best bike locks to buy

[matt butler]

not had much luck finding a decent bike lock so as I own a sheetmetal and fabrication company I may design one.
could do with a bit of input from you guys if you dont mind.
the thing that is a real nightmare is the recently launched cordless grinder...we use them...they are not as powerfull as a mains electric type one but they will get through must things IN TIME.
I was thinking along the lines of bending some 50 x 8mm flat bar right round to a horse shoe shape
with an internal dimension of around 60 or 70mm. there would be a hole in each end and the cyclist could either supply his own padlock or we could source the best lock available.
the finish would be a plastic coated black to help protect the bike frame.
obviously this is not a light weight option but should ensure that the bolt cutter brigade will struggle.

thats roughly what I thought and the price of this without a padlock would probably be in the £30 to £40 bracket but any feedback would be most welcome as no point in going ahead unless it is better than what is currently available.

 

[Guygreenwood]

Hi ya. I done the right thing put a steel wire rope with a plastic sleeve round. with what I thought was a good padlock. Wrapped it round a lamppost wich I could keep a eye on so went a made a cuppa Tea came to look at mi bike and would you believe it there were these 2 chaps with bolt cropers so I legged it down stairs ran after them for about a half a mile with no joy but when I got back they had tried the wire but never cut through just the plastic but they cropped the lock so got a fab lock called ABUS 82/20 and a interwoven stainless steel wire and I feel confident with set up.So I think wire threads is ok but if there geard up your bike as gone. Ps pc plod got my Bike back a few weeks later a bit batterd but ok now. So best of luck with you venture :-)

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Any cable lock will be easy pickings for anyone with a pair of bolt cutters or be prohibitively heavy.....
Have a search for " Sold Secure Gold" locks on eBay/Amazon. These are probably the best compromise between weight and security and some come with a secondary cable loop to secure wheels etc.

 

[mrandmrspoves]

.......and some even offer insurance if your cycle is stolen as a result of the lock failing (if they cut through the railings your not insured.....if they cut through the lock you are)

 

[Davidc]

As above lock, it'll be a D lock not cable, and insurance that'll replace the bike if the lock isn't enough.

Add an alarm. An alarm padlock (not too expensive and readily available) attached to the D lock and with a cable from it through the front wheel.

You know it works when the would-be thief leaves a trail of blood behind them.

 

[mrcunning]

not had much luck finding a decent bike lock so as I own a sheetmetal and fabrication company I may design one.
could do with a bit of input from you guys if you dont mind.
the thing that is a real nightmare is the recently launched cordless grinder...we use them...they are not as powerfull as a mains electric type one but they will get through must things IN TIME.
I was thinking along the lines of bending some 50 x 8mm flat bar right round to a horse shoe shape
with an internal dimension of around 60 or 70mm. there would be a hole in each end and the cyclist could either supply his own padlock or we could source the best lock available.
the finish would be a plastic coated black to help protect the bike frame.
obviously this is not a light weight option but should ensure that the bolt cutter brigade will struggle.

thats roughly what I thought and the price of this without a padlock would probably be in the £30 to £40 bracket but any feedback would be most welcome as no point in going ahead unless it is better than what is currently available.

Ever thought of making a stainless bar model,heat it upto cherry red and quench...let them grinders have a go on that then..
Im also into sheet metal buddy,so if you need anymore ideas to get this into production ill gladly bounce ideas from each other..





p.s price for my help is 1 lock when you get them into the major retail shops...lol

 

[Zakalwe]

Banham. Get 2 and stick them on your front door, then bring the bike inside.

If you're going to insure your bike, as admirable as it is to design a rock solid lock yourself, I don't think any insurance companies will feel the same, usually they want at least a "Sold Secure Silver" on there before paying out.