Bike Commuting

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Need bike lock and locking tips. (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 days ago by ian@feddit.uk to c/bikecommuting@lemmy.ml

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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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[–] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Get a locking skewer for the front wheel. Get yourself a proper u-lock of the correct size for your bike and usual locking places. Put the lock through the rear wheel, triangle, and around a properly solid object.

But really, a lot of this comes down to context. If you're in a low bike crime area, the above instructions should be enough. If you're in a high bike crime area, there are a lot more little things you should be considering, e.g. securing the saddle, waxing a ball bearing into Allen bolt heads.

[–] ian@feddit.uk 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Thanks. My city is not a high crime area. Nobody steals frames or cuts wheels. A mix of casual theft and organised truck load theft. As many people don't lock or don't lock to something fixed if there are just trees. Which is why a long lock is essential.

[–] Statfish@lemmy.world 0 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

If you're in a low bike crime area, I've never had a problem with a purposefully aged looking bike and a simple cable lock.

[–] ian@feddit.uk 1 points 29 minutes ago

I'll not say low crime. That would jinx it. But certainly not high. I couldn't find a worldwide city bike crime comparison statistic.

So far a cable lock has worked. Plenty of people here don't lock to a fixed obstacle. So are more likely to be the target.

My ex splodged brown rusty paint all over her new white bike to deter thieves.

[–] kersploosh@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

This has worked for me for years. The only thing I would add is to try to position your bike such that it's harder to disassemble. Wedge it between a signpost and a parking meter, or a bike rack and a bush. Anyone with a couple hand tools and easy access can strip off components quickly and quietly. Make their task a little harder.

[–] JayleneSlide@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Hail Cascadia!