Cycle Locks, Anchors etc
ianeverton
Posts: 231
Hi all,
Can anybody recommend a good cycle tracker, I have had a look around and cannot find one. However I am sure I had one years ago that basically was slotted or pushed in to the seat tube and forgotten about.
Also can anybody recommend a good wall anchor and chain / lock that I can also use in my garage please ?
There has been a spat of cycle thefts in my area and am constantly worrying about my pride and joy.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Cheers,
Ian
Can anybody recommend a good cycle tracker, I have had a look around and cannot find one. However I am sure I had one years ago that basically was slotted or pushed in to the seat tube and forgotten about.
Also can anybody recommend a good wall anchor and chain / lock that I can also use in my garage please ?
There has been a spat of cycle thefts in my area and am constantly worrying about my pride and joy.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Cheers,
Ian
0
Posts
As for tracking, are you confusing datatag with active tracking? Datatag is just something that can be scanned so if your bike is recovered the police can easily trace you as the owner.
there are active tracking systems out there but they're not cheap and will use GSM to update it's location. I've not tried one myself and don't think many people are but I guess worth looking into (you'd be looking at £100+ though and some companies will probably charge an on-going fee for the service although I'd guess others would be configurable to update you directly). Not sure it would be a big help on a bike though, high-end bikes are likely broken up and the components sold off. Personally I'd spend the cash on insuring it.
http://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/
Also, look out for CaptainCropper on Youtube - for instance, here's my old abus cable lock getting chopped in seconds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFaLmVqQibo
Cable locks just are not worth it.
I think I'm going to get this ground anchor: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=8497
It's large enough to get a big chain through, but also, becasue it rotates, it makes it even more to brace a lever against.
As for locks, I'm going to go for one of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/abus-granit-chain/
Yep, they're a lot of money, but it's cheaper than replacing a bike.
Just go on the ChainReaction or Wiggle websites and search for ground anchors.
As for trackers, I think there are one or two about, but it sounds like you're talking about the tags. These don't track the bike, but do allow the Police to scan it and identify the owner:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/immobilisecom-immobitag-electronic-cycle-protection-kit/
I've also got one of these in my garage: http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/electrical/security-alarms/rooms/Response-Single-Room-Alarm-With-Remote-ML6-White-10647503?icamp=recs
Ignore the review, I've had mine there for nearly four years now and it's worked faultlessly. You get the unit and a remote. To arm, you press the arm button. This gives you about 20seconds to leave the area. When you come back into the area, it beeps, then gives you about 10seconds before going into alarm, time to disarm it. When it does go off, especially in an enclosed environment like a shed or garage, it's actually so loud that it's painful. I know, I've set it off myself a couple of times :roll:
Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
It's worth a lot if your insurance company require it. It could be the difference between a pay out and no pay out.
Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
Faith is the denial of observation so that Belief can be preserved
What i mean is that don't assume that just because it says 'Sold Secure Gold' on a label it's any good. It really isn't.
And to those who say thieves don't go around with 42" croppers all I can say is they do and they will. Or 20" cable cutters. Or freeze spray and a sledge hammer.
Although now battery powered angle grinders are all the rage.
http://www.lfgss.com/thread17938.html
...i've got one of the xena locks with an alarm
nothing will stop a portable angle grinder though
imho datatag etc. are useless, you are relying on the police seizing the bike (they almost certainly won't) and scanning the bike (do you really think they will, really?)
if the police have the frame number of your stolen bike, that should be enough, and yes the thieves could grind it off, just like they could knock out the tag, but most will just sell it on asap, frame number intact
there's a gps tracker, if you act fast after a theft it might help...
http://www.integratedtrackers.com/GPSTrack/
...not cheap, no use if it isn't kept charged and/or you forget to arm it
there's a solution to bike theft, it involves automatic weapons and me being immune from prosecution, but until that glorious day, get a big lock and be vigilant
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40042&t=12711685
Big
James Holt McGavran
Good customer service, too