I live in Brooklyn, NY and that chain and lock is definitely what you need in "certain" areas! I just bought a bike after many years of not riding, can't wait to get out there again!
That was well thought out. Very informative, in depth, and we should all be thankful to you for taking the time and trouble to give us this excellent advice. ATB from the UK. Pete.
Thanks for the pointers. I've had two good bikes stolen and both were in locked garages. The garages were usually kept locked but left unlocked incidentally . I now lock my bike to something in the garage. Thieves are opportunists, the harder you make it for them the less likely your bike will be stolen. I use a good cable lock when leaving the bike for only a few minutes and try to lock it in a high travel area. If I have to leave it for longer periods of time, such as overnight, I either bring it inside or use a second very heavy cable lock. At work, it is locked in front of the Security Kiosk, so only a lone cable lock is used.
He's a funny guy... but makes good points. I totally agree with him that any lock can be defeated, so about the best you can hope for is to buy yourself some time. (Time is the enemy of bike thieves. ) All in all, a well balanced video. Thumbs up!
CJ, I live in NYC's borough of Queens where bike theft is a major problem sometimes. I have an extensive collection of bike locks and related gear and I thought I might suggest a few items you didn't cover that I find to be very useful deterrents. 1- Master Lock makes "handcuff-style" locks for bikes. Some look exactly like a pair of very hefty handcuffs, others have a single cuff at one end of a thick, long cable loop. I like these, especially the double-cuff versions, because they are about as strong as a decent u-lock but are much faster to apply to and remove from street anchors. One downside is that they won't work with every available street anchor but a big upside is that they LOOK LIKE HANDCUFFS and are not a common lock type so bike thieves are going to be put off by the unfamiliarity and by the mental association with law enforcement. 2- I buy these amazingly inexpensive (under $4 US) motion alarms from Amazon, which gets them from various Chinese vendors. Do a search in Amazon for "alarm bike" in the "Sports and Outdoors" department. Sort the results by price and look for the really cheap ones. Unlike a lock used alone these supplemental alarms can deter vandalism as well as theft. The 9V battery lasts me more than a year and has kept children from idly fiddling with the barrel adjusters on my shifters and teenagers from lounging on the seat of my recumbent.
6:20 if its a chain that you buy on on length specific to your desire, it is cut in the store to size with a saw or bolt cutter: the thief can do the same thing because the chain is stainless steel, not hardened. Get a chain that is set to length by the manufacturer.
Thanks for the video. I never gave any attention to those rear wheel frame locks before, but I was unaware that you can pop a cable into some of them. Seems like a lightweight option for the rear wheel to remain quick-release for changing flats.
I found a wheel lock online. www.idahomountaintouring.com/product/electra-abus-amparo-495-frame-lock-193804-1.htm?gclid=CjwKEAjwrbSoBRDok47Sv6Ci80wSJABFUszTTy76fyJVycIV6CUsdgnP_Vn714JQ4t2mtoXATov3uBoC9inw_wcB
Hi, it look's like the ring locks (what the wheel locks are called) are not so populair outside the Netherlands (where I am from). They are mostly used on city bikes as you probably know. The AXA Defender lock you got on your green bike is a really good one, quite costly but probably worth it. You can also get these ring locks for 5Euro a piece if you know where to shop but that is mostly in the shops and you probably can't find them at those prices online. If anyone is interested I could perhaps sent some of them around :P Btw you can also get chains which attach to the AXA defender lock instead of the attachable cable shown in the video :)
hmmm, two or three minutes inconvenience vs having your bike stolen and maybe being late for work or something else, having to walk around everywhere or pay for a bus, which inconvenience is greater?
2-3 minutes twice every day adds up quick. But seriously who take 2-3 minutes to lock a bike? Even with 2 locks it shouldn't take more than 30 seconds.
I would suggest making a record of your name and/or serial number and placing it somewhere hidden, for instance, handlebars. It is useful as a way to identify your bike in case the bike thief scrapes off the serial number off the frame. Also, get a picture of yourself standing next to your bike, as further proof.
Great vid!!. I love that wheel lock. I decided on u locks for strength and ease. Lock frame and wheels. As you said I do find them to be limiting in where you can use them.The wheel lock would be a nice add on. You have to run off with the bike on your shoulders!
You buy a $3000. carbon fibre lightweight bike, and you have to carry 20lbs. in chains :-) Better to buy a cheaper heavier bike that it's not so attractive for thieves.
very sound reasoning, however most people leave thier heavy duty chains locked to thier regular secure space after collecting thier bikes ready for the next day.
The best chain is the square security chain. Bolt cutters cannot cut through it. Only angle grinders with a special blade. How many bike thieves carry those around?
Hey CJ brilliant video as always and I have the wheel lock too with the plug in chain. Anyways could you tell me what kind of folding table that you have? Preferably the brand and where to buy it
I have 3 locks . I take the time to lock it . I paid $700 . Toronto is a BIG bike theft place . I like that new lock you have . I will look for one here .
+Dev9172 I also go nuts I got a 3000 dollar fs mountain I use mostly offroad only and a 1200 dollar hardtail I use in the city more but still I have 300 bucks invested in a ulock and a chain lock both kryptonites in the city I carry both no matter the bike
To date not a soul has even touched either bike no matter where in the city or how long they've been locked up not that my full suspension gets into the city often a 30 t 1x11 drivetrain doesn't do to well on road does friggin awesome off road though. Adding a 3rd ride to a sleeper full rigid 27 speed equipped with a full shimano xt drivetrain but weathered/painted so it looks like a pos from a distance.
So this video is pretty much an explanation of how we do it in the Netherlands :) Also: I would not use the housebrand Halfords one, but stick with the Axa Defender, which is an excellent lock! Of course any of them can be picked, but the Defender is known for putting up a reasonable fight.
You have a great locking scheme . I'd give it an 8 out of 10 because you rely too much on cables which are too easy to cut with bolt clippers. I have a similar scheme. I also use an Axa Defender O-lock in combination with a special axa chain, similar to your cable but with more security, being hardened steel. I also use a U-lock for the frame, permanetly, since it came with a frame support inside the triangle. I also use a combination cable for the front wheel and another combination, thinner cable for the seat. I think that the locking scheme should make the thief carry more tools or power tools, to be able to take the bike away. If it is as in your case, with 2 cables, he can snape both with clippers or scissors.. and even if you have an O-lock for the rear wheel, the thief can still lift it and if he is strong, rest the bike on the front wheel and run with it, or throw it in a van.
Dud, I use a kryptonite NY chain lock series 4 fold 12mm chain shackle. The manganese hardened steel. Double deed bolt lock on lock shackle. With chain lock secure most exPensive Parts. I loop chain through back wheel around bike post next tO wheel and atach chain around soLid steel unmovible object. Then I use 12mm steel braided cable lock through frame front wheel and loop through 1 pedal. Finaly Loop thiner cable to secure seat to bike frame. God bless.
I also like those wheel spoke locks a lot and got one while in the Netherlands. I had a combination lock almost exactly like yours which was easily broken through on a busy college campus so I think it only took a matter of seconds. I don't really trust those much anymore.
4:54 I can see my school. It’s weird since I saw I moved out of the province you’re in and moved to a different province, all sudden I searched up this video and found my old school lol.
I think the reason why your bike hasent been stolen is due to it not being worth that much. Cable lock? Easy to cut through in seconds. Same goes for that heavy chain. Ring lock im not to sure on how secure it is but the cable that it uses is easy to cut as well.
As I explained in the video, it's based on 3 independent factors: Value of bike, amount of time that bike is locked up, and location that bike is locked up.
Amazon has a bunch. Search for "bicycle frame lock" in the "Sports and Outdoors" department. These are nice as a supplement or for a very quick stop where you will have your eye on the bike at all times. Used alone, they do nothing to stop someone from picking up your bike and carrying it away. Bike thieves often ride around in vans or pickup trucks looking for opportunities like that.
Something that works just as well but is far less expensive is a light cable lock, something like the Kryptonite 1218 Cable with integrated key lock. Keep it wrapped around your frame somewhere and when you make a quick stop just loop and lock it through one of your wheels to keep someone from simply hopping on and riding off with your bike. As a bonus, you can move it from bike to bike easily and if there's a decent anchor and you're willing to spend an extra 30 seconds you can use that to secure your bike and both wheels a little better than just locking the bike to itself.
All the more expensive bikes have quick release parts, and I don't know why because then it's very easy to grab them even if the bike is locked with a very secure lock. Some race bikes for example have wheels that are more expensive than some cheap bikes.
The majority of high to mid end bikes are built for recreational riding. They put quick release parts on them to make it easy for a person to take them apart and transport them to ride somewhere. You can however buy high end bikes which are meant for city riding which do not have have quick release parts.
“U-Locks are the most secure.” Uhhhh, traditionally the opposite is true. Are there secure U-locks? Yes. Are secure U-locks common? Heck no. A strong hardened chain coupled with a quality lock will almost always be the most secure lock.
Read through the comments of this video, I believe someone has provided the correct name. The model of the deluxe version of the lock that I showed installed on my blue bike is the AXA Defender.
Where can I get these locks in Las Vegas NV where we had our pretty blue girl's bike stolen just this morning off our porch! Despite having it cable locked in a Senior Community!
I'd suggest ditching that U-lock. It has a round barrel keyway that is easily picked with a Bic pen and an elongated crossbar that is easily pried open with metal pipes. Thieves would fit a long metal pipe over the longer end of the cross bar (where the keyhole is) and pry it open.
Yes CJ, I am JH for sure. I'm debating getting a lock - so heavy etc. but I ride in safe areas, the problem is if I need to use a restroom, or run into a store. etc.
Nice meeting you cousin! My Hoyle family is from NC and there is a family association and house there ( Hoyle Historic Homestead, Gaston NC ) built in 1750'ish by Peter, the 1st one who 'came over' in 1738.
I believe they call them "Ring-Locks". They aren't common in the US, but I'm sure there are some stores that sell them. I live in Canada and I've seen them for sale at one of my local bike shops. There is also a website called 'dutch bike bits' which sells them online.
cjhoyle Two years later, do you still use this setup? To me this video is comprehensive and complete, so I just installed one of these frame locks with cable. If I am to be a long time away from my bike, I will bring a D lock. Good stuff, thank you.
What about your seat? I like the wheel lock with the cable connected to it, but after looping the cable thru the front wheel and the "ring in post", I'd pull that cable up thru the seat frame before connecting it to the wheel lock. Even a seat is vulnerable to theft. A thief is a thief and will steal anything they can!
+Betsie Ford I've seen them once or twice in Canadian bike shops, so I'd recommend starting by checking your local bike shop. They are also available through online retailers. Search for Frame Lock, Wheel Lock, or Ring Lock ( I've heard people call them all 3 names). There is also a eebsite called Dutch Bike Bits which specializes in the sale of this type of items. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!
When I lived in a bad part of town I ended up buying 3 combo locks, after someone got through the one, I got a new bike and got another. After the third time they left it uncut, they somehow easily unlocked it by combo, and took it. Never buying them
+hars-bikerider I believe it's called a "Ring Lock". There is a website called Dutch Bike Bits which sells them, but I imagine there are other online retailers too.
The way we do it when we go to the city McDonald's i always have someone else watching my bike while I go in and get the food so of someone tries to steal my bike get ready for a fight
I bought a cheap second hand bike as I feel it's less attractive to thieves and it wouldn't be such a huge loss if does get stolen. I just use a Kryptonite U-Lock as you can attach them easily to your bike.
my bike costs about 500 dollars there are cameras facing rack there are bikes about the same price around that are locked with CABLE LOCKS that don't get stolen while I'll be using a hiplok 1.5 and a kryptonite u lock with cable I think I'm ok
I've also heard of people using old bike chains to secure their seats. I don't use expensive seats so I just replace the quick release that holds the seat with a standard bolt. In all my years of urban cycling I've never had a seat stolen.
Someone stole my bike today I called the police but they wanted to know the serial number and I don't have it...I have no idea that bikes have serial number...the funny of it is that he left a bike unlocked and stole mine which was locked (he left a good bike - perhaps a stolen one also - and unlocked mine in 3 seconds and stole it) unbelievable: the manager of Metro was too kind to show to me a video of the theft...I'm sad and it makes me laugh at the same time...why he did this...why?
It's heavy chain that I bought from the hardware store. Not sure what the strength rating is, but I'm pretty sure it was the thickest size available. I was thoroughly satisfied watching the store clerk struggling to cut it to length for me.
cjhoyle If the chain was originally yellow/gold in colour, it's grade 70 chain. A chain of lower grade could be easily cut with metal files, hack saws, or 36" bolt cutters.
+Toppest LEL And even if it was grade 70, that round padlock is not and can also be snipped using bolt cutters (I almost lost a motorcycle). But check this out. There's no room to get the cutter's teeth into... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201386418523
Most stolen goods can be resold at 25% of new products minimum or 50% maximum typically because of the shady ways they are resold. However, with patience and the internet they can fetch more. Quick street sales for cash rule of thumb around 1/3 regular price
I live in the hood so bikes go missing like it’s nothing. And it sucks that we live in a world where you always have to worry about your shit disappearing
I have a bike lock made of pure diamond,unbreakable,plus it has a layer of hard industrial steel,it can survive a nuclear blast and even a supernova explosion,it has a built in gps and loud alarm and if the thief never gets located or the bike leaves the city,it auto destructs the bike then it sets itself on fire,a removed feature was the self explosive denotation due to terrorist reference.ha jokes man.
