libes@nbs-amrf.UUCP (06/11/84)
I discovered today that my bike lock (and chain) weighs in at 3
pounds. Its just a generic lock and chain (not lightenized for a
bike) but now I see all these specialized bike locks. Any
suggestions/recommendations on something lighter?
Bear in mind (although I can be swayed by logic) that:
1) I like the ability of a chain to wrap around my (and a friend's) whole
bike. Maybe I want a chain made of a lighter metal (than 3/8" steel)?
Is there one?
2) No one's ever cut through my chain (or even attempted as far as I
know) - so maybe looks have some deterrent value.
3) I see mostly (circular) key locks these days. I use a combo. What's
so great about the former (and the key you have to carry around)?
Tell me about how you carry your lock, too. Mine is especially
inconvenient in that respect. It seems like no lock manufacturers
sell holders with the lock; you are expected to buy separately and
there are all different kinds.
Please don't bother telling me you don't own a lock cause they can all
be broken and you keep your bike in your office. And don't bother
with common sense about what you should lock your bike to, taking the
front wheel (I hate that), etc. (unless you really can't resist)
Don Libes {allegra,seismo}!umcp-cs!nbs-amrf!libesjr@foros1.UUCP (John Rogers) (06/13/84)
I seem to remember reading an article in Consumer Reports a few years ago, which did some detailed analysis of bicycle locks, including talking to some experts (ex-bike theives? I forget). If I remember correctly, their recommendation for the best off-the-shelf was the Kryptonite (sorry, it doesn't have a chain), and the best *period* was something they put together, combining a chain from one company (throwing away the lock) and a lock from another company (throwing away the chain for that one). Sorry, that's about all I remember, and I'm not in a position to look up the reference. Anyways, I hope this helps... (If you're wondering, I don't own a bike at the moment, but I'm planning on buying the Kryptonite lock when I do). See ya! -- JR (John Rogers) ...ihnp4!fortune!foros1!jr also fortune!jr and proper!jr
richl@daemon.UUCP (Rick Lindsley) (06/16/84)
I use a 1/4" steel cable (coated with plastic it's more like a 1/2 "
across) in conjunction with a sturdy padlock. When I bought the cable I
spent a little extra to buy it "pre-coiled" and I've never regretted
spending the extra money. I wrap it around my bike seat, but actually
prefer it in my backpack or front pack if I'm using one. The fact that
I have to carry a key around never bothers me because I always have to
take a house key anyway! I just put it on my key ring with everything
else.
The padlock is a Master padlock, with no special key shape or anything.
I've heard that cable can be cut or locks can be sawed, but I really
think the deterrent is the thing (don't make it easy).
Those combo locks with 3 or 4 wheels with numbers on them are worth far
less than the $4-$6 one pays for them. I can pick them with no special
tools in less than 5 minutes. Imagine what a professional could do.
Rick Lindsley
{ihnp4,decvax,allegra}!tektronix!richldaver@hp-pcd.UUCP (06/19/84)
I used to carry a 5/8" case hardened chain with a padlock to match (the combination weighed almost as much as my bike) until I locked my bike to a lamppost on a major walkway at De Anza college in Cupertino (Silicon Valley) one evening, and went inside for an exercise class. When I came out I found that someone had wanted my hubs (Campagnolo) and had cut all my spokes on both wheels to take them. He/she/it had also taken my platform pedals and my rear derailleur by the time someone apparently appeared and frightened him/her/it away. The chain was locked through the frame and both wheels, and did no good at all. I now carry a simple cable and padlock. I also don't live in California anymore (thought that was not the primary reason). Dave Rabinowitz hplabs!hp-pcd!daver
jdi@psuvax1.UUCP (John D. Irwin) (06/29/84)
I just bought a Citadel U-lock and am very happy with it. It has a nice
plastic mounting system (won't scratch the paint), and is slightly larger
(wider) than the Kryptonite lock. My only problem, other than it adds a
couple pounds, is that it rattles a bit since I have it on the top tube.
(Got a pump on the seat tube)
But this whole discussion is rather moot. If you buy a good bike don't
lock it. Don't get in a position where you have to lock it. Eventually
someone's going to decide they REALLY want your saddle or your deraileur
or that nice cycling computer...
--
Spoken: John D. Irwin
AT&T: 814-237-5068
Nets: jdi@psuvax1.{BITNET,CSNET}
Uucp: {akgua, allegra, cornell, pitt, purdue, ihnp4, burdvax}!psuvax1!jdi