bike locks

[Reptilezs]

what kind of bike lock do you use? do you feel your bike is safe with that lock? ive been looking around at locks lately and the masterlock streetcuff series click Here caught my eye. they claim that it cannot be leveraged and i belive that but the main weakness appears to be the link between the 2 "cuff loops". it looks easily cut. have any of you tryed this type of lock before? if so do you feel that the link is strong?

 

[matt_j]

This is what I use...

Yeah i feel my bike is safe. Problem is that in NYC I don;t worry about people stealing my whole bike but parts of it. Above lock is used to secure my rear wheel to the frame and to the lamp post. I also have a cheaper lock that I used for my front wheel.

What sold me on Kryptonite lock was:
-$3,500 (USD) Anti-Theft Protection
-Lifetime Key Registration
-Replacement keys available
-Limited Lifetime Warranty


Matt

 

[Mark_van_Gorkom]

That Kryptonite chain seems secure enough, but I'd prefer a closer fitting lock. Don't forget that most locks with circular keys can be picked. And secure your wheels etc. with Pitlocks (or similar locking skewers).

 

[Reptilezs]

i am aware that tubular locks can be picked but other types can be picked also. ive seen a video of it being done. right click save 43 meg also anti theft garuntees are only valid for 1 year. kryptonite will give you an extra year but you have to buy it from a "elite dealer". they also make you fill out a form and have the orig recipt of the bike or and appraisel done.

 

[daloosh]

Hey Reptilezs, thanks for bringing that Masterlock to my attention, never seen it before. I like the New York Lock (it's very popular in the city), too, but it's too heavy for me to carry around, and I'm usually not biking in the city, or at least not locking my bike up outside in the city (little paranoid).

So, I use a Kryptonite lock with Kryptonite cables, a U for the back tire/frame (this one), a cable for the front tire and a cable for my seat. Of course it can be rapidly picked with a tubular pick available for $60-70, but it dissuades the more casual thief.

daloosh

 

[Mark_van_Gorkom]

Cable locks are very easy to cut; the Dutch cyclist union has done some research on the matter - going so far as to interview some bike thiefs- and found cable locks as good as useless. Only worthwile locks are U-locks and hardened chains (best use one of both!).
To prevent wheel theft Pitlocks are rather more convenient (and safer too I reckon) than extra cable locks.
For inner city use, get a folding bike (I have a Brompton) and bring it in with you!

 

[nightgaunt]

I made my own using some crazy heavy hardened chain (like 1/4" diameter link) and a nice Masterlock. I had 2 feet of chain cut, wrapped in Duct tape (looks cool!) and use the lock to secure the ends of the chain. It weights about 10 lbs, and is super beefy...even more so than the Kryptonite New York chainlock. And it cost only $15 for everything. The chain was like $4.00 per ft.

 

[Lurker]

I have always used a Kryptonite U-Lock. I have not kept up with the most recent technology in recent years, but the Kryptonite U-Lock was pretty much the standard throughout the 80's and 90's. I have lost bikes with cheaper locks, but my U-lock survived an attack with a sledge hammer that left my bike frame damaged. The lock continued to function perfectly afterward.

I have a small cable that stays permanently attached between my seat and frame. Like anything else, it is not foolproof, you just want it secure enough so it is not worth the trouble or so that another bike is an easier target.

Good Luck.

 

[fluorescent]

I use a Kryptonite New York U-Lock, and a cheaper coiled cable with built in lock for my front tire...