[NUMTNBIKER]

Whats the best lock for the money? Cable or U locks or both together? Which locks are better? I just bought a 06 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disk and I want something thats going to keep it safe.

 

[garboui]

u locks are best for securing the frame of the bike. then use the cable lock to secure youre wheels. all cable locks can be cut easially with a pair of side cutters. at the shop i work at u locks are the hardest to cut/ break open, allthough the lock barells can be drilled uot fairly fast with a sharp bit because they are usually made of brass. we had a shop competition one day to see how fast a 5/8" braided cable lock could be cut with a pair of pliers and the winning time was under 25 seconds.

next to u locks high grade boron chain and a good solid case hardened padlock are the next best thing.

 

[NUMTNBIKER]

Hey thanks for the info. Yeah I didnt spend almost $1000 to lose my bike in under 25 seconds. The only problem I see with a u-lock is they are so heavy and bulky. How does one ride with an extra 1or 2 lbs of steal? You want to have the lock with you when you park your bike after a ride.

 

[damion]

Up to you.

If you are riding to and from a spot that you are locking up to all the time, (school, or work) leave the u-lock on the rack.

If you have to carry a u-lock, do it in a pack.

 

[NUMTNBIKER]

Good idea

Yeah thats a good idea. I'll go that route.

 

[Black Bart]

Yeah thats a good idea. I'll go that route.

A good way to lock up a bike with a u-lock is to put it around the rear rim and tire, between the chain stays and seat stays. That way only your front wheel is vulnerable.

(if you can't visualize it from my description, Sheldon Brown explains it here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html )

 

[NUMTNBIKER]

Black Bart lock idea

Hey Black Bart.

That's another great idea. I can get a simple cable lock to secure the front tire if need be. I saw the picture of Sheldon Brown's bike. It makes good sense. Thanks for the info.

 

[SHIVER ME TIMBERS]

maxium security

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...ber=731893&memberId=-2000&link=1&source=19308

whole bunch on E-bay right now

 

[khill]

Locking up your bike

I use a cable and U-lock combo. U-lock through the rear triangle and rear wheel, cable run to the front wheel, saddle, and fron triangle. If I had to leave my bike out of view all day or in a high-theft area, I'd buy a beater and ride it.

Here's a helpful post from MB1 on the roadbikereview.com site that should show you the do's and don'ts for locking up your bike.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=31569

 

[NUMTNBIKER]

Food for Thought

Thanks for the great information. I dont plan on leaving my bike unattended for long periods of time anyway. I think I'll more than likely use the U-lock like you guys said and then the cable to secure the front tire, etc. All of your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Prexus2005]

I just bought an Onguard PitBull mini LS U-lock for my bike for the days when I feel like riding to work. I'd like to think I can trust no one is going touch my bike at work.. but you just never know.

The one thing I'm worried about is this.. anyone with a set of allen wrenches who knows what they are doing can easily remove components from your bike... =/ I myself could probably strip off everything attached to the stem including the stem... seat post with saddle... probably the brakes and rear deraillure on my bike with a set of allen wrenches and cable cutter(for brake/deraillure cables) in 5-10minutes! and that would be $400-600 worth of components!

The only peace of mind I have is... I think bikers don't steal parts from other bikers... If I see a "nice" bike, I'd appreciate the build/components and feel a sense of community that the owner also share the passion of mountain biking. The thought of ripping off a component to put on my bike or sell it for money would be the furthest from my mind. I think/hope most of us feel the same.

But I'm still fearful of the fact some lowlife with no morals can easily strip my bike faster then I can say "OMG! [email protected]#%*!"

So.. does anyone have other forms of insurance for their expensive dream bikes?

Phil.