Which lock for my bike?

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nigelb

New Member
Hi

I've got a (cheap) road racer, quick release on front and rear wheel, and I would like to be able to cycle to town (about 7 miles each way) and leave the bike locked up for ~5 mins at a time with some chance of it still being there when I return (long walk home, apart from the loss!).

I've read lots of posts on the forum, which basically seem to say that no lock is secure, but the right answer is to spend maybe £100 on a d-lock and chain that will be too heavy to carry on the bike anyway!

I understand locks aren't theft proof, but what would represent a sufficient deterrent to buy me 5 minutes, without needing a trailer to carry it?

Nige
 
I think the reccomendation is get a lock that is approx 10% the value of your bike. If you're certain you will only leave the bike for 5 mins and its in a good area cheaper lock should suffice as a deterent but it probably wouldn't even buy you 5 minutes if bike thief does strike.

Edit:

PS you can get security skewers which stop quick release wheels being removed quickly.
 

PpPete

Legendary Member
Location
Chandler's Ford
It probably doesnt matter what lock you buy if you are only leaving it for 5 mins. Just make sure you lock your bike next to, or near, another bike with an inferior lock. Chances are that any thief will go for the lock that is easier to cut through. But if said thief really wants your bike and is equipped with the necessary tools - your bike will be likely be gone in less than 5 mins whatever lock you have used.
 
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nigelb

New Member
Thanks folks, any specific suggestions on which locks/chains/(loops to make sure front and back wheels are all locked together!) are good value?

I'm aware some are expensive, but crap.

Nige
 
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nigelb

New Member
Hi

Got a 7' cable (looks identical to the one you linked to, but no manufacturer's mark?) and found a d-lock discarded a few years ago (under the settee, as you do).

Weight-wise its portable, all fits in my bag with a pump :-)

I'll still apply the "5 minute rule" though, and not leave it alone long, in the safest place I can find.

Thanks for the ideas, really great.

Nige
 

kyuss

Veteran
Location
Edinburgh
Mini D locks are the best. Means there is much less room within the lock for a thief to work. I think I'll be getting one of these. I've heard they are pretty good, certainly enough for 5 minutes of protection. They are made by Onguard apparently, just rebranded as Magnum. Comes with the cable too so it can secure front and rear.

If you have the budget though, think about getting a Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini. They don't come much tougher, but obviously you'd need to budget for a cable too.
 

Funtboy

Well-Known Member
HLaB said:
I believe Kryptonite and Abus have a good reputation. I use a Kryptonite D lock with a Kryptoflex cable through the wheels. Depending on where your leaving it I'd forget the cable and replace the quick release skewers with security skewers and therefore only have to worry about carrying a lock for the frame.

Can I press you about those security skewers? They seem loads cheaper than pitlock and pinhead. What's the story? Might get some...
 
Funtboy said:
Can I press you about those security skewers? They seem loads cheaper than pitlock and pinhead. What's the story? Might get some...
Unfortunately when I bought my bike a year and 1/2 ago, mine are just regular hex but the same make and they've been fine,
 
I believe three locks are the recommended minimum.

One to secure the frame to an immovable object and two more to secure each wheel to the frame.

Providing your bike is left in a highly visible place, the sight of the locks should be enough to deter potential thieves.
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
I've got the trans x on my commuter - needs the special 5 sided key to open them, but I still lock my wheels.

I've also got a Magnum lock - the slightly larger one, very good, fairly hefty, but far better than most of the other locks in the bike shed.....
 
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