Bike locks

David said:

These are quite heavy to carry around, and I was wondering whether
there are and high-tech materials used in locks on the market - ie
something very strong, yet lightweight.

Yes there is.
A length of nylon rope will suffice these days in London.
So long as you attach a Rottweiler to the other end!

Seriously though, you must get a good lock.
The toughest U-lock you can get, and don't forget the security
of the object you lock to. One incident I reported to this
list is of railings being sawn through to steal a recumbent.

If you regularly leave your bike in one place, e.g if you commute,
you could get a motorcycle-style chain and leave it permanently there.

Use TWO locks of differing types, eg a D-lock and a chain+padlock or
(less secure) a cable lock. Make sure you tie bike to a fixture.

--
Helen D. Vecht: [email hidden]
Edgware.

Quoted message said:

Any recommendations ? (beyond don't leave your bike anywhere)

The Kryptonite ones are very good - you don't even need to remember to take
your key with you

:-)

Ian

On 1 Oct 2004 03:24:15 -0700, [email hidden] (David)

Quoted message said:

I am moving back to England soon, and I am interested in some serious
security for my bike, as I will probably be in central London. I been
trailing around so far with a A-Bus thick cable-type lock, and a
U-lock.

These are quite heavy to carry around, and I was wondering whether
there are and high-tech materials used in locks on the market - ie
something very strong, yet lightweight.

Any recommendations ? (beyond don't leave your bike anywhere)
Dave

I've just bought a Specialised (I think) Wedlock on the basis that
it's an unusual design. I read somewhere that most bike thieves
specialise in and go equipped for particular types of locks. As the
Wedlock is bizarre, it might fox them. Well, that's my theory.

Also got an Abus nurse's lock for popping into shops. Weighs a bloody
tonne and I'm expected to bolt it to the bike? Hmm.

Not Responding said:

On 1 Oct 2004 03:24:15 -0700, [email hidden] (David)

Quoted message said:

I am moving back to England soon, and I am interested in some serious
security for my bike, as I will probably be in central London. I been
trailing around so far with a A-Bus thick cable-type lock, and a
U-lock.

These are quite heavy to carry around, and I was wondering whether
there are and high-tech materials used in locks on the market - ie
something very strong, yet lightweight.

I've just bought a Specialised (I think) Wedlock on the basis that
it's an unusual design. I read somewhere that most bike thieves
specialise in and go equipped for particular types of locks. As the
Wedlock is bizarre, it might fox them. Well, that's my theory.

I was wanting one for a while but I'm not sure if they're vulnerable
to the Kryptonite style pick or whether that's just a Kryptonite QC
issue.

A

Not Responding said:

On 1 Oct 2004 03:24:15 -0700, [email hidden] (David)
wrote:

I've just bought a Specialised (I think) Wedlock on the basis that
it's an unusual design. I read somewhere that most bike thieves
specialise in and go equipped for particular types of locks. As the
Wedlock is bizarre, it might fox them. Well, that's my theory.

I'm not commenting on the Wedlock - I'm sure it is a good product,
as are most Specialized items.

Sad to say, but they "go equipped" with three foot long boltcutters.
These will easily lop through old or cheap U-locks,
or cheap chains. The LCC magazine recently had an article, complete with
pics of chopped U-locks.

David said:

I am moving back to England soon, and I am interested in some serious
security for my bike, as I will probably be in central London. I been
trailing around so far with a A-Bus thick cable-type lock, and a
U-lock.

These are quite heavy to carry around, and I was wondering whether
there are and high-tech materials used in locks on the market - ie
something very strong, yet lightweight.

That would be lovely but sadly there is no such lock yet.

Quoted message said:

Any recommendations ? (beyond don't leave your bike anywhere)

Sorry but that is the answer for your best bike if it's a nice bike and
you want to leave it outside anywhere in London for more than five
minutes. Otherwise you *will* get it stolen or bits off it stolen if you
keep leaving it. It's sensible to have a relatively low value and
unattractive bike for commuting and shopping, etc, with a U-lock.

Heavy locks could be left at the destination, if repeatedly using the same
destination.

Alternatively, there are some secure cycle parking services.

~PB

Not Responding said:

I've just bought a Specialised (I think) Wedlock on the basis that
it's an unusual design. I read somewhere that most bike thieves
specialise in and go equipped for particular types of locks. As the
Wedlock is bizarre, it might fox them. Well, that's my theory.

I used one for years, and for reasons too boring to relate had to buy
a new lock and got another. I don't really know how secure it is (well
nobody nicked by bike when locked with it so that's something) but
it's very compact when folded up and stored on the bike in its
holder. Something I dislike about many locks is how much space they
take up when not in use.