I'm a after a light weight lock. Peferably something I can fit in a jersey pocket. I want to lock the bike up while i'm in a cafe stop. The lock doesn't have to be super-strong. Just enough of a deterent to stop someone weeling my pride and joy away while i'm having my bacon sandwich. I'm willing to accept that if anyone comes equiped to steel the bike i'm going to loose it.
It would only take a few seconds to break a cheap lock, so not long enough to even order your coffee. Personally, I would use 2 locks with at least one bing Gold secure standard. Might at least then have a chance of seeing the bike where you left it, unless eyed by a professional. There was an article in this months CTC mag re just how bad even some Gold Standard locks can be, and with very few tools.
At the moment it is just left unlocked (as is everyone else's bike). Surely even a cheap lock has to be better than nothing. I really don't want the hassle of lugging around a big heavy lock.
Depends on what value you put on your bike. A cheap lock is better than no lock, but it will only stop the casual theft (no tools or knowledge). Something like that at http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDeta...ite KryptoLok Series 2 ATB Wide 22.9cm D Lock could be mounted on your bike frame. or http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDeta...dID=5300006185&N=Abus CombiFlex 202 90cm Lock if you really don't care
I use a toestrap and sit by the window. I reckon it will slow any thief down long enough for me to put my tea down, run outside and thump him.
any sort of lock will make a massive difference to the bike's safety, people fiddle off over locks, anyone half serious with tools will manage most locks given a chance, someone serious will always manage it if it's for ten minutes in daylight at a stop then something light and cheap is fine
I've never used it, don't know if I ever will, but I picked up one of these half price in a lbs sale.
as you have demonstrated you're aware, a professional will be able to get through anything (although it'll be a lot harder if you force him to use an angle grinder and use up a fair amount of blades). HOWEVER, your common or garden chav will be able to get through pretty much most cable locks with his B&Q value bolt croppers (unless they're getting on for an inch thick -in which case they're quite heavy), but they'd have a lot more difficulty with a D-lock. I find the kryptonite evolution mini to be the best combination of lightness and security, it's under a kg.
I found the CTC article alarming, but not entirely unexpected. The real security value of a lock appears to be that it makes a thief more likely to move on and nick the bike parked next to yours if it isn't locked. Funny that the article mentioned how motorcycle locks have to pass a more stringent testing regime. I know some motorcycle locks can be really heavy, but it might have been nice to see some of these locks tested too - if it's a good lock, I don't care whether it's meant for a cycle or a motorcycle!
Yes, not a surprise. Insurance companies risk assessment of a good bike being stolen is that it will in time, hence the very high cost of insurance. That, or they are ripping people off. See http://www.infinitymotorcycles.com/products1.asp?start=1&DepartmentID=134&manufacturer=&order=desc for some reasonable Motorcycle locks, the more expensive being Thatcham approved, a higher rating than Gold Secure.
If you have a triple, putting the bike in its lowest gear can help, as you'll easily catch someone on foot trying to pedal away at 400rpm! One of the reasons I got shot of my road bike was that I was paranoid it was gonna get nicked!
Agree that cable locks are vulnerable. But in my experience there are not large numbers of chavs equipped with bolt cutters hanging around the kind of tea rooms that most cyclists stop at. I carry a simple cable lock when I go out for rides into the countryside and have never had a problem when I stop for a break. It is a risk, but I reason it is enough to deter the casual thief. Of course life may be more hazardous in the socialist republic of S.Yorkshire.
I have got that Abus CombiFlex cable lock and I can verify that my bike has never been nicked at a Cafe stop. Mind you there are normally lots of bikes, quite a few much better than mine left unlocked and I don't think any of these have ever been taken either. It just gives that little bit of peace of mind and fits in a small saddle bag or jersey pocket and is very light.
As the bike I am buying is costing over £2,000, I am not going to chance it with a cheap lock. Any way, the Insurance I will have would be void if I did. I will be carrying and using 2 locks. Bike will be fitted with a rack and will have a Tailrider bag on that for locks and other essentials.
