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City Bikers: Lock Feedback Needed

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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,273
Hello friends. I am doing some work for a company that manufactures theft-proof bike accessories with the goal of making city bikers less susceptible to getting everything stolen. One of the main issues is people using cable locks as opposed to U-locks purely for the convenience factor. Most of us know that you can bang through a cable lock in about 2 seconds with a nice pair of bolt cutters, but U-locks require a saw or some extreme science skills, thus making them a much more viable option for protection. The problem is, as we know, U-locks come with those shitty mounting brackets, and if you don't want to use the bracket the lock is a pain in the ass to store while riding.

So here's where you can help us. Fill out the survey below (it will take 30 seconds) and/or post your thoughts on U-locks in here. I'm mainly trying to get a sense of why people tend not to use U-locks eventhough they know they are safer.

Survey: http://goo.gl/forms/UcrzsU5mgD

If you post a response in the thread or post to let me know you've taken the survey I'll enter you into a random lottery for some swag. The value of the swag will appreciate with the number of responses I get, so there could be some Jiberish in your future if this thread and survey get over 25 responses.

Thanks guys
Mar 19 2015 12:27PM
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jjdsteeze
Posts: 2562 - Karma: 4,135
Done!
Mar 26 2015 5:16PM
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Pklink04
Posts: 5608 - Karma: 392
Done. And I like kryptonites frame mount for the u lock
Mar 27 2015 12:31AM
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Skibumsmith
Posts: 5432 - Karma: 11,823
Done
I really need to get a U-lock but I hate spending $50 on a lock to lock up a $100 bike. I think the best strategy is just to use a bike you don't care about when commuting in the city. I have a sicknasty mountain bike but I would never even think of taking it to class. I purposely bought the cheapest commuter bike I could find. If it got stolen I wouldn't be that heartbroken.
Mar 27 2015 12:38AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
Laurence strikes again..

As for that locking your bike up high, bit, yeah, that's definitely true as can be. I do that all the time. Additionally, get a really cheap rear-wheel for your bike if you're just going to have your one lock.. I just ride around with a cheapo 30$ flip-flop hub from china on the back I don't want to bring the two locks. Worse comes to worse you're out 30$ if some asshole jacks your lock while you're out grabbing a drink. I also just use a really cheap seat when I'm out around town and throw on my better saddle for longer rides where it would make sense. If they really want my mongoose seat, they can have it. I have 2 others at home, and I can ride seatless if it ever happened.

For the most part here in Sacramento, everyone uses a U-lock if they care about their bike. You'll see janky cheap walmart cruisers and old rusty mountain bikes locked up with cables, but nobody wants those bikes anyway so its no big deal really. If anything, bums will steal a wheel off, but that's the extent of what you'll see happen. anyone with a nicer bike will have two U locks. a bigger one for the front, and a smaller one to slap on the back. I actually know somebody who uses a pair of law enforcement handcuffs for his rear wheel..

OHH and this is always a great idea...

Always put your contact information and copy of your bike registration (if your city/state/whatever does that) rolled up down in your seat-tube. This happened to my ex's bike and I had her put all of her information down there. Some 16 year old shady fuck was riding on it and I was able to stop him. Called the cops, pulled the information, and got the bike back with the case solved. Boom.
Mar 27 2015 3:42AM
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Logey.
Posts: 2996 - Karma: 457
DingoSeanSome 16 year old shady fuck was riding on it and I was able to stop him. Called the cops, pulled the information, and got the bike back with the case solved. Boom.


Why didn't you just whoop his ass you pussy
Mar 27 2015 10:41AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
Logey.Why didn't you just whoop his ass you pussy


because I dont assault minors... because I'm not an idiot.
Mar 27 2015 4:06PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
DingoSeanbecause I dont assault minors... because I'm not an idiot.


word. that's what the police are for.
Mar 27 2015 9:31PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
k-robword. that's what the police are for.


Yeah. I call in the professionals when I need someone to eat curb. I'm white, so the police are basically my mafia unit.
Mar 27 2015 9:33PM
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Microcosm
Posts: 4765 - Karma: 153
Laurent.I was joking, I'm merely a situational bike thief when as said friends loose keys, etc..

Old bikes, new bikes doesn't really matter, at least in Amsterdam, nor does the neighbourhood, hell if it's a crazy nice bike, most thief's might assume it's a bait bike from the police. It should look average, and if you have a Brooke's saddle, take that with you. Even crowded places don't help, as you can see in this Neistat video, people do jack shit:

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/762534/Bike-Thief-2012



No better then any other expensive brand, i.e. AXA, Kryptonite, etc... I'll snap their heavy cable in seconds.

One more tip: One of the best solutions against stolen wheels is Pitlock or infiniti3D lock nuts, but then even then that doesn't always help, if they want the bike or a part, they will find a way to get it. Such as just sawing straight through your fork.


Thanks for the tip, I gotta get rid of these quick releases. Got em on both wheels and the seat

crotchventWhy not just get a backpack and put the lock in there. I also live somewhere where no one really locks up anything. Including house and car.


I don't wanna have a backpack in the bar, but otherwise yeah this is a fine idea.
Mar 28 2015 9:03PM
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