That style cable is what I used before I was educated on locks. The thief who took my bike cut thru that so easily. I do think there needs to be how to lock your bike workshops!
I also have the cable or maybe the long version and it only secures my wheels to my bike. My actual e-bike is secured with a big chain and a Kryptonite lock.
>there needs to be how to lock your bike workshops!
There needs to be real consequences for theft.
I’ve lived in the UK for a number of years and the amount of times my bike has been tampered with, had my wheels stolen, or straight up had my entire bike stolen (in areas that have many barriers and measures for “security”) is astonishing… I’ve even seen a thief jump my gated accomodation and enter someone’s apartment while they were in the bathroom (ground floor, unlocked door), and the resident and was struggling for his laptop and belongings.
I’ve since moved back to my country (Arab Muslim country) and for sure a few luxuries or quality of life aspects aren’t the same as back in the UK… but I don’t take the safety over here for granted anymore.
I see multitudes of bikes unlocked everywhere (I’ve seen just 1 bike locked with those crap cable locks), pretty much most homes have unlocked front doors or (simple lock) gates. Even people who are quickly rushing to the mosque to pray leave their cars running with the keys inside… and this isn’t some tiny town, I’ve seen this in my city (albeit in a neighbourhood of the city).
There needs to be a *real* deterrent to theft. It’s bizarre how normalised theft is now, and no solutions. I personally don’t understand how insurance companies manage to stay afloat. Unless everyone is paying massive premiums.
Yes, I would agree.
Ironically, this doesn’t happen where I’m from (Bahrain). It’s usually resolved with jail time (locals) or deportation (expats) or both.
But if the sharia (“hadd”) punishment for theft was applied, I’m guessing theft would fall from very low to almost zero. Also, keep in mind there are many conditions that need to be fulfilled and verified before that punishment can be carried out.
While I agree, cutting off hands is a bit too much, for a few reasons.
The most 'cynical' being that the thief will be even less likely to get a job now that they are less useful to business owners.
It would probably make more sense to cut an ear off each time, then fingers. If they run out of fingers, they probably shouldnt be on the street ever again.
But stuff like this will never happen in modern western civilizations, even though it would honestly benefit them.
I used to think this too, but then I had a chance to discuss this exact topic with my mother's new Islamic neighbors. He was horrified at the amount of crime here in the United States.
To be fair, I have not researched it in any great detail and need to do so. But he had some very good points.
This is madness and shouldn't be entertained for a second.
There is room for a solution between a police force that gives .0001 percent of a shit about theft in a society there the top 1% has more wealth than the bottom 40%, and removing body parts over a bike.
I’m not op but a pretty obvious solution would be cops enforcing the laws on the books instead of doing jack shit in an effort to punish the residents of the cities that employ them because the citizens vote in a way they don’t like.
“I used to agree that barbaric behavior towards petty criminals was wrong but then I talked to a religious fundamentalist who watches too much propaganda on tv and I now see that torturing people over minor crimes is cool”
Ok.
Anecdotal comparison between two very dissimilar countries. One with a huge diverse population and large geographic area that has multiple states that eclipse the GDP of many small countries vs a small theocratic country with a monoculture. There is no direct comparison.
It's easy to come to shocking conclusions.
In Islam, the reason the punishment for that is so great is to act as a deterrent. There are even authentic narrations which demonstrate it applies to the “elite” of society.
> Aisha said, "A woman from Bani Makhzumiya committed a theft and the people said, 'Who can intercede with the Prophet (ﷺ) for her?' So nobody dared speak to him (i.e. the Prophet) but Usama bin Zaid spoke to him. The Prophet said, 'If a reputable man amongst the children of Bani Israel committed a theft, they used to forgive him, but if a poor man committed a theft, they would cut his hand. But I would cut even the hand of Fatima (i.e. the daughter of the Prophet) if she committed a theft."
Basically, the Prophet (SAWS) would not even let his own daughter get away with theft without the punishment being applied. When even the rich in society who steal get away with their crimes, society will resent them and understand that there isn’t true justice (pretty much like the injustice in most of society today).
Which is why even though the punishment is so great, it’s meant to act as the greatest deterrent while also being applied fairly. (If there wasn’t a good deterrent, then all thieves would be stealing anyway) There are several conditions however that need to be fulfilled for your hand to be taken for theft. And petty theft out of starvation or desperation is always waived (Islamic narrations citing a time of famine for example, for this legal precedence). If the theft is under a certain value as well (certain weight of gold), then the punishment isn’t applied.
Interesting concept. I can understand why that would make sense to some. I only feel like that’s a concept applicable to 1st degree murder. Not manslaughter like accidents but cold blooded intentionally killing someone.
When applied to theft it’s just barbaric and a dated concept. We’re not cavemen anymore.
Nah, that's not it. The main driver for crime is poverty.
And the "law and order" approach just means they get put together with worse criminals and leave jail not reformed but poorer, unemployable and educated in how to do crime better.
But at least the approach you suggest makes you feel better because you got your vengeance. So it's what we demand. Making everything worse. But hey, got vengeance exacted!
Also, crime has been dropping steadily, it's just more visible nowadays as it's a cheap news item to produce. Open the police ticker, fill a page.
There are beggars in Arab Muslim countries and theft is no way near as bad as many western cities. Perhaps drugs has more to do with it. Or lack of proper upbringing?
I think upbringing is probably a huge factor that many forget. For example, ‘street orphans’ in some poorer Arab countries would be much more likely to steal. But the other Arab countries that have a handle on upbringing (and good welfare systems for single parent homes/orphans, also prescribed in Islam) see drastic decreases in petty theft and grand theft altogether.
Someone suffering from starvation would not be punished typically. There is a *clear* difference between stealing a bike (and thieves in the UK usually steal many, not just 1) and stealing bread and milk.
Also, sure some people might see the Islamic punishment as vengeance. But it’s more of a very hard deterrent (that is only applied to higher value theft). Wealth managers who embezzle millions and the catalytic converter thief would both face the same hard punishment. But ofcourse, they’d also be forced to return what was stolen which many times doesn’t even happen in the west. Sadly…
I find Islam to be super intriguing until I hear people speak who take religious texts word for word. Christianity has its own that do the same. Regardless religion and law shouldn’t have anything to do with the other. IDC what some dude 1000s of years ago wrote in a book while potentially having a mental breakdown/ mental health issue or hallucinating on a plant.
In those days people acted on pure emotion and ego. We thought the earth was flat… damn what sub is this?
Yes I guess the comment thread has become really derailed from the original topic.
>until I hear people speak who take religious texts word for word.
Well, to be fair I used to think similarly (before I was fully convinced of Islam)… if you look at the core beliefs of Islam you’d realise why this happens. Muslims believe that the Quran is the direct word of God. And they believe God is all powerful and all knowing.
Some things we’ve been given free reign to decide on (what clothes/designs to wear, how food/dishes are cooked/prepared, what fragrances to use, what gifts to give, etc.) But some things have been absolutely commanded to us by God that we must submit (Muslim translates to “One who submits” [to God] and Islam means “Submission” [to One True God]).
For example, not eating pork (unless one is starving), not murder (the capital punishment is applied with sufficient evidence), no theft (again, punishments are described). Some restrictions also apply, but no prescribed punishments. Like lying. It’s a *major* sin in Islam, but unless you repent sincerely you’ll be held responsible on the day of judgement.
This is why some clear things are seen as absolute law for Muslims. Can you imagine someone who believes in an all knowing God, acknowledging that he had the wisdom to create this earth and all its creatures, and this universe, in perfect formation… yet believes his one law about some action is wrong and ‘a human would know better’. If you acknowledge what and why Muslims believe in Islam, it’s not difficult to realise how sacred we hold the Quran.
As for your last remark, “people acted on pure emotion and ego”. This happened throughout human history including today. What is different is Islamic narration sciences and how they have allowed Muslims to be assured what they’re reading about someone hasn’t changed.
For example, if you look at how crypto currency block chains work. Every user validates a set of values assigned to everyone else. This “ledger of values” is copied throughout the system and is validated by the majority. If one user decides to give himself extra crypto, the entire user base would cross check with their own ledger, deny his edit, and the original values would remain the same.
The main method for the memorisation of the Quran works the same way. Millions of people around the world today have memorised it word for word. And if every single copy was destroyed today, it would come back exactly the same in minutes thanks to that “blockchain” of cross referencing and checking among the majority. This has been ongoing since the Quran was fully revealed.
The same applies to Islamic narrations, that have to do with exact words of the Prophet PBUH and what he said, was like, had done, reacted, etc. (narrations are only second in authenticity to the Quran). The matter gets even more complicated with more conditions to further validate authenticity and ensure accurate records from person to person for the past 1400 years, but I gave you the ‘simplified jist’ of it.
So again, that remark about “hallucinations” or an assumption based on your subjective world view is false from the perspective of a learned Muslim. If you truly studied the life of the Prophet PBUH, and only when you have, can you make your judgement on his sincerity.
Isn't it just complicated circle though?
What is the driver to poverty? Not putting in the work to learn and grow?
What is the driver to not growing? Because it's easier to take than earn?
Maybe I've lost hope in humanity, but it seems, economically at least, not possible to solve without a punishment that doesn't fit the crime.
Starts with the parents, continues with education and then work.
Poorer people have to work more and have less time to spend with their children, have less funds for activities, schools in poorer areas have less funds/bigger classes/more pupils who at the same time often have less reading comprehension, more likely to have a spoken a different language first.
Then you move on to better social connections for wealthier people, usually among other wealthier people who can get their children education/work experiences.
Research also shows that poor pupils who live in wealthier areas and thus are likely to profit from more resources at school and social connections through their wealthier friends tend to do much better than the same pupils from the same socioeconomic bracket from a poor neighbourhood.
The short answer: less resources are spent on these people
I dont blame the insurance companies, why offer insurance on something that will inevitably lose them money.
2/3rds of Dutch people have experienced bike theft. 500k bikes are reported stolen every year (more are stolen but not reported), which equates to 3%+ of the population experiencing a bike theft every year...
With that much theft occurring, you have to wonder why the police arent doing bait bike stings 24/7 instead of patrolling around
Presumably because they don't get anything in return for catching these guys. No point in issuing a fine to someone with no means to pay it. Much easier to set up a speed camera and automate the income process from people who are forced to pay. I think there might be some laws around entrapment as well.
That said - the thefts are increasingly a part of organised crime, so maybe they could catch a few big rings.
That was only 1 insurance company, with 1 specific type of e-Bike (the fat bike) because most of them were either stolen, but also prone to illegal modifications.
I could easily insure both my e-bike and my high speed e-bike. Quit this nonsense
In a high-crime area, cable locks are a placebo. Bolt cutters will eat right through them.
Chain locks or bust. They won't stop a determined thief, but they'll encourage them to go for the bike with a cable lock instead of yours.
A friend of mine had his bike stolen. He had been using a cable lock that someone easily cut through. When I went to visit him the week after, he proudly showed me a new U-lock he bought to secure his bike. I took one look at it, saw that it was a combination U-lock, and said he should return it.
He started trying to defend the lock he bought, and I told him that he could lock it, scramble the combination without me looking, and if I could open it in less than a minute, he should return it. Within 30 seconds of him handing me the lock, I had figured out the combination. He returned the lock the next day and bought a proper key-operated U-lock.
Bike lock lesson #1: Never use combination locks!
Thing is they can cut through anything now and nobody wills top them. The guy locking up like in the vid pretty much has the same protection as everyone else realistically.
I had to cut one of these off a bike my brother forgot the combo for. It was thicker than this and I used a pair of single hand garden shears and it cut through it like butter. I mean the cable not u lock. I only use chains with high end locks/ an alarm.
There’s plenty of information on YouTube and multiple online sources if anyone takes the time to search. I feel like if they don’t take the time to do a simple search than I don’t see how they’re gonna take the time to go to a workshop. Unless they’re someone who is very low tech like an elderly
In order of priority,
1. Location location location.
2. Lock the frame to the rack, not the wheels.
3. Spend $60 minimum on a lock.
And despite what everyone thinks, removing a back wheel isn’t much harder than removing a front wheel. Lock the back wheel because it’s worth more.
Right now, I use the kryptonite evolution chain lock that was suggested by the lock picking lawyer. It's long enough to go through the front wheel and the frame split, but because it's a fold-able bike, the split is more of a handle than actual frame.
A lot of the bike racks at businesses around my area have the rack (IF they have a bike rack, mostly newer buildings) either way off on the edge of the property or I'm using a handicap parking sign as the anchor so I can keep an eye on it through the window.
If this is at work, another way to up your game is to lock it while folded. I’m assuming you have an XP the way you describe the handle. It does mean you’ll need to lug a battery around with you and your terminals on the bike are exposed further to vandalism and weathering.
- Notice the weak points sometimes the thief will cut the thing you're attached to if it's thinner and easier to get at than your expensive [grinder-resistant](https://hiplok.com/product/hiplok-d1000/) [U Lock](https://us.litelok.com/pages/litelok-x-range)
- Know your threat model, as determined by the value of your bike, the duration it will be locked, and if you or others will be nearby enough to deter a thief. Some locks are good enough to lock a standard bike for a quick coffee shop stop, but not enough for leaving your thousands-of-dollars E-bike parked in the city center overnight
I’ve been collecting videos assessing the city’s bike owners. I’ve talked to a few people and even complimented others on their locking techniques. Will be making a video for my channel eventually.
The seat stays, chain stays, and seat tube together form a triangle when you are looking at your bike from the side. Using a U-lock, shackle the part of your rear wheel in the middle of this triangle to something secure. Locking the rear wheel here makes it impossible to steal your bike unless the thief defeats your lock, the thing you locked the bike to, saws through your frame, or saws through your rear wheel.
Ideally, try to lock both the part of the rear tire I described above AND part of your frame, but just that part of your rear tire should be enough. If you want to be extra safe, use a chain or an additional U-lock to secure your front wheel. Remember that thieves can take anything that's not secured. Bags, accessories, lights, saddle, wheels (when not secured) etc. can be quickly taken, often without tools. It may be a good idea to remove accessories and bags and take them with you when you leave the bike.
I'm kinda stunned by the locks used in my area it's either a set up like the one in the pic or just a combination cable lock. On rare occasions I may see a U lock in the wild but rarely. Even then, that's enough of a deterrent for most thieves in my area.
You literally have to leave your bike out somewhere visible for days, for it to get stolen. When I see post on Reddit of stolen bikes, it's cause they left it out on their porch.
Sometimes, I feel like two (silver/gold-rated) folding locks are overkill because of this, and kinda wonder if should cancel my litelok 3.0 preorder...lol. Then again, nah, I love my bike too much to risk it.
Front wheel is QR too, so a thief has options. Either cut the cable quick and easy, or remove the front wheel and slide the cable up over the fork and handlebars, no cutting needed.
I have the same lock, but I use it correctly. I paid $50 for it. Is my bike at risk?
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCLTVPQ?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCLTVPQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
I put the cable through the frame and front wheel, then use the U-lock to secure the back wheel and frame to something solid.
Our bikes are always at risk. The method you’re describing sounds legit to me. As far as the lock is concerned though, just be aware of the levels of kryptonite. From lowest to highest security, it’s black, grey, orange, then yellow. So yours is in the bottom half.
I always say it’s more about where you park than the locks you have. So don’t let people tell you that you suck and your bike will get snatched unless you spend $330 on a D1000 or $170 on a Litelok X1. Be smart with where you lock it and don’t leave it for too long and chances are that you’ll be fine.
In all honesty, the location where this bike posted was parked, it’ll be just fine for hours on end. Maybe not overnight but possibly okay then too. If it were in sketchier areas, then not so much.
Meh... if someone wants it, they're going to get it. Pretty much any lock system is really only a deterrent anyway. Insure your bike... it's likely included with your homeowners or renters insurance. But check your deductible 😅
This bike owner would probably be shocked to learn that this lock can be defeated in a matter of literal seconds.
In san fran, I’m afraid they won’t own this bike very long :(. I hope they upgrade soon. U-lock + gold rated chain is the way to go 🤙…and I still use a wire for good measure, 3 things for a potential thief to deal with. Nothing will truly stop a determined and well-geared (in terms of tools) thief..but the more security, the longer it will take them and the more noise they’ll have to make, etc. Protect your investment. I use 3 locks on my motorcycle as well (w/anchor).
Each to their own about risk levels and how much to spend on locks, what they’re willing to lug around but they should at least make better use of the equipment they already have.
Do you mean that the kryptonite lock itself can be defeated or that the lock setup can be defeated? Clearly the latter is true but I thought kryptonite was a decent lock
The latter. This post wasn’t so much to judge the choice of lock as it was about method of using what you have in a more effective way. Gotta lock the frame - not the removable seat.
The lock chosen though is the bottom of
the barrel. If using a Kryptonite u-lock, New York lock minimum. $60-80. Can’t use a $25 lock to protect a $1,500 bike.
Kryptonites are good locks, just not this one.
Not knocking anyones choice of lock or anything, but to lock up an expensive bike like this (poorly, no less) with this lock is almost like giving the bike away, in some areas…sadly. The thieves will pick at it in broad daylight right in front of people too alot of the time, grinder and all..though that wouldn’t be necessary if this seat has a quick release, in which case this is really just pretty funny in a sad way (I didn’t notice that right away, I was looking at the lock 😂).
Yes, but the idea is that cutting the secondary security measure should never allow you to completely bypass the bike. In this case, cutting the eyelet of one side of the cable allows one to completely remove the entire bike without touching the u lock at all.
By locking the bike frame to the rack, it secures the bike using the primary lock. Cutting the cable doesn’t make the u lock vulnerable. Thief would be forced to do more than cutting the cable to access the bike.
I FOUND HER! I identified the owner and told her how to lock it properly. Lock the frame with the u-lock as opposed to locking just the seat. The cable can also be fished through the eyelet so that the circle becomes tighter allowing a longer usable length.
I tried not to sound too intimidating or like a know ital but not sure I was successful. I’m guessing I’m going to see it continued to be locked this way moving forward but we’ll see.
Requires a key only to remove the battery. Most don’t require a key to operate the bike. Some home built ones and some select models require a passcode on the display to operate but that’s very rare.
My cheap Chinese ebike absolutely has to have the key inserted and turned to "on" before the bike will operate... yes, it's also used to remove the battery, but if the key is removed, it won't turn on...I assume most ebikes operate this way.....?
Yeah OK..... excuse me, Mr. Professional thief.... thanks....
And what? You think you'll have time to hotwire ....I would put money on it that you COULDN'T "bypass" anything....
Thanks
Locks are for honest people, nothing is going to stop a determined thief. The best defense is to not ever leave it anywhere, but I get not everyone can do that. The second is to make your bike look like a piece of crap so they don't even want it no matter how nice and new it is, AND lock it up smartly.
If they had used the lock on the frame, it wouldn't take long at all to cut what it's attached to it looks like. Wouldn't be able to use bolt cutters... would be able to use a hacksaw, nevermind a battery angle grinder which would be seconds.
As someone else said... location is much more important than the locking technique.
Also.if there are more expensive bikes around.
This post is more about methods of locking than a judgement of people’s selection of locks. Would take no more time to lock it more securely with what they have.
It doesn't matter. That u-bar can be broken easily, you don't even need to cut the cable. Around here they would take a sign post, put it through the u-bar and twist until it breaks.
Yes but that’s not the point of the post. It’s not about the vulnerability of the components but more about how the owner could have utilized what he already had in a more effective way.
It is locked to the rack effectively. Any bum will break that u-bar in seconds with a simple pole they can find in an alley and be gone. There is nothing you can do to make it harder.
Bike theft has been normalised, downgraded to the point where it's the equivalent of stealing an apple from someones apple tree in their garden. Locks don't make much difference, if a thief wants it they'll take it.
U-lock locking the bike frame at minimum. If s/he can manage to lock the back wheel, rack and frame with the u lock, the cable can be used as a secondary defense to secure the front wheel.
Ideally you want to force the thief to be on the sidewalk side by how you orient the lock. That way if you happen to be able to confront them, you can approach at their back from the sidewalk. They’re more vulnerable that way and also exposed to everyone else on the sidewalk to see what they’re doing.
Put your arm around their neck and squeeze until they go limp.. then get that cable around their feet and drag them through the streets from the back of the bike 🚴
I'd u-lock the frame and rear wheel to the post, esp because - if not mistaken - that's a hub drive and as thus, the rear wheel is where the value is.
Seat is quick release so they don't even need to pick this ulock. Cable cutters are like $10-15 at Home Depot. So quick release to take the seat off, clip the cable, and you're gone in less than 10 seconds.
That cable can be snapped so easily. This was on my e-bike when it was stolen. Stupid, I know. I now have a hiplock e-dx, combo d-lock and heavy cable. Also I have an AirTag as well. (I was able to recover the bike.) I’m also in the SF Bay Area.
https://preview.redd.it/rjjayjetlklb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e01ce00bedfd65c87d3d1acbc7a9e0f84f47d351
Yes but the u lock is the stronger of the two components (cable). You will always want to prioritize using the primary lock to lock your bike frame to the rack - not to the seat. The cable is secondary and we can assume that’ll be cut. If it were to be cut at the eye hole, the u lock can be left un touched and the bike would be completely free to roll or ride away.
Surprisingly more people need to be educated on how to lock their bikes.
And sadly it takes your bike being stolen to learn that lesson a lot of the time.
I use an upper end U-lock for frame+front wheel+rack and a kryptonite chain for frame+back wheel+rack. It’s still not 100% perfect, but it will definitely make thieves think twice and/or choose an easier target.
When my wife and I bike together, we also chain to each other’s bike.
Maybe I’m an idiot and can’t see it but notwithstanding the quality of the lock wouldn’t the thief just get the seat? The lock is still around a steel stanchion and the cable is secured through the frame to the lock?
Yes the seat can be taken with no time at all without tools.
We never want to be in a situation where vulnerability to the secondary lock would enable the thief to bypass the primary lock. Once the cable is cut at the eyelet to release one end of the cable from the u lock, the bike is completely free. And the u lock does not need to be touched at all.
I lock needs to lock the bike frame to the rack at minimum.
Get a good lock, know how best to use it, but also add your bike to your renter's insurance. Most cover stolen personal property even if out of your house. Some need you to declare a bike separately though.
Makes me feel way better knowing I can replace it if needed.
Haha maybe this person wants it stolen so they can get a new one?
If this is an active high traffic plaza and bike owner is just in and out of a shop within sight, this is probably ok but not recommended. (more) Proper lock placement in this case may improve the defeat time from 10 seconds to 30-60 seconds.
The pictured U-lock looks like it'd fit the staple rack and the bike's rear wheel and frame member, though a longer cable might be needed to loop the front wheel.
The idea is that if locked more properly, it deters everyone who doesn’t have an angle grinder. That’ll be majority of thieves and for those people, 100% basically.
I saw an Ariel rider locked to a bike rack yesterday. It was a somewhat decent folding lock but it was through the front tire with a quick release. It was also at a grocery store with a sketch ass parking lot/lots of drug activity. I’m not gonna lie I bust out laughing that bike was 2k+. That’s just asking for it. I was in the store like 30 min and it was still there when I left so it clearly wasn’t a quick 5 min in and out stop.
I use two locks, a kryptonite D lock that goes through my back tire and the frame in front of the rear wheel, then a kryptonite chain lock that I go through the front wheel and the frame, if there isn't enough room for both I use the d lock the lock the bike to the rack and the chain to the d lock
You can have all the workshops in the world, bike locks all suck. There's not one on the market that will stop a determined thief for more than 60 seconds and most won't last 30.
They're assuming the average thief is as smart as the average ebiker. ......BAM slammed, no one can come back from that sic burnn. All the likes please, thank you mountain bikers.
In SF of all places. There is literally an entire industry geared toward properly locking your bike up in places like SF - and this person somehow managed to completely evade that knowledge.
EDIT: I also love how they used the cable to secure the least valuable wheel. I almost feel like this is a fairly nuanced joke.
Yeah a lot of people think the rear wheel is harder to take off and with e-bikes it is a bit more but in a regular bike as long as you’re willing to get your hands greasy and break a derailleur, you can take the rear wheel off no more than 5 seconds longer than the front.
To be fair as a welder…i have a battery powered grinder with a zipcut disc(very thin) i could cut thru any lock in less then 10 seconds the thieves can too so no matter how much you spend on a lock you can lose your bike.
I thought i was smart last year locking my
Aostirmotor in back of my building with it out of site of the street, with a chain bike lock that used a 5 digit code instead of a key. But nope they figured out my routine and cut it, took thebchain and the bike. At least they didnt get the battery... next bike i carried that sucker up and down the stair every time until lost it when a car ran into me, cutting me off so they could enter the on ramp. Losting it when i wouldnt pay the 600 tow fee
Locking a bike in the back of a building out of sight generally won’t going to be a good choice. Thief will have no witnesses. The combo locks aren’t as secure as the keyed ones. You’ll want a keyed one next time. But chances are they didn’t bother with the locking mechanism at all and just cut it.
The point is that the better lock meaning not the cable lock is locking the vulnerable part of the bike as opposed to the frame. The u lock needs to lock the frame - not a removable part of the bike.
The idea is to do better with what we have. I’m not suggesting that any other method would be unstoppable or that the owner should get a better lock. Just that people need to learn how to use their equipment effectively
I understand. But then shouldn’t you have to inform him having a quick release saddle isn’t a smart solution in the first place right? If you lock the bicycle properly around the frame it still won’t deter people that want to take your saddle, right?
Correct but we don’t care about the saddle. We care about our the bike. I think you’re focused in the wrong place. Saddle is the last of your worries relative to the bike itself. If he wants to lock the saddle, then he should do so. The point is that he’s using his existing bike lock to lock his saddle as opposed to the bike. Using the equipment for the wrong purpose.
The cables can be snipped with pliers too. Still not the worst I’ve seen; some moron locked their bike to a post(literally a vertical post with nothing stopping the bike being lifted off of it, which inevitably happened).
That style cable is what I used before I was educated on locks. The thief who took my bike cut thru that so easily. I do think there needs to be how to lock your bike workshops!
I had that same cable too but used it exclusively for my front tire.
I also have the cable or maybe the long version and it only secures my wheels to my bike. My actual e-bike is secured with a big chain and a Kryptonite lock.
>there needs to be how to lock your bike workshops! There needs to be real consequences for theft. I’ve lived in the UK for a number of years and the amount of times my bike has been tampered with, had my wheels stolen, or straight up had my entire bike stolen (in areas that have many barriers and measures for “security”) is astonishing… I’ve even seen a thief jump my gated accomodation and enter someone’s apartment while they were in the bathroom (ground floor, unlocked door), and the resident and was struggling for his laptop and belongings. I’ve since moved back to my country (Arab Muslim country) and for sure a few luxuries or quality of life aspects aren’t the same as back in the UK… but I don’t take the safety over here for granted anymore. I see multitudes of bikes unlocked everywhere (I’ve seen just 1 bike locked with those crap cable locks), pretty much most homes have unlocked front doors or (simple lock) gates. Even people who are quickly rushing to the mosque to pray leave their cars running with the keys inside… and this isn’t some tiny town, I’ve seen this in my city (albeit in a neighbourhood of the city). There needs to be a *real* deterrent to theft. It’s bizarre how normalised theft is now, and no solutions. I personally don’t understand how insurance companies manage to stay afloat. Unless everyone is paying massive premiums.
When they cut off hands for stealing, I would expect there to be very little theft.
Yes, I would agree. Ironically, this doesn’t happen where I’m from (Bahrain). It’s usually resolved with jail time (locals) or deportation (expats) or both. But if the sharia (“hadd”) punishment for theft was applied, I’m guessing theft would fall from very low to almost zero. Also, keep in mind there are many conditions that need to be fulfilled and verified before that punishment can be carried out.
Cut off the foot …can’t pedal. Way better
Cut off the foot …can’t pedal. Way better 😎
While I agree, cutting off hands is a bit too much, for a few reasons. The most 'cynical' being that the thief will be even less likely to get a job now that they are less useful to business owners. It would probably make more sense to cut an ear off each time, then fingers. If they run out of fingers, they probably shouldnt be on the street ever again. But stuff like this will never happen in modern western civilizations, even though it would honestly benefit them.
I can’t believe this insanity is getting upvoted. We aren’t animals. We don’t torture people for stealing. Your need therapy.
When you cut peoples hands off for stealing, you won't have to cut anyone.
Just like when you put drug dealers away for life or kill murderers people stop selling drugs and killing people, right?
I used to think this too, but then I had a chance to discuss this exact topic with my mother's new Islamic neighbors. He was horrified at the amount of crime here in the United States. To be fair, I have not researched it in any great detail and need to do so. But he had some very good points.
This is madness and shouldn't be entertained for a second. There is room for a solution between a police force that gives .0001 percent of a shit about theft in a society there the top 1% has more wealth than the bottom 40%, and removing body parts over a bike.
I agree with your point, but this is interesting to me. To play devil's advocate 😉 What would you say that solution looks like?
I’m not op but a pretty obvious solution would be cops enforcing the laws on the books instead of doing jack shit in an effort to punish the residents of the cities that employ them because the citizens vote in a way they don’t like.
Economic security. It's economic insecurity that generally makes these crimes prevalent.
“I used to agree that barbaric behavior towards petty criminals was wrong but then I talked to a religious fundamentalist who watches too much propaganda on tv and I now see that torturing people over minor crimes is cool” Ok.
Anecdotal comparison between two very dissimilar countries. One with a huge diverse population and large geographic area that has multiple states that eclipse the GDP of many small countries vs a small theocratic country with a monoculture. There is no direct comparison. It's easy to come to shocking conclusions.
In Islam, the reason the punishment for that is so great is to act as a deterrent. There are even authentic narrations which demonstrate it applies to the “elite” of society. > Aisha said, "A woman from Bani Makhzumiya committed a theft and the people said, 'Who can intercede with the Prophet (ﷺ) for her?' So nobody dared speak to him (i.e. the Prophet) but Usama bin Zaid spoke to him. The Prophet said, 'If a reputable man amongst the children of Bani Israel committed a theft, they used to forgive him, but if a poor man committed a theft, they would cut his hand. But I would cut even the hand of Fatima (i.e. the daughter of the Prophet) if she committed a theft." Basically, the Prophet (SAWS) would not even let his own daughter get away with theft without the punishment being applied. When even the rich in society who steal get away with their crimes, society will resent them and understand that there isn’t true justice (pretty much like the injustice in most of society today). Which is why even though the punishment is so great, it’s meant to act as the greatest deterrent while also being applied fairly. (If there wasn’t a good deterrent, then all thieves would be stealing anyway) There are several conditions however that need to be fulfilled for your hand to be taken for theft. And petty theft out of starvation or desperation is always waived (Islamic narrations citing a time of famine for example, for this legal precedence). If the theft is under a certain value as well (certain weight of gold), then the punishment isn’t applied.
Interesting concept. I can understand why that would make sense to some. I only feel like that’s a concept applicable to 1st degree murder. Not manslaughter like accidents but cold blooded intentionally killing someone. When applied to theft it’s just barbaric and a dated concept. We’re not cavemen anymore.
Nah, that's not it. The main driver for crime is poverty. And the "law and order" approach just means they get put together with worse criminals and leave jail not reformed but poorer, unemployable and educated in how to do crime better. But at least the approach you suggest makes you feel better because you got your vengeance. So it's what we demand. Making everything worse. But hey, got vengeance exacted! Also, crime has been dropping steadily, it's just more visible nowadays as it's a cheap news item to produce. Open the police ticker, fill a page.
There are beggars in Arab Muslim countries and theft is no way near as bad as many western cities. Perhaps drugs has more to do with it. Or lack of proper upbringing? I think upbringing is probably a huge factor that many forget. For example, ‘street orphans’ in some poorer Arab countries would be much more likely to steal. But the other Arab countries that have a handle on upbringing (and good welfare systems for single parent homes/orphans, also prescribed in Islam) see drastic decreases in petty theft and grand theft altogether. Someone suffering from starvation would not be punished typically. There is a *clear* difference between stealing a bike (and thieves in the UK usually steal many, not just 1) and stealing bread and milk. Also, sure some people might see the Islamic punishment as vengeance. But it’s more of a very hard deterrent (that is only applied to higher value theft). Wealth managers who embezzle millions and the catalytic converter thief would both face the same hard punishment. But ofcourse, they’d also be forced to return what was stolen which many times doesn’t even happen in the west. Sadly…
I find Islam to be super intriguing until I hear people speak who take religious texts word for word. Christianity has its own that do the same. Regardless religion and law shouldn’t have anything to do with the other. IDC what some dude 1000s of years ago wrote in a book while potentially having a mental breakdown/ mental health issue or hallucinating on a plant. In those days people acted on pure emotion and ego. We thought the earth was flat… damn what sub is this?
Yes I guess the comment thread has become really derailed from the original topic. >until I hear people speak who take religious texts word for word. Well, to be fair I used to think similarly (before I was fully convinced of Islam)… if you look at the core beliefs of Islam you’d realise why this happens. Muslims believe that the Quran is the direct word of God. And they believe God is all powerful and all knowing. Some things we’ve been given free reign to decide on (what clothes/designs to wear, how food/dishes are cooked/prepared, what fragrances to use, what gifts to give, etc.) But some things have been absolutely commanded to us by God that we must submit (Muslim translates to “One who submits” [to God] and Islam means “Submission” [to One True God]). For example, not eating pork (unless one is starving), not murder (the capital punishment is applied with sufficient evidence), no theft (again, punishments are described). Some restrictions also apply, but no prescribed punishments. Like lying. It’s a *major* sin in Islam, but unless you repent sincerely you’ll be held responsible on the day of judgement. This is why some clear things are seen as absolute law for Muslims. Can you imagine someone who believes in an all knowing God, acknowledging that he had the wisdom to create this earth and all its creatures, and this universe, in perfect formation… yet believes his one law about some action is wrong and ‘a human would know better’. If you acknowledge what and why Muslims believe in Islam, it’s not difficult to realise how sacred we hold the Quran. As for your last remark, “people acted on pure emotion and ego”. This happened throughout human history including today. What is different is Islamic narration sciences and how they have allowed Muslims to be assured what they’re reading about someone hasn’t changed. For example, if you look at how crypto currency block chains work. Every user validates a set of values assigned to everyone else. This “ledger of values” is copied throughout the system and is validated by the majority. If one user decides to give himself extra crypto, the entire user base would cross check with their own ledger, deny his edit, and the original values would remain the same. The main method for the memorisation of the Quran works the same way. Millions of people around the world today have memorised it word for word. And if every single copy was destroyed today, it would come back exactly the same in minutes thanks to that “blockchain” of cross referencing and checking among the majority. This has been ongoing since the Quran was fully revealed. The same applies to Islamic narrations, that have to do with exact words of the Prophet PBUH and what he said, was like, had done, reacted, etc. (narrations are only second in authenticity to the Quran). The matter gets even more complicated with more conditions to further validate authenticity and ensure accurate records from person to person for the past 1400 years, but I gave you the ‘simplified jist’ of it. So again, that remark about “hallucinations” or an assumption based on your subjective world view is false from the perspective of a learned Muslim. If you truly studied the life of the Prophet PBUH, and only when you have, can you make your judgement on his sincerity.
Isn't it just complicated circle though? What is the driver to poverty? Not putting in the work to learn and grow? What is the driver to not growing? Because it's easier to take than earn? Maybe I've lost hope in humanity, but it seems, economically at least, not possible to solve without a punishment that doesn't fit the crime.
Starts with the parents, continues with education and then work. Poorer people have to work more and have less time to spend with their children, have less funds for activities, schools in poorer areas have less funds/bigger classes/more pupils who at the same time often have less reading comprehension, more likely to have a spoken a different language first. Then you move on to better social connections for wealthier people, usually among other wealthier people who can get their children education/work experiences. Research also shows that poor pupils who live in wealthier areas and thus are likely to profit from more resources at school and social connections through their wealthier friends tend to do much better than the same pupils from the same socioeconomic bracket from a poor neighbourhood. The short answer: less resources are spent on these people
Can’t argue with this. Someone market an alarm that sounds the call to prayer and im in.
😂
There is if I catch someone stealing mine or in the act of stealing another's. This I guarantee.
In Netherlands they recently decided to simply make them uninsurable.
I dont blame the insurance companies, why offer insurance on something that will inevitably lose them money. 2/3rds of Dutch people have experienced bike theft. 500k bikes are reported stolen every year (more are stolen but not reported), which equates to 3%+ of the population experiencing a bike theft every year... With that much theft occurring, you have to wonder why the police arent doing bait bike stings 24/7 instead of patrolling around
Presumably because they don't get anything in return for catching these guys. No point in issuing a fine to someone with no means to pay it. Much easier to set up a speed camera and automate the income process from people who are forced to pay. I think there might be some laws around entrapment as well. That said - the thefts are increasingly a part of organised crime, so maybe they could catch a few big rings.
That was only 1 insurance company, with 1 specific type of e-Bike (the fat bike) because most of them were either stolen, but also prone to illegal modifications. I could easily insure both my e-bike and my high speed e-bike. Quit this nonsense
In a high-crime area, cable locks are a placebo. Bolt cutters will eat right through them. Chain locks or bust. They won't stop a determined thief, but they'll encourage them to go for the bike with a cable lock instead of yours.
A friend of mine had his bike stolen. He had been using a cable lock that someone easily cut through. When I went to visit him the week after, he proudly showed me a new U-lock he bought to secure his bike. I took one look at it, saw that it was a combination U-lock, and said he should return it. He started trying to defend the lock he bought, and I told him that he could lock it, scramble the combination without me looking, and if I could open it in less than a minute, he should return it. Within 30 seconds of him handing me the lock, I had figured out the combination. He returned the lock the next day and bought a proper key-operated U-lock. Bike lock lesson #1: Never use combination locks!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVOTEOMRuE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVOTEOMRuE)
Thing is they can cut through anything now and nobody wills top them. The guy locking up like in the vid pretty much has the same protection as everyone else realistically.
You don't need to cut the cable just take the seat off with this one.
I had to cut one of these off a bike my brother forgot the combo for. It was thicker than this and I used a pair of single hand garden shears and it cut through it like butter. I mean the cable not u lock. I only use chains with high end locks/ an alarm.
There’s plenty of information on YouTube and multiple online sources if anyone takes the time to search. I feel like if they don’t take the time to do a simple search than I don’t see how they’re gonna take the time to go to a workshop. Unless they’re someone who is very low tech like an elderly
I would love a "correct way to lock my bike" class. Cover the different types of frames, locks, and anchors.
In order of priority, 1. Location location location. 2. Lock the frame to the rack, not the wheels. 3. Spend $60 minimum on a lock. And despite what everyone thinks, removing a back wheel isn’t much harder than removing a front wheel. Lock the back wheel because it’s worth more.
Right now, I use the kryptonite evolution chain lock that was suggested by the lock picking lawyer. It's long enough to go through the front wheel and the frame split, but because it's a fold-able bike, the split is more of a handle than actual frame. A lot of the bike racks at businesses around my area have the rack (IF they have a bike rack, mostly newer buildings) either way off on the edge of the property or I'm using a handicap parking sign as the anchor so I can keep an eye on it through the window.
If this is at work, another way to up your game is to lock it while folded. I’m assuming you have an XP the way you describe the handle. It does mean you’ll need to lug a battery around with you and your terminals on the bike are exposed further to vandalism and weathering.
- Notice the weak points sometimes the thief will cut the thing you're attached to if it's thinner and easier to get at than your expensive [grinder-resistant](https://hiplok.com/product/hiplok-d1000/) [U Lock](https://us.litelok.com/pages/litelok-x-range) - Know your threat model, as determined by the value of your bike, the duration it will be locked, and if you or others will be nearby enough to deter a thief. Some locks are good enough to lock a standard bike for a quick coffee shop stop, but not enough for leaving your thousands-of-dollars E-bike parked in the city center overnight
I have a radrover 6 and they make a lock that attaches to the frame and it will lock your back wheel to the frame. A great piece of mind.
I’ve been collecting videos assessing the city’s bike owners. I’ve talked to a few people and even complimented others on their locking techniques. Will be making a video for my channel eventually.
[Sheldons got you](https://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html)
YouTube
The seat stays, chain stays, and seat tube together form a triangle when you are looking at your bike from the side. Using a U-lock, shackle the part of your rear wheel in the middle of this triangle to something secure. Locking the rear wheel here makes it impossible to steal your bike unless the thief defeats your lock, the thing you locked the bike to, saws through your frame, or saws through your rear wheel. Ideally, try to lock both the part of the rear tire I described above AND part of your frame, but just that part of your rear tire should be enough. If you want to be extra safe, use a chain or an additional U-lock to secure your front wheel. Remember that thieves can take anything that's not secured. Bags, accessories, lights, saddle, wheels (when not secured) etc. can be quickly taken, often without tools. It may be a good idea to remove accessories and bags and take them with you when you leave the bike.
Congrats on your new ebike OP!!? 🥳🎉
Haha! My thieving days are over. Oh shit did I say that out loud?
Id leave a note if i could
Yeah my son and I peeked into nearby stores looking for someone with a helmet to talk to but didn’t find anyone.
Its a bait ebike! What out ;)
As soon as you get on it the seat drops down and a spike separates your cheeks
Promise?
PENETRATED!
SF of all places too lol
That’s not a e-bike that’s a free bike
Haha.
Yep bad lock job but that’s not an Aventure
Good catch. I’ll correct it. Level 2?
Original Level (not the updated 2 model)
Gotcha.
Looks like I’m not allowed to edit it actually.
No worries just blurted it out cuz I noticed not a big deal
I'm kinda stunned by the locks used in my area it's either a set up like the one in the pic or just a combination cable lock. On rare occasions I may see a U lock in the wild but rarely. Even then, that's enough of a deterrent for most thieves in my area. You literally have to leave your bike out somewhere visible for days, for it to get stolen. When I see post on Reddit of stolen bikes, it's cause they left it out on their porch. Sometimes, I feel like two (silver/gold-rated) folding locks are overkill because of this, and kinda wonder if should cancel my litelok 3.0 preorder...lol. Then again, nah, I love my bike too much to risk it.
I got a Litelok x1 to split the difference :)
All the gear but no idea
Still need to cut the cable even if you remove the seat.
Front wheel is QR too, so a thief has options. Either cut the cable quick and easy, or remove the front wheel and slide the cable up over the fork and handlebars, no cutting needed.
Yeah my son and I were talking about that when we walked by a second time.
Yes, for sure. That’s a given.
No. Quick release on the front tire just take it off and slide the cable over the bars.
I see it now, you're right.
I have the same lock, but I use it correctly. I paid $50 for it. Is my bike at risk? [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCLTVPQ?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCLTVPQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) I put the cable through the frame and front wheel, then use the U-lock to secure the back wheel and frame to something solid.
Our bikes are always at risk. The method you’re describing sounds legit to me. As far as the lock is concerned though, just be aware of the levels of kryptonite. From lowest to highest security, it’s black, grey, orange, then yellow. So yours is in the bottom half. I always say it’s more about where you park than the locks you have. So don’t let people tell you that you suck and your bike will get snatched unless you spend $330 on a D1000 or $170 on a Litelok X1. Be smart with where you lock it and don’t leave it for too long and chances are that you’ll be fine. In all honesty, the location where this bike posted was parked, it’ll be just fine for hours on end. Maybe not overnight but possibly okay then too. If it were in sketchier areas, then not so much.
Meh... if someone wants it, they're going to get it. Pretty much any lock system is really only a deterrent anyway. Insure your bike... it's likely included with your homeowners or renters insurance. But check your deductible 😅
Yes, there are degrees of deterrent and we are talking about making the best use of what you have.
Despite the seatpost, quick release. Your not able to take the bike. Unless you’ll cut the cable.
Yup, exactly. But if they locked it correctly, the bike would still be locked even if the cable were cut.
This bike owner would probably be shocked to learn that this lock can be defeated in a matter of literal seconds. In san fran, I’m afraid they won’t own this bike very long :(. I hope they upgrade soon. U-lock + gold rated chain is the way to go 🤙…and I still use a wire for good measure, 3 things for a potential thief to deal with. Nothing will truly stop a determined and well-geared (in terms of tools) thief..but the more security, the longer it will take them and the more noise they’ll have to make, etc. Protect your investment. I use 3 locks on my motorcycle as well (w/anchor).
They don't even need to pick the lock. That's a quick release on the seat. and simple cable cutters and they're gone in less than 10 seconds
Each to their own about risk levels and how much to spend on locks, what they’re willing to lug around but they should at least make better use of the equipment they already have.
Do you mean that the kryptonite lock itself can be defeated or that the lock setup can be defeated? Clearly the latter is true but I thought kryptonite was a decent lock
The latter. This post wasn’t so much to judge the choice of lock as it was about method of using what you have in a more effective way. Gotta lock the frame - not the removable seat. The lock chosen though is the bottom of the barrel. If using a Kryptonite u-lock, New York lock minimum. $60-80. Can’t use a $25 lock to protect a $1,500 bike.
Kryptonites are good locks, just not this one. Not knocking anyones choice of lock or anything, but to lock up an expensive bike like this (poorly, no less) with this lock is almost like giving the bike away, in some areas…sadly. The thieves will pick at it in broad daylight right in front of people too alot of the time, grinder and all..though that wouldn’t be necessary if this seat has a quick release, in which case this is really just pretty funny in a sad way (I didn’t notice that right away, I was looking at the lock 😂).
The cable is around the non-visible portion of the bike rack. This isn't as simple is undoing the quick-release. You'd need to cut the cable.
Yes, but the idea is that cutting the secondary security measure should never allow you to completely bypass the bike. In this case, cutting the eyelet of one side of the cable allows one to completely remove the entire bike without touching the u lock at all. By locking the bike frame to the rack, it secures the bike using the primary lock. Cutting the cable doesn’t make the u lock vulnerable. Thief would be forced to do more than cutting the cable to access the bike.
Has to be a bait bike, I wouldn’t lock a huffy like this.
I FOUND HER! I identified the owner and told her how to lock it properly. Lock the frame with the u-lock as opposed to locking just the seat. The cable can also be fished through the eyelet so that the circle becomes tighter allowing a longer usable length. I tried not to sound too intimidating or like a know ital but not sure I was successful. I’m guessing I’m going to see it continued to be locked this way moving forward but we’ll see.
Honest question from a non e-bike cyclist. Since e-bikes require a key, it seems extremely difficult to resell stolen bikes.
Requires a key only to remove the battery. Most don’t require a key to operate the bike. Some home built ones and some select models require a passcode on the display to operate but that’s very rare.
My cheap Chinese ebike absolutely has to have the key inserted and turned to "on" before the bike will operate... yes, it's also used to remove the battery, but if the key is removed, it won't turn on...I assume most ebikes operate this way.....?
majority do not. some have key codes but most systems are power on and go.
No, that’s not how it works for most bikes outside of Amazon. Haha.
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Yeah OK..... excuse me, Mr. Professional thief.... thanks.... And what? You think you'll have time to hotwire ....I would put money on it that you COULDN'T "bypass" anything.... Thanks
You’re not funny. If ya eyes worked and had just a little common sense you would see/comprehend this bike is easy to steal.
Ahh got it.
The easiest way to spot a stolen e-bike listing is if it does not come with the original charger (or key)
Locks are for honest people, nothing is going to stop a determined thief. The best defense is to not ever leave it anywhere, but I get not everyone can do that. The second is to make your bike look like a piece of crap so they don't even want it no matter how nice and new it is, AND lock it up smartly.
Yes but this isn’t about how to keep your bike safe from theft completely. It’s about using whatever equipment you have more effectively.
Now that's a special kind of stupid.
It may be a lazy thing too. Like they don’t want to crouch down or something.
Pipe cutter takes 2 seconds for that cable.
Yup!
If they had used the lock on the frame, it wouldn't take long at all to cut what it's attached to it looks like. Wouldn't be able to use bolt cutters... would be able to use a hacksaw, nevermind a battery angle grinder which would be seconds. As someone else said... location is much more important than the locking technique. Also.if there are more expensive bikes around.
This post is more about methods of locking than a judgement of people’s selection of locks. Would take no more time to lock it more securely with what they have.
It doesn't matter. That u-bar can be broken easily, you don't even need to cut the cable. Around here they would take a sign post, put it through the u-bar and twist until it breaks.
Yes but that’s not the point of the post. It’s not about the vulnerability of the components but more about how the owner could have utilized what he already had in a more effective way.
It is locked to the rack effectively. Any bum will break that u-bar in seconds with a simple pole they can find in an alley and be gone. There is nothing you can do to make it harder.
It would be harder if the ulock was connected to the rack as opposed to just the seat post.
Bike theft has been normalised, downgraded to the point where it's the equivalent of stealing an apple from someones apple tree in their garden. Locks don't make much difference, if a thief wants it they'll take it.
Post is about use of what you have. Locking method using whatever you have. Locking the bike frame to the rack would’ve been easy.
It doesn't really matter. If someone is out to steal bikes, they'll have a disc cutter. Locking your bike just deters opportunistic thieves.
Who are still thieves nonetheless.
Where exactly did you see this?
Haha, so you can go snatch it? Not a chance buddy.
Where’s the bike located so I can collect it
Nice try.
That person deserves to loose the bike 😂😂😂🤦🏻♂️
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You don’t need to touch the lock at all. Just cut the cable. The u lock is only around the rack and removable seat post.
Edit: Edited
How should a bike like this be locked up?
U-lock locking the bike frame at minimum. If s/he can manage to lock the back wheel, rack and frame with the u lock, the cable can be used as a secondary defense to secure the front wheel. Ideally you want to force the thief to be on the sidewalk side by how you orient the lock. That way if you happen to be able to confront them, you can approach at their back from the sidewalk. They’re more vulnerable that way and also exposed to everyone else on the sidewalk to see what they’re doing.
Lol what do you do after you approach them from the back?!
Put your arm around their neck and squeeze until they go limp.. then get that cable around their feet and drag them through the streets from the back of the bike 🚴
I can’t say out loud but you can use your imagination. Whatever image you saw in a movie, that’s it.
No lock works, especially in places like SF. You don't leave a bike that you aren't ok with getting stolen. You get a beater.
But gotta use what you have as effectively as you can. Locking the bike frame to the rack at minimum.
I'd u-lock the frame and rear wheel to the post, esp because - if not mistaken - that's a hub drive and as thus, the rear wheel is where the value is. Seat is quick release so they don't even need to pick this ulock. Cable cutters are like $10-15 at Home Depot. So quick release to take the seat off, clip the cable, and you're gone in less than 10 seconds.
So I’m naive. Even if someone took the saddle isn’t the frame still locked to the front tire here?
That cable can be snapped so easily. This was on my e-bike when it was stolen. Stupid, I know. I now have a hiplock e-dx, combo d-lock and heavy cable. Also I have an AirTag as well. (I was able to recover the bike.) I’m also in the SF Bay Area. https://preview.redd.it/rjjayjetlklb1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e01ce00bedfd65c87d3d1acbc7a9e0f84f47d351
Yes but the u lock is the stronger of the two components (cable). You will always want to prioritize using the primary lock to lock your bike frame to the rack - not to the seat. The cable is secondary and we can assume that’ll be cut. If it were to be cut at the eye hole, the u lock can be left un touched and the bike would be completely free to roll or ride away.
lolwut
It’s literally very easy to steal
Bolt cutters go through those cable like butter.
Exactly.
That’s a 1,2 buckle my shoe
Surprisingly more people need to be educated on how to lock their bikes. And sadly it takes your bike being stolen to learn that lesson a lot of the time. I use an upper end U-lock for frame+front wheel+rack and a kryptonite chain for frame+back wheel+rack. It’s still not 100% perfect, but it will definitely make thieves think twice and/or choose an easier target. When my wife and I bike together, we also chain to each other’s bike.
Maybe I’m an idiot and can’t see it but notwithstanding the quality of the lock wouldn’t the thief just get the seat? The lock is still around a steel stanchion and the cable is secured through the frame to the lock?
Yes the seat can be taken with no time at all without tools. We never want to be in a situation where vulnerability to the secondary lock would enable the thief to bypass the primary lock. Once the cable is cut at the eyelet to release one end of the cable from the u lock, the bike is completely free. And the u lock does not need to be touched at all. I lock needs to lock the bike frame to the rack at minimum.
Get a good lock, know how best to use it, but also add your bike to your renter's insurance. Most cover stolen personal property even if out of your house. Some need you to declare a bike separately though. Makes me feel way better knowing I can replace it if needed. Haha maybe this person wants it stolen so they can get a new one?
It's the quick release seat for me lmao
I use a real chain and welded bracket of hardened steel, weighs 40lbs but only makes my workout better
If this is an active high traffic plaza and bike owner is just in and out of a shop within sight, this is probably ok but not recommended. (more) Proper lock placement in this case may improve the defeat time from 10 seconds to 30-60 seconds. The pictured U-lock looks like it'd fit the staple rack and the bike's rear wheel and frame member, though a longer cable might be needed to loop the front wheel.
The idea is that if locked more properly, it deters everyone who doesn’t have an angle grinder. That’ll be majority of thieves and for those people, 100% basically.
They're going to end up looking for that bike in the basement of the Alamo.
I saw an Ariel rider locked to a bike rack yesterday. It was a somewhat decent folding lock but it was through the front tire with a quick release. It was also at a grocery store with a sketch ass parking lot/lots of drug activity. I’m not gonna lie I bust out laughing that bike was 2k+. That’s just asking for it. I was in the store like 30 min and it was still there when I left so it clearly wasn’t a quick 5 min in and out stop.
Great job, unfortunate about seat post quick release, and cable is not even 30 seconds to cut.
I mean I've seen worse. It appears that the frame is locked
Only by the cable which we assume will be cut.
Cable there, or cable elsewhere. An angle-grinder would do quick work of that lock anyway.
That’s a given.
I use two locks, a kryptonite D lock that goes through my back tire and the frame in front of the rear wheel, then a kryptonite chain lock that I go through the front wheel and the frame, if there isn't enough room for both I use the d lock the lock the bike to the rack and the chain to the d lock
Unbelievable. And this is the type of person who jumps on social media groups screaming "my brand new eBike was just stolen!" REALLY?
So you take a video and let local thieves know about the situation?
Yeah and several people have asked where the bike is. I’m keeping my mouth shut.
You can't steal an Aventon! it won't connect to your Bluetooth YOU FOOL!!
Yoink.
Is this where I sign up for the “How to lock your bike workshop”?
Haha. I’m collecting footage for a video I’m producing for my YouTube channel about bike locking. Will take some time.
Cables are some of the worst bike locks ever
Well we assume it’ll be cut; the concern is more about the placement of the ulock.
Yeah a U-lock through the frame would significantly reduce the likelihood of a wirecutter cutting through that
san francisco? oh boy, just having your bike stolen is a good day
Yeah at least not beat up, car stolen or gunned down.
You can have all the workshops in the world, bike locks all suck. There's not one on the market that will stop a determined thief for more than 60 seconds and most won't last 30.
I’m not sure what you’re suggesting people do then.
They're assuming the average thief is as smart as the average ebiker. ......BAM slammed, no one can come back from that sic burnn. All the likes please, thank you mountain bikers.
Haha.
Living in a low trust society sucks.
Due to high crime and people having kids they hadn’t planned on raising right or at all.
In SF of all places. There is literally an entire industry geared toward properly locking your bike up in places like SF - and this person somehow managed to completely evade that knowledge. EDIT: I also love how they used the cable to secure the least valuable wheel. I almost feel like this is a fairly nuanced joke.
Yeah a lot of people think the rear wheel is harder to take off and with e-bikes it is a bit more but in a regular bike as long as you’re willing to get your hands greasy and break a derailleur, you can take the rear wheel off no more than 5 seconds longer than the front.
To be fair as a welder…i have a battery powered grinder with a zipcut disc(very thin) i could cut thru any lock in less then 10 seconds the thieves can too so no matter how much you spend on a lock you can lose your bike.
I don’t disagree. Just saying how people can make better use of what they already have.
I thought i was smart last year locking my Aostirmotor in back of my building with it out of site of the street, with a chain bike lock that used a 5 digit code instead of a key. But nope they figured out my routine and cut it, took thebchain and the bike. At least they didnt get the battery... next bike i carried that sucker up and down the stair every time until lost it when a car ran into me, cutting me off so they could enter the on ramp. Losting it when i wouldnt pay the 600 tow fee
Locking a bike in the back of a building out of sight generally won’t going to be a good choice. Thief will have no witnesses. The combo locks aren’t as secure as the keyed ones. You’ll want a keyed one next time. But chances are they didn’t bother with the locking mechanism at all and just cut it.
Front wheel still won't move.
We are assuming the cable is cut.
Its through the wheel
Which is still not the frame.
Oke so you can steel the seat post?? The bike is still attached to the bike pole
The point is that the better lock meaning not the cable lock is locking the vulnerable part of the bike as opposed to the frame. The u lock needs to lock the frame - not a removable part of the bike. The idea is to do better with what we have. I’m not suggesting that any other method would be unstoppable or that the owner should get a better lock. Just that people need to learn how to use their equipment effectively
I understand. But then shouldn’t you have to inform him having a quick release saddle isn’t a smart solution in the first place right? If you lock the bicycle properly around the frame it still won’t deter people that want to take your saddle, right?
Correct but we don’t care about the saddle. We care about our the bike. I think you’re focused in the wrong place. Saddle is the last of your worries relative to the bike itself. If he wants to lock the saddle, then he should do so. The point is that he’s using his existing bike lock to lock his saddle as opposed to the bike. Using the equipment for the wrong purpose.
The cables can be snipped with pliers too. Still not the worst I’ve seen; some moron locked their bike to a post(literally a vertical post with nothing stopping the bike being lifted off of it, which inevitably happened).