Locking your bike

[racedoll]

First - mods, please feel free to move this as I wasn't sure where to post this.

Erik and I are going on a trip over Memorial day weekend. We were thinking about taking something along to lock our bikes up. What are your recommendations/suggestions?

[Dnyce]

use a door.






roll the bikes into the room ;)

[racedoll]

This would be my first choice, but if I'm not able to do this I'd like to have an alternative method.

[Phenix_Rider]

Big cable or chain through the rear wheel, swingarm, and subframe, and something very solid and immovable if possible. (That the cable can't be lifted off of :lol:) Keep the cable and lock or chain off the ground to make it harder to break or cut.

[Sixxxxer]

https://www.kryptonitelock.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1000&scid=1002&pid=1169

If someone wants it bad enough NOTHING will stop them...But this certainly makes someone think twice before attempting to steal your shit.

[racedoll]

OK. I was looking at something like this but wasn't sure.

http://www.ironpony.com/ironponydirect/product.asp/ImageName/on-guard-100213.jpg/Brand/ON%20GUARD/Class2/Storage%20and%20Security/Class3/Locks/Class1/STREET%20PRODUCTS

[Dnyce]

big n heavy duty, if the bike will be outta sight. that new york chain would be my choice as well. make sure u have theft on your ins too, usually its like a few bucks extra.

bcuz if someone wants it, they will usually get it

[CrazyKell]

Kryptonite locks are by far the best.

[Particle Man]

big n heavy duty, if the bike will be outta sight. that new york chain would be my choice as well. make sure u have theft on your ins too, usually its like a few bucks extra.

bcuz if someone wants it, they will usually get it

all of the above.

If someone wants something bad enough, nothing will stop them but you can do the very best to make their lives hell while they try to get it.

[Gas Man]

Get a really long plastic cable that you can "daisy chain" the 2 bikes together and then to soemthing else is possible. bottom line is that its REAL REAL hard to pick up 2 bikes at the same time. The Kryptonite thing still doesn't account for 2 dudes just picking up your single bike.

Something like this.
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hardware-Fasteners-Screen-Storm-Hardware/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg1Zaqt8/R-100345558/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Then get a GOOD lock. Should run you at least $15.

Further if you have a motel style room on first floor. Take some fishing line with you. Put the bikes in front of the door. Run the string under the door and tie it to a lamp by the door. If the bike moves the lamp falls, you wake up. If you're me, you prepare theives the way they all should be... DEAD!

[Dave]

Get a really long plastic cable that you can "daisy chain" the 2 bikes together and then to soemthing else is possible. bottom line is that its REAL REAL hard to pick up 2 bikes at the same time. The Kryptonite thing still doesn't account for 2 dudes just picking up your single bike.

Something like this.
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hardware-Fasteners-Screen-Storm-Hardware/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xg1Zaqt8/R-100345558/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Then get a GOOD lock. Should run you at least $15.

Further if you have a motel style room on first floor. Take some fishing line with you. Put the bikes in front of the door. Run the string under the door and tie it to a lamp by the door. If the bike moves the lamp falls, you wake up. If you're me, you prepare theives the way they all should be... DEAD!

thats a good tip right there

[Tsunami]

I 2nd the locking the 2 bikes together method.

[Rangerscott]

Racedoll. PM me tomorrow to remind me to upload some pics of my stuff.


Locking them together would be like a "Steal one, Get one Free." LOL

[Particle Man]

Further if you have a motel style room on first floor. Take some fishing line with you. Put the bikes in front of the door. Run the string under the door and tie it to a lamp by the door. If the bike moves the lamp falls, you wake up.

I like this one - definitely using this one next time I travel with the bike.

[karl_1052]

Doberman.

[Rangerscott]

This chain lock I got at harbor freight for $15. Target sells the exact same thing under BELL for $30.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll23/rangerscott/677b4b79.jpg


For disc locks, I like the vending machine style keys.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll23/rangerscott/12915123.jpg



I also have a BELL rubberized steel braided w/ Kevlar cable lock. It's about half inch thick. I wouldnt go with anything smaller in diameter cause bolt cutters will go through small stuff like butter and barely make a "clamp" noise. I believe its actually quieter cutting braided steel when there's a rubber coating so you'll never know its been cut.



My last lock is a special one. LOL It's almost the same as this but with a big black plastic covered end with key hole cover. 1/4" fits right through the holes in your rotor. I use this on my rear wheel since even if you have a disc lock on the front, all they have to do is pick up the front end and roll her off. Just make sure to flag it or get a stretchy line like the disc locks have to you dont forget it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97149

http://images.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/97100-97199/97149.gif





For the first lock pic. You can always go to a hardware store and get the size chain you want and cut a sleeve off a long shirt/sweater to cover the chain, then use the lock of your choice.

[Rangerscott]

If all that isnt enough, then bring some BF nails or BF cork screws and hammer them into the asphalt and lock your bikes to those. LOL


http://www.hooverfence.com/vinyl/mayne/ground-screw-install.jpg


http://www.rapidanchor.com/images/wombat01.jpg


http://swingsetwarehouse.com/images/products/detail/AnchorKitLarge.jpg

[racedoll]

Thank you Ranger.

Further if you have a motel style room on first floor. Take some fishing line with you. Put the bikes in front of the door. Run the string under the door and tie it to a lamp by the door. If the bike moves the lamp falls, you wake up. If you're me, you prepare theives the way they all should be... DEAD!

Good idea!

Oh and I checked my insurance coverage. Theft is on there, just don't want to use it.

[G-Rex]

When my best friend and I are out touring, I bring along a 6' Kryptonite cable that has the loops on both ends. We run them through the wheels and then I then take a Kryptonite disc lock and lock the loops together.

Haven't had any troubles yet with that arrangement.

[askmrjesus]

This chain lock I got at harbor freight for $15. Target sells the exact same thing under BELL for $30.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll23/rangerscott/677b4b79.jpg


For disc locks, I like the vending machine style keys.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll23/rangerscott/12915123.jpg


As long as the thief isn't carrying a pen, those are great...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hsM88Wx8QQ

JC

[Gas Man]

thats a good tip right there

I 2nd the locking the 2 bikes together method.

I like this one - definitely using this one next time I travel with the bike.

Glad you all liked it.

Racedoll. PM me tomorrow to remind me to upload some pics of my stuff.


Locking them together would be like a "Steal one, Get one Free." LOL

You let me know if you find vid of somebody stealing 2 bikes at once.

Thank you Ranger.



Good idea!

Oh and I checked my insurance coverage. Theft is on there, just don't want to use it.

There ya go.

When my best friend and I are out touring, I bring along a 6' Kryptonite cable that has the loops on both ends. We run them through the wheels and then I then take a Kryptonite disc lock and lock the loops together.

Haven't had any troubles yet with that arrangement.

That reminds me... when you daisey chain them together... don't do it thru the wheels!!! If possible thru something else like the subframe... if not... wheels will surfice.

[G-Rex]

That reminds me... when you daisey chain them together... don't do it thru the wheels!!! If possible thru something else like the subframe... if not... wheels will surfice.

I don't disagree with you. Although, those cables sometimes can't be bent into a small enough radius to go through two frames and still put the ends together. I'm well aware that the wheels can be taken off, etc.

Basically, you're stopping the casual crook. Let's face it. If 4 guys show up with a van, they're going to get your ride, regardless of what you do.

[racedoll]

I don't disagree with you. Although, those cables sometimes can't be bent into a small enough radius to go through two frames and still put the ends together. I'm well aware that the wheels can be taken off, etc.

Basically, you're stopping the casual crook. Let's face it. If 4 guys show up with a van, they're going to get your ride, regardless of what you do.

Maybe so, but not until they get their life threatened and have some lead coming at them.

[z06boy]

When the wife and I travel on the bikes obviously there is no sure thing in securing the bikes without having an armed guard so we just try to make it as inconvenient as possible for the thieves.

We bought locks from this place...

http://www.trimaxlocks.com/index.asp

On the front we each have this...

http://www.trimaxlocks.com/zoom_img/MAX60_1199272588.jpg

The MAX60 is a short shackle motorcycle disc cable U-lock. TRIMAX cable U-locks are simply the strongest short shackle locks you can buy.

The MAX60 is ideal when combined with a TRIMAX cable or chain for securing motorcycles, bicycles, spare tires, ATVs, marine, trailers and much, much more.


Features one key equipped with a mini flashlight
Durable PVC sleeve covers chrome steel shackle to prevent marring and scratching
Hardened solid steel lock prevents prying, sawing and hammer impacts
Tough polymer outer skin absorbs hammer strikes and reduces marring and scratching
Ideal for bicycles, motorcycles, spare tires, trailers, marine and more
Type B key, which is an ultra secure wise wafer key. Lock core design provides the highest degree of protection against picking. Includes 3 keys. One key is equipped with a mini flash light.

Specifications:
LIFETIME WARRANTY
1/2 inch hardened chrome plated solid steel shackle


At the rear we lock the bikes together THROUGH THE FRAME/SWINGARM with this...

http://www.trimaxlocks.com/zoom_img/TG3072SX_1199272305.jpg

The TG3072SX is a SUPERMAX security armor plated stainless steel locking cable (6 feet long x 26mm diameter) for maximum protection and security.

The TG3072SX is ideal for securing motorcycles, bicycles, spare tires, ATVs, marine, trailers and much, much more.


Monster 26 mm stainless steel locking cable
Maximum security armor plated cable lock
Durable PVC skin prevents scratching
Ballistic grade polymer lock housing cover resists hammer strikes and protects lock mechanism
Patented key cover resists grime and moisture
Flexible for easy transport
Ideal for bicycles, motorcycles, spare tires, trailers, marine and more
Type B key, which is an ultra secure wise wafer key

Specifications:
LIFETIME WARRANTY
6 feet long x 26mm diameter
Heavy duty
Commercial grade
Stainless steel

I do like Gasman's idea and will try it the next time I stay on the ground floor of a motel with an exterior door to the room.

[Rangerscott]

Glad you all liked it.



You let me know if you find vid of somebody stealing 2 bikes at once.


Joke. Hardy har har.

[wildchild]

ok this may go against what you're looking for but, after thousands of miles and many many roadtrips. I have never used anything more then the regular old handlebar lock. (except for back in the 80's when I had a HD and stealing them was pretty heavy, then I put it in the roomo or didn't stay).
most thieves like to case things out and figure routines before stealing something, hard to do if you're only there a few days.
I have never had any trouble with our bikes being messed with at all on trips.

[Tsunami]

I don't disagree with you. Although, those cables sometimes can't be bent into a small enough radius to go through two frames and still put the ends together. I'm well aware that the wheels can be taken off, etc.

Basically, you're stopping the casual crook. Let's face it. If 4 guys show up with a van, they're going to get your ride, regardless of what you do.

Who is going to go through all that trouble to take the wheels off and hang around risking getting caught? I would just go find another bike that isn't chained. Usually crime like that is an opportunistic one.

[Gas Man]

Maybe so, but not until they get their life threatened and have some lead coming at them.

I think I luv you! :whatwhat:

Joke. Hardy har har.

:wtfru:

ok this may go against what you're looking for but, after thousands of miles and many many roadtrips. I have never used anything more then the regular old handlebar lock. (except for back in the 80's when I had a HD and stealing them was pretty heavy, then I put it in the roomo or didn't stay).
most thieves like to case things out and figure routines before stealing something, hard to do if you're only there a few days.
I have never had any trouble with our bikes being messed with at all on trips.

I understand that but some of us are paranoid.

[racedoll]

When the wife and I travel on the bikes obviously there is no sure thing in securing the bikes without having an armed guard so we just try to make it as inconvenient as possible for the thieves.

I do like Gasman's idea and will try it the next time I stay on the ground floor of a motel with an exterior door to the room.

Thanks. You are all giving me great ideas. The bold above is exactly what I am trying for.

I'll be with a group who does this ride every year so I'm sure we will be fine. I need to ask what they do. I'd be surprised if any really worry about it but who knows.

Who is going to go through all that trouble to take the wheels off and hang around risking getting caught? I would just go find another bike that isn't chained. Usually crime like that is an opportunistic one.

:rofl: I'm picture YOU stealing a bike!

I think I luv you! :whatwhat:
I understand that but some of us are paranoid.

:didntdo: You are so funny Gas Man.

Paranoid? A little.
Pre-cautious? Yes.
I really like my bike and to find another one would be hard... I've tried. And there isn't anything out there that I sit on and feel the same thing as I do with mine.

[Rangerscott]

If you're riding with a big cruiser bike, then lock yours to that. Cruiser are heavy and I don't hear aften of cruisers getting stolen.

[Homeslice]

I use an OnGuard chain. The links are 14mm cross-section, which is thicker than the New York chain or any of those. Stick it through your swingarm brace (or the hole where the shock goes through).

[Gas Man]

:didntdo: You are so funny Gas Man.



I heart this girl.

pidder pat

pidder pat

:lol

[derf]

I got a kryptonite lock system, a while back someone tried to break the lock and cut the cable. All they did was damage it a bunch, make it hard for me to get my key in the slot, and scratch the cable a bunch.

The other method which I like better is this

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v72/40/56/652142395/n652142395_87256_5948.jpg

[racedoll]

I'm not getting too worried at this point. I talked with Herb, the guy leading the ride. He said they don't worry about locking their bikes. In all places we are able to park very near something so it shouldn't be an issue.