Questions tagged [security]
Locking your bike and keeping it safe, especially from being stolen.
28
questions
52
votes
17answers
11k views
Locking your bike in public areas
I recently saw a small clip about how to securely lock your bike.
I was wondering what are your tips for minimizing the chances of getting your bike stolen.
Here ...
48
votes
9answers
7k views
Best type of bike lock (materials, style, etc.)
I recently lost the keys to my lock and had to borrow a bolt cutter to free my bike. It was a bit of an eye opener to realise a) just how easy it was for the bolt cutters to cut through my D Lock (<...
35
votes
13answers
6k views
Theft deterrents (in addition to locking up a bike)
Besides locking a bike up properly, are there other deterrents against theft (such as engraving) that make a bicycle less attractive to a potential bike thief?
UPDATE
It was stolen. :-(
17
votes
5answers
7k views
Reduce Resale Value to Avoid Theft? (Uglify)
"Uglify your bike" was mentioned here as a theft deterrent.
I have a 20102009 Canondale F3 and I'm thinking about locking it up in Manhattan from time to time. I think that Uglifying will help.
How ...
22
votes
6answers
9k views
Evidence on “Uglify Your Bike: Effective Theft Deterrent?”
Does anyone have any evidence that uglyfying does or does not work as a theft deterrent? It doesn't have to be scientific: even anecdotal evidence helps (and maybe well-founded opinions)?
This ...
15
votes
10answers
18k views
Ever seen a locking bag that could be locked to the bike?
This might take a little explaining.
I've got stuff on my bike that removes easily and could be stolen: head light, tail light, cyclometer. If I'm riding to a concert or something, I don't want to ...
20
votes
6answers
6k views
Deterrents against partial (component) theft
Big question: Is there any way to increase the security of bolted on portions of a bicycle?
Specifics: I cycle as my primary mode of transport (in East London) on a early 90s steel road bike with ...
18
votes
11answers
43k views
Protecting quick-release seats and wheels from theft
I have to say I am not a fan of quick-release, especially for seats. I do not need to raise and lower my seat nearly enough (almost never) to justify the annoyance of having to take my seat with me or ...
10
votes
3answers
2k views
Are bicycle registration websites any use for recovering stolen bikes?
Ther are quite a few bicycle registration websites aimed to help you recover your bike if it is stolen, such as Bike Shepherd, Bike Register and MyBikeNumber. I'm curious if these sites are of any use....
8
votes
2answers
7k views
Onguard U-lock jammed
I'm currently trying to unlock my bike that has been sitting on my porch for a while, the key works and turns, and I can hear the lock engaging/disengaging, however I cannot get the shackle to come ...
10
votes
5answers
10k views
Affordable security nuts and bolts [closed]
I don't ride particularly fancy bikes, but I do ride in New York City, so I'm interested in securing the components on my bikes without using a ton of locks. Most security bolts products cost a bunch ...
8
votes
2answers
3k views
Are public bicycle rack providers liable if your bicycle is stolen from their rack?
My bicycle was insured and locked to a leisure centre provided bicycle rack while I was in the leisure centre and was stolen by the time I came out. I was later informed that someone else had their ...
7
votes
5answers
18k views
What's the most secure type of bike lock that costs less than $30?
I already have the cable cable kind with the combination lock. It just seems cheap and easy to break into. Is that sufficient or are the U shaped ones better?
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Security wheel skewers for front facing horizontal dropouts
I was looking into upgrading my current skewers to security skewers, e.g. Pitlock skewers (These are skewers which are designed so that its harder to remove a wheel without a specific key provided ...
15
votes
7answers
6k views
What is the best bicycle lock on the market?
What is the best bicycle lock on the market, defined by:
Best security
Easiest usability when securing your bike
Easiest method of transport
Lightest without other compromises
Edit:
In addition, ...
15
votes
5answers
6k views
Suggestions for outdoor commercial (security/parking) stands
I'm looking for suggestions for space efficient stands for parking multiple bikes.
A sports club (not cycling) for which I sit on the committee is looking to solve a bit of a problem. At the moment ...
13
votes
5answers
668 views
Lock for extremely frequent use
Are there lock products out there specifically designed for easy handling when locked unlocked dozens of times a day?
I'm using a normal, chain-based lock at the moment and I'm annoyed because
I'm ...
14
votes
10answers
2k views
Techniques for safely leaving a bike for 1-2 minutes in a safe-ish place
In the last year, 3 of my friends got their bikes stolen by leaving them "just for a minute" in front of a shop "while watching them through the window".
Nevertheless, sometimes I do the same. Maybe ...
12
votes
1answer
722 views
Usage experience with anti-theft GPS trackers
Does anybody have any actual experience with anti-theft GPS trackers like BikeSpy? Their website looks terribly unprofessional and there are only very few testimonies online, but the idea is ...
19
votes
7answers
2k views
Lock my bicycle on busy or quiet places?
When I lock my bicycle I try to lock it on quiet spots, usually on street racks situated on secondary streets.
I think it will be less visible so it will attract less looks. On the other hand, if a ...
8
votes
2answers
3k views
Installing a lock mount on a carbon fiber frame
Let's ignore the question, for a moment, of should I install a lock mount on my new TCR Advanced. But assume that I want to.
Given that the frame is carbon fiber, should I be worried about the ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
Security skewers torque
I purchased Pinhead security skewers, and the instructions suggest to tighten them to 8 N-m (70 in-lb) of torque. However, the skewers use a special key which doesn't appear compatible with a torque ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
GPS bike tracking (locks)
I have seen a few GPS devices either in the backlight or unside the seat tube which you can track if you lose your bike (your bike gets stolen).
What do you think about this stuff. Is it worth the ...
6
votes
4answers
622 views
Are there electronic/active theft deterrents for bicycles?
In addition to mechanical/passive deterrents (locks, chains, etc.), what electronic/active bicycle theft deterrents exist?
* My dear bicycle was stolen two weeks ago and I then vowed to dedicate my ...
4
votes
4answers
2k views
Are Allen key or Security Key skewers appropriate for bikes with rear facing horizontal dropouts
I have a surly karate monkey set up as a single speed. The frame has rear facing horizontal dropouts (track style).
I don't like quick releases due to potential theft when locking up my bike.
Are ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views
Quick release saddle bolts?
I need to find a way to easily remove the saddle on my folding bike.
Solutions from Zefal (Lock & Roll) or Pitlock/PinheadComponents/AntiVandale aren't usable because they're meant for regular ...
3
votes
3answers
414 views
Help please - I am suspicious this bike might be stolen
I recently got this Btwin Triban 3 bike from a person I definately trust. He said they have had it for a couple of years but don't use it anymore and originally got it from a family member a while ago....
3
votes
2answers
31k views
Are all skewers compatible with all bikes?
I'm switching from a 1999 Rock Hopper mountain bike to a new Jamis Aurora road bike. I want to move my cheapy security skewers over to the new bike, but they look a bit different from the skewers the ...
