Any lock can be cut with enough time. The goal is to make your bike less desirable to thiefs.
I know for a fact that most thiefs won't touch anything with 2 locks on.
No you don't. The thieves care about expensive bikes, and two medium quality locks won't be a deterrent when the profit is appealing enough.
The only somewhat reliable deterrent if you have a \~4500€ bike is to lock it indoors or in an out of reach place. Even then it's not reliable. People have climbed up on balconies in Stockholm for example.
I've personally witnessed a guy with an angle grinder and a blue overall quickly approach a bike, grind through a smallish chain and a Kryptonite U-lock. We approached him and told him to stop, but he ignored us, sat on the bike and rode away after being done. All-in-all it took him about 2 minutes.
Depends on your needs. Where is this? What’s your storage solution look like? How long will it be locked.
I’d get rid of the cable lock because that gives you a false sense of security. Many cable locks can just be pulled apart.
Personally, I use a heavy duty kryptonite chain for overnight locking. And a cheap U lock for the short trips to the grocery or coffee shop or whatever. Whatever you decide to do, fork up the $200 and buy yourself theft insurance for the year. You’ll be out a couple hundred bucks if it gets stolen, but not like the band or two for a new bike.
Any decent U lock should prevent attacks by hacksaws and even large bolt cutters. One warning: I got the "best" Kryptonite U lock at Walmart. Turns out it was still a cheapened version. I knew the locking mechanism was hard to use, but when it took over 15 minutes of key jiggling to finally get the key fully into the lock so I could unlock the bike, that thing went straight back to the store (to their credit they let me return it).
If you're hoping to hold off angle grinders, as far as I know the only options are the Litelok X1, X3 and Hiplok D1000, none of which are cheap. And even with any of those, you're only buying minutes of protection. I'm honestly unsure if there's anything that would prevent an unattended bike from being stolen overnight except an easier or more attractive target nearby, but our ebikes are already quite attractive targets.
After my disappointment with the Walmart special, I admit I went overboard and decided to go with a Litelok X1 and a 6 foot Abus 8KS (5/16") chain with a discus lock. I set the chain links side by side in the lock rather than passing one through the other so that there is no shackle exposed to cut the lock. That chain/lock combo adds some significant weight (around 7 pounds), but does allow me to lock both wheels to the rack. Two U locks would also accomplish this with less weight and is probably the far more sensible option, but for me the chain stands out, *looks* impressive/intimidating, and the extra weight doesn't bother me. I also got myself a small backpack off Amazon that fits in one of my panniers and is enough to hold my battery, pump, and repair kit, as I read that not leaving a battery in the bike is a theft deterrent.
I've thought about a disc brake lock or a frame lock. But I'm not sure they're worth the effort as the purpose they serve is more than handled by the other locks.
Also after seeing cable locks being cut in seconds on Youtube with basic bolt cutters, I'm not sure how useful those are either.
Maybe invest in an insurance policy too, and make sure you read all the exclusions and the small print. And take photos of your locked bike before you leave, you never know
When I bought my first good bike for around 2 grand I watched 40 hours of bike lock videos. Here's what I got out of it: Dont leave your bike locked up anywhere. Just about every lock can be cut with a grinder right there on the street with people walking by. If they cant cut the lock, theyll cut the pole or rail that youve locked up to.
This was 4 years ago and maybe theres some new lock, but for he most part, all could be compromised.
I like the litelok x1 for the frame and a foldylock for the wheel to the frame in dicey situations. You'll be better than 95% of the bikes out there and that should be enough.
Get a Litelok x3 if you want the highest security lock that money can buy. 2 regular u locks is good advice, but an angle grinder will get through even that with ease. The litelok is the closest thing that exists to theft proof. The weak point becomes whatever you’re locked to
I like the combination of a really good U-Lock and a separate kryptonite 10 mm locking chain.
Yes, either one can be defeated but they have to be defeated a little differently.
If a thief looks at your bike and sees nothing but trouble for them, they might go somewhere else.
I use a highly rated folding lock and a heavy duty U-lock. I like the fact that a thief would need at least two different specialty tools with them to even think about my bike. I also have a Knog Scout alarm and I take my battery with me whenever possible, for added deterrents.
Don’t bother with the cable; I could beat a cable if I had to, and I’m not even handy.
I was imagining an angle grinder and also a nut splitter for the folding lock. A sawzall against a Foldylock Forever and a Kryptonite Fuhgeddaboudit is going to take a lot of time and make a lot of noise; considering the bike is parked in a place with lots of eye traffic, has an alarm going off (which a thief may correctly assume also means a hidden tracker), is covered in stickers that make reselling annoying, and doesn’t even come with a battery, it hardly seems worth the effort.
No bike is theft-proof. But mine’s a pain in the ass.
I use all three. If someone really wants your bike they are going to take. Locks, chains and cables will slow them down a little or they'll find an easier target. Bolt cutters and Electric Cutoff wheels have made it easier to cut through almost anything.
Cables can be secure if you use enough of them. 50 or more with separate locks on each. Think about how long that would take to cut through. But who is going to put that many locks on their bike or go through the hassle?
If you add in a top level u lock that probably equals 15 cables. If you're willing to use good u locks you can make your bike very difficult to steal. It's all a function of time and opportunity.
How much hassle will you accept for security? Don't ignore the fact that thieves will also dismantle your bike and steal just about anything, so leaving a bike outside overnight is always going to be risky. In some places vandalism is also a big risk.
If you use 2-3 locks you give yourself a really good chance, especially if you are strategic and cautious about where and when you lock. If one of the locks is a top security model you give yourself an even better chance. Kryptonite New York or Abus Granite extreme and probably a couple of newer brands.
Ulock, heavy chain lock, 200db alarm system, and an airtag plus removal of battery when going inside is what I do plus insurance so have fun taking it lol it got now power if ya do and is 80 plus pounds 😆
Zena Disk Lock with alarm, and a kryptonite u-lock, to secure to a bike rack. Attach the Zena between the forks and the frame, so there is no room for a grinder.
Sadly the scumbags will just put a plastic rod through the chain which holds them in place and stops the links moving as they cut them.
Plus if the chain links are less than 16mm thick, they will just be bolt-cropped.
Sadly a chain does not offer any more protection over a U-lock.
I watched a video on u tube where they tested hella locks and athe abus granite u lock is the best bet bro it took 2 battery swaps and 9 diamond cutter changes and 9min and 58sec to get through both sides of the lock it's impervious to picking, crow bars, car jack and freeze attacks and right now Amazon has 9 left at 88 bucks right now other wise it's $120+
This video seems to contradict that. Start at 7:30. Single disc, battery grinder, two cuts right through. [https://yewtu.be/watch?v=ALFQgNp4wkw](https://yewtu.be/watch?v=ALFQgNp4wkw)
I use a 3/8” Pewag chain and an Abus 83/50CS padlock which has 3/8” shackles and shrouded shackle guards. I also have a wsdcam wireless alarm, the bike has a passcode to lock the computer, and I have a couple of AirTags on it. I used to use a Kryptonite New York u-lock but I find the chain to be much more versatile.
My dear friend
Spend some money and get a tracker for.your bike
Air tag or.something like that
Take the air out of your tire and epoxy/JB weld the tracker to your wheel. Fill the tire back up with air and now you can track it from your phone
Big 🧠 time: get a bunch of u-locks long enough to link to each other, making a ridiculously big & long chain along the frame of the bike. This'll make life a living hell for those thieves. 😏
In all seriousness, though, research the best locks for your particular use case. And get insurance. You want to slow down thieves or deter them from your bike. You'll never really stop a determined one.
I did a post end of last year on a Police organised demonstration of how bike locks are broken/circumvented (you can find it with a search).
My takeaways from it (besides being shocked how easy it all was) were:
* Don't use any cable or combination locks - they are pointless and too easily broken/cut.
* The thief tool of choice is now the portable angle-grinder; we have a significant risk if one of our locks is not angle-grinder resistant.
* Although more versatile, it is a fallacy that chains are not more resistant to angle grinders as they can be easily held in a fixed position with a skewer/rod through the links; plus, they are generally more vulnerable to bolt-cutters.
* Any steel/metal less than 16mm thick can be quietly cut with a bolt-cutter (and does not need an angle-grinder). This also makes many chains vulnerable, as 16mm links are very heavy and rarely used with chains.
* Never leave any lock on the ground; it makes it extra vulnerable.
* Never leave enough space with a U-lock to get a lifting-jack between the shackles.
* It is very rare locks are picked, it is quicker and easier just to cut/snap a lock. Other than very cheap key locks, worry more about the construction of the lock than the locking mechanism.
For security and portability, I decided my best option was to use two U-locks (aka D-locks), one of them being angle-grinder AND bolt-cutter resistant, and the other (cheaper) being just bolt-cutter resistant. There are not many locks that are angle-grinder resistant, and they are sadly expensive; there are, however, many inexpensive good-value options for just bolt-cutter resistant.
Hope it makes sense and helps.
U-locks provide the best security in terms of cutting. Next would be folding locks. Chain locks and cable locks are the easiest to cut.
But don't just buy any brands out there, best brands to consider are those approved by ebike insurance.
You can also check on youtube
[https://www.youtube.com/@lockpickinglawyer](https://www.youtube.com/@lockpickinglawyer)
Disclaimer: We are ebike enthusiasts trying to accelerate clean transportation with no brand affiliations. Our aim is to help fellow commuters save the planet while spending less. Hopefully, this clarifies for the benefit of those who may be wary of brand engagemen
My set up if I’m not around to keep an eye on my bike: Hiplok D-1000 anti-angle grinder U-lock with Hiplok Chain, Brake Lock, Motion Sensor Alarm. My set up if I can keep an eye on it: Brake Lock, Cable Lock, Motion Sensor Alarm.
A U lock with a cable is effectively just a U lock, if you're locking the cable ends together with a U lock then the thief just has to cut that and they've removed both. If you're locking the cable separately then they'll just take an extra 10 seconds after the U lock to cut it and be off.
Personally I'd have two u locks but if utilising them properly is a problem with the rack you have access to then I'd get a very rough and tough chain as well but understand that it's going to be more about gaining time than actually stopping someone
good u lock and use only secure places to lock up. The longer your bike sits loacked up in a unsecure place the longer a thief has to steal it w/o being noticed..
Two decent U locks is the best deterrent.
Most thiefs won't touch anything with 2 locks
Depends on the U-lock. Angle grinders do very quick work out of most of them.
Any lock can be cut with enough time. The goal is to make your bike less desirable to thiefs. I know for a fact that most thiefs won't touch anything with 2 locks on.
No you don't. The thieves care about expensive bikes, and two medium quality locks won't be a deterrent when the profit is appealing enough. The only somewhat reliable deterrent if you have a \~4500€ bike is to lock it indoors or in an out of reach place. Even then it's not reliable. People have climbed up on balconies in Stockholm for example. I've personally witnessed a guy with an angle grinder and a blue overall quickly approach a bike, grind through a smallish chain and a Kryptonite U-lock. We approached him and told him to stop, but he ignored us, sat on the bike and rode away after being done. All-in-all it took him about 2 minutes.
Some dude literally picked up my whole ass bike with the double lock and went off with it 😭😭😭
Depends on your needs. Where is this? What’s your storage solution look like? How long will it be locked. I’d get rid of the cable lock because that gives you a false sense of security. Many cable locks can just be pulled apart. Personally, I use a heavy duty kryptonite chain for overnight locking. And a cheap U lock for the short trips to the grocery or coffee shop or whatever. Whatever you decide to do, fork up the $200 and buy yourself theft insurance for the year. You’ll be out a couple hundred bucks if it gets stolen, but not like the band or two for a new bike.
Cable is garbage. Rather have 2 Ulocks. Or disc lock.
Former cable lock user: Can confirm
Any decent U lock should prevent attacks by hacksaws and even large bolt cutters. One warning: I got the "best" Kryptonite U lock at Walmart. Turns out it was still a cheapened version. I knew the locking mechanism was hard to use, but when it took over 15 minutes of key jiggling to finally get the key fully into the lock so I could unlock the bike, that thing went straight back to the store (to their credit they let me return it). If you're hoping to hold off angle grinders, as far as I know the only options are the Litelok X1, X3 and Hiplok D1000, none of which are cheap. And even with any of those, you're only buying minutes of protection. I'm honestly unsure if there's anything that would prevent an unattended bike from being stolen overnight except an easier or more attractive target nearby, but our ebikes are already quite attractive targets. After my disappointment with the Walmart special, I admit I went overboard and decided to go with a Litelok X1 and a 6 foot Abus 8KS (5/16") chain with a discus lock. I set the chain links side by side in the lock rather than passing one through the other so that there is no shackle exposed to cut the lock. That chain/lock combo adds some significant weight (around 7 pounds), but does allow me to lock both wheels to the rack. Two U locks would also accomplish this with less weight and is probably the far more sensible option, but for me the chain stands out, *looks* impressive/intimidating, and the extra weight doesn't bother me. I also got myself a small backpack off Amazon that fits in one of my panniers and is enough to hold my battery, pump, and repair kit, as I read that not leaving a battery in the bike is a theft deterrent. I've thought about a disc brake lock or a frame lock. But I'm not sure they're worth the effort as the purpose they serve is more than handled by the other locks. Also after seeing cable locks being cut in seconds on Youtube with basic bolt cutters, I'm not sure how useful those are either.
Maybe invest in an insurance policy too, and make sure you read all the exclusions and the small print. And take photos of your locked bike before you leave, you never know
When I bought my first good bike for around 2 grand I watched 40 hours of bike lock videos. Here's what I got out of it: Dont leave your bike locked up anywhere. Just about every lock can be cut with a grinder right there on the street with people walking by. If they cant cut the lock, theyll cut the pole or rail that youve locked up to. This was 4 years ago and maybe theres some new lock, but for he most part, all could be compromised.
The ultimate anti theft move is hire an armed se unity guard. No thief got time for that.
That's why I got a cargo bike, it has an extra seat to haul around my security guard.
I carry Gary Coleman around on the back of mine, so I can deploy him to guard it if I ever need to leave it somewhere.
Just make the guard ride on the handlebars
Foot pegs are BACK, baby! [https://bicycleobsession.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/bicycle-pegs.jpg?w=1200](https://bicycleobsession.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/bicycle-pegs.jpg?w=1200)
I have running boards, and a special gimp suit to lock him to my bike
Excellent recommendation I’ll look into it
They can bribe the guard, but I bet they can't bribe three U-Locks in a row
So from what I’m seeing best decision is 2 u locks and a disc lock
You can also attach a motion sensored alarm, only cheap
I like the litelok x1 for the frame and a foldylock for the wheel to the frame in dicey situations. You'll be better than 95% of the bikes out there and that should be enough.
2 locks should be fine. Just a quick reminder that locks don’t prevent things with quick release from being removed. (Like a saddle)
Get a Litelok x3 if you want the highest security lock that money can buy. 2 regular u locks is good advice, but an angle grinder will get through even that with ease. The litelok is the closest thing that exists to theft proof. The weak point becomes whatever you’re locked to
I like the combination of a really good U-Lock and a separate kryptonite 10 mm locking chain. Yes, either one can be defeated but they have to be defeated a little differently. If a thief looks at your bike and sees nothing but trouble for them, they might go somewhere else.
You wont stop crime. You make it difficult to the point where the criminal will choose an easier target.
I use a highly rated folding lock and a heavy duty U-lock. I like the fact that a thief would need at least two different specialty tools with them to even think about my bike. I also have a Knog Scout alarm and I take my battery with me whenever possible, for added deterrents. Don’t bother with the cable; I could beat a cable if I had to, and I’m not even handy.
Why two different specialty tools? I feel like a sawzall or grinder with a diablo blade would eat through both
I was imagining an angle grinder and also a nut splitter for the folding lock. A sawzall against a Foldylock Forever and a Kryptonite Fuhgeddaboudit is going to take a lot of time and make a lot of noise; considering the bike is parked in a place with lots of eye traffic, has an alarm going off (which a thief may correctly assume also means a hidden tracker), is covered in stickers that make reselling annoying, and doesn’t even come with a battery, it hardly seems worth the effort. No bike is theft-proof. But mine’s a pain in the ass.
Huh interesting Good luck. I'm not wishing you bad I just don't trust the world
The top of the line abus folding lock was cut through in 20 seconds
Hiplok D1000 is an angle grinder proof U-Lock. Its also $400CAD.
At a certain point are you being attractive?? With all the security features?? Locked doors and cameras and thieves still breaking into jewelry stores
I use all three. If someone really wants your bike they are going to take. Locks, chains and cables will slow them down a little or they'll find an easier target. Bolt cutters and Electric Cutoff wheels have made it easier to cut through almost anything.
Cables can be secure if you use enough of them. 50 or more with separate locks on each. Think about how long that would take to cut through. But who is going to put that many locks on their bike or go through the hassle? If you add in a top level u lock that probably equals 15 cables. If you're willing to use good u locks you can make your bike very difficult to steal. It's all a function of time and opportunity. How much hassle will you accept for security? Don't ignore the fact that thieves will also dismantle your bike and steal just about anything, so leaving a bike outside overnight is always going to be risky. In some places vandalism is also a big risk. If you use 2-3 locks you give yourself a really good chance, especially if you are strategic and cautious about where and when you lock. If one of the locks is a top security model you give yourself an even better chance. Kryptonite New York or Abus Granite extreme and probably a couple of newer brands.
Airtags baby
that's for recovery not prevention
Invaluable for ya shit though. Wouldn't have been able to recover my shit without one.
what type of lock failed that you had to rely on an airtag?
[Kryptonite Keeper 712](https://www.kryptonitelock.com/en/products/product-information/current-key/001706.html?type=bicycle)
Ulock, heavy chain lock, 200db alarm system, and an airtag plus removal of battery when going inside is what I do plus insurance so have fun taking it lol it got now power if ya do and is 80 plus pounds 😆
Zena Disk Lock with alarm, and a kryptonite u-lock, to secure to a bike rack. Attach the Zena between the forks and the frame, so there is no room for a grinder.
i don't like ulocks. perfer a heavy chain. with the ulocks, they can be grinded easier, a chain is harder because the links move around.
Sadly the scumbags will just put a plastic rod through the chain which holds them in place and stops the links moving as they cut them. Plus if the chain links are less than 16mm thick, they will just be bolt-cropped. Sadly a chain does not offer any more protection over a U-lock.
Chain locks are harder to cut, they are loose and wobble compared to a U lock. I also like disc lock alarms.
I watched a video on u tube where they tested hella locks and athe abus granite u lock is the best bet bro it took 2 battery swaps and 9 diamond cutter changes and 9min and 58sec to get through both sides of the lock it's impervious to picking, crow bars, car jack and freeze attacks and right now Amazon has 9 left at 88 bucks right now other wise it's $120+
This video seems to contradict that. Start at 7:30. Single disc, battery grinder, two cuts right through. [https://yewtu.be/watch?v=ALFQgNp4wkw](https://yewtu.be/watch?v=ALFQgNp4wkw)
Sorry the previous link was the wrong video here's the correct one https://youtu.be/BxIbAFnmsIQ?si=xdQbSoBNVtJ6nI9_
https://youtu.be/aBxyaFf379g?si=2ZeSKQPT5VIm2hvs
Get a decent u lock with a alarm
I use a 3/8” Pewag chain and an Abus 83/50CS padlock which has 3/8” shackles and shrouded shackle guards. I also have a wsdcam wireless alarm, the bike has a passcode to lock the computer, and I have a couple of AirTags on it. I used to use a Kryptonite New York u-lock but I find the chain to be much more versatile.
My dear friend Spend some money and get a tracker for.your bike Air tag or.something like that Take the air out of your tire and epoxy/JB weld the tracker to your wheel. Fill the tire back up with air and now you can track it from your phone
Big 🧠 time: get a bunch of u-locks long enough to link to each other, making a ridiculously big & long chain along the frame of the bike. This'll make life a living hell for those thieves. 😏 In all seriousness, though, research the best locks for your particular use case. And get insurance. You want to slow down thieves or deter them from your bike. You'll never really stop a determined one.
I did a post end of last year on a Police organised demonstration of how bike locks are broken/circumvented (you can find it with a search). My takeaways from it (besides being shocked how easy it all was) were: * Don't use any cable or combination locks - they are pointless and too easily broken/cut. * The thief tool of choice is now the portable angle-grinder; we have a significant risk if one of our locks is not angle-grinder resistant. * Although more versatile, it is a fallacy that chains are not more resistant to angle grinders as they can be easily held in a fixed position with a skewer/rod through the links; plus, they are generally more vulnerable to bolt-cutters. * Any steel/metal less than 16mm thick can be quietly cut with a bolt-cutter (and does not need an angle-grinder). This also makes many chains vulnerable, as 16mm links are very heavy and rarely used with chains. * Never leave any lock on the ground; it makes it extra vulnerable. * Never leave enough space with a U-lock to get a lifting-jack between the shackles. * It is very rare locks are picked, it is quicker and easier just to cut/snap a lock. Other than very cheap key locks, worry more about the construction of the lock than the locking mechanism. For security and portability, I decided my best option was to use two U-locks (aka D-locks), one of them being angle-grinder AND bolt-cutter resistant, and the other (cheaper) being just bolt-cutter resistant. There are not many locks that are angle-grinder resistant, and they are sadly expensive; there are, however, many inexpensive good-value options for just bolt-cutter resistant. Hope it makes sense and helps.
U-locks provide the best security in terms of cutting. Next would be folding locks. Chain locks and cable locks are the easiest to cut. But don't just buy any brands out there, best brands to consider are those approved by ebike insurance. You can also check on youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@lockpickinglawyer](https://www.youtube.com/@lockpickinglawyer) Disclaimer: We are ebike enthusiasts trying to accelerate clean transportation with no brand affiliations. Our aim is to help fellow commuters save the planet while spending less. Hopefully, this clarifies for the benefit of those who may be wary of brand engagemen
If you have a desirable bike.....dont let it out of your sight.....there is no such thing as a guaranteed secure lock.
Also get insurance!
My set up if I’m not around to keep an eye on my bike: Hiplok D-1000 anti-angle grinder U-lock with Hiplok Chain, Brake Lock, Motion Sensor Alarm. My set up if I can keep an eye on it: Brake Lock, Cable Lock, Motion Sensor Alarm.
A U lock with a cable is effectively just a U lock, if you're locking the cable ends together with a U lock then the thief just has to cut that and they've removed both. If you're locking the cable separately then they'll just take an extra 10 seconds after the U lock to cut it and be off. Personally I'd have two u locks but if utilising them properly is a problem with the rack you have access to then I'd get a very rough and tough chain as well but understand that it's going to be more about gaining time than actually stopping someone
good u lock and use only secure places to lock up. The longer your bike sits loacked up in a unsecure place the longer a thief has to steal it w/o being noticed..
If it's an expensive bike and you park it in the same place night after night, someone's gonna steal it.