D-Lock: Do I need a better one for new bike?

[dave_79]

Hi folks, just picked up my new Specialized Sirrus hybrid and want to sort out security before I leave it locked anywhere. I have a Luma D-lock that must be at least 15 years old. I've never had a bike nicked whilst using it, though that could be in part due to me having an ancient MTB that wasn't worth stealing!

Given the age and brand of this lock, is this sufficient for a £400 brand spanker? I'm not sure it is, a quick google reveals that having the lock on the end of the barrel (which mine does) rather than the middle is not great, nor is the fact that it uses a cylindrical key as opposed to a flat one.

Do you think I am best to spend around £40 on a newer better lock, ie a Kryptonite or Abus?

Thanks

 

[Scoosh]

The 'received wisdom' is that one should spend 10% of the value of the bike on the lock, so your £40 sounds good.

I suppose it all depends on the value of the bike to you.

 

[dave_79]

Yeah, I've heard about the 10% thing. I'm just trying to get opinions about whether the lock I describe is actually pretty weak and easy to get through compared to what other lock options are out there now.

 

[AndyPeace]

A decent lock is a wise investment, though no lock will stop a determined theif. I went all out when I bought my first adult bike (around £500) and bought a solid Abus Granit Chain and lock. In years past I've also added a Kryptonite Mini Forgataboutit and I have a third option of using a Kryptonite steel cable loop (combined with the padlock from my granit chain) as well as the option to use the cable loop with my d lock. I've never regreted purchasing either lock and years on they are still as reliable as ever. I think my Granit lock cost me around £60 and the Forataboutit around £80 money well spent imo.

 

[fossyant]

It might be worth an upgrade as 'things' move on over time. If its left in public you may want to use the old D lock as well as a new one to save money.

 

[Custom24]

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-LWGJzglho


Yes, you are right. Cylindrical locks are easy to open, and it's not just the lock in the video. I would replace it if I were you. Remember to secure the wheels as well as the frame. For example,

http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/lock...us-cobra-cable-combination-pack-p-10691.html#

That's a sold secure silver. This is ok for a bike of your value, unless you are leaving it somewhere dodgy, in which case I would look for a sold secure gold lock and chain, for example

http://securityforbikes.com/products.php?cat=High+Security+Chain+and+Lock+deals

The last one, with a 80cm chain, is about 80 quid. You still need a cable for the front wheel.

With a d lock, you need to ensure that there is as little space as possible inside the d. This means that you may need to look for a smaller one than the one I posted above, depending on what you are locking it to.

 

[fossyant]

I have a New York FAGH that I'm unlikely to be able to use at my new office as the new stands need a longer dlock. Really unhappy about it as it's one of the strongest available. I have another d lock spare, and a heavy duty chain that I may have to take in instead. Silly vertical stands !

 

[vickster]

Not a bad deal with the cable. Check the terms of your insurance policy regarding locks

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/10924...ok-series-2-d-lock--and--1-2m-flex-cable.aspx

 

[dave_79]

Thanks for replies so far. Right now I have my old D-lock and a backup Halfords cable lock I bought when I lost the key to the D-lock for a while, so I'll probably use one of those for the front wheel and something decent for the rear wheel / frame. Those Kryptonite looped cables look good but are they a pain to transport? I don't do rucksacks so everything must fit on the frame somewhere

 

[Custom24]

Can you leave the lock where you need to lock the bike?

 

[dave_79]

Can you leave the lock where you need to lock the bike?

I didn't think that was a good idea as it means thieves can practice on the lock. Commute is not a problem as the bike will remain in my sight at all times behind a locked door. The problerm is when it gets left elsewhere

 

[fossyant]

I often have to carry my locks, and they are in my panniers. Everyday last week I was fully loaded as was on other sites. You may need to consider some other way of carrying the locks sometimes.

 

[Sara_H]

I used the bike radar reviews when I was deciding on a lock.

I settled in the end For an Abus Granit X plus, which did very well in the bike radar tests. It's also not too heavy, so I carry it every time I take the bike out.

If I know I'm going to be leaving the bike unatended for a while in the city centre etc I also use an Abus Chain -o-steel lock. Again, it got very goot review on bike radar, but it is very heavy, so I don't always carry it.

 

[simon the viking]

Not a bad deal with the cable. Check the terms of your insurance policy regarding locks

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/10924...ok-series-2-d-lock--and--1-2m-flex-cable.aspx

I've got this deal..... it is a cracking lock and cable for the money and insures the bike up to £800 (if they leave the broken lock ) and I assume that if they put their money where their mouth is it must pretty good.... I just don't see where Rutland get the 'light' description from it ways a tonne but all decent D locks do.....

 

[vickster]

I would be surprised if it weighs a ton, even the much beefier Abus granit and Kryptonite fahg weigh less than 3kg