General Question

bumface's avatar

Whats the best bike lock to use?

Asked by bumface (101points) January 14th, 2010

need something to deter thieves and dont mind paying extra for quality.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

8 Answers

XOIIO's avatar

Well don’t use a U-lock, as you can undo them with a ballpoint pen. I generally use a length of chain long enough to loop through both tires and the frame, and a strong lock, generally I would say masterlock.

gemiwing's avatar

I would recommend the Kryptonite New York line. There are several to chose from.
Example- https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1002&pid=1242

Sophief's avatar

I like the number lock ones. Don’t know the name of them though.

nikayamo's avatar

Combination locks can be easily cracked, so im not really sure what the lock should be, but a chain to loops through both wheels and fram is a must.

jaytkay's avatar

The ballpoint pen trick is no longer true.

The vulnerable locks had tubular cylinders and they were phased out 5 years ago. The cylinder and key looked liked this , if you have one, get rid of it.

Kryptonite, the most popular u-lock, replaced all tubular cylinder locks for free. I traded in a 10-year old lock, they paid postage both ways.

Here’s a good guide to bike locks:
http://www.missinglink.org/Pages/bike_locking

IchtheosaurusRex's avatar

U-Locks can be busted with canned refrigerant and a hammer, but they’re the best theft deterrent. Cables and chains can be cut with bolt cutters, the kind bike thieves always have on them. Personally, I was never enamored with U-locks, as they’re inconvenient to use and store on the bike. I have a cheap little combination cable lock that I use when I want to go into a 7–11 for a couple of minutes. Otherwise, I take the bike in with me. When I ride to work, I bring my bike into the building. If your boss won’t let you store it inside, keep your nice bike at home and commute on a sub-Huffy.

RedMosquitoMM's avatar

Depending how urban the area, just don’t leave a nice bike locked up. It should be in your office or whatever. A Ulock through the wheel and frame is a nice touch to prevent anyone from riding it away, but use a REALLY thick coated chain and a solid padlock to lock the bike up. Run the chain through the wheels, the frame, and whatever you’re attaching the bike to. Combine both the U-lock and the standard lock/chain (which unfortunately will involve a backpack or briefcase to hold all the gear) and you should be golden in most areas. Again, I repeat, ‘MOST’.

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