52
votes
Accepted
Leaving lock on the parking rack - is this rude?
Whether it's rude is a matter of local custom. Whether you're offended by it depends on your flexibility and sensitivity
Often, we cyclists can become a little over sensitive, after having to defend ...
- 17.2k
35
votes
Warranty on lock damaged during attempted theft
Warranties exist to protect you, the consumer, against defects in materials or workmanship, not against deliberate damage. The purpose of a bike lock is to help avoid your bike being stolen, so if it ...
- 12.7k
26
votes
How can I prevent bicycle theft while bikepacking?
With multiple bikes, locking them together prevents them being picked up or ridden off. The latter is often the biggest risk when camping - simple opportunism.
A reasonably long cable lock would lock ...
- 55.7k
22
votes
Someone else's lock on my bike
I've heard of this being a tactic to encourage you to accidentally leave your bike unlocked, so they can come back and steal your bike later, but on balance it could just as well be accidental.
If you ...
- 119k
20
votes
Accepted
How can I paint a kryptonite key?
I used nail varnish, it sticks well to the plastic and is very tough. It's easier to apply than spray paint, but a bit more fiddly and forms a thicker layer of paint. I also used it to mark the locks....
- 2,172
20
votes
Accepted
Someone else's lock on my bike
Another option if you're planning on cutting the lock, and don't want to leave their bike unlocked:
Rent cutting tool and remove your bike
Lock the other bike with your lock
Find a good hiding place ...
- 316
17
votes
Warranty on lock damaged during attempted theft
Some locks offer "insurance" where you can get a payout if their lock fails to protect your bike.
Of course there are caveats like "lock must be used" and "thief must leave lock behind" (for ...
- 119k
16
votes
How comfortable is it to wear a u-lock holder this way?
tw: extreme anti-hipster /snark
Ahh! The u-lock belt holder. The perfect accessory for hipsters, literally:
Advantages:
Everyone will know you're a hipster
People may think you're into hardcore ...
- 28.9k
14
votes
New D-lock failed locked up
It turns out that one of the bolts doesn't retract with the locking mechanism (the lock is bolted at each end rather than a hooked end and a single bolt). Here's a full writeup in case it helps ...
- 55.7k
14
votes
Leaving lock on the parking rack - is this rude?
I'd pick a different spot in the rack if possible. But if I was in a hurry or there wasn't another suitable place I'd use it (e.g. my bike doesn't fit on the bottom of the double stacker at the ...
- 55.7k
14
votes
How can I avoid tearing the valve loose from an inner tube with a wheel lock?
A bike I sometimes borrow has one of these locks, and I can't say it's ever been a problem. You've given the answer in your question: Do not close the wheel lock between a spoke and the valve. If you'...
- 55.7k
14
votes
If you can only secure one wheel when locking bike which wheel is better
I would lock the rear wheel.
The problem of locking the front wheel with U lock is that there's no way to lock it easily (or at least I can't imagine one). The front wheel is attached to the fork, but ...
- 17.7k
13
votes
Warranty on lock damaged during attempted theft
It still doesn't hurt to contact the manufacturer, but do not talk to as if they owe you anything.
Do an open inquiry and see if there's anything they can do.
Companies can actually do things out of ...
- 231
13
votes
If you can only secure one wheel when locking bike which wheel is better
The most important thing is that the frame is securely locked to a solid object.
If you can also lock one or both wheels it’s nice but I wouldn’t worry too much. The rear wheel is more expensive but ...
- 25.8k
12
votes
Accepted
New D-lock failed locked up
Have you tried a well-aimed hammer blow while the key is turned in an attempt to use inertial force (instead of spring force) to move the latch piece? Start with taps at first.
Have you tried some ...
- 28.9k
11
votes
How can I paint a kryptonite key?
Paint (and even nail varnish) will chip off the plastic sooner or later. The important thing is to get the paint into the grooves where it's protected. On my recent series 2 this means the logo on ...
- 55.7k
11
votes
If you can only secure one wheel when locking bike which wheel is better
Bottom Line:
Nothing is perfect. You need to develop a strategy based on what parts you are willing to replace.
I use a U lock and a steel cable similar to the pictures below and I take my quick ...
- 19.9k
11
votes
Is my bike safer when parked in crowded places?
The question is about crowds of people, but I'll answer from another perspective, dealing with crowds of bikes. I'd say you're better off locking your bike up in a location that has many other bikes ...
- 599
10
votes
Lighter bicycle locks not made of steel
There isn't all that much point.
We have a lot of knowledge on how to make steel tough. It's also pretty cheap. This basically makes it win-win for manufacturers: use enough tough steel in a good ...
- 45.9k
10
votes
Accepted
Commuting daily with an Expensive Bike, tips?
I think that picking up a second bike is definitely a good approach. Not only does it allow you to not risk your more expensive bike getting stolen, but it allows you to have a bike more suitable to ...
- 21.6k
10
votes
How do I obtain a duplicate bike key for my kryptonite U lock?
You can get another key for your lock by ordering it from Kryptonite at this link.
- 19.9k
10
votes
How can I prevent bicycle theft while bikepacking?
I would suggest a Pacsafe Security Web or similar product to cover your gear. It is basically a net made of small gauge steel cables. It is designed to cover a backpack along with a long cable to ...
- 18.3k
10
votes
Someone else's lock on my bike
Destroy the offending lock. You are wasting time and energy worrying about his feelings when it was his mistake that cost you time and money.
- 251
10
votes
Chain lock vs U lock harder to break?
U-locks are prone to angle grinders, which are noisy and slower, but also to nails gins, which are extremely fast.
Here is a video showing destroying a lock using a nail-gun that uses .22 cal blank ...
- 15.3k
9
votes
New D-lock failed locked up
Just to confirm, I had the same problem with the Abus 410 this morning. Tapping fairly hard on the end of the lock with a hammer where the bolt wasn't retracting whilst my other half wiggled the key ...
- 91
9
votes
Leaving lock on the parking rack - is this rude?
This will depend on MANY things, including but not limited to:
local custom
office politics
special concerns (I can't think of any, but more in this later)
utilization of the rack
your feelings on ...
- 543
9
votes
Accepted
How do you lock up your bike trailer?
I have a Burley pet/cargo trailer and when I take it to the store, I use a long (~ 3 meter) cable with a loop on the ends. I loop the one end around itself on one wheel, loop it around the hitch bar, ...
- 1,789
9
votes
Accepted
Jammed lock (shackle stuck in crossbar)
Sounds like you have moisture in there somewhere and its frozen. Try pouring warm (not boiling) water on it from a jug.
When you get it open, take it inside, dry it, and store in a hot water ...
- 119k
9
votes
Kryptonite lock falling apart?
Yes and no.
Yes, that’s how they’re constructed - as two concentric pipes for strength.
No, as in they shouldn’t come apart that easily. You may have lost a retaining screw that keeps them ...
- 28.9k
9
votes
If you can only secure one wheel when locking bike which wheel is better
Interestingly, just locking the back wheel can also secure the frame if you do it in the right position, as shown in this post on pinterest:
You can remove neither wheel nor frame because the wheel ...
- 1,601
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible