What is your security set-up?

[Handlebars]

I ended up getting the Masterlock cuffs as my lock, because I thought it would be more versatile than a u-lock and because it is rather difficult to pick. I'm not sure that a u-lock wouldn't be easier to lock up to railings and such, but it also has a guarantee wherein Masterlock will reimburse you (up to $3k) the cost of your bike if it is stolen (conditions apply). I figure it will cover the $1K deductible of my homeowner's insurance and my homeowner's insurance will cover the rest. Hopefully I'll never have to make a claim, because I really love my bike.

However, the motion detector alarm that I put under the seat gives me the most peace of mind. Only $15 on Amazon, it works well, and if anyone jiggles the bike in any way to mess with the lock or any part of the bike, it makes a hellacious noise. Quite effective!

Thank you ChezCheese. I just ordered that alarm.

 

[Handlebars]

I have a budget of $200 USD for the security issue. It's bad here. It's a different city now than it used to be...now where the thieves will cut your locks in broad daylight with people yelling at them, taking video of their faces, and calling the cops. It used to be that people left their weekly money for the milkman outside on the porch overnight and it never got stolen even though the whole street had $10 bucks or whatever underneath the empty bottles or doormat.
So now, I wonder what would be my best combo bet for a regular tire bike with lock weight not being the main issue. Never left anywhere overnight but in my own apartment. I'm OK with carryng 10 or more lbs of chain on the bike.

 

[Handlebars]

The alarm arrived and it is a loud screamer. I tested it before looking at instructions for the off switch and had to get it shut off ASAP. I'm now thinking of just using multiple decently good locks, chains and screamers instead of spending all on a better lock. Watching the lockbusting channels causes despair of lock usefulness against pre-intentioned thieves when one clip and the titanium is cut or one minute and the lock is open.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Exactly! Btw, I had to remove the back of the alarm case so it would fit under the seat. Batteries are quite protected and can't fall out. Very snug fit, no way anyone can get it out quickly.

 

[tomjasz]

Thanks, just ordered one.

Is yours loud enough? Mine seems no where near 113dB

 

[Handlebars]

The harder test is if I can hear it when I'm in the grocery store. That's very meaningful to me, because I'll probably be leaving it locked up outside for no longer than a few minutes the vast majority of times that I have to leave it.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Don't know exact decibel-age. Startles the crap out of anyone I have test it. Startles me when I forget I've armed it! And it can't be shut off so if anyone tries to toss the bike in the back of a pickup and drive away, it will still be alarming.