What kind of locks are people using?

[dangdang]

I always check the stolen bike tab to see what bike got stolen / where it was stolen from etc...

Sometimes its entry level bikes, then other times its rather pricey carbon bikes with high-end Campy/Dura Ace or XTR level components.

My question is, what kind of lock were you using when your bike got stolen; if one was used at all? A simple cable or a u-lock?

Does cost come into play when buying a u-lock; did it cost 80+ bucks?

I know all locks can be compromised, some just take longer than others.
But it seems like most of these broad day light lifts seem to be quite quick.
I am just curious.

I bought a rather cheap commuter for that purpose, for commuting (no quick releases or anything like that.) you'd never catch me riding my XTR mt bike as a commuter- it would be like painting a bullseye on my bike.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by dangdang

I always check the stolen bike tab to see what bike got stolen / where it was stolen from etc...

Yeah, it would be an interesting data point if those reports included if or how the bike was locked. But then, that sort of "blame the victim" question might make some people reluctant to report a bike theft.

My question is, what kind of lock were you using when your bike got stolen; if one was used at all? A simple cable or a u-lock?

Does cost come into play when buying a u-lock; did it cost 80+ bucks?

Knock on wood, I've been lucky with a 6-ft cable lock, usually through both wheels and frame to a fixed object. Low-value bikes and avoiding long-term parking in risky areas contribute to my luck. If/when I upgrade, it will probably be along the lines of a Krypto 4LS U-lock with a 3- or 4-ft cable to secure the front wheel, so a bit under $80.

Krypto has some general tips on locking up here.

[zpl]

I've asked a number of people over the past couple of years what kind of lock they used when their bike was stolen in Portland. So far I have yet to hear of a case where any kind of U-lock has been compromised - it was all cases of using a cable lock, or no lock at all (don't leave your bike unattended for even 10 minutes downtown!).

I think any basic quality U-lock (Kryptonite or OnGuard) will protect you from nearly all bike thieves, who target crimes of opportunity.

U-lock compromises are generally the sign of a professional thief using power tools. These thefts are rarer than most of us imagine, and at the same time it takes an extraordinary effort to prevent them, and I don't feel it's worth it.

IMO,

Scott

[wsbob]

I haven't had a bike stolen, locked or otherwise, but I have read a lot of discussion about bike theft. Based on that, I'd say consider nothing other than at least a better grade U-lock. Couldn't say how much money you should spend, but probably not the $15-$20 buck Bell brand U-lock at Fred's.

People do manage to lock up their bikes with cable locks and they don't get stolen. Question to ask, is 'Why is that'? Is it because thieves just couldn't cut through that 'tough' cable? Don't kid yourself. It's anybody's guess, but I kind of figure that if cable locked bikes don't get stolen, it's because thieves, for whatever reason, aren't 'shopping' for that particular bike, or for bikes at that particular location.

Get a good quality U-lock. Beyond that, there's a number of other basic things I would observe to minimize the possibility that a very ambitious thief would try get a bike, despite it being secured with a good quality U-lock.

[dmc]

I'm not going to use anything other than a U-Lock in the foreseeable future.

Location is always very important for me. Just because it cant be stole doesn't mean some mischievous teenagers might not mess with/vandalize your bike. With a Phillips screwdriver, low traffic and decent concealment a person could spend 5 minutes taking fenders, lights, seat bag, frame pump etc... from my bike.

1.) I always U-Lock.
2.) I always lock my bike in high traffic (near front entrances) areas.

[wsbob]

Over at bikeforums, check out a prototype bike lock in development. I kind of skimmed over the first page of the thread quickly, but I think they're inviting people to pitch in to their startup fund. Maybe you get a lock in the deal. It's an interesting concept that could possibly solve some of the limitations of current lock designs including the U-lock. On the other hand, it looks kind of awkward to carry around.

TiGr: A Titanium Lock on Kickstarter. thread over at bikeforums, about a new lock design.

[beelnite]

I may not need a lock, come to think of it...

Any thief taking my 2011 Kona Paddy Wagon for a ride on those crappy Continental Ultras probably won't get far. Those poor excuses for a tire wouldn't stop a pine needle.

400 Portland Miles Commuting... 6 flats. Two in the first four days. Left her home and rode "the beater" into work.

My lock? Cable lock inside a padlocked cage for employees only. IF I anticipate stopping somewhere I either demand to be allowed to bring my bike with me or I will bring the U-Lock. Heavy. Don't like carrying it at all.

I like to leave locks places I frequent.

[beelnite]

A cable lock AND a U-Lock requires a thief to carry TWO tools...

[bobcycle]

Saw this bike today with a lock draped over the top tube but not locking the bike. Its a nice Bianchi Brava with new continental tires. I went into the public building it was in front of and the secretary told me its been there all morning. I checked the Stolen Bike register with the serial number but no luck. So I went on my way. Should I have done more? Was the person in a hurry to catch a bus and thought they locked it? Lock is around the pole so nobody can steal the lock but you can just walk away with the bike.

[IMG] photo-6 by bujerbiker, on Flickr[/IMG]

[Alan]

I can't think of much else you could have done. Could leave a note but it seems like they were aware of what they were doing or else they wouldn't have bothered to even try to make it look locked.

In San Francisco I saw several bikes locked with two mini U-locks: one Sheldon Brown rear-wheel style to a staple, the other locking front wheel to frame and catching the other leg of the staple, if it fit. I'm wondering how that weight compares to one mini plus a cable, and also whether pairs of minis with matching keys are available.

(PS - That's not several bikes locked together! It's each separate bike locked that way, and I saw that in several different instances. Sorry for the confusion.)