How to lock your bike

[benb]

So I happened across this article by the late, great Sheldon Brown
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

What does everyone else think? How can it be better to put the lock through the wheel only rather than through the wheel and frame?

 

[BSRU]

So I happened across this article by the late, great Sheldon Brown
http://www.sheldonbr...k-strategy.html

What does everyone else think? How can it be better to put the lock through the wheel only rather than through the wheel and frame?

I think Sheldon's article was discussed recently and the opinions swayed in the direction that Sheldon was wrong in assuming bike thieves would not cut through a wheel rim to steal a bike, as can be seen sometimes by locked QR wheels all by themselves.

 

[ianrauk]

It's not through the wheel only.
It's locked through the triangle of the frame.

cutting through a wheel and tyre would take forever.
Looks very sensible to me.

 

[marinyork]

So I happened across this article by the late, great Sheldon Brown
http://www.sheldonbr...k-strategy.html

What does everyone else think? How can it be better to put the lock through the wheel only rather than through the wheel and frame?

Depends what you've got available to you really. We have some incredibly annoying adapted Sheffield stands that are so wide sheldon's idea is a decent tactic.

I just think the whole bike security debate is very much for the converted - far too many expensive bikes locked up for hours on end with basic cable locks. A few people with things locked up properly still get nicked, but I think a lot of that's bad luck .

 

[benb]

It's not through the wheel only.
It's locked through the triangle of the frame.

cutting through a wheel and tyre would take forever.

Yes, I was just wondering why that was better than through the diamond frame as well.

 

[Crackle]

There's some logic to it, I'd certainly not thought of it. I generally do frame, rear wheel and front wheel all through the same U lock, leaves less room to get a hydraulic jack in. I also try and lift it inside a railing where possible to stop it getting a kicking. Ideal locking situation are not always available though.

 

[2Loose]

If your lock is big enough to get a wheel (or both) and frame attached to a stand, then it is best to fill the lock with as much bike as possible to limit the amount of empty space that can be used to lever the lock apart, as Crackle says.

My U-lock is tiny and can only fit a wheel and the stand inside it on most cycle stands. If I am lucky the cycle stand is thin enough to manage frame and a wheel, but if this isn't the case then the wheel inside the rear triangle is very nearly as good. As someone mentioned, bolt croppers and saws aren't very good on tyres

 

[Davidc]

After the last thread about this I had a look, and Sheldon's right that if that locking is done with the lock inside the rear triangle you can't get the wheel out.

I'm not sure what it takes to cut through a rim, but I'd still rather lock through the frame and wheel when possible to keep the amount of play and jack-attack space down.

Marinyork's comment about the quality and suitability of Sheffield stands applies in more places than Sheffield and Sheldon's method helps with some of them, as it does when other fixed objects have to be used.

I still haven't worked out how to satisfactorily secure the front wheel. I don't have QR on either wheel normally, and use a 10mm cable plus alarm lock on the front if it's going to be locked up in public for more than a few minutes. The cable goes through the front wheel, the frame, and the stand or whatever else I'm using. If anyone has a better idea I'd be most interested.

 

[ufkacbln]

It's not through the wheel only.
It's locked through the triangle of the frame.

cutting through a wheel and tyre would take forever.
Looks very sensible to me.

The whole trick is to make it more difficult and to increase the number of tools needed.

Remember that it is the easiest thing in the world to bolt crop a rear triangle

 

[Davidc]

The whole trick is to make it more difficult and to increase the number of tools needed.

Remember that it is the easiest thing in the world to bolt crop a rear triangle

Bike wouldn't be much use to owner or thief afterwards though.

 

[2Loose]

[QUOTE 1370335"]
And on that note why would you want to chop off the arse end off a bike?

I think you have contradicted yourself with the above. You mention about making it hard for a thief and then say it's the easiest thing to crop a rear triangle? So whats the point of making it hard when all I have to do is cut through the rear triangle or frame if the person has locked the frame up as well as the rear wheel.

Increase the number of tools needed yet all I need is a set of 42'' crops...
[/quote]

To completely destroy the item you are trying to steal. Cunobelin must have been sarcastic...surely?

 

[summerdays]

I always lock mine either side of the rear triangle including the wheel at the same time... I'll have to take a photo of it cos I don't think I've explained that well. Because my brain can't cope with only locking the wheel.

 

[2Loose]

[QUOTE 1370338"]
That's impossible! Have you not seen the numerous helmet threads that he posts on?! He is neither sarcastic or has a sense of humour.


His bed time reading is the study of ''Kinetic energy above 200J, and the impact it has when not wearing the helmet.'' So the next time some poor soul starts up a helmet thread, Cuno is there....waiting.....and rubbing his hands together, getting a semi with the thought of absolutely bamboozling the poor sod who dare asks ''Is it ok to wear a helmet?''


[/quote]