Parking your bike, is it safe ?

[skrx]

I left my cheap-but-shiny bike locked to railings in a posh bit of West London last night for six hours while I was in the pub. Came out of the pub, saw my bike, and noticed the keys were still dangling from the lock!
The bike not being nicked probably makes up for the price of the drinks.

 

[J4CKO]

My ancient Diamond Back has been dug out, its in surprisingly good condition, spent ten quid on some new brake blocks, mighnt need a new BB though, will be happy to leave it anywhere, not really worth nicking, no real monetary value.

I rode it to the LBS, wasnt much fun as I cant get used to not being clipped to the pedals, I kept checking my non existent rear view mirror, I found turning right almost impossible in a stream of traffic, kept looking back, couldnt plan any maneuver, I always look back when I actually plan to go but beforehand I always check whats coming with the mirror, I dont know how people do without them !

 

[Cedric]

Cyclists in New York use urban camouflage on their expensive bikes. They go to amazing lengths to make their shiny bikes look like crap to deter thieves.

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?i...=127&prev=/images?q=ugly+your+bike&hl=en&sa=G

 

[John Ponting]

I get quite concerned if I have to leave a (locked up) bike outside a shop but have no qualms about leaving my car parked in an unlit side road in Paris with the hood down.

 

[Bman]

I sometimes leave my bike unlocked when I go into a shop, or a petrol station. But I always make sure I can see it and keep an eye on it.

If its a slightly larger shop, busy or difficult to chase the thief, I lock it. (an average strength code lock and cable)

At work, its kept within a fenced compound, under 24hr security and cameras (why not leave it unlocked).

It sleeps in the same room as I do.

This as a £100 MTB! I cant imagine how I would treat a > £800 beauty that some of you boast!

 

[J4CKO]

I lock mine up in the garage at home sometimes, usually when I leave the garage doors open when doing the cars, in case I forget and go in, just a combination lock around the mains cable but I reckon its just to stop an opportunist and I cant imagine they will fancy cuting the mains cable.

Neighbour leaves his garage open with several grands worth of MTB, Roadies and his commuter, keep meaning to nick one for a while, just to get him sweating !

 

[fossyant]

I lock mine up in the garage at home sometimes, usually when I leave the garage doors open when doing the cars, in case I forget and go in, just a combination lock around the mains cable but I reckon its just to stop an opportunist and I cant imagine they will fancy cuting the mains cable.

Neighbour leaves his garage open with several grands worth of MTB, Roadies and his commuter, keep meaning to nick one for a while, just to get him sweating !

My best bike is D-locked to a ground anchor, the other road bike's Cabled to a wall anchor, and the kids/wifes to another.

Only my commuter isn't tied down - but it's a 'just in case' as when I'm out in the garden etc, or the kids are in and out... you never know...

 

[HLaB]

All my bikes are in my flat at the moment. The commuter usually lives outside in the communal bike locker but I was fettling the brakes to night.

 

[Bodhbh]

Cyclists in New York use urban camouflage on their expensive bikes. They go to amazing lengths to make their shiny bikes look like crap to deter thieves.

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?i...=127&prev=/images?q=ugly+your+bike&hl=en&sa=G

I did this to a couple of bikes with Hammerite and duct tape and it's not as easy as it sounds. Problem is, I think either something overtly or at the back of you mind stops you making the bike truely look a mess. I gave both bikes decent 3-4 coats of Hammerite, 1 bike I stripped down properly for it, the other I left all the gear on, crudely painted the frame just duct tapped any areas close to components. I also applied duct tape at random and even did a couple of coats after heavy sessions down the pub. Then I took a sanded down bits to make them look worn and/or remove component logos, or just heavy-handed filed them off. Even with all this, the problem is the bikes look distinctive and perhaps more nickable - I've had a few cool bike comments from kids, who I suppose are one of main target audiences you want to put off. In retrospect the duct tape is rather artfully and tastefully applied, although one plus with the Hammerite is it does chip easy and age the bike very quickly. If I did it in future I think I'd give a mate a final hand at wrecking the look without any qualms or taste. Really need a very bad multi-colour 'vandalised garage door' type paint job imo.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

i leave my 700 pound bike at college but i use 2 locks. 1 for the front wheel and 1 for the back

 

[Moose]

My ancient Diamond Back has been dug out, its in surprisingly good condition, spent ten quid on some new brake blocks, mighnt need a new BB though, will be happy to leave it anywhere, not really worth nicking, no real monetary value.

Jesus! Ten quid on new brake blocks for your hack to ride to the swimming baths - I'd have bought some for a couple of quid from wilkos

 

[J4CKO]

Jesus! Ten quid on new brake blocks for your hack to ride to the swimming baths - I'd have bought some for a couple of quid from wilkos

Yes, I know, its our LBS, Royles in Wilmslow, reassuringly expensive.

I do a mental cost/time analysis, quarter of a mile and ten minutes round trip or a much longer trip to anywhere cheaper, to be honest though they are they are at the pricey end of very expensive they are very helpful.