Lock Recommendations?

[gkochner]

Hello all! I recently bought a Velotric Discover 3 as a future commuter. The one necessary item I have yet to get is a lock. I've looked into several brands and done my research, but am interested to hear what this forum uses for locking their bike up when commuting. The bike will be locked outside a large office building in a large metro area, but not necessarily a high foot traffic area.

Any thoughts/feedback is appreciated!

 

[fooferdoggie]

with e bikes its hard to use a u lock so I have this folding lock with alarm. https://www.abususa.com/collections/bike-foldable-locks/products/bordo-6500ka also because I could get matching keys that fit the locks on my bikes. but its a lot easier to get around stuff. wheels locked is a good idea too.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Welcome aboard! We love my wife's Velotric Breeze 1.

The problem with recommendations: Few here have had their lock choices tested in real life. So you're left with lock tests on YouTube.

We use ABUS folding locks. Got high ratings at the time, but bottom line: Any lock can be defeated with enough time and skill and the right tools. And you can't count on passers-by to do anything about a theft in progress.

Since the bike will be left unattended for hours a day, might a consider a lock (D or folding) AND a chain, as these resist defeat in very different ways.

Beyond actual theft protection, you also need a lock that works well with YOUR bike. The less a struggle to get on and off, the more you'll use it.

Best bet is to take your bike to a bike shop, discuss options, and try some on.

 

[RunForTheHills]

Even U locks can be defeated in seconds with an angle grinder. If you are locking the bike up in a high crime area unattended for hours at a time It will be difficult to protect it. If your employer has bike lockers available or if they let you bring the bike into the building, do that. If they have a shared bike cage, that is better than outside but you will still need to lock it up inside the cage with a good U-lock through the frame and back wheel and a cable or chain for the front wheel.

 

[6zfshdb]

The first thing I would do is ask your employer if you could bring the bike somewhere inside the building. At the very least, take the battery inside with you. A bike without a battery is a deterrent for some would be bike thieves. I would also check for bike theft reports if you're in a questionable area.
Another trick used by some is to make your bike less attractive that others parked nearby. I know one guy who sticks fake loose wiring in various locations to make the bike look jury rigged.

As mentioned above, any bike lock can be defeated by a determined thief, but they can be effective against the casual walk off theft.

 

[twy]

I use an ABUS 6 Series Tresorflex Combo Armored Cable Lock, Black, 120cm/15mm on mine. My wife uses an ABUS 4750 XL Frame Lock which mates to an ABUS Frame Lock Plug-in 12mm Cable.

The bikes are locked together to a stationary object when left alone in the day (moderate foot traffic) or close by at night (low foot traffic).
Like others have stated, anything can be broken but our approach is to slow them down or at least require a lot of noise. Luckily these have not yet been tested.

My son's bike at college is obviously more vulnerable (outside most days and nights) and his approach for the last 2 years has been multiple heavy-duty locks (try to include the seat and wheels) with success so far.