Locks - best compromise security vs portability?
Discussion
Hi All,
I've recently started commuting to work again (15 miles each way into central London). When I'm at home, the bike is in a locked garage, and at work is in a locked storage cage there, so security isn't a huge issue at either end.
I would, however, like to get a lock which will give me a certain degree of peace of mind if I stop on the way home for any reason. This isn't likely to be for more than to get a bit of shopping or something, so I don't need something capable of withstanding a thief with a blowtorch and hydraulic shears for the weekend, but I do want something relatively light, and ideally which can be carried on the frame of a standard road bike. It's already heavy enough if I have to carry my hoofing great big laptop in and out with me, so don't want to add more than I have to!
Cost is fairly irrelevant within reason, as I'm saving a tenner a day on train fares.
I've recently started commuting to work again (15 miles each way into central London). When I'm at home, the bike is in a locked garage, and at work is in a locked storage cage there, so security isn't a huge issue at either end.
I would, however, like to get a lock which will give me a certain degree of peace of mind if I stop on the way home for any reason. This isn't likely to be for more than to get a bit of shopping or something, so I don't need something capable of withstanding a thief with a blowtorch and hydraulic shears for the weekend, but I do want something relatively light, and ideally which can be carried on the frame of a standard road bike. It's already heavy enough if I have to carry my hoofing great big laptop in and out with me, so don't want to add more than I have to!
Cost is fairly irrelevant within reason, as I'm saving a tenner a day on train fares.
donfisher said:
I've just bought two of these. They are excellent for our garage security, and for when we go on holiday to secure the bikes to the bike rack, but for portable security?.. they're bloody heavy. I attached one to my wife's bike using the included bracket and she demanded I take it off immediately because it doubled the weight of her bike (only a *slight* exaggeration).How about something like this?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/abus-u-mini-401-bike-lock/
They are really small, but will secure a bike to an uncrowded bike rack. Combine with non-quick release squewers for a London-proofed bike.
I carry an Abus Granite Futura (which doesn't get great write ups! Although I know first hand they're very hard to bolt crop and the croppers required to break them are larger and more expensive than most thieves are willing to carry) as it has a thinner but harder shackle that reduces it's weight. It's still a bloody good lock and has a nice balance of weight Vs Security, but I wouldn't carry it 12 miles out of choice.
The other option is can you put a rack on your bike? If you can get a proper rack on the rear, then you can mount your laptop and a proper D-Lock onto the rack, which will reduce the strain on your back as you cycle. If i were regularly carrying a laptop that would be my choice. As it is I carry a full sized D-Lock daily, at about 1.5Kg.
Do lock your bike at home and on the work rack too - loads of bikes get stolen from cages/grages that the users "perceive" to be secure.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/abus-u-mini-401-bike-lock/
They are really small, but will secure a bike to an uncrowded bike rack. Combine with non-quick release squewers for a London-proofed bike.
I carry an Abus Granite Futura (which doesn't get great write ups! Although I know first hand they're very hard to bolt crop and the croppers required to break them are larger and more expensive than most thieves are willing to carry) as it has a thinner but harder shackle that reduces it's weight. It's still a bloody good lock and has a nice balance of weight Vs Security, but I wouldn't carry it 12 miles out of choice.
The other option is can you put a rack on your bike? If you can get a proper rack on the rear, then you can mount your laptop and a proper D-Lock onto the rack, which will reduce the strain on your back as you cycle. If i were regularly carrying a laptop that would be my choice. As it is I carry a full sized D-Lock daily, at about 1.5Kg.
Do lock your bike at home and on the work rack too - loads of bikes get stolen from cages/grages that the users "perceive" to be secure.
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