bike lock?

thesuicideride · Aug 14, 2009

so ive been hearing a lot of horror stories about bike thieves and id like to make sure my bike will be still be there waiting for me when i come outta the ball game or where ever im at. i have a old murry u-lock i got from a garage sale for $1. just wondering what kind of experiences u guys have had with the different types. u-lock, cable, chains, ect. ect.?

StepChld · Aug 15, 2009

Good stuff here :wink:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

ish · Aug 15, 2009

Get the smallest OnGuard u-lock that will fit around your rear wheel, seat tube, and a signpost. Amazon sells them cheap with free shipping.

Do not follow Sheldon's advice from the article; locking the bike that way can be defeated in less than 30 seconds.

theVULTURE · Aug 15, 2009

yea, i would also be sure to include the seat tube in the locks' grasp.
being a locksmith in my building, i find that the Krypto locks with the round "refrigerator" key are pretty tough to get around.
and as far as pad-locks go.... before you waste that 45cal round on the Master Lock (like the commercial :roll: ) i can get that lock open in about 30 seconds with two paper clips. they've been rated the worst, besides cables and chains are easily cut.
my father says "locks only keep the honest people honest" and i believe him.
i wish there was a patron saint we could give a quick nod to every time we lock up our bikes :wink:
good luck to you!

deorman · Aug 15, 2009

I've had cheap but clean 3-speeds that weren't worth squat stolen from bike racks by bolt cutter scum over the years because my lock or cable was under 3/8". I had a U-bolt locked bike taken, not sure what they did, because they took the lock as well! :? If I have to leave my bike outside unattended, the thick cable lock deters ride-offs, and I use my old beater bike w/crappy black paint, kinked long seat post, and no quick release items, which deters steal for money or parts types from taking the trouble for 45lbs of rat. I only use my nicer bike for recreational use where I can put it inside or stay with it at my destination.

P.S. deter doesn't mean stop completely :x

Fireproof · Aug 15, 2009

I asked the same question a few months ago. For a real eye opener, spend a few minuets on Youtube . . . that's all the longer it takes to see about a dozen locks opened with about anything you would never imagine would open a lock! Some of these guys pride themselves in their speed and high-tech & innovative tools . . . (a battery-operated lock pick!!!!), while some of them prefer the Macgyver approach using handmade tools created from old ball-point pens, water bottles, or get a load of this, the stem of a banana peel! :shock:
ANY lock, cable, chain can be removed! If you like your bike, don't go too far away from it. Your best bet is to stay on your bike!