Security, what do you use?

[Garlick]

I'm off into Central London tomorrow to finish off the Xmas shopping (it's only a few miles) and am going to cycle in as I only need a few small bits. The trouble is that I want to take the road bike, but as it has quick release parts and some tasty new lightweight wheels I am worried it won't be there when I return. This means I'll be taking the (cheaper) MTB instead.

What do you recommend as decent security measures for a nice bike when you leave it unattended, or is it better to simply leave it at home?

[The Riddler]

As sad as it seems, these days if someone really wants something, no matter how secure it may be, they have to have it.

Just chain it up next to a better model, you should be ok.

I never really cycle in towns or cities, but if I call into a shop I tend to just use a D lock.

[mouseymousey]

Not that I have a particularly nice bike but I see a few people at my gym remove the quick release front wheel then use a D-Lock to pass through the back wheel, frame, front wheel and bike post thing.

[AyBee]

Unfortunately, if someone really wants your bike, they're going to take it. Had a mate who locked his mtb up in Cambridge (about £600 worth), came back to a frame with no brakes, a chain, gears and 2 wheels, that was it!!

I'm loathe to leave my bike locked up, especially for any amount of time because I don't insure it, but on the odd occasion I leave it for an hour or so, it's just with a D-lock around frame and rear wheel and one of those metal rope type things looping the front wheel into the D-lock.

As others have said, if you're that worried, leave it at home, and if you do take it, try and find a busy place and next to a nicer bike

[Master Mischief]

Don't ever leave a nice bike anywhere. My commuter is a dirty mess of spare parts. Admittedly, some are XTR but I keep it too dirty to spot.

There is no way to fully lock a bike up without changing lots of parts for security bits.

My mate locked his MTB up in central London and someone cut his cables, undid his stem bolts and stole his forks, stem, bars, shifters, levers, grips and headset bearings. Four cuts, and three bolts to get (potentially) well over a grands worth of kit.

Not worth the risk.

[mk1fan]

There's a good series of articles on Bike Radar about shed security which is worth a read.

As for chains etc... well unfortunately the good stuff is heavy. Generally speaking anything with a diameter bigger than 15mm is resistant to the 'opportunist' theif. These tend to be ££££ though. If you want the best then check out Almax but don't baulk at the prices. They work.

I use a combination of chain link, cable and d-lock. But you have to accept that all you're going to do is stop the opportunist.

[Saddle bum]

Just don't leave any quality machine anywhere unattended.

Very sorry, but there isn't any alternative.

[rocksteadyeddie]

When I use my bike for work I park it with loads of others on a very well-walked thoroughfare. I lock it using a motorcycle lock which would probably need an angle grinder to get off. There's no such thing as a guarantee but it's served me ok so far :toucheswood:

Good advice above about parking near more expensive kit too.

[cliff123]

On the few occasions I've taken the bike into town to pick up a few odds and sods, I've taken the bike into the shop. Assuming it's not Cartier or Rolex, shops haven't yet said no. Obviously depends on the shop, but staff often glance at the bike, understand your desire not to have it nicked and make exceptions to their house rules.