Would you carry a lock on a day-ride when riding alone?

smurfylicious

I know this won't apply to everyone, but if you were doing a day-ride on your own (i.e. no one else to keep an eye on your bike) would you carry a lock, or would you just chance it?

I don't mean the sort of lock that you could safely leave a bike all day. I mean a small light-weight low-security lock so that you can pop into a shop or cafe for a few minutes without worrying about your bike.

If you do carry one, which one do you have and how heavy is it?

Thanks

MrChuck

I'd chance it for a 'normal' ride- I'd take my bike into shops if necessary, and would skip the cafe stop if I couldn't keep a very close eye on it. I'd assume there'd be no toilet stops that needed more than a hedge!

But if I were doing some sort of all-day epic I'd consider a very light one, maybe something like this:

squire retractable lock

But I'd be under no illusions- the only thing I'd expect it to stop is someone just picking it up and taking it as they happen to pass, and it would only be for a few minutes tops.

Bobbinogs

A few ideas came up here too:

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12792126

CiB

I never carry a lock; most of my long rides are in rural areas and where there is a cause to go inside I ask if it's ok to bring the bike in with me; did that once in a nice little pub somewhere near Whitchurch, left the bike out of the way just inside the door. Not a problem. The staff thought it quite a reasonable thing to do with a nice bike.

niblue

On longer road rides I do usually carry a lock, even if it's only a very small & light one that fits in my seatpack.

MountainMonster

If i'm out riding alone, I normally ensure I bring enough supplies to keep me going without having to stop at shops, and if I do HAVE to stop I stop where I will be able to see my bike. But TBH, here in Austria thievery is not a normal thing, so when out I can leave my bike almost anywhere for a few minutes and when I come back it's still there.

I do keep a small lock with me, with one of those stretchable cables that require a code to unlock for serious emergencies. Only used it once though, and that was when I had to ride to the hospital to visit my father in law after a crash.

Cleat Eastwood

MrChuck wrote:

I'd chance it for a 'normal' ride- I'd take my bike into shops if necessary, and would skip the cafe stop if I couldn't keep a very close eye on it. I'd assume there'd be no toilet stops that needed more than a hedge!

But if I were doing some sort of all-day epic I'd consider a very light one, maybe something like this:

squire retractable lock

But I'd be under no illusions- the only thing I'd expect it to stop is someone just picking it up and taking it as they happen to pass, and it would only be for a few minutes tops.

Good advice. Nice heads up about the lock.

MountainMonster

That squire is exactly what I have in my backpack at all times, retractable was the word I was looking for. Cheap and cheerful they are!

cougie

Never needed one in 30 years +.

Small village shops and cafes are where I stop - theres hardly anyone around.

Jason82

Always carry a lock I am easily tempted by fish and chip shops and any pub that kicks out a nice food smell. I can then easily lock my bike up whilst grabbing some food and drink, I carry a kyptonite cable lock which is fine for short term parking.

Monty Dog

Nope, never needed one ever and if I don't feel a place is safe enough to stop I'll ride on to find somewhere that is. What you learn with experience is only to carry stuff you need and a bike lock, regardless of weight is dead weight and useless for the purpose of increasing your enjoyment of the ride.

noiseboyfeetman

I do, I use this one: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... roducts-UK

Probably not the most secure of locks but good enough if just popping into a shop to get fuel and light enough and compact enough to not notice it in your jersey pocket. I also only normally stop at places that look like a lock isn't needed, but an opportunist thief could be anywhere. You wouldn't leave your wallet with a grand in it outside a shop so why leave a bike worth the same?

CiB

Monty Dog wrote:

Nope, never needed one ever and if I don't feel a place is safe enough to stop I'll ride on to find somewhere that is. What you learn with experience is only to carry stuff you need and a bike lock, regardless of weight is dead weight and useless for the purpose of increasing your enjoyment of the ride.

That's what I wanted to say. I once stopped at that cafe in Monyash nr Buxton; asked about the bike and the staff said leave it outside, it'll be fine. And it was. I kept half an eye on it but it's known as a cake stop and is a bit out of the way.