me?

[bikeman242]

I can't imagine a cable lock that is stronger than a chain...what are you using?

 

[ki11a]

Yeah if you are using a cable lock you are just asking for your bike to get stolen. A 3/8 cable is smaller than a 5/8 cable and Kryptonite rates their 5/8 cable at a 3/10 rating. Even Kryptonites 3/4 Cable (20mm!) is only rated 4/10, all in all cables suck.

I've already had a ebike stolen because of a cable lock and naviety. Good luck with yours.

 

[draver]

There are several YouTube videos that illustrate how vulnerable cables are to bolt cutter attacks. My opinion is that they have their place in conjunction with a primary lock system like a U lock or chain & padlock. I need to get one for my Cloud 9 seat and dropper post. I'm also switching to a security Torx seat post clamp vs. the current flip lock clamp. All we can do is slow the thieves down and make the next bike over more attractive to them.

 

[indianajo]

I can't imagine a cable lock that is stronger than a chain...what are you using?

Not a cable lock. There are piles of those smashed near barricades in downtown Louisville. A wire rope sling. https://www.mcmaster.com/8942T14
T15 is a 1/2" stainless steel sling.
You want to sharpen your cable cutter for every theft, bring one, and a 30" log to set it on while you use the sledge hammer . My sling is up in the air.

I cut chain with a chisel hammer & tie plate. No $200 Morse fairbanks cable cutter required.

 

[draver]

Not a cable lock. There are piles of those smashed near barricades in downtown Louisville. A wire rope sling. https://www.mcmaster.com/8942T14
T15 is a 1/2" stainless steel sling.
You want to sharpen your cable cutter for every theft, bring one, and a 30" log to set it on while you use the sledge hammer . My sling is up in the air.

I cut chain with a chisel hammer & tie plate. No $200 Morse fairbanks cable cutter required.

Sounds sturdy. How flexible is it for transport on a bike and use? 1/2” Stainless steel cable seems like it would be fairly stiff. How does it hold up to a portable angle grinder?

 

[indianajo]

Sounds sturdy. How flexible is it for transport on a bike and use? 1/2” Stainless steel cable seems like it would be fairly stiff. How does it hold up to a portable angle grinder?

The 3/8" cable rolls up easily into a 15" coil 2" thick to fit in the pannier bag. 1/2" is a bit more of a fight, but my hands are comparitively weak. I have a 1/2" sling but use it for lifting logs and tractors, not security. Carried out to the summer camp in the pannier.
Angle grinder will cut the stuff, but comparing to 7/16" stainless bolts I cut at work, about 20 minutes with a 1800 watt grinder (wall powered) . Battery grinders are probably weaker than a 4 1/2" milwaukee 14 amp one. Also requires a bench mounted vise or a 2nd operator with a vise grip to hold the cable still for grinding.
Stainless doesn't melt out in blobs like carbon steel when you get it orange. You have to remove every grain mechanically.

 

[Handlebars]

With bikes that are heavy to lift, it makes sense to lock a wheel with an additional Ulock because a U-lock isn't much trouble to carry, but the bike is.