[net.bicycle] Question re: Bike locks/chains

jon@utcs.UUCP (Jon Alexander) (07/30/85)

Can anyone tell me the best way to basically lock up
my bike? I understand that locks of the Kryptonite/
Citadel variety are the best, but vaguely remember
hearing that even they were insufficient (?).

Please use E-mail (unless of gen'l interest) and I'll
summarize. Thanks in advance.
-- 
Jon 'Big J' Alexander
Univ. of Toronto Comp. Serv.
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
...!{decvax}!utzoo!utcs!jon
    {ihnp4 }

reintom@rocky2.UUCP (Tom Reingold) (08/05/85)

It depends on your terrain.  In some quaint towns a little 
chain suffices even though it can be penetrated.  If people
go for whatever they can get, however, get a U-shaped lock,
i.e. a Citadel or Kryptonite.  Don't listen to those who say
one is far better than the other.  Get the one you prefer.

If your front wheel is not locked up it WILL be stolen if
you are in a city that warrants the use of U-shaped locks.
Don't push your luck.  It will be stolen.  What you're
"supposed" to do is remove your front wheel, place it beside
your rear wheel, and lock both wheels and your frame.  Since 
it's kind of a pain to do so, I recommend what I do.  I carry
a cable to go along with my U-shaped lock and loop the cable
through the front wheel.  This is admittedly not as secure
but it is more convenient and no one seems to be willing to
go through the trouble to cut a cable just to get a wheel.
Some extremists here in New York City carry a U-shaped lock
for each wheel.  Yeah, it works but why carry the weight and
pay for all that lock?  If someone wants your bike or parts
thereof, he'll manage.

As you know, the best lock is your eye.  Since that's not
always available, at least write your bike off as stolen now, 
if possible.  It's going to serve you well before it gets 
stolen, vandalized, canabalized, over-used, or run over.  
Enjoy it while you have it and replace it when it's gone.

Tom Reingold

UUCP:  decvax!seismo!cmcl2!rna!rocky2!reintom

sasaki@harvard.ARPA (Marty Sasaki) (08/05/85)

Reminds me of the old saw: "All bikes weigh 50 pounds."

A 45 pound bike requires a 5 pound lock.
A 30 pound bike requires a 20 pound lock.
...

-- 
----------------
  Marty Sasaki				net:   sasaki@harvard.{arpa,uucp}
  Havard University Science Center	phone: 617-495-1270
  One Oxford Street
  Cambridge, MA 02138