Questions tagged [security]

Locking your bike and keeping it safe, especially from being stolen.

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15 votes
4 answers
5k views

Tracking my bike - How could a company offer a GPS location tracker with no recurrent service fee?

I want to add a tracker to my bicycle. I’ve come across this and am wondering if it’s too good to be true? If not, how does it work, and why is this the only example I can find? What are folks’ ...
TylerDurden's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

What is the lightest chain lock that would present difficulty for bolt cutters?

I was told in a bike shop the other day that the Kryptonite Keeper 785 chain has been tested and can’t be broken with a bolt cutter. I was really looking forward to getting one of these because at the ...
TylerDurden's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
41 views

Locking option for a 100mm quickrelease?

I recently got a Ride1Up LMT'D, and it came with a quick release for the front wheel. According to their support, it's 100mm wide, and I can't seem to find a 100mm pinhead or similar product :( Any ...
Yuvi's user avatar
  • 111
2 votes
2 answers
498 views

Tile for theft recovery

Has anyone used Tile as a theft recover device for one of their bicycles? I live in a metro area with a relatively high crime rate, and I am looking for some extra piece of mind while I have my bike ...
Ziggy's user avatar
  • 145
1 vote
2 answers
117 views

Is there a bright bike light that is theft-resistant? [duplicate]

I usually take my bike light with me so that it doesn't get stolen. However, this can be quite annoying during commuting, as I sometimes park my bike 4-5 times in different places during the day. ...
Skeleton Bow's user avatar
10 votes
5 answers
2k views

Enclosed external bicycle storage for house with up to 10 bicycles

We recently bought a flat in a house (in Northern Europe) with 5 flats in total. It does not have any bicycle storage at the moment. We discussed with the other owners of the flats to build an ...
elevendollar's user avatar
21 votes
3 answers
6k views

Why should little kids not have back mirrors on their bicycles?

In a paper from the mid-1980s, there is a kind of PSA box listing some things that small children should NOT have on their bicycle. Most of them make sense, but there's one that confuses me: "...
Khye's user avatar
  • 211
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?
Chris Cooke's user avatar
8 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 ...
Lightsout's user avatar
  • 1,727
11 votes
10 answers
12k 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 ...
Lightsout's user avatar
  • 1,727
17 votes
7 answers
5k views

How important is the MIPS safety system for a bicycle helmet? [duplicate]

I'm shopping for a bicycle helmet. The ones without this "MIPS" feature can cost 549 SEK: https://www.sportson.se/produkt/miles-69415850 But then there is an identical-looking one with "...
K. Bache's user avatar
  • 179
3 votes
2 answers
383 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 ...
F1Linux's user avatar
  • 2,203
2 votes
1 answer
310 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 ...
KcFnMi's user avatar
  • 139
0 votes
2 answers
1k 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 ...
user51016's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
519 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: ...
biketoeverything.com's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
7k views

Help identifying frame number

On my new bike I can see two numbers stamped into the frame - one seven digits long and one eight digits long. There's also a serial number on a tag. I'm attempting to register the Bike with the UK ...
philipnye's user avatar
  • 193
5 votes
3 answers
872 views

Help please - I am suspicious this bike might be stolen

I recently got this Btwin Triban 3 bike from a person I definitely 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....
Anas's user avatar
  • 247
0 votes
1 answer
175 views

Where can I find information on Kent 700c Eagle Ridge axle nuts, I want to buy Hexlox

Where can I find information on Kent 700c Eagle Ridge front and rear outer axle nuts, so they can be replaced with Hexlox?
user2954660's user avatar
26 votes
9 answers
17k views

How can I offer a test ride while selling a bike?

I am selling a bike to someone I don't know from Craigslist. I expect that the prospective purchaser will want to test ride the bike before making the purchase. How can I prevent them from riding ...
Stephen Meschke's user avatar
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

How to ensure security of panniers when touring

I'm planning a cycle tour carrying baggage in panniers on the bike. For at least some of the trip, I'll be alone, and when I need to go into shops/cafes/toilets, I can lock up the bike, but the ...
Gremlin's user avatar
  • 183
20 votes
8 answers
7k views

Properly locking on a floor mount rack with a U-lock

I have read recommendations to lock both the bike's frame and wheel. That's quite easy to do on larger racks, such as Sheffield stands. The place I work in, however, has a floor mount rack to store ...
user avatar
16 votes
7 answers
3k views

How can I prevent my next bike from being stolen?

I park my bike in my building's bicycle room, in the parking garage in the basement. The garage door can only be opened with a remote fob, and the bicycle room is locked as well. In the garage, I ...
Maxime's user avatar
  • 263
3 votes
3 answers
10k views

Securing bikes while on a car hitch mount

I've recently come into ownership of two very nice bikes. I live in an okay area, so I haven't had to worry about bike security very often. We do, however, often take our bikes to less than savory ...
Monica Apologists Get Out's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
381 views

Can I remove dropper seatpost of the Lapierre Edge 327 plus?

I recently bought a Lapierre Edge 327 plus mountain bike, that has a dropper seatpost that can be adjusted from the left handlebar. I want to remove the seatpost when I park the bike in "unsure" ...
Olórin's user avatar
  • 177
11 votes
5 answers
2k views

How can I reversibly uglify a bike?

I'm likely to have to commute to somewhere that's less than ideal for security. The whole thing is less than ideal but it's only for a couple of weeks. Using using the beater bike I already have ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 58.7k
3 votes
3 answers
8k 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 ...
Marco's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Through Axle Wheels thread P1.0 or P1.5

I'm looking to use some Pinheads on my bike. The front wheel is a through axle wheel. From Pinhead's product website they have an option for P1.0 or P1.5 thread - I'm looking for a M12 124mm long bolt....
Bernard Tyers's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
524 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 ...
VMG's user avatar
  • 41
-1 votes
4 answers
294 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 ...
Damian Yerrick's user avatar
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 ...
Benzo's user avatar
  • 18.2k
0 votes
2 answers
240 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 ...
Leta's user avatar
  • 117
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 ...
Gerard Bosch's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
601 views

taking bike on vacation

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 ...
False Identity's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Where is the best place to park a folding bike?

This is quite a generalised question, but I'm looking for some principals to follow when looking for parking for my folding bike, that I just bought this morning. I think the ideal situation would be ...
ahorn's user avatar
  • 172
5 votes
7 answers
5k views

Is there a way to attach a safe box to a bike?

I'm looking for a way to store small items on my bike frame when I go for a run. It would be mostly to store and conceal objects than to really secure them (I'm thinking house keys, not wallet). For ...
drolex's user avatar
  • 153
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 ...
RoboKaren's user avatar
  • 29.2k
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 ...
MattR's user avatar
  • 83
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

securing disk brakes against theft in a low-visibility locked bike room

I have once again had my disk brake stolen on my bike in my apartment building. Being a high rise they forbid us taking bikes up in the elevator (and I don't really have the space to store it anyway)....
Italian Philosophers 4 Monica's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

How to keep bikes safe while camping with a car

I'm planning to make a trip through Europe this year with my girlfriend. Bikes are going to travel on a roof rack. We are going to sleep on campgrounds in tents most of the time. So my biggest concern ...
Jacka's user avatar
  • 121
4 votes
6 answers
2k views

What to do with my old bike?

I have an old, cheap, second hand bike which I use for commuting. I have to leave it on the street for 10 hours every day, it is old with damaged stickers and dirty which makes it less likely to be ...
kifli's user avatar
  • 942
4 votes
1 answer
259 views

How popular is the "Sold Secure" certification among reasonable-quality lock makers?

I'm a recent convert to cycling, having moved to Amsterdam, and I intend to buy a U-lock for a bike I'm getting. Now, people have recommended that I buy U-locks with a "sold secure" label - but in a ...
einpoklum's user avatar
  • 819
40 votes
14 answers
12k views

My bike got stolen a second time (in Amsterdam) - what should I do? [duplicate]

I've moved to Amsterdam a few months ago, and have started using bicycles; I mostly cycle from home to work. I've been using typical old(ish) used bikes, black-color omafiets of some obscure make, ...
einpoklum's user avatar
  • 819
3 votes
2 answers
3k views

What is the best way to secure a bike on a bus bike rack?

This question involved a bicycle stolen off the front of a San Francisco muni bus. Up to now, I never thought much about how vulnerable my steed is on a bus. What is the best way to secure a bicycle ...
RoboKaren's user avatar
  • 29.2k
8 votes
1 answer
584 views

Experience with GPS trackers - thieves' reactions?

I'm interested in experiences what happens in reality when a bike with a GPS tracker is targeted / stolen by thieves. There are GPS trackers with a SIM card that will send an alarm to your mobile ...
Stephan Matthiesen's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
242 views

Should I always ride on the designated bike path?

I just had my first ride last week end and I generally rode pretty much in a defensive way, I always followed the cycle paths, but to be honest I enjoyed much more riding on the street for 2 reasons ...
Ende Neu's user avatar
  • 237
7 votes
2 answers
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 ...
Roman's user avatar
  • 233
2 votes
2 answers
4k views

How do I make my bicycle as ugly as possible without affecting the riding qualities? [duplicate]

I live in a city known for extremely high rates of bike theft (Prague, Czech Republic). I'm therefore looking to make my bicycle appear as cheap and ugly as possible to deter possible thefts. What ...
JonathanReez's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
3k views

Attaching a Kryptoflex cable (Kryptonite) to the frame

I want to attach the double looped cable (bottom) to the frame: it's two metres long, and isn't convenient to wrap around the D-lock, etc. Has anyone done this? Since a clip (top) can't get past the ...
Ne Mo's user avatar
  • 1,385
5 votes
2 answers
20k views

Securing a bike on a car rack against theft [duplicate]

I sometimes find the need to leave my bike on my bike rack while I'm away from my car. It's a simple strapped-on rack, so locking the bike to the rack doesn't help. (My car doesn't have a towing ...
Matt McHenry's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
5k views

Biking to the airport / leaving a bike for a week

I'd like to try riding to the airport or to public transit when I travel. Does anybody do this? Any suggestions for how to secure a bike if you're going to need to leave it for a week or so?
dlu's user avatar
  • 7,046