How to make a high quality bike look like a heap of scrap

[Wester]

A i have just bought a new quality Carrera bike which i will have to lock up outside a London underground station when i complete my commute to work i know it is going to be a target for a bike thief

My question is how do i make my bike look like it is not worth stealing i know locking it up with a high quality lock is one option . any others ?

 

[vickster]

Take the seatpost/saddle/a wheel with you. I don't think just making it look tatty will make a difference if someone really wants it

D-lock for rear wheel and frame, decent cable / chain for front wheel (if you don't take it with you)

Leave it in clear view of any buildings/CCTV; make sure it's insured; get it security marked by plod in case it is stolen and recovered

 

[Wester]

Taking the seatpost/saddle/wheel with me is not a option

 

[Punkawallah]

Pay the local Pawn shop to hold it for you?

 

[HarryTheDog]

I have seen people cover their bikes in electrical tape covering up the shiny decals etc. You could buy a tin of hammerite in a really nasty colour and hand paint it badly. Usually the answer is to buy a ratty old bike in the first place and just ensure the mechanics are sound.

 

[vickster]

Taking the seatpost/saddle/wheel with me is not a option

why not? fir a quick release collar, saddle, seatpost will easily go on a bag for life, you're getting on the tube presumably?
Wheel is harder granted, fit security skewers if it has QR

 

[fossyant]

Carrera high quality ? They are OK, perfectly good commuter bikes. I'd use good locks, simple. People will see through what components it's fitted with, but there is no point trying to make it look rubbish. Anything quick release needs security fittings and a good set of locks - good d-lock and an additional lock. Make sure both wheels are locked up too.

I've commuted on really nice bikes most of my life, but use good locks.

 

[BoldonLad]

Bit late to suggest this, but, would a Folder, which you could take on the Tube, have been a better choice?

 

[Jody]

Carrera high quality ?

Oooof

 

[dimrub]

Usually the answer is to buy a ratty old bike in the first place and just ensure the mechanics are sound.

Second that. You can buy an old bike for pennies, and make it ride great with noone being the wiser.

 

[icowden]

A i have just bought a new quality Carrera bike which i will have to lock up outside a London underground station when i complete my commute to work i know it is going to be a target for a bike thief

Is there really no secure bike parking you can use at your work, or nearby?

 

[Drago]

Spray it matte black and let it accumulate some chips and scratches.

 

[fossyant]

Oooof

I speak it as it is. We've two Carrera's in the stable, and they are OK, but are 'the kids' bikes. They have lasted well, but are definitely the 'cheap' bikes in there.

 

[Mburton1993]

Could do Rust effect, seems like alot of effort though.

Really good locks.

 

[si_c]

If you want to get it looking really scuffed, you could get some automotive wrap in say a matt black and cover the whole frame then put loads of ratty stickers on it or sand the wrap down so it looks awful.

Go on ebay and look for a good quality but tatty saddle - mine are all scuffed from unplanned interactions with asphalt - and swap it out.

Learn how to d-lock you bike up (I use two d-locks in less safe areas) at least one should go through the front frame and one through the rear wheel and frame and a cable lock through the front wheel.

Park it next to a more expensive looking but less well locked bike.