Advice on which locks to use from experience?

[Randy Butternubs]

A big D-lock should be able to go around a lampost, just about. You might need to lift the bike up a little to where the lampost narrows though, unless you get a big D-lock. In terms of security-to-weight they are far superior to a chain. Kryptonite and Abus are generally considered to be the best. I've heard Onguard are good value for money but are a bit heavier and cruder.

Like for like, chains are so much heavier than D-locks that they are almost always scaled down in terms of link thickness and are therefore relatively easy to bolt-crop. Proper full-fat chains like Almax and Pragmasis are incredibly heavy and very expensive.

I'm afriad I sort of disagree about Oxford. They are a well known brand but what kit of theirs I've had has not been great - medium price but falls apart after a year or two. They sell a wide range of items - they are not lock specialists. I'm under the impression that their locks aren't that great but I could be wrong.

 

[Smudge]

Agree with the above about locks...... and to a degree about Oxford as well, some of their motorcycle stuff is crap quality and overpriced.
About chains, often the weakest link in them is the padlock. I think d locks are better, as long as you get one that is reasonably heavy duty, make sure it locks at both ends and has an anti drill keylock where it has a covered part that will spin with any drill bit. Plus as long as you position it where it cant be levered, hopefully any bike thief will look for an easier lock to break.
Supplemented by a secondary lock, even better.

 

[Pale Rider]

I see one of the Oxford chains includes an alarm.

I don't usually rate alarms, but one might be worthwhile in this application because it looks like the OP will be close to the bike when it's locked.

There are other alarm options if Oxford products aren't all they are cracked up to be.

 

[Vantage]

A few things to consider.
Lots of locks on the bike whilst increasing security also makes the bike look more expensive and desirable.
Locking the bike as publicly as possible is the best approach but thieves are becoming aware that they can walk up to a bike with an angle grinder and start cutting away happily in the knowledge that the general public are unlikely to intervene. Few people are willing to risk injury to be a hero.
Having had numerous bikes stolen and after years of carrying big, heavy, bombproof locks around, I've taken to now carrying the lightest lock that my insurance requires.
Look at it this way...

£100 6kg gold rated lock gets broken. Insurance company pays you £1000 to buy a new bike.

£35 2kg silver rated lock gets broken. Insurance company pays you £1000 to buy a new bike.

Where's the incentive to spend the extra money and carry the extra weight for the same outcome?

 

[Tenkaykev]

Perhaps slightly off topic but I was wandering down the local High Street a while ago and saw a Brompton locked up to one of those shiny steel bike stands.

I stopped to give it the once over and noticed the lock was a combination cable lock.
There was a Brompton basket bag attached to the front complete with shopping.

It was in a pedestrian area and outside a coffee shop so I assumed the owner was sat in the window keeping an eye on things.
I'm a bit paranoid and always fold and take mine inside with me.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

I prefer hefty chains to D-locks because the latter are often not big enough to lock round things like large diameter lamp posts. Chains are more flexible in use and are not prone to bottle jack attack. I'm currently keeping my rod-braked Raleigh out in the open, as it's built for all-weather use anyway and I don't want to have to keep manhandling it through the house. I use a primary 10mm hardened motorcycle chain (which I found on the street) and a 5-lever close-shackle padlock (which I bought). I've got a secondary, through front wheel 8mm chain, with a sturdy 4-lever padlock. I have a similar security regime on my aluminium extension ladder. I don't use self-locking padlocks for long-term outdoor locking since they can often be shimmed or melted open and they can also jam solid with corrosion. Lever locks are more secure in this respect and the mechanisms are more weather-resistant. Nothing is angle grinder proof, but they make a lot of noise.

 

[vickster]

A few things to consider.
Lots of locks on the bike whilst increasing security also makes the bike look more expensive and desirable.
Locking the bike as publicly as possible is the best approach but thieves are becoming aware that they can walk up to a bike with an angle grinder and start cutting away happily in the knowledge that the general public are unlikely to intervene. Few people are willing to risk injury to be a hero.
Having had numerous bikes stolen and after years of carrying big, heavy, bombproof locks around, I've taken to now carrying the lightest lock that my insurance requires.
Look at it this way...

£100 6kg gold rated lock gets broken. Insurance company pays you £1000 to buy a new bike.

£35 2kg silver rated lock gets broken. Insurance company pays you £1000 to buy a new bike.

Where's the incentive to spend the extra money and carry the extra weight for the same outcome?

I think the replacement of the lock will be covered by good policies as well along with any accessories.
I assume the OPs home visits will be in residential areas so potentially low foot traffic compared to a high street

 

[ishaqmir]

A few things to consider.
Lots of locks on the bike whilst increasing security also makes the bike look more expensive and desirable.
Locking the bike as publicly as possible is the best approach but thieves are becoming aware that they can walk up to a bike with an angle grinder and start cutting away happily in the knowledge that the general public are unlikely to intervene. Few people are willing to risk injury to be a hero.
Having had numerous bikes stolen and after years of carrying big, heavy, bombproof locks around, I've taken to now carrying the lightest lock that my insurance requires.
Look at it this way...

£100 6kg gold rated lock gets broken. Insurance company pays you £1000 to buy a new bike.

£35 2kg silver rated lock gets broken. Insurance company pays you £1000 to buy a new bike.

Where's the incentive to spend the extra money and carry the extra weight for the same outcome?

thanks to everyone for their input. I think Vantage is right that no matter what locks I get, someone with a diamond cutter will have no trouble at all.
I’ve managed to get a competitive quote for insurance under house insurance which covers me for using it for business too, so hopefully calming my nerves. I’m hoping most home visits will allow me to bring bike into their house, especially if it’s not raining lol

 

[nickb]

Pewag security chain (12mm). Probably only defeated by an angle grinder.

https://www.brindleychains.co.uk/co...kk-security-chain-mul-t-lock-padlock-packages

 

[Vantage]

Probably weighs more than the bike.

 

[nickb]

Probably weighs more than the bike.

It's an electric cargo bike the OP is talking about securing. Go with a zip-tie if you're worried about weight.

Besides, I like something I can defend myself with if any motorists want to get a bit up in my face

 

[SO8]

What chain thickness is best for a garage ... 13mm Pragmasis or 14mm Kryptonite Fahgettaboutit ?

I have both, am not buying another bigger one as I'm not sure it will got through the wall anchor I have !

I am torn - 13mm is less (obviously ) but is Pragmasis (who are smaller as a company and perhaps into higher quality less quantity ?) versus the beefier, heavier 14mm Kryptonite ... each an equal or what would you people prefer given both ?

 

[steveindenmark]

Whatever lock you get, make sure you good get insurance as well. It is often far better value than a lock.

 

[rogerzilla]

Whatever lock you get, make sure you good get insurance as well. It is often far better value than a lock.

In my experience, this is not true. Standalone bike insurance is incredibly overpriced and most people don't bother for that reason, unless they can get it as a cheaper add-on to their home policy.

 

[rogerzilla]

Probably weighs more than the bike.

If the lock is for use at a workplace, that's fine. You leave the lock there.