Suitable locks for the cafe/newsagents

[livpoksoc]

when I am out on a longer weekend ride on my own, I tend not to stop at a cafe but do need to grab some water to top up the bottles. I try my best to choose a quiet village shop to minimise time the bike is out of my sight, but just wondering what sort of lock I could use - I don't want to lug around a heavy d-lock, but not sure if I can get away with a £5 coil lock for those 30 seconds?

What do others use/recommend?

 

[vickster]

I'd take the bike into the shop, or at least prop the door open with it. It would be a real opportunist walking around a village with cable cutters. The abus combiflex cafe lock would likely be ok, although I'm not a fan. I've got a tiny curly thing from giant which is fine as better than nothing. Or a slightly more sturdy cable like this

https://www.evanscycles.com/abus-star-490-lock-EV167210

There's always hiplock but probably more than you want/need

Oh and check the terms of your insurance just in case!

 

[livpoksoc]

I'd take the bike into the shop, or at least prop the door open with it. It would be a real opportunist walking around a village with cable cutters. The abus combiflex cafe lock would likely be ok, although I'm not a fan. I've got a tiny curly thing from giant which is fine as better than nothing. Or a slightly more sturdy cable like this

https://www.evanscycles.com/abus-star-490-lock-EV167210

There's always hiplock but probably more than you want/need

Oh and check the terms of your insurance just in case!

Thanks. I can usually get away with it in the tiny villages, but wandered if it was worth investing. Not sure about the insurance when out on the rowd. From home it covers as long as it is secured with a gold standard lock - which is weird as I keep it in the spare room of the flat at the moment.

 

[IBarrett]

I have an Abus combi flex 202
It's not going to stop anyone determined but at a cafe it's the casual walk-off you're trying to stop.

 

[slowmotion]

I use one of these, but I risk it sometimes for a minute or so, as long as I can see the bike through the door. Most small independent shops seem to be quite happy for me to bring the bike in as long as I don't clog the place up, especially if I'm a regular customer. Some chain stores are happy with it too, Maplin for example. Even Boots was helpful. Tesco are less bike friendly round here in London.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...gclid=CIbz2pPh0M0CFbQV0wod5jsGbw&gclsrc=aw.ds

Edit: I just wind it round the seat post so it's always available. It only takes a few seconds to stretch it out round the frame and back wheel and then through a railing or something.

 

[Buck]

I've got one of these and it's perfect for those quick stops /. Cafe etc.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/abus-combiflex-pro-202-cable-lock/rp-prod88999

If I was leaving it out of sight for any length of time I'd certainly want something substantial but this is more about preventing the opportunistic walk/ride away theft that you hear about.

 

[vickster]

I had one of those. A pita to set with no instructions, and then it stopped working completely after being in my saddle bag. Luckily I got a refund

 

[livpoksoc]

Christ my last post was littered with spelling mistakes....anyway, thanks for the replies. I'll grab a light coil next time in my lbs

 

[postieparr]

I've been using this little lock for quick stops and can't fault it

http://www.roadbikereview.com/reviews/quick-take-knog-milkman-lock

 

[snorri]

On tour at one time I met up with a fellow cyclist who used a motion sensor alarm for quick visits to shops and cafes. If the bike was moved the alarm emitted a load squeal!

 

[ufkacbln]

An old trick from a veteran was to put a small wooden wedge in the brakes between pad and rim

It is so unusual it takes a while for the miscreant to work it out, by which time you are back