Questions tagged [lock]

Locks are used to secure bikes. Common varieties are cable/chain locks and U-locks (D-locks).

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3 votes
2 answers
247 views

What kind of cutting wheels cut hardened U-lock shackles best?

I have a question which might be asked by honest people wanting to protect their bike from thieves, but unfortunately can also be asked by bike thieves. I hope this won't be downvoted, my intentions ...
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0 votes
4 answers
246 views

Is it worth paying double price for Kryptonite 10/10 lock?

The Kryptonite 10/10 or 9/10 security cost around 100-110 euro and the Evolution which is 8/10 security is 50. Is it worth the double price?
27 votes
4 answers
10k views

Someone else's lock on my bike

Earlier today, I had to leave my bike in the street to run some errands. Just after I was done attaching it to a barrier, a person came to me and asked me about my kryptonite lock as he was locking ...
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3 votes
7 answers
767 views

Could you please recommend bike lock for long rides and quick stops? [closed]

I have a high-end carbon bike. I do ride long on it, like 100 miles per day. I am looking a bike lock for quick stops (grab water, food, visit a restroom) therefore requirements are simple: ...
  • 206
1 vote
3 answers
238 views

Bicycle locks with alarm

I have a new bike, not very expensive... but still doesnt want it to disappear the next day and I was looking at different locks and came across lock that have an alarm which triggers a siren. Not ...
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

How to remove this skewer? A security feature?

I have this skewer but it seems to have, what looks like some sort of security feature and I can't figure out how to remove. Can anyone identify this or have any suggestions on how to remove it?
0 votes
1 answer
189 views

Better Padlock for outdoor bike shed

I have a padlock for my outdoor bike shed. In two years I've got through 2 of them. It is of the type pictured. They have both jammed in different ways, but ultimately I need something that survives ...
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7 votes
6 answers
3k views

Is my bike safer when parked in crowded places?

Is it safer to leave a bike somewhere where there are a lot of people like Walmart parking lot or somewhere with less people like at a park? Locked in both cases but which case is more likely to get ...
  • 1,301
11 votes
10 answers
7k views

If you can only secure one wheel when locking bike which wheel is better

When I lock my bike I always lock the front wheel with my bike to the rack since front wheel is easier to remove. Is this the right choice? I have only one U-lock so can only secure one wheel, not ...
  • 1,301
1 vote
1 answer
244 views

Recommendation for easily breakable bike lock

I want to purchase a bike lock which I can break easily if it gets jammed, preferably without any tool(or a very small/light tool which I can carry in my bag-pack). I have tried two locks and both of ...
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1 vote
2 answers
317 views

Securing a Penny Farthing- HOW?

Penny-Farthings aren't cheap as anybody who owns one will attest to at £1,300+ for a UDC Penny-Farthing. So I'm keen to secure it from theft, especially since I'd need to be able to evidence that I ...
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2 votes
1 answer
235 views

Modern bike security, a lock with GPS and SIM card?

These days many things are getting GPS and these things often also have a SIM card, so they can connect to the internet. (I think some call this internet of things) Is there any bike lock out there ...
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5 votes
3 answers
359 views

Zip ties to hold smart-lock on frame

I've recently bought a smart lock for my bike that can be mounted directly on the frame. Problem is that my frame has no hole for screwing it on the frame. So I improvised with with 3 zip ties on each ...
28 votes
20 answers
11k views

How can I prevent bicycle theft while bikepacking?

I’m planning a multi-day gravel ride with a few friends. We would have to sleep in public campgrounds, which are also full of people because of the camping season. What is the best way to secure our ...
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0 votes
2 answers
669 views

lock box to hold phone/wallet that attaches to my bicycle [duplicate]

I want to bike to the beach, lock my bike up and swim. I am looking for a high security box that either threads through my U-lock, bolts to my bike frame... so I can keep my wallet and phone in it ...
12 votes
7 answers
3k views

How should I lock my bike in a public front wheel bike stand

In front of my gym there is front wheel bike stand that means a regular D lock will not be able to reach from the stand to the frame. Around the corner is some Sheffield style locks but they are out ...
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2 votes
1 answer
399 views

How does the Pog Security Washer work when using it with the Pinhead wheel locks?

I noticed when I got some Pinhead Wheel Locks that they came with an extra funky looking washer that looks like this: They didn't describe much about it, but I did find some information about them: ...
3 votes
1 answer
465 views

Attach Kryptonite Messenger Mini+

I got a Kryptonite Messenger Mini+ with a rear wheel extender. Really great design except for one thing: there's no way to clip it to the frame. The clip that I have depends on fitting on the straight ...
2 votes
1 answer
125 views

How to register a custom built for Kryptonite's ATPO Program?

When registering for Kryptonite's ATPO Program here, you are asked for a bicycle make and model. With a custom-built, I have no idea what to provide there. I contacted customer service, with no reply ...
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4 votes
2 answers
233 views

When carrying a lock on body, which statistical data and experiences to consider re: safety concerns

With a custom-built bike in somewhat higher price regions, I now ended up with a high-security u-lock, which is also very heavy-weight. I also own a heavy-weight chain lock. For several reasons and ...
  • 676
1 vote
0 answers
160 views

Fluid combination lock resetting, forgot to turn the resetting knob back

Out of the box, tried to reset the combination, forgot the step after setting the new number, where we turn the knob back, I forgot to turn the knob back, locked it. now it wont open with neither the ...
  • 111
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

How do I obtain a duplicate bike key for my kryptonite U lock?

I want a duplicate key for my Kryptonite U-lock. I have the key number. Where can I order an additional key that will work?
11 votes
6 answers
4k views

Warranty on lock damaged during attempted theft

Someone attempted to steal my girlfriend's bike tonight and they damaged the lock. Do you guys know if we can use the warranty to get it exchanged? The lock has a 2 year warranty and I'm planning to ...
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7 votes
1 answer
398 views

Does Abus print blind bitting codes on their D-Lock bikes (or do thieves go through the trouble to

I've got several YourPlus Abus locks (all keyed the same) so that I can have one key for basically all the family bikes. The other day I noticed that one of my D-Locks had a plastic part missing, ...
2 votes
1 answer
472 views

Heavy bike lock mount on a carbon frame

I have a foldable Abus Bordo 6500 which weights around 1.7kg. It came with a sturdy, rubber based case that can be mounted using bottle cage mounts. Is this OK to do so on a carbon frame, or does it ...
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1 vote
0 answers
243 views

Stiff, hard to use poplock, rockshox recon silver

My bike is equipped with front suspension Rockshox Recon Silver with PopLock remote lock. The use of that control is VERY stiff and HARD to lock (very easy to unlock though). Every time I need to ...
  • 569
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Kryptonite lock falling apart?

Just a quick question but should the Kryptonite lock fall apart like this when it's open without they key in? To me it feels too loose but I'm not sure. Guess it locks anyways?
  • 997
4 votes
4 answers
488 views

Why am I breaking Pitlock spring washers so frequently?

I'm hoping some pitlock users out there can help me out. I've installed these on a pair of new bikes to add some protection for some expensive wheels. They seem to be a decent deterrent. My problem is ...
10 votes
3 answers
9k views

Where are stolen bikes sold?

I live in a city on the east coast. I recently had my bike stolen. The frame was locked to a bike rack using a u-lock. They either picked or cut the u-lock. My simple question is: where do thieves ...
  • 761
3 votes
3 answers
7k views

How to lock up a bike with a rear wheel lock?

Really did try searching for this but couldn't find an answer. I'm getting a bike with a rear wheel lock like this: Since the rear wheel is locked to the frame then would securing the front wheel and ...
  • 31
1 vote
4 answers
2k views

Protect chipping frame from metal bike lock with Sugru

What's the best method to stop a Kryptonite Mini d-lock scratching/chipping an aluminium frame? Stickers have already been applied as a first layer of protection. Is there something similar to the ...
4 votes
2 answers
16k views

Lock jammed - key will go in and out but cannot turn

I know that similar questions have been asked here, but I can't find a question with the exact same problem encountered here. My bike was left locked during a week or two of sub-zero temperature, and ...
  • 419
5 votes
1 answer
841 views

Jammed lock (shackle stuck in crossbar)

Yesterday evening, my Kryptonite U-Lock was pretty stiff when I unlocked it after work. The key turned fine, but removing the shackle from the crossbar took a few minutes of pulling and jiggling. I ...
4 votes
2 answers
502 views

Does carrying a chain lock around on the frame reduce a bicycle's performance?

I have a Montra rock 650B MTB. I use 2 lock systems - 1 cable and 1 chain lock for added security. Both are attached to the frame while I cycle. The chain-lock is pretty heavy (around 700 grams). I ...
  • 41
4 votes
7 answers
641 views

How can I avoid tearing the valve loose from an inner tube with a wheel lock?

The problem It sounds foolish, but I have too often torn the valve loose from the inner tube by rotating the wheel so that the valve is pressed against a closed wheel lock. Wheel locks are common in ...
  • 221
-1 votes
4 answers
269 views

Securing belongings when entering a store that forbids outside bags

Where should a cyclist secure his valuables before entering a store that forbids carrying bags into the building? Normally, when cycling, I carry my wallet and phone in the small compartment of a ...
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Can I buy a Locking Thru Axle for extra security?

I've seen security skewers for quick release wheels such as pitlock or pinhead which provide some level of additional security for wheels without carrying bulky locks for wheels (Still wise to use a ...
  • 17.9k
0 votes
2 answers
235 views

Which bike lock should I choose? [closed]

For a long time I was a happy owner of an Abus Catena chain lock. However, last night someone tried to steal my bike. Luckily, they either didn't have enough time, or the lock was too tough for them ...
  • 117
3 votes
3 answers
16k views

Lock jammed on bike

My cable lock is jammed. The key fits in but won't turn. What can I do? My bike is locked up outside on the street so I guess the first thing would be to put a second lock on it in case the first ...
4 votes
3 answers
4k views

Are modern frame locks "safe"?

In the older days I remember that frame locks were soldered onto the frame, but today they seem to be just screwed onto it (example film of installation can be found here). Doesn't this open for the ...
  • 141
3 votes
3 answers
2k views

How secure are Security Wheel Skewers like Zéfal Lock'n'Roll?

I'm looking for a reliable locking system for my wheels to prevent being stolen, specifically for the front wheel as I always attach the rear one together with the frame with the U-lock. I look for ...
2 votes
1 answer
194 views

Fox Talas FIT RLC 32 - broken lock and problem with the right leg

I just finished my first Marathon race today, it was super cool, the best MTB experience in my life -- but there was a super frustrating part. Something broke in my fork right leg, and now that one ...
  • 141
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

Frame lock that can lock without key inserted

Does a frame/wheel lock that can be locked without the key being inserted exist? And if so, how secure is the lock itself (I heard that this style of locks that can be locked without the key inside ...
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Are U-lock "wheel extenders" sold separately?

I quite like the Kryptonite U-lock "wheel extender" idea - but I'm less attached to Kryptonite as a company - and even less so to the Messenger series of their locks, which is the only one that has ...
  • 28.7k
4 votes
2 answers
318 views

Non-rusting D-Locks

I use a D-Lock to secure my bike (along with other locks.) But every lock I've had has developed rust in the prongs and lock mechanism, that is messy and eventually seizes up. The problem can be ...
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4 votes
3 answers
3k views

How comfortable is it to wear a u-lock holder this way? [closed]

I have never used a bike lock holder or holster but this handmade one looks practical and cool: https://www.vespoe.com/contourandco/shop/u-lock-holder. I would like to know if it's practical to use on ...
  • 41
19 votes
7 answers
19k views

How do you lock up your bike trailer?

Many of us pull bike trailers - whether one-wheeled or two-wheeled -- cargo or kids. What is the best way to lock up trailers - especially when you're commuting? Most trailers come with a quick-...
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8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Commuting daily with an Expensive Bike, tips?

I have been commuting to work daily for years now. Sadly I just switched jobs and there is no bike parking, so I have to leave it in the street. My main problem is that I'm riding a Colnago Single ...
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3 votes
5 answers
1k views

Parking a bike with wide tyres in a narrow bike rack

I park my bike at work in a rack like this: At the moment I have 26 x 1.9" knobbly tyres and the wheel just squeaks into the rack. However I'd like to replace these with 26 x 2" Schwalbe Marathons ...
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6 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is a good bike-to-lock ratio in price?

What is a good ratio, in prices, between your bike and your lock so that it would be reasonable. Say if your bike is 200 GBP, a lock of 20 GBP might be too cheap (or just right!). So where do people ...