Recommendations for bike locks?

allen-uk

Looking around, it seems that only chains and 'serious' padlocks, such as supplied by Almax, are up to the job (and I do know that oiks in vans can still have your bike away in minutes if they've got the gear).

I'm in the process of getting a new bike, so I'm looking to update my current Abus Granit (which apparently doesn't last long if you watch the Almax videos!) for an Almax chain/padlock plus a top-end U-lock.

Other recommendations or (practical) advice welcomed.


Allen.

cookeeemonster

Try having a look here for a start: http://www.lfgss.com/thread17938.html

Normally chains come second to d-locks in the grand scheme of things...but you're gonna get one of those anyway, so you should be ok.

Only other thing I'd suggest is insurance - will give you peace of mind when leaving your bike. ETA are the ones I use, they seem very good.

allen-uk

Thanks monster, useful link that.

The insurance option is not (wouldn't you know) as straightforward as it should be.

ETA and E&L, both reasonably good bike insurers, seem to stick quite rigidly to the SoldSecure list. Which, and oddly isn't the word, doesn't list Almax chains and padlocks! Gord knows why, as the Almax video shows just how good a chain it is (heavy, but good).

Ah well, a combination of locks (plural) plus insurance sounds the best route, although I'm going to have to argue the case for Almax...


Allen.

cookeeemonster

well you only need one lock to be sold secure, so if you think the almax is a stronger lock then just get the minimum sold secure you need for the d-lock if you want (bronze/silver - can be picked up relatively cheap). Just keep the receipts!

monkimark

i assume this is for home? The Almax locks are properly heavy.

I got one of these for my motorbike - 1.5m long 16mm diameter chain with a locking ground anchor for about the same price as a 1.5m 16mm diameter Almax chain alone.
http://www.pjbsecurity.co.uk/beast-mega ... 16mm-chain

It might be a bit chunky for a bicycle though, I wouldn't really want to be threading a 16mm chain through my spokes every day.

allen-uk

Thanks for the tip about the one SoldSecure lock - hadn't thought of that.

And no, it's for travelling - but it IS an electric bike, so although weight is not 'no object', it's less of an object than for proper cycling.

A

supersonic

A thief with the right tools will have any lock cut in no time, regardless. But I'd still go for as much security as you think is practical, as many thefts are opportunists, or those not carrying hydraulic jacks and croppers.

This is a hefty unit at a good price.

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... ty-devices

jeepie

Given that a hefty lock is a major pain to lug around, and as supersonic says a thief who wants it can have any lock in no time, can anyone recommend a portable lock that can be easily carried suitable for shopping trips? I'm currently lugging two sold secure gold D locks and now my bike is a bit more crusty I'm looking for a more practical lock that's less cumbersome and heavy. Anyone got any ideas? LFGSS seems to say - just don't do it! Anyone taking a slightly more risky but more practical strategy?

monkimark

Bolt croppers can't get around a 16mm bar to cut it, I reckon 14mm would be pretty tough to cut with croppers, especially if you can make the location awkward (we use croppers to cut reinforcing bars on site but there are no 14mm rebars so I couldn't confirm if they can be cut).

If your U-lock is 14-16mm diameter then I'd be pretty confident about cropper resistance, if you fill the shackle with frame & wheels then it should be pretty jack resistant.

I have a 14mm abus mini u-lock as my main lock (frame and back wheel) and an Abus bordo as a secondary lock (frame and front wheel) - based on the assumption that it's an unusual design so may not be broken by the same tools/techniques as the u-lock.

Of course, someone may turn up with a gas axe or angle grinder and then it doesn't matter what lock you have.

Initialised

Apparently interlocked D-Locks is the way to go as it makes it hard to get the hydraulic ram's teeth in either lock.