How To Secure Your Bike While Bikepacking 

Along the lines of making the bike difficult to roll away is to engage the front brake. I do this with a "rubber band" made from an old inner tube. I leave this on handle bar and slip it over the brake lever when ever I'm parking my bike. The bonus of doing this is the bike is easier to lean against a wall park as the front wheel doesn't roll.

Great options here - I'd recommend, if you're locking two bikes together, to face them opposite directions. It'll make them just that little bit more awkward and take longer to manoeuvre if someone wanted to roll them off. I love the idea of leaving them in the highest gear - so simple.

If you’re interested in buying/using Hiplock type locks, consider buying them in black instead of the brightly colored ones. Use them down low in between bags and such so they’re not as noticeable and harder for thieves to find. The bright ones make it very easy for thieves to quickly find and cut.

Amazon has bicycle alarms for $22. They are as loud as a car alarm, and go off with any movement of the bike. I strapped mine to the seat post. I also added bike theft coverage to my home insurance.

Anyone with a bike should watch the Lockpicking Lawyer

On our 2 person bikepacking trip, we used 2 Kryptonite cables and a padlock. Works well to get through all the wheels, frames, plus a tree/fence etc. Small enough to pack away in the saddle bag.

One thing I'll mention to folks is that if your bike is stolen in a major urban area check in with the local transit authority in a couple days. Many stolen bikes and up getting joy ridden and left on transit vehicles. Tons of bikes sitting in bus garages waiting for their owners.

Great informative video. I’m a newbie to bikebacking and I always wondered the best ways to secure my bicycle. Thanks again and I will be subscribing to the Bikebacking collective!

All great ideas. I tend to only stop at small markets when on journey because usually larger grocery stores don't have great places to secure your bike and there is likely too much traffic to feel good about the situation. Similarly, I'll only stop at restaurants where I can be close (preferably within touching distance) to my bike while I'm feeding. Generally I carry an Abus foldylock and a couple of cable-tie (Hiplock Z) "locks" and that is good enough, so far. One challenging situation is on ferries in Western WA and BC where, while you are unlikely very worried about someone stealing your bike (mainly because the spaces between vehicles are *very* tight and they are unlikely to be able to move your bike far), it would be very easy to steal your gear. On some of the BC ferries the car deck (where you park your bike) is closed during the crossing so staying on the car deck with your bike is not an option. So in some cases I've pulled the bags off and carried them up to the passenger deck. So that's something to plan for if you are crossing on a ferry.

My Abus folding lock rides in a frame mount, bullet proof. I also am using the Keni tail light alarm mounted under my seat. Works as a tail light and has a remote alarm that is as loud as a car alarm. I also use my pant leg strap to lock out my front break, which also keeps my my bike upright on the kick stand when fully loaded.

Good tips and video!, The helmet, gloves, and out of gear trick I've used for years for a quick stop where I can see my bike. Otherwise, in SoCal use a Kryptonite U-Lock. Tip for anywhere in the U.S.after crossing three times, if a local is staring as roll into town, watching you silently after you say hello, they may be adding up the value of your bike and gear for an eBay sale. You can bet they have bolt cutters, Dremel tools, and a drill in the back of their old truck. The tracker idea, San Diego PD will not respond to car theft these days, or a house break-in if there was not an assault. Just saying, don't depend on the local sheriff to round up Billy Bob for you because officers will not risk a shoot out over your expensive bike.

Another option to consider: keep a suitable strap or strong but stretchable band around both sides of the handlebar. Then tighten or wrap that strap/band around the brake levers tight enough to apply full brake power. A thief in a hurry won't expect locked brakes, nor will they be able to quickly figure it out to untie the strap it you do it stealthy - black strap, black grips, black bars, black cables - it's just a jumble of stuff on the cockpit. I've used thick hair bands. Also good to stop bike rolling on slight incline when parked.

Abus also makes a nice lightweight chain lock with either a key or combo option. You can get it in either red or black nylon sleeves. It’s not high security, just enough to prevent ride away thefts when you're near the bike. Packs small and lightweight. I bring it with me most places. Kryptonite makes a similar one called the keeper 411.

I've used an otto lock before but be warned the combo code can change on you while traveling over bumpy roads. We found ourselves on day 2 of our trip stuck in town trying to figure out what happened and going through the combos one by one. Luckily we found the new combo pretty fast. After some reading online turns out this is a common problem.

I have used rubber bands and/or velcro to pull the brakes on. Front and rear. It's like a parking break. People don't expect that and when they try to jump on and pedal, they often will crash and it makes the bike hard to carry and roll away.

No solo es muy útil tu info sobre bikepacking sino que tu inglés es como una minimasterclass para entender y aprender de forma clara y sencilla 👍🏻

I always shift my rear into the opposite gear and front as well if I have it. If you try to pedal the gears jam up and often the chain comes off. Also I loosen the front and rear wheels and if I have rim brakes I disconnect them.

If you're running Avid BB7 or similar mechanical disc brakes, dial in the outer pads all the way so the wheels are locked.

Thanks, some useful tips I have not used and some I have. I did buy the Hiplock last year so I would have a reusable zip tie. I have tied the bike to my tent. Put it next to the window, and taken turns with my partner while we shop. We eat and drink at places with outside patios if we can. My strategy is to keep it in sight, and maybe give me time to get to the bike before it’s ridden away or tossed in a truck.

I saw a CCTV video of a bike locked up to a tree in Brooklyn, NY. Van pulls up, guy hops out with an axe, chops down the tree and rides off with the bike. That video made me realize no bike is safe.

thanks for sharing. I learned a lot.

Despite weight of the U locks, they still are by far one of the best options. A heavy cable lock is a good deterrent to the average grab and run thief. I use a heavy cable lock system, and I lived in a metropolitan area and now a smaller one. It does what I need it to do. I never leave my bike unattended longer than needed. Ultimately, I'd rather just bring it with me into stores and all. Fortunately, one thing that I have found, is if you ask if you can find spot out of the way to stash your bike in stores, near cash registers, they'll normally be cool with that and even tell you a good spot for it. Especially if you're friendly, polite, and everyone is friendly and talkative with each other. Never hurts to ask if you can bring it in.

Thanks for sharing your tips for lock-less security. Haven't thought of putting the bike in the hardest gear and using the helmet as a lock. I typically carry a folding lock and a cable lock while on tour.

I bought some Velcro tape to secure my top bag to the bike rack. Cut to suit the length you need too. Having some just to tape around the bike is a great idea. Plus it’s noisy to remove !

I made a custom 10', 3/16" clear plastic coated cable with the appropriate ferrules to make the little loops for the padlock. A decent hammer on your garage floor will crimp it really well to the cable. All that stuff is super cheap at your hardware store. It fits through both tires, the frame, and the seat rails. I don't think it's needs to be any thicker than 3/16. Professional thieves looking for an expensive frame will have serious cable cutters for just about any thickness - even those ones you think are really thick. They use a quick cut and grab technique. So my 3/16" is just as 'hard' for them. 3/16" is too thick for your average opportunist that happens across your bike and can't cut a 3/16” cable with your typical garage wire cutters. I know cuz I tried and eventually had to have the hardware person cut it for me. The cable is very lightweight and packable, and I use a smaller padlock that's just stout enough to withstand someone beating it a little with a rock. I would never use it in a city/town situation overnight, but for those store runs or around a tree at campsite it is just perfect.

Great ideas. A few I had never thought of. thanks.

So when I sleep I always always put my tent stakes to the ground through my bike spokes if its sketchy. If someone takes it at night I'll get woken up. Just peace of mind

Little Alu-Titan padlock on brake disc is also nice to secure during lunch in Restaurant or in the shopping time

I use a travel skewer that's designed for dogs leads to be tied to. Screw the skewer into the ground and lock your bike to it with your lock of choice. :)

Lights with built in movement alerts to your phone. So long as you are not too far away from it. Like the SEE.SENSE lights and others. But you do need some sort of lock too.

I have a decent lock with me but rearly use it, depends in a big city ad a shop or very large campground I tent to use locks and a tourist location where Im like 1hr away from the bike.... and when shopping put you bike next to the entrance where there is a lot of foot trafic, and in front of a window so you can look outside and see its still there :) on campgrounds lay your bike between the tent lines so when someone want to take it in the night they take the half of the tent with it so you will wake up when it happens. I also put my backwheel a bit under my tent next to my sleeping mat, so when I wake up you can directly feel my bike is still there.

I saw someone locally use what looked like steel wire (i.e., picture frame hanging wire or something slightly stronger) with cable loop clamps at either end, locked with a small padlock. The whole thing appeared to be pretty lightweight. I may try out this DIY approach.

Thanks for sharing this information Brother 😎✌️

I’m retired Law Enforcement…. and I use a G-Lock. As in Glock G43. Just kidding, everyone (maybe). In all seriousness, locks keep the “honest” honest…and those that aren’t honest “will find a way to ruin your day”. Bikepacking.com continues to be a paramount source of information…and some of your solutions (and those of commenters) are pure genius. Always, always maintain situational awareness when stopping…noting the surroundings and people in the area. I’m preparing for a long bikepacking trip down the east coast. I will carry one of those deterrents you mentioned (and maybe my G-lock!). Bravo-Zulu on both your information, and professional - yet personal - presentation style!

I was half expecting a coffee sponsor at the start lol. "What you need is an xxxx coffee machine!"

Thanks for the smart advices! 👍👍

Damn this is great! Next time I'm sleeping, I will take off the front wheel, set a hard gear, tie the bike to my tent and lock the back wheel >:)

I’ve used a retractable ski lock. Small and convenient. It’s more of a deterrent for the bike thief who might be tempted. A true bike thief won’t be deterred as easily.

I use the 2m cable with that was sold with my U with a 4 digits lock, it takes very little space in my frame pack and is rather light. And always take electronics with me (phone on quadlock and garmin take a few seconds to remove). I won't leave my bike out of view more than a few minutes in a convenience store and that's only if I can't bring it in. I'm heavy sleeper so I attach the bike to itself and to my tent. Sometimes I just put the lock in the disc brake without cable for short stops.

I use my Touring bike as a shopping cart when I am resupplying I just walk right through the store with it

Seatpost out is a great tip - a friend had his bike stolen (in a town) when it was locked with a cable lock. Thief took out the seat post and used it to twist inside the cable to tension the cable lock until it broke. Very clever. He said if he had looped the cable really tight the seatpost might have not been able to fit inside to twist it. Who knows. He's a bike down. I also carry reusable heavy duty zip ties. Good to secure to things or to stop parts moving - if they are discreet its hard to find what is stopping the bike from moving :-) Engage the rear mech clutch and change gears to the highest but don''t let the chain drop. (Undo a QR - risks a few spokes beig broken, but hard to walk or ride off) These all seem to be great tips in the vid btw.

You can also carry a luggage lock on your bike if you don’t want to carry a heavy lock. Luggage locks are really small and lightweight and have an extendable wire that can be pulled through your wheels and cranks. I use them to lock my panniers to my bike as just a small deterrent.

Good informative video. One question. How many bowls bro?

I use a wire lock, around 50grams. I think you can tear it apart if you really wanted. But so far no one have rolled away with it :) I even lock it in the forrest, but that is more for settle my mind during night

As a teen, I used to flip my bike upside down (standing on its seat and handlebars) whenever I ran into a store. A thief would have to flip it over and then get on it. Hopefully enough time for me to run out.

I've been think about just using the my abus minimal chain web lock 5000; about 1/2" lb outside of cities. has fabric webbing over chain. In the city this is my seat to frame lock. Maybe mini pad lock and short think steel cable as alernate

Bicycle touring / bike packing looks different for everyone but consider riding a less expensive bike? I worry far less about my 90s mtn bike than I do about my kona sutra ltd. And it’s kinda silly but for that reason the first option sees way more use.

I carry a U-lock, long cables and a Kriptonite Keeper Chain lock. If they steal your bike, you have a long sober walk home.

I keep an inexpensive 4 oz motion sensor alarm I bought from Amazon mounted under my saddle. When I need to stop somewhere, I'll secure the bike to something using a spare Voile strap and activate the alarm. It's super sensitive and obnoxiously loud so it should buy me enough time to rush back out to my bike if someone tries messing with it!

For camping in addition to a lock, possibly add a bear bell somewhere on the bike to make noise when the bike is moved.

I lock out my disk break pads. I also remove the front wheel and bungee it to the rear, tucked between the bike and a wall, or bike rack.

The easiest way to prevent a ride off is to use a decent quality padlock and lock it through your front sprocket and round your chain. Minimal carrying weight and it prevents casual theft. I personally use two locks - a D lock and a shielded cable (One that is surrounded by steel disks). Lock rear wheel to frame then front wheel with cable through frame and street furniture. This is only for big towns and cities but I at least have the shielded cable - you might be somewhere nice but shitty people visit nice areas, sometimes for the purpose of stealing stuff from where stuff is less guarded.

Some really good info here. Do you have any recommendations for locking panniers?

first! I always wrap my cable lock on my top tube so it doesn't have to take up space in bags.

I'm not afraid for my bike - I always bring a lock. But what about the baggage/bags? Any ideas to secure those?

Those locking straps are good keeping the brake levers locked on, no riding or running and rolling away in a hurry. Disc locks for motorcycle disc brakes are small enough to pack for bike rides too

This was great! Thanks!

A small snowboard cable lock through the zippers of the framebag so they can't be opened so some valuable items can be safe inside

My Bordo lite really gives me peace of mind

I was going to say that a cable lock is about useful as a zip-tie... because they are so easily cut. But watching this, I realized you can put a zip tie some place where the thief can't see it... especially say a black tie around a black crank arm and the downtube close to the front derailleur. That moment of confusion on the part of a bike thief is a total give away... so definitely, go with the zip tie... but remember something to cut it with.

I’m retired from 30 years federal wildlife law enforcement. Whether riding “front country” or “back country”, folks, please be advised that “douchebags” ARE everywhere! (My apologies folks, for resorting to “sailor” language). In retirement, I’ve gotten into backpacking and bikepacking. I don’t have any experience with the “tracker” that Neil referred to…but be polite and respectful, when in town on resupply, and stop at the local ranger station, police department, sheriff’s office etc etc….no LEO worth his/her salt would refuse to have you park your bike temporarily at their office/garage, etc…while you eat, resupply, have a beer. Always Show your appreciation to the desk…buy them a cup of coffee or something. Safe riding, brothers and sisters.

Handcuffs have been an exceptional deterrent

I stretch a tarp across my bike so it forms my tent - easiest way to protect it when you are sleeping :) but any ideas on how to protect the contents of your panniers when you are in the sea, swimming?

Never thought of disabling the pedals/drivetrain - a good idea.

When I buy food solo I lock the bike with a U-lock. Then I bring a food carriage from the store and put all my bags in it. Then I shop with all my bags in the store. It takes about 30 seconds for a angle grinder to break a U-lock but it sounds a lot. So you have a chance to run out of the store if you hear the sound.

I use a small U-lock (for a door) and lock it around my chain and a spoke from the rear wheel.

thanks for the idea... it is useful for me

Many bicycle shops and outdoor related gear vendors could do a much better job of providing a secure and convenient place to secure a bicycle. REI’s for example need to move their bicycle racks “inside”!

I use a combination of a belt lock, shifting to the bigger gear and also locking the brakes caliper (rim brake)

What bike "tracker" are you talking about" GREAT VID!

Thanks, some great ideas 👍. I’ve fitted Pitlock front axle and seat post adjuster to prevent loss of front wheel and seat post. Am looking to buy panniers. Anyone use Ortlieb pannier anti theft wire device?

I lock my cafe bike lock to a shopping cart if there are no racks or everything is too bulky to lock to

Two cable locks, one neon colored on front wheel, and a black one on back wheel both wrapped around frame, might see the one but not the other usually

I bought a Topeak Bikamper tent. The bike becomes the support/frame for the tent so my bike won’t go anywhere once I’ve set up camp. The other tips are excellent. Thank you!

If I don't have anything with me to secure my bike when I go into a deli, I turn my bike upside down so it sits on bars and saddle. I make sure I can see it from inside store. It will take a thief that much longer to turn bike right side up. I do wear a waist pouch most of the time so I use that to secure around down tube and wheel.

Good old fashioned high school locker combo lock. Lock this through one of the holes in the outer chainring AND around the chain. Can't ride off and there's not much room for a thief to work on the shackle.

I have a Timberbell. When I go to sleep, I leave it on so if someone moves my bike, the bell will ring. It may not wake me up, but it may deter someone from finishing the deed.

Another advantage to removing & taking the frt wheel w/ you is the reduced resale/fencing value of a one wheeled bike. Hopefully making the theft not worth the risk.

So my ottolock story... In a rush, I accidentally pushed the button as I was spinning the combo to lock resulting in changing the combination. THAT SUCKED. It did take about 20 minutes with hand tools to get through. From now on it'll be key locks for me.

thanks for the info

Amazon sells a bike alarm for 30 bucks, not only protects your bike but the items on it. It’s extremely sensitive to vibrations and ear piercing!

Using a smal lock and putting it trought a maillon of the chain. It might break the shifter if some one tries to pedal, but it will make impossibile to move the bike by pedaling!

How about a safe way to lock bikes on hitch mout bike rack? Recently had $10,000 worth of bikes stolen off a thule T2 pro hitch mount bike rack using their tiny cable lock that was part of the bike rack. It happened when traveling on the back of our car when stopped to do a thirty min hike where no bikes were allowed. Been thinking some way to rig up two beefy chain locks like Hiplok, kryptonite ect. I know no system is perfect. Just want to be able to leave them on the car for a few hours say at national park parking lot or the like. Bikes won't fit in the car with all our camping gear. Any ideas would be super helpful! Thank you in advance!

A nail dropped down through the chain and it won’t pedal

I like this one that I've read somewhere: one can always gear down to the lowest gear. Anyone trying to race off with the bike will get a face plant.

I put an S-biener on the rear disk break and run it through a spoke at the same time.

Motion detecter like motorcycle. Keep a heavy lock at work. Lights and panniers are the 1st to get stolen. Sew then on. Small towns in colorado I've left bikes unlocked for days.

A bike not locked is considered borrowed according to law enforcement And a bike that is locked is considered stolen. So I lock it anything is better than nothing. Bike trackers work great if the bike gets taken.

I use Kryptonite evolution mini 7 and their 1,2m cable. It's pretty unbeatable since it's suitable for pretty much every situation and gives you maximum security. Ofc, you will be carrying some extra weight. I just think it's worth it. I also have ABUS motion sensor, mostly for nights. If your bike is moved, it's super loud. Overall, with this setup you don't really need to worry about anything since you can use the U lock and cable to warp around both tires, frame and some sturdy pipe or whatnot if there's one. I don't want to worry about my bike when I'm traveling, and if something happens to it despite this, it would have happened no matter what. And you won't have to really resort to any tricks. And I kinda have to disagree with this video, if you want deterrent lock. At very least get something like Kryptonite keeper, it's 65cm metal chain, only 300g and you can use it to wrap one of your tires, frame and lock bike to something. You want at very least lock that can securely attack bike to something like light pole or metal bar/pipes. To do that it needs to be long enough. You don't want to use something that literally scissors or leatherman can open, and isn't long enough to be useful. Keeper is pretty nice because it's chain so it packs really well. And unlike cable lock it's very flexible. You are going on biking trip, you are not hiking so couple hundred grams is nothing to secure your potentially very expensive bike. Being aero is more important than weight anyways if you care about speed and ease of biking. Well, unless you expect a lot of climbing. Overall, my advice is either relatively thin chain as deterrent and long enough so you can also use it to attach bike to stuff. Or small U lock + cable if you want actual security and versatility. And I would really recommend movement sensor in both cases, it weighs nothing and is really good for nights. And since its just siren with motion sensor, it doesn't cost much. Folding locks don't actually work against actual criminals since it's very quick to break with right tool. Though I do actually use folding lock, since it's so convenient to just fold and put into holder neatly, but I live in safe city and country. For bikepacking I wouldn't use it, it's not as versatile as chain and chain is more durable for less weight. You already have the packs in your bike so you can just put the lock in there.

Smarthalo is such a good deterrent. If the bike moves, the alarm goes of.

What are you thoughts about removing one pedal (with flat pedals), so that the thief would have to push/carry the bike, or load it into a car? The upside of this is, that there's nothing the thief can do about it aside from having a spare pedal with him. Removing essential parts from the bike instead of locking them up removes the option to just cut the lock. Removing a wheel surely would be more effective, though, but also more to carry around. Removing an axle would probably also help, but then we definitely need to lock the wheel to the frame as well.

I buy insurance - you can "schedule" your items under homeowner policy (sometimes they're already covered), or buy insurance for your bike with its own policy.

Just bought a motorcycle movement-sensing alarm.. small, cheap and light

Any one tried using a bike alarm? I got my eye on some on amazon. Cheap and have movement sensor and 110 dB! Seems like a good idea when left out side shops.

Those crappy cable locks that come with guns are pretty minimalist and light

15 feet of 5mm Kevlar prusik cord weighs very little and is tough to cut. Just loop it all through the wheels and frame and possibly around a post or tree and then tie a knot in an inconvenient location. A thief will have to find the knot and untie it. And if you speedy stitch some webbing loops to your bags, loop the cord through those, too. Just make your bike slightly more difficult to steal than your buddy's bike ;)

Garmin GPS Units have the option to act as an alarm, and they're pretty loud.

I do not worry about weight. I carry a heavy duty kryptonite chain its links are thicker then my D-lock. Pro tip, In a worst case scenario it makes a great self defense weapon. Oh, in town I take the front wheel with me also.

Thanks, good tips. If QRs, could take the front wheel into the tent ⛺️

How about locking your brakes off with a zip tie?