Coffee shop security

[hoopdriver]

I know it appears I'm tempting fate but I hardly ever lock my bike, nor keep it permanently in sight, when making cafe stops, even though I carry a cafe lock.

That's tempting fate, all right...

 

[LonesomeWanderer]

It's an awful state of affairs though when you can't leave your bike for a few moments whilst you pop in to order a coffee. If I'm by myself ,I usually ask someone politely who is sitting outside to just keep an eye on my bike. Must people are usually very obliging. Obviously I never ask a group of youngsters but someone who is more mature.

It's not like that everywhere, people around here just prop their bikes against walls and don't worry about locks.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

It's not like that everywhere, people around here just prop their bikes against walls and don't worry about locks.

But, apart from the opportunist thief, if they really wanted to nick it, they'll likely be "going equipped" and a café lock won't stop 'em.

 

[hoopdriver]

It's not like that everywhere, people around here just prop their bikes against walls and don't worry about locks.

They did that at an Antarctic base I worked at too...

 

[Gravity Aided]

But, apart from the opportunist thief, if they really wanted to nick it, they'll likely be "going equipped" and a café lock won't stop 'em.

At our (vegan)coffee house, many of the tables are right on the sidewalk, next to the bikes. Try to steal a bicycle there, and you'd get hit with a steel cafe chair before the cops hauled you away. I have it a bit easier, as my bicycles are 60-62cm, so
1) Thieves don't want them, as they are hard to fence.
2) I worked private security, someone would advise you not to take the bike, were I not aware.

 

[steveindenmark]

What diameter did you use?

I actually used 4mm but am changing them to 3mm and removing the steel eyes and just looping the wire to make eyes. They will still be very strong. But they will be lighter and easier to carry.

 

[steveindenmark]

But, apart from the opportunist thief, if they really wanted to nick it, they'll likely be "going equipped" and a café lock won't stop 'em.

I think you are more likely to lose your bike to an opportunist thief. Than to someone who is going equipped to steal one.

 

[cyberknight]

Sod riding the bike outdoors, just do turbo sessions in a locked garage and get your significant other to bring you a cuppa and a piece of cake with a sullen expression . moan about ruddy cyclists scaring the customers and charge you twice the going rate .

 

[postman]

Padlock and chain.Who cares about weight weenies.I go out on the bike for exercise,to visit places,i would like my bike to be there when i step outside again.Mind you even locked up i keep my eye on it.

 

[Welsh wheels]

Most cafes it would be difficult to steal a bike from without people noticing.

 

[cubey]

All good advice there gents, thanks greatly.

 

[Lozz360]

From what I, as a non-sailor, might call digging wire? Neat idea.

So if you were a sailor you might call it what, rigging wire?

 

[Gravity Aided]

Standing, or running?

 

[PaulSB]

All a bit haphazard really. I generally ride with my club. Quite a number of our regular haunts either offer secure bike racks and locks or let us park round the back - several places do this as they know us (too) well.

Other cafes if I remember I'll lock it to someone else. If I forget someone usually locks it to theirs.

Quite a few of us have a habit of forgetting to remove Garmins. Usually someone will collect it for you!

I'm more disciplined when on my own and try to lock it in sight.

Overall though it's rare for the club or solo to visit an area where I feel there is a risk. We're lucky to live where we do.

I worry more about garage security than I do cafe. Currently I'm looking for a very loud, solar powered alarm. My garage is 500 yards from the house up a quiet lane. Once a thief got in there'd be plenty of time to overcome any physical locks. The garage backs on to a neighbour's house and I know, if they heard it, they would respond.

 

[LonesomeWanderer]

Padlock and chain.Who cares about weight weenies.I go out on the bike for exercise,to visit places,i would like my bike to be there when i step outside again.Mind you even locked up i keep my eye on it.

It does seem bizarre that the cyclists carrying a bit too much body weight seem to obsess over a couple of kilos of D-lock. It all seems like good training to carry the extra weight anyway....