How do you secure your bike?
- Thread starter Tina Marie
- Start date
ActionJackson
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Asia
- City
- Tokyo
That’s my plan as well. Trails and paths only. But then what happens if I have a breakdown of sorts 30km from my house or car? Walk it back? Even in Japan people steal bikes.
My contingency plan is a lightweight ABUS chain so I can lock it up outside of a Police box (“Koban”) , and let the dude know I’ll return ASAP with my car.
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rawlus
Active Member
- Region
- USA
I’ll be using Kryptonite NY Fughettaboutit locks, both U and Chain depending on circumstances in addition to a cafe ring lock for rear wheel and Hexlox for exposed allen bolts (seat, stem, wheels, etc)
Locks will be heavy but like others have said it’s all about how long will it take for a thief and 15 min of grinding and shooting sparks would hopefully draw more attention than 30sec with big bolt cutters.
I’ll also use leaving the bike alone as a last resort. Taking the bike inside at the grocery store for instance. but i’m hoping the bike is mostly for round trip excursioning and not so much a ride and park it type of thing for me. i don’t want to have to leave it for extended periods anywhere really.
Locks will be heavy but like others have said it’s all about how long will it take for a thief and 15 min of grinding and shooting sparks would hopefully draw more attention than 30sec with big bolt cutters.
I’ll also use leaving the bike alone as a last resort. Taking the bike inside at the grocery store for instance. but i’m hoping the bike is mostly for round trip excursioning and not so much a ride and park it type of thing for me. i don’t want to have to leave it for extended periods anywhere really.
Asher
Well-Known Member
I had that lock and it sucks if you have a light analog bike. The mount was awful, unstable, and the weight of the lock swaying impaired the ride. A 1 lb like the Tigr (and I believe there are others) is about as secure. A 1-2 lb difference is a big deal when you're handling the lock multiple times daily. Wirecutter just isn't very good at doing bike reviews. They devote more effort to reviewing bike racks on cars than bikes.
Minor differences in security between locks is probably pointless given that whether high or medium security, they're both susceptible to handheld portable power tools. Where you lock up and for how long are what matters.
Rickman1
Active Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Aridzona
Generally, I just ride my ebikes roundtrip. But occasionally I might stop for a drink or light bite to eat. I park the bike where I can see it and/or other people are around that can see it. I use an ABUS folding lock with and alarm for the frame and a smaller ABUS chain lock for the front wheel. I removed and replaced the quick-release seatpost clamp and front wheel with a bolt that requires a tool to remove as well (would take longer to remove and look more obvious). I usually eat where there is outdoor seating so I can keep an eye on the bike. If I ever have to make a quick trip inside a store, I park it as close to the entryway as possible or in very visible spot. At home, the bikes go inside the house.
m@Robertson
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Unfortunately, Ottolocks have been tested and found to be nearly completely worthless. I have personally performed this same test on one that I owned - I almost instantly snipped right thru one I had been using as a battery lock - cut it shorter so it was still usable... but sadly, bottom line is that lock is a cruel joke played on the unsuspecting buyer. This is the cut test on their improved version, with comments on Ottolock's disingenuous response the first cut-in-two-seconds test.
Also unfortunately, cables are the next-easiest thing to defeat. There are two methods: 1) use a set of metal snips and make repeated cuts, attacking one strand at a time. 20+ cuts later the whole cable has been cut thru. Next is the slightly more involved cable cutter. But they're pretty big. The next step above that is the ratcheting cable cutter that is effective and easy to conceal. About $20 if you buy one from Harbor Freight. The HF one is what was used to cut 4 cables all in one shot:
I do two motorcycle-grade U locks and a boron steel chain. I also insure to value with Velosurance.
Choosing Bike Locks: Small, Medium or Ridiculous?
I see this question so many times, lets write up my daily outdoor locking strategy so I can just link to it from now on.
talesontwowheels.com
ChezCheese:)
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Kitsap Co, WA
I use a Masterlock handcuff type like this: https://amzn.to/3C9GPdn, combined with this motion-activated alarm under the seat: https://amzn.to/3CYxAOh. And of course, I take the controller with me whenever I leave my bike somewhere.
indianajo
Well-Known Member
Since 2018 I've upgraded my 6' cable from 1/4" master mild steel to 1/2" stainless steel: https://www.mcmaster.com/8942T15 $80. You can cut it with this $123 tool https://www.mcmaster.com/38535A71 and an 8 lb sledge hammer, if you can get the cable to the ground for an anvil. My cable stays locked up in the air. Here is a two handle cable cutter rated for 5/8" stainless cable, only $489 https://www.mcmaster.com/39615A73 I park my bike all the time while shopping & eating. Made 3 stops yesterday, the bank, the restaurant, and the farm supply. I lost a 100 lumen headlight last week, $12, but not the bike motor or seat.
There is a 1/2" stainless cable laying on the ground after a traffic light installation in Clarksville In 47129 Lewis & Clark blvd near CashAmerica pawnshop. You'll welcome to cut the end off if you want to spend an hour or two destroying your harbor freight "tools".
There is a 1/2" stainless cable laying on the ground after a traffic light installation in Clarksville In 47129 Lewis & Clark blvd near CashAmerica pawnshop. You'll welcome to cut the end off if you want to spend an hour or two destroying your harbor freight "tools".
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mschwett
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
at this point, i think everyone knows that a cordless angle grinder will cut any portable bike lock or chain you can find. but nobody is taking an angle grinder and it’s attendant shower of sparks to a u-lock in a busy place…. so that’s my strategy. quality u-lock (abus x plus 540) and leave the bike in busy places.
my commuter/errand bike also has a kick lock and a “bike hunter” guarantee from the manufacturer if stolen. both bikes have hidden airtags.
my commuter/errand bike also has a kick lock and a “bike hunter” guarantee from the manufacturer if stolen. both bikes have hidden airtags.
antboy
Well-Known Member
Maybe not where you live, but most urban centers are rife with angle grinding thieves. The litter of cut U-Locks are ample evidence of that here in Toronto, and YouTube is chalk full of thieves caught on video and not giving a crap.
One incident from London just this past week...
“Possible ID” on member of Surrey Quays angle-grinder bike theft gang passed on to police
Owner says gang filmed stealing his bike at busy shopping centre are known to police
I have misplaced the keys on locks and it has taken me less than 30 seconds to cut through the shackle and when the lock is near the ground any sparks are not going to be noticed. The only safe bike is one that is inside a building or inside a van or similar vehicle where a thief cannot see inside.
Many friends while attending college and needing to rely on a bike to get from one class to the next on a large college campus would buy very cheap bikes and strip off the components like the front brake calipers and the front derailleur and a couple went so far as to spray paint their bikes an ugly color so the street value of these bikes if stolen was so low that a thief would pass it by to get a better return on their time and effort.
I can buy a used standard bike for less than the cost to insure one of my e-bikes for a year. When I was working half of the time in Dallas and half in California the airlines would charge $75 to ship a bike or $150 round trip. I bought a $450 bike to leave in California instead of a bike cargo box and paying the airline $150 per trip. Now we have two cheap hardtail bikes for use with our RV and if they get stolen it is no big deal.
Many friends while attending college and needing to rely on a bike to get from one class to the next on a large college campus would buy very cheap bikes and strip off the components like the front brake calipers and the front derailleur and a couple went so far as to spray paint their bikes an ugly color so the street value of these bikes if stolen was so low that a thief would pass it by to get a better return on their time and effort.
I can buy a used standard bike for less than the cost to insure one of my e-bikes for a year. When I was working half of the time in Dallas and half in California the airlines would charge $75 to ship a bike or $150 round trip. I bought a $450 bike to leave in California instead of a bike cargo box and paying the airline $150 per trip. Now we have two cheap hardtail bikes for use with our RV and if they get stolen it is no big deal.
JES2020
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Other
I have heard of spraying the bike before to deter thefts. Also using a copious amount of duct tape for no reason whatsoever has the same effect without the permanency.
I also have an Abus cafe lock w/chain extension and for max security I have an Abus ulock and two, yes two motion alarms.
mschwett
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Maybe not where you live, but most urban centers are rife with angle grinding thieves. The litter of cut U-Locks are ample evidence of that here in Toronto, and YouTube is chalk full of thieves caught on video and not giving a crap.
One incident from London just this past week...
“Possible ID” on member of Surrey Quays angle-grinder bike theft gang passed on to police
Owner says gang filmed stealing his bike at busy shopping centre are known to policeroad.cc
i live in san francisco, certainly one of the bike theft capitals of the world. lived here for almost 30 years, never seen an angle grinder in action except one time i called a locksmith because a crappy (but stout) combo lock failed. no fewer than 4 people tried to / started to call the police on us or approached us to intervene. no doubt people steal bikes with angle grinders - but not in broad daylight when there are people around - my comment was "in a busy place..."
i don't park my $$$$$ bike unattended elsewhere.
ebiker76
New Member
- Region
- USA
I use an Abus cafe lock that is bolted to the bike and blocks the rear wheel from turning. My Blix Vika+ folds and when folded I run the Abus extension around a post and then though both wheels and into the cafe lock. To protect the seat suspension post I use a cable which the Abus extension runs through as well. I also have Velosurance. I have a heavy Kryptonite chain and lock but it is top heavy. I ride my bike everywhere, but I don't leave it unattended long. Being foldable I can take the bike into places with me. For my needs the cafe lock and extension are perfect. All locks are a compromise and my locks and insurance leave me comfortable with my choices.
tammin
Member
- Region
- USA
Then there's this one coming out from Hiplok that they claim will eat angle grinder disks. https://hiplok.com/d1000-anti-angle-grinder-bike-lock/
JES2020
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Other
Awesome ! Especially the light weight part !
One flaw in that video, they attach the grinder proof lock to an easily ground pipe!
JES2020
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Other
Where did you get the price?
$350 isn't that much considering it's a lifetime investment/w a lifetime of security that you will not have your bike stolen with an angle grinder !
Considering it is light weight and my bike cost around $1k total , it's not a bad investment.
Note: in the video he used 3 blades and couldn't cut one arm. In real life the thief would have to cut BOTH arms because it has a double locking feature. A theif would have to have all the time in the world and many blades to defeat this lock...well done !
Rickman1
Active Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Aridzona
On their Kickstarter page and on a couple of review sites ($349). Personally from what I've seen and read, I think this lock would be a great theft deterrent for my ebikes. I don't leave my bikes outdoors overnight or for any extended period of time. It's supposed to be available around March of 2022. That's enough time to save up all my change to buy one or two.
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Rickman1
Active Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Aridzona
If someone forced the bike, i.e., tried to roll it away, I would worry about damage to the rotor. Better than having the bike stolen but still...
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