taking bike on vacation

Question

I'm planning to take my bike on this year vacation but I have certain dilemmas where and how to keep bike secure during my stay. Bike is nothing fancy (MTB, 26" wheels, full suspension bike with Manitou shocks, aluminum frame, new SLX groupset, Fox DOSS seat post...) more of a sentimental value because I put too much work and effort in maintaing it.

First of all, I'm staying at a hotel which doesn't have secure room for storing bikes and management doesn't allow keeping bikes in room or on balcony. Hotel only has bike racks at the entrance to each hotel wing (some of theme are covered with 'security' cameras) and most guest keep their bikes locked there. At night, those racks are in dark and I have no idea if I'll be able to see it from my room.

My concern is that by keeping my bike with other bikes (usually cheaper ones), it will stick out and be nice 'target' due to higher end parts and components.

The other option is to keep bike inside my car on unsecured parking lot (no street light, no surveillance) which is even further away from hotel and my car has no alarm to hear if someone tries to open it.

My bike will be unattended during night, and most of the day while not riding it (meals, going on beach...) I also considered leaving my bike at home and renting bike but prices are outrageous - so it isn't an option.

To be honest, at the moment I'm still searching for a decent bike lock so I have yet to solve that part of a problem (and I'm probably little paranoid when it comes to bikes).

Any ideas and suggestions how to secure bike (and enjoy vacation) are more than welcome.

Answer 1

You could try leaving the bike in your car, but covered with a dark blanket so that its not visible at night, it would be even better concealed if you took the wheels with you into your room at night as it could make the blankets profile flatter (handlebars turned to be inline with the frame).

If you dont mind taking it apart even more (pedals and wheels) you could even get a bike box to put it in, when you cover it with a dark covering then it would present a flat surface in your car which would be almost invisible in the dark.

Additionally, park near a street light or as close to the entrance as possible so its covered by the "security cameras" you mentioned.

Answer 2

Talk nicely to the place you're staying. Generally there's someone who lives on site permanently, and they may have better facilities. You will have to slide them some money for consideration, but pop your bike in a lockup garage would be ideal.

Is there another accommodation in the area that does have better bike storage? Staying there might work better.

Is there a bike shop in the area that could store your bike? Even a 24 hour service station might be more secure. Totally tip them though.

Another thought is to remove at least the front wheel, and store the bike in your locked car overnight. That way if its stolen then your insurer is unable to say "you didn't take adequate precautions."