It's been ages since i had a Kryptonite lock and apparently a bic pen has rendered them pointless... what's a decent alternative for a bike lock in an urban setting if it's just gonna be locked for ~5-10 min?
lock options
- Thread starter narlus
- Start date
I'm pretty sure that the BIC pen issue was resolved years ago.
What about the car-jack issue?
IME and IMO, a heavy duty angled chain lock with protective (kevlar) sleeve and lock resistant to getting cutters in there (no space) is a good starting point. Be careful with ones like the Kryptonite "fagettaboutit" lock where the actual lock has a ton of space so people can jam two adjustable wrenches in there and leverage the lock apart. The Kryptonite one is probably strong enough that this isn't likely, but on smaller and cheaper ones, you don't want any "extra space" in there for things to be wedged in and used as leverage. There are lighter and more compact versions that are decent IMO, but you go too far and it will again get easy to defeat. You can also run cables through this space though as described below to minimize this possibility.
The U-locks *can* work, but are difficult to work around the frame and objects and are far more limited in application. If you leave enough space, a criminal can put a car jack in there and pop the lock open. Also, since these are fairly rigid objects, they are easier to cut with a cordless angle grinder.
Cable locks are probably the easiest to defeat, unless it's some giant cable. Most thiefs are going to have a set of lock cutters as their go-to in their backpack. Not a giant set, but enough to clip through most smaller cables.
IME, a combination of locks is usually the best idea. A bigger cable that you can weave through a bunch of stuff to immobilize the bike and then a big tamper-resistant chain or U-lock like described above. This has the best chance of slowing someone down and making it less lucrative IMO. And even then, I'd only let it out of sight momentarily.
Just youtube the lockpickinglawyer and you'll see how easily some locks are defeated. IMO, you can get a good idea though of what is less likely to be defeated.
The U-locks *can* work, but are difficult to work around the frame and objects and are far more limited in application. If you leave enough space, a criminal can put a car jack in there and pop the lock open. Also, since these are fairly rigid objects, they are easier to cut with a cordless angle grinder.
Cable locks are probably the easiest to defeat, unless it's some giant cable. Most thiefs are going to have a set of lock cutters as their go-to in their backpack. Not a giant set, but enough to clip through most smaller cables.
IME, a combination of locks is usually the best idea. A bigger cable that you can weave through a bunch of stuff to immobilize the bike and then a big tamper-resistant chain or U-lock like described above. This has the best chance of slowing someone down and making it less lucrative IMO. And even then, I'd only let it out of sight momentarily.
Just youtube the lockpickinglawyer and you'll see how easily some locks are defeated. IMO, you can get a good idea though of what is less likely to be defeated.
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Back in the day when I was road tripping with my bike on a shitty Hollywood hitch rack I got one of these bad Larry's (motorcycle chain lock)
www.cyclegear.com
Super heavy but 1/3 the price of bike specific locks...
Stockton 721 Security Chain And Lock - Cycle Gear
Heavy duty 10mm hardened steel chain links resist cutting. Shop Cycle Gear for our 30-day best price guarantee & 90-day hassle free returns.
www.cyclegear.com
Super heavy but 1/3 the price of bike specific locks...
i bought a Kryptonite chain/lock like that one when i lived in ireland, as i didn't have room for the bikes inside the house and they had to stay in the garden shed... i figured it wouldn't be so easy to try to carry 4 bikes chained together over a stone wall.
but that shit is heavy and i wouldn't want to have to carry it around w/ me on errands. thanks for the replies i will take a look at the others.
but that shit is heavy and i wouldn't want to have to carry it around w/ me on errands. thanks for the replies i will take a look at the others.
I use one of these
www.kryptonitelock.com
New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415
The New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 has a 14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t hardened manganese steel offering ultimate bike security in high theft areas.
www.kryptonitelock.com
I think I sold mine.I use one of these
New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415
The New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 has a 14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t hardened manganese steel offering ultimate bike security in high theft areas.
Why I don't know.
I also have one of these.I use one of these
New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415
The New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 has a 14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t hardened manganese steel offering ultimate bike security in high theft areas.
It is very heavy.
Yeah it looks like they made some less burly, lighter versions now. But it's easy to throw over your shoulder beauty pageant style.
cables are almost all susceptible to being cut, but that Master lock is bomber.
in the city I always carried the chain and padlock draped over my head with the chain on the right shoulder and the lock on my left hip. That way it also made a handy tool to crack windshields of cars attempting to squeeze me into the curb. Grab the chain whip it over my head and slam the glass with the lock as I hopped up onto the sidewalk.
Yup. Mine was around my waist...
I use this. It is heavy. It is supposedly good. I carry it in my pannier since my workplace likes to go all lock-Nazi and cut the locks on the racks without much warning.
www.kryptonitelock.com
Evolution 1090 Integrated Chain
The Evolution series 4 1090 Integrated Chain has 10mm six-sided chain links made from 3t manganese steel offering high bike security in moderate theft areas.
www.kryptonitelock.com
Good point, this could also be your Mortal Kombat weapon.
that is what i have.I use one of these
New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415
The New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 has a 14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t hardened manganese steel offering ultimate bike security in high theft areas.
Check the kryptonite website. Like I said, they have a lot of different toned down versions of various burl now.