Bike Security

[Meeton]

So I'm a student and before I buy a new shiny road bike, I'm thinking about whether or not I can take it to university with me. I'm kinda paranoid because I've had several bikes stolen before- some due to my error, some not!

There isn't any good cycle parking right by my accommodation because my college is kinda old, and I'm not allowed to keep a bike in my room unfortunately. So I'm wondering how (if) it's possible to keep a nice looking bike safe in a town with a high rate of bike theft.

There are a couple of indoor bike parks in the city which are well lit, with CCTV and secure bike racks. I'm thinking that maybe if I double D-lock & chain my bike in one of those then it might be safe? Or is that sort of place more of a target than anything- during the day it's open to all comers, although it shuts between 11pm-6am.

The place I'm considering is here:
http://www.camcycle.org.uk/resources/cycleparking/grandarcade/

Does this sound like it will work? Or in your experience, is keeping a good quality, attractive-to-thieves bike anywhere except private property just folly?

 

[blockend]

So I'm wondering how (if) it's possible to keep a nice looking bike safe in a town with a high rate of bike theft.

It isn't. At best it'll be vandalised at worst pinched. Ride an unattractive old knacker.

 

[abo]

It isn't. At best it'll be vandalised at worst pinched. Ride an unattractive old knacker.

+1, get something from Gumtree or the local free ads and ride that, save your nice bike for when you're home in the holidays

 

[supercooper]

This lock will be safe all day long

 

[The Dwaff Family]

Haha,would be too much hard work to an thief I reckon! Agree with others though, would buy a 2nd hand road bike, would also look into insurance for a little more piece of mind.

 

[supercooper]

forgot to say to C/C

 

[doog]

If they cant get the whole bike then they will take parts. I wouldn't risk leaving a shiny new road bike (as you put it) anywhere. Trust me I know these things .

My son is in the same position as you, he's starting Uni in September. He's not taking his Specialized mtb but taking the no name crap looking mtb that I have built up from an old Raleigh frame. Its just as good mechanically as the Spesh but a crook wouldnt even look at it.

 

[bricksmasher]

you must work/live near me then

Just so you know too, there is another of these similar to grand arcade near park street which is oe 24/7 apparently, I work in trumpington street so its a bit of hassle to walk from there to my work place though!

 

[sabian92]

Take an old beater bike that you don't really mind if it gets knicked - bash it up a bit, make it look like it's worth about a fiver. I wouldn't take your new road bike unless you could bet beyond reasonable doubt that it wouldn't be nicked. I don't even like leaving my new bike in the shed, but there's nowhere else for it to go.

Just because a bike is cheap, doesn't mean it's crap to ride. If you put half decent stuff on an old dirty frame, a lot of thieves wouldn't look twice because nicking the actual components is too much work for them.

 

[Nufab]

We weren't allowed traffic signs, shopping trolleys or temporary bus stops in our university halls, but we still had them. I think a bike would look pretty ordinary as far as breaking the rules goes!

 

[slowmotion]

Get a beater for everyday use. Ask around about keeping your pride and joy in your room. Fellow students will give you the true picture about "rools". Good luck.

 

[Piemaster]

Not allowed a bike in your room. So how about taking off the wheels sticking them in a bin liner and taking them with you into the room. Secure the frame of your beater and it looks like its been vandalised already. Glue ball bearings into the ends of allen keys to try and prevent any other components being nicked off it. Make it as ugly and unattractive as possible



edit: forgot the most obvious answer. Buy a folder. Take it everywhere with you.

 

[Canrider]

It really does depend on who and if's going to be checking the room. If the cleaners/porters/Dons/Tutors/fellow students are going to shop you, well..

And if your room is so small you'd have to sleep and shower with the bike, well..

Otherwise, park it in your room.

 

[The_Wheelhouse]

I know a few colleges have a secure storage area for high value bikes. So it may be worth asking your college to see if they have any similar provisions.

 

[Herzog]

My advice would be to get an old, but functional bike. I had 3 bikes stolen in 3 years when at Cambridge. A friend of mine dismantled his best bike, storing it in his room when not in use; he had a BSO for everyday use.

Perhaps bring your good bike when you move out of the college in your second year.