I lock up my bike all over the city. And I want a quick way to secure it. The bike isn’t expensive or specially attractive. But I want to deter casual thieves whilst having a convenient solution. Currently I have a 1.8m, non coily cable type lock that can go round trees and through frame and wheels. I’ve been considering a chain type, but that is harder to poke through spokes. And finding one long enough is not easy. Carrying it when riding should be easy too. Any tips appreciated.
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As a Dutchy, I really like our frame locks. It’s enough for the quick stuff, but since you can walk away with the frame most allow to use them with a chain aswell.
just make sure the frame allows one to be mounted
Thanks everyone. I ended up with a sturdy 95 cm chain lock, plus a long loop-ended cable to loop around a tree and on to the chain.
The chain is blimey heavy though.
why the chain plus cable?
I thought either D-lock plus cable OR chain lock, as the chain lock combines reach of the cable with the security of the D-lock, but not excelling in either category, so kind of a middle ground.
The chain lock is short and already heavy. Weight would be a big problem if it was longer. The cable is 180cm so goes around trees well without being heavy.
If weight is your concern, wouldn’t a D lock make more sense instead of the chain then? Or are you going for the chain so you can skip the cable when it’s not needed?
Yes. Just a bit more flexibility. And a chain stays in one piece when left unlocked in the basket during cycling.
I see, fair enough
I prefer folding locks over U locks, its a bit easier to lock the front wheel and frame to a weird shape. I can recommend the Abus Bordo series.
Ok. U and folding locks on their own won’t go around fat objects such as a tree or lamppost. I’d need a second lock for that.
I also want to keep locking up time down to as few operations as possible. Transporting a lock that is unlocked, ready to go helps here.
I have a second wire / cable lock for locking to bulkier things, i keep it wraped around my bike frame, and use it to lock the backwheel
i use a U-lock because it’s what I had when I got my bike, they are pretty annoying, buy i keep it looped over my seat
This is my new setup. ABUS 95cm chain lock with long looped cable. It’s easier to find fixed things to lock to, with the long cable. Fat trees etc. I might upgrade the cable to a thicker one though. I carry the lock in my basket when riding. But the cable remains looped through the frame. So now I want to find a way to stop it flapping around, and faster to deploy when I hop-on hop-off. Maybe a plastic clip on the frame? Do I really need to buy a 3D printer just for this?
My tips for choosing a lock, aside from the security, some locks should be avoided.
- Check the key shape. Some keys with edge shape can get narrow in the middle as a weak point and can break. If the lock is frozen you might need more force. I’ve had ABUS keys break. In a shop, look at the key shape. Or pick a type that is not keyed at the edge.
- Can you lock it without a key? For convenience leave the lock open while riding. Step off and push it closed to lock it. Some locks don’t let you take the key out unless it’s locked again.
