Now that we've settled on a bike light, what lock should I buy?

[olnacl]

Now that I'm (again) unemployed, taking my bike to the store seems like a double benefit - exercise and no gasoline expense. Only, it would last but a New York minute outside the grocery store. After seeing all the lock picking videos on uTube, I'm wondering what is the best choice for keeping it safe other than leaving it at home in the locked garage, (Which sorta defeats the purpose, you know?)

[mattkime]

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/P...x?cid=1001&scid=1000&pid=1096

probably with a cable going through your wheels.

watch the classic video on how to lock up your bike.

http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/hal-...e-locking/

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where do you live? congrats on taking up cycling!

[olnacl]

Is it worth the (almost) 4x cost of the Kryptonite KryptoLok? I paid $500 for the bike - almost seems overkill to spend nearly $100 for a lock (but then, again...)

Living in S FL, but bike theft is pretty high and if it takes $100 to keep it safe, well.

Thanks for the video link, but after seeing that, maybe I'll just take my backpack and walk.

[mattkime]

here in nyc, anything less isn't really considered a bike lock. yes, its expensive but its more expensive to lose bikes. also the lock should last forever. you should definitely be able to find it for $70. PM me if you have trouble finding it at that price.

some people also go with a kryptonite lock and chain. looks like a much heavier setup to me.

[Rick-o]

That bike locking video was very entertaining!

[kap]

A month ago I bought a Giant hybrid bike for $700 to commute to and from work (pretty much everywhere now). A week later I coughed up $85 for the NY Lock Kryptonite. I also carry a cheaper version Kryptonite for double security and massive leg work! Yup, way overkill; it's worth it. Thank goodness, I have a very understanding S/O . Where I live, Arcadia, and work, Monrovia and Pasadena, are considered quite safe. Still, I take no chances.

Welcome to the bike commuting's world! It's a joy to see the views along the way if you're not in a hurry.

This post is about bike lock. Where is Black Landlord?

[Wags]

Wow, according to the video I need to be carrying around about 50lbs worth of chains and locks.

[olnacl]

Wags wrote:
Wow, according to the video I need to be carrying around about 50lbs worth of chains and locks.

That's the part that bothers me - I won't have any room in my backpack for the groceries I was planning to buy!

[OWC Jamie]

you need a posse

[Black Landlord]

One of my projects:
http://stolen.bikechicago.info

The lock Matt posted is great, but I think you'll also be fine with a level down (the orange-barreled "evolution" series).
Or a level down from that, the gray-barreled Kryptolocks, with a second U-lock of any quality.
I've been in the two U-lock camp for years. I typically end up with a mediocre older one and a Krytpolock with me, because the orange one is too damn heavy. The better lock goes through frame, front wheel, and rack. and the back one ideally catches the back wheel within the triangle and secures it to the rack.

Don't bother with a cable lock, even for cross-locking. Every self respecting thief has at least a 12" bolt cutter on their person.

The heavy chains you'll see on the Kryptonite site may be a good solution for some (it's not hard to cut 'em in a shop but trying to get a purchase on the links outdoors without a vise is tricky) but I can't comment as you'd basically have to wear it and my back can't handle that any more.