Locking up a racing bike

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Date: 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55
From: Andrew Price
Subject: Locking up a racing bike

I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.

I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
amateurs for a minute or so?

Date: 01 May 2007 05:51:15
From: DanKMTB@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Apr 30, 3:59 am, "Dave Larrington" <smert.spamio...@privacy.net >
wrote:
> My chum Mr Hurt discourages minipikeys from making off with his machinery by
> attaching a small padlock either to the chainring of his fixer or the brake
> disc of his recumbent trike.

We used to use some seriously heavy duty padlocks over the sprocket &
chain of our quads to deter opportunists while we ran into the store
to grab a drink & a snack, utilizing some tip we got out of an ATV
magazine. We were all quite happy wiht this system, until one day
someone forgot to undo the padlock. The quad didn't even miss a beat,
just a loud "ping" and a two-part padlock on the ground. After that,
we switched systems.

I suppose this would translate to bicycles better. I may have to give
it a go for my quick run-ins, as it'll at least be better than the
"hope & be quick (TM)" method I use now with the beater.

Date: 30 Apr 2007 09:15:51
From: runcyclexcski@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

the OP wanted to stop opportunits thiefs only. Which I understand is a
grab-and-go type.

I always take my bike with me wherever I go. Works for 90% of coffee
shops. Works for 100% of bike shops. The above two kind of shops cover
99% of shops I have a need to go to while riding a racing bike. Where
else would you need to go to anyway? A Prada?

Date: 01 May 2007 16:37:14
From: Pete Biggs
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

runcyclexcski@yahoo.com wrote:
> the OP wanted to stop opportunits thiefs only. Which I understand is a
> grab-and-go type.
>
> I always take my bike with me wherever I go. Works for 90% of coffee
> shops. Works for 100% of bike shops. The above two kind of shops cover
> 99% of shops I have a need to go to while riding a racing bike. Where
> else would you need to go to anyway? A Prada?

This thread was x-posted to r.b.m and uk.rec.cycling, so I guess the OP is
in the UK.

In rural parts of Britain, even some urban areas, when you don't want to
visit a pub, often the only place to buy a quick drink & snack from is a
small convenience store or newsagents or petrol station (gas station).
There may be only *one* suitable shop (if that!).

I don't feel it's fair to the shopkeeper and other customers to take a bike
into small or crowded shops like these.

~PB

Date: 30 Apr 2007 21:09:07
From: Mark Thompson
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

> I always take my bike with me wherever I go. Works for 90% of coffee
> shops. Works for 100% of bike shops. The above two kind of shops cover
> 99% of shops I have a need to go to while riding a racing bike. Where
> else would you need to go to anyway? A Prada?

Pub.

Date: 30 Apr 2007 23:09:59
From: nash
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Mark Thompson"
<pleasegivegenerously@warmmail*_turn_up_the_heat_to_reply*.com > wrote in
message news:Xns9922E1583827Fpleasegivegenerously@130.133.1.4...
>> I always take my bike with me wherever I go. Works for 90% of coffee
>> shops. Works for 100% of bike shops. The above two kind of shops cover
>> 99% of shops I have a need to go to while riding a racing bike. Where
>> else would you need to go to anyway? A Prada?
>
> Pub.

I did that, during the day. Even right through a shopping mall. MTB there
in fact.
Hamburger stops too. A museum did not allow me because of the damage it
could cause and a theater probably wouldn't either.
But 98% of the time. I usually bring my lock just in case but it has not
been necessary.

Date: 30 Apr 2007 00:32:27
From: Barnard Frederick
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In article <99a4331janeapgaqohi50l3haacl50o74i@4ax.com >, ajprice@free.fr
says...

> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

Lots of replies already and I'm sorta late to the thread, but in some
major urban areas the bike thieves are incredibly good at what they do.
I had a $2500 bike stolen in Chicago last year at about 5:00 PM on a
sunny summer day on a busy street. Like others here, I never had a
problem with bike theft until then. But when it did happen it hit me
hard. It was locked with one of the smaller Kryptonite cables and a
Master lock. It should have been good enough for a 15 minute browse in
a bike shop, but it wasn't. There's a reason most every bike in Chicago
is locked with a huge U-lock.

To add insult to injury, my car was parked at the University of Chicago,
about 20 miles away. I had my choice of a $75 cab ride or to take the
train to Englewood and a bus to the U of C. Englewood is one of the
worst neighborhoods in Chicago, and I was dropped off just after dark to
wait for a bus. About then I wished I had just hired a cab. My
insurance was gracious and paid me in full, but I built that bike part
by part and there wasn't anything else like it.

The bottom line is you are taking a risk leaving your bike unattended
for any length of time. You may never have a problem, but everyone
should ask themselves if they can afford to lose their bike when they
lock it and turn their back.

Date: 29 Apr 2007 09:56:10
From: runcyclexcski@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop.

Take your bike with you to the shop. Stop doing business with the shop
if they don't let you in with the bike.

BTW an opportunist bike thief can be stopped with a thin cable and
quick-release-free-wheels.

Date: 30 Apr 2007 08:49:17
From: SMS
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

runcyclexcski@yahoo.com wrote:
>> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop.
>
> Take your bike with you to the shop. Stop doing business with the shop
> if they don't let you in with the bike.
>
> BTW an opportunist bike thief can be stopped with a thin cable and
> quick-release-free-wheels.

Yeah, if it's the grab and ride thief, rather than the grab and throw
into a pick-up truck thief.

The bottom line is that a cable lock can be cut in seconds with the
proper battery powered cutting tool.

I think the funniest thing I saw was Steve Smilanick of S&S Machining
lock up his bike by disassembling the frame, and putting the frame
triangle around a post, and reassembling the frame. While a thief might
be able to use very large vise-grips in place of the spanner tool, it'd
be difficult to get a grip, even if they figured out how the connectors
worked. Of course you still might want to use a cable lock around the
wheels, seat, etc.

So if the poster really doesn't want to carry a heavy lock, have S&S
torque couplers installed on the frame (round tubed steel, titanium or
carbon fiber frames only; aluminum frames can't be retrofit due to the
issues with aluminum).

Date:
From:
Subject:

Date: 28 Apr 2007 20:36:27
From: John Hearns
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

I always have a Specialized Hardrock Combo lock on the bike.
A combination lock means that you don't have to remember the keys.
Also long enough to stretch between the two wheels.
But I don't have illusions about it withstanding a bolt cropper etc.

I believe the OnGuard equivalent tested well in C+ recently too.

Another good product I recently bought:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360022247

It fits well on a road bike, and is the right size for a small Abus
chain. I chained my bike around a lamppost in Islington last night,
and it was there when I got back.

Date: 28 Apr 2007 21:08:45
From: Phil Cook
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

John Hearns wrote:

>I always have a Specialized Hardrock Combo lock on the bike.
>A combination lock means that you don't have to remember the keys.
>Also long enough to stretch between the two wheels.
>But I don't have illusions about it withstanding a bolt cropper etc.
>
>I believe the OnGuard equivalent tested well in C+ recently too.
>
>
>Another good product I recently bought:
>http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360022247
>
>It fits well on a road bike, and is the right size for a small Abus
>chain. I chained my bike around a lamppost in Islington last night,
>and it was there when I got back.

Hmmm.

Goes to Abus site finds size of bag....

ST 250 1,8 Litre 21 x 6 x 22cm

I think that is just a smidgin too big to fit in the triangle on a
Birdy. :-(
--
Phil Cook looking north over the park to the "Westminster Gasworks"

Date: 28 Apr 2007 10:04:33
From: Simon Mason
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Andrew Price" <ajprice@free.fr > wrote in message
news:99a4331janeapgaqohi50l3haacl50o74i@4ax.com...
> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop -

I don't bother with locks. I try and go to petrol stations that have a large
glass frontage and so I can keep an eye on my bike at all times. They are
well away from passing peds and car drivers don't seem to bother about them.

--
Simon Mason
http://www.simonmason.karoo.net

Date: 28 Apr 2007 08:42:57
From: Pinky
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Andrew Price" <ajprice@free.fr > wrote in message
news:99a4331janeapgaqohi50l3haacl50o74i@4ax.com...
> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

Lots of suggestions but in the end, even if you are only away for a few
minutes your bike can be purloined.

In December 2005 I left my well travelled be well maintained bike ( with 2
brand new marathon + tyres fitted that morning) outside the village post
office. There was a small queue of 5 people and the bike was in my view
through the door. It was secured by my standard "short time" helical cable
with padlock. I bought two stamps to post a .letter to France and with my back
to the door 2 or 3 minutes at the most.

The bike had gone, Cable cut and away!

My bikes now have a very light "Timani" alarm fitted to the seat post. Which
is always on even when I am only a few feet away ( and a very dew feet at
that) say in the local market. That together with a lightweight cable plus
padlock might give me notice of someone trying to take off with my bike.

I must say also the my latest bike -- a Thorne Raven Tour -- isn't very
"flashy" ---- many bikes entice to thieves by being distinctly good looking
. I am happy with my TRT being subdued in a darkish ruby red. With its coating
of travel dust it doesn't look more than a standard hack!

Trevor A Panther
In South Yorkshire,
England, United Kingdom.
www.tapan.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Date: 27 Apr 2007 22:35:57
From: Dave H.
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Andrew Price" <ajprice@free.fr > wrote in message
news:99a4331janeapgaqohi50l3haacl50o74i@4ax.com...
> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

I'm using a Trek labelled Kryptonite push button spring loaded retractable
cable combination lock which weighs just a few ounces. It is easy to carry
along in a jersey pocket or a seat bag. Easy to defeat, but just enough of a
deterrent to keep "honest" folks honest for the minute or two that I might
leave the bike unattended. Definitely not good for high crime areas.

Similar locks are sold for securing laptops or sporting gear (skis).
Slightly more secure than the helmet straps which I sometimes used as a
lock, and I can also secure the helmet by running the locking cable through
a vent.

Here is the current model, "R4", from the Kryptonitelock.com website.
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?cid=1001&scid=1001&pid=1132

I almost built a home-made minimalist lock out of an old stainless steel
shift cable, ends looped and crimped, and a tiny padlock. The Kryptonite
lock was very inexpensive, under ten bucks at a swap meet.

Dave H.
=====

Date: 27 Apr 2007 16:50:22
From: Tom Keats
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In article <hOGdnSrD15u5H6_bnZ2dnUVZ8sqjnZ2d@bt.com >,
"Niall Wallace" <bigbadwolfie267@hotmail.com > writes:
>
> "Werehatrack" <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote in message
> news:t325339hto3puj3hisbtg5h9e4s07g7810@4ax.com...
>> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr> may
>> have said:
>>
>>opportunistic thief, since too many of such itinerant acquisitors
>> carry at least a pair of dikes with them at all times.
> Why would a pair of lesbians be any use to an opportunistic bike theif? Or
> have i read that wrong?

In this context, dikes (or dykes) == diagonal wire cutters.

But I guess a pair of lesbians could create a distraction
while the thief goes about his evildoings.

cheers,
Tom
--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

Date: 27 Apr 2007 23:13:57
From: Simon Brooke
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

in message <99a4331janeapgaqohi50l3haacl50o74i@4ax.com >, Andrew Price
('ajprice@free.fr') wrote:

> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

When I've got either of my good bikes out of the house, it's never out of
my sight. When I'm going on the sort of journey which involves leaving the
bike for even a few moments, I don't take a good bike. I have a 15 year
old bike which I treat as a utility bike, which does those sorts of
journeys; and, when out on that, I carry a fairly light coiled cable and
padlock. A determined thief could cut it with a pair of bolt croppers in a
moment, but if I lost that bike it wouldn't be hard to replace it.

But you're right - there's no point spending hundreds of pounds shaving
grammes of a bike, and then carrying a kilogramme of lock.

--
simon@jasmine.org.uk (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

The Conservative Party is now dead. The corpse may still be
twitching, but resurrection is not an option - unless Satan
chucks them out of Hell as too objectionable even for him.

Date: 28 Apr 2007 14:34:04
From: nash
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

I have never had a problem bringing my race bike into stores, coffee
shops, etc if just to buy a drink and go and some for a complete grocery
list.
Walmart and London Drugs are different though and you can avoid them for
better 7-11's and restaurants. Banks have always let me in too.
Plus if you do not want to carry a 4 pounder you might like a 2 pounder.
The Kryptonite Evolution is such.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 15:45:20
From: SMS
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Date: 27 Apr 2007 22:43:13
From: Leo Lichtman
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Andrew Price" wrote: (clip) to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Same place every day? How about leaving a lock and cable on the lamp post?

Date: 27 Apr 2007 17:38:35
From: Werehatrack
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr > may
have said:

>I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
>other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
>than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
>I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
>a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
>eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
>for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
>amateurs for a minute or so?

I've had good luck so far in this area using a Kryptonite flat-key
u-lock. YMMV. I'm told that those are a one-way ticket to instant
pedestrian status in certain areas. Apparently, I haven't visited any
of them yet.

Direct experience indicates that a cable lock is no deterrent for even
an opportunistic thief, since too many of such itinerant acquisitors
carry at least a pair of dikes with them at all times. U-locks
require that the thief be carrying something that's unlikely to fit in
a pocket.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail.
Typoes are not a bug, they're a feature.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

Date: 28 Apr 2007 00:07:35
From: Niall Wallace
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Werehatrack" <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net > wrote in message
news:t325339hto3puj3hisbtg5h9e4s07g7810@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr> may
> have said:
>
>opportunistic thief, since too many of such itinerant acquisitors
> carry at least a pair of dikes with them at all times.
Why would a pair of lesbians be any use to an opportunistic bike theif? Or
have i read that wrong?

Niall

Date: 08 May 2007 21:26:30
From: John Thompson
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

["Followup-To:" header set to rec.bicycles.misc.]

On 2007-04-27, Niall Wallace <bigbadwolfie267@hotmail.com > wrote:
>
> "Werehatrack" <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote in message
> news:t325339hto3puj3hisbtg5h9e4s07g7810@4ax.com...
>> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr> may
>> have said:
>>
>>opportunistic thief, since too many of such itinerant acquisitors
>> carry at least a pair of dikes with them at all times.

> Why would a pair of lesbians be any use to an opportunistic bike theif? Or
> have i read that wrong?

You have read it wrong. A lesbian couple would be a pair of "dykes." A
pair of "dikes," on the other hand, are earthen embankments often used
to keep water out of places where it oughtn't be. In this context I
suspect the OP is referring to the privacy prodived by the embankments
in facilitating the theft.

--

John (john@os2.dhs.org)

Date: 09 May 2007 08:22:29
From: Dave Larrington
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In news:slrnf42cam.3sb.john@vector.os2.dhs.org,
John Thompson <john@vector.os2.dhs.org > tweaked the Babbage-Engine to tell
us:
> ["Followup-To:" header set to rec.bicycles.misc.]
>
> On 2007-04-27, Niall Wallace <bigbadwolfie267@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> "Werehatrack" <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote in message
>> news:t325339hto3puj3hisbtg5h9e4s07g7810@4ax.com...
>>> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr>
>>> may have said:
>>>
>>> opportunistic thief, since too many of such itinerant acquisitors
>>> carry at least a pair of dikes with them at all times.
>
>> Why would a pair of lesbians be any use to an opportunistic bike
>> theif? Or have i read that wrong?
>
> You have read it wrong. A lesbian couple would be a pair of "dykes." A
> pair of "dikes," on the other hand, are earthen embankments often used
> to keep water out of places where it oughtn't be. In this context I
> suspect the OP is referring to the privacy prodived by the embankments
> in facilitating the theft.

Those are "dykes" too, at least for BRITONS. Which rather begs the question
of what the little Dutch boy was doing with his (thank you - Ed.)

--
Dave Larrington
<http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk >
My liver is evil, and must be punished.

Date: 09 May 2007 13:20:34
From: Alan Braggins
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In article <5adc3gF2o9rs6U1@mid.individual.net >, Dave Larrington wrote:
>John Thompson <john@vector.os2.dhs.org> tweaked the Babbage-Engine to tell
>us:
>>
>> You have read it wrong. A lesbian couple would be a pair of "dykes." A
>> pair of "dikes," on the other hand, are earthen embankments often used
>> to keep water out of places where it oughtn't be. In this context I
>> suspect the OP is referring to the privacy prodived by the embankments
>> in facilitating the theft.
>
>Those are "dykes" too, at least for BRITONS. Which rather begs the question
>of what the little Dutch boy was doing with his (thank you - Ed.)

Putting his finger in a hole. I believe photos of similar activities
are available on the interweb.

But Chambers (a BRITISH dictionary) lists "dike" as an alternative spelling.
There are Devil's Dikes as well as Devil's Dykes.
http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/features/chref/chref.py/main?query=dike&title=21st

(I've given up on "beg the question" as a lost cause.)

Date: 09 May 2007 12:46:56
From: Nick Maclaren
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In article <slrnf43f4i.atn.armb@chiark.greenend.org.uk >,
armb@chiark.greenend.org.uk (Alan Braggins) writes:

Date: 09 May 2007 13:41:10
From: Tony Raven
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Alan Braggins wrote on 09/05/2007 13:20 +0100:
>
> But Chambers (a BRITISH dictionary) lists "dike" as an alternative
> spelling. There are Devil's Dikes as well as Devil's Dykes.
> http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/features/chref/chref.py/main?query=dike&title=21st
>

The OED concurs, both spellings are equivalent in all meanings

--
Tony

"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell

Date: 09 May 2007 08:26:15
From: Andy Leighton
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Wed, 9 May 2007 08:22:29 +0100,
Dave Larrington <smert.spamionam@privacy.net > wrote:
> In news:slrnf42cam.3sb.john@vector.os2.dhs.org,
> John Thompson <john@vector.os2.dhs.org> tweaked the Babbage-Engine to tell
> us:
>> ["Followup-To:" header set to rec.bicycles.misc.]
>>
>> On 2007-04-27, Niall Wallace <bigbadwolfie267@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> You have read it wrong. A lesbian couple would be a pair of "dykes." A
>> pair of "dikes," on the other hand, are earthen embankments often used
>> to keep water out of places where it oughtn't be. In this context I
>> suspect the OP is referring to the privacy prodived by the embankments
>> in facilitating the theft.
>
> Those are "dykes" too, at least for BRITONS. Which rather begs the question
> of what the little Dutch boy was doing with his (thank you - Ed.)

No, not for me. Dykes are drainage ditches. But that is a peculiar
usage to the part of the country where I was bred and born.

--
Andy Leighton = > andyl@azaal.plus.com
"The Lord is my shepherd, but we still lost the sheep dog trials"
- Robert Rankin, _They Came And Ate Us_

Date: 27 Apr 2007 20:20:31
From: Werehatrack
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Sat, 28 Apr 2007 00:07:35 +0100, "Niall Wallace"
<bigbadwolfie267@hotmail.com > may have said:

>
>"Werehatrack" <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote in message
>news:t325339hto3puj3hisbtg5h9e4s07g7810@4ax.com...
>> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr> may
>> have said:
>>
>>opportunistic thief, since too many of such itinerant acquisitors
>> carry at least a pair of dikes with them at all times.
>Why would a pair of lesbians be any use to an opportunistic bike theif? Or
>have i read that wrong?

TTBOMK, those are "dykes", while the ones I named are a hand tool of
considerable utility.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail.
Typoes are not a bug, they're a feature.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 21:10:49
From: Paul Myron Hobson
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

> "Werehatrack" <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote in message
> news:t325339hto3puj3hisbtg5h9e4s07g7810@4ax.com...
>> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr> may
>> have said:
>>
>> opportunistic thief, since too many of such itinerant acquisitors
>> carry at least a pair of dikes with them at all times.

Niall Wallace wrote:
> Why would a pair of lesbians be any use to an opportunistic bike theif? Or
> have i read that wrong?

It case this post is not in jest, dikes are the same as wire cutters.

But if it is in jest, I'm an ass.
\\paul

Date: 27 Apr 2007 21:23:54
From: Josey
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Andrew Price" <ajprice@free.fr > wrote in message
news:99a4331janeapgaqohi50l3haacl50o74i@4ax.com...

> Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

I carry a 4' kryptonite cable and a padlock for this purpose. I also use the
cable at work connected to my u-lock to lock the front wheel.

Jc.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 20:37:00
From: Pete Biggs
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Andrew Price wrote:
> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

Casual opportunists don't even attempt to break locks. A cheapo crappo
lightweight cable lock has been enough to prevent the idea of theft popping
into their heads, in my experience of twenty-five years of using one while
popping into shops for 3 minutes.

Have a look in pound shops, department stores, supermarkets, etc. Anything
more secure will be much heavier and bulkier. I save my D lock for my
crappiest bike!

~PB

Date: 28 Apr 2007 09:25:48
From: Alan Braggins
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In article <59f1n1F2kcgbsU1@mid.individual.net >, Pete Biggs wrote:
>Casual opportunists don't even attempt to break locks. A cheapo crappo
>lightweight cable lock has been enough to prevent the idea of theft popping
>into their heads, in my experience of twenty-five years of using one while
>popping into shops for 3 minutes.
>
>Have a look in pound shops, department stores, supermarkets, etc.

Aldi had some cheap lightweight cable locks in this Thursday's cycling
gear. (I've been using one from a few years ago.)

> Anything
>more secure will be much heavier and bulkier. I save my D lock for my
>crappiest bike!

I leave my heavy D-lock at work and have the cable lock in case I want to
pop into a shop on the way. (If you don't have locking skewers, a cable
lock also discourages a thief from taking your front wheel to stick on the
bike next to you that is only locked by its front wheel and not the frame.)

Date: 27 Apr 2007 12:35:26
From: landotter
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Apr 27, 12:00 pm, Andrew Price <ajpr...@free.fr > wrote:
> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.

Depends on what town you're in. I'd not leave my bike for ten seconds
without a mini-U Lock in SF, Portland OR, or NYC. However, I was just
in Atlanta and saw plenty of decent quality bikes locked with
incredibly gimpy cables. So depends on the thieves in your area.

I always use my Onguard mini U lock. It's only 2# and plenty strong
enough for these parts.

If you were in northern Europe some would say just get a bolt-on wheel
lock--but then again, I've had a bike taken in Gothenburg with one of
those. They might be ubiquitous, but they still suck.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 20:14:45
From: Tony B
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Andrew Price wrote:
> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop

Take it in the shop with you, or drop the front wheel out and take that
in. On my "racing" (hmmm) bike that's as quick as arsing about with a
lock, and I generally take the wheels out with me anyway, so don't have
to remember an extra "thing". Opportunists prolly won't see your classy
road bike and think it's worth having even without one of the wheels.

hth,

Tony B

Date: 27 Apr 2007 22:19:00
From: Adrian Boliston
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"Tony B" <usenetguff@thebramahs.plus.com > wrote in message
news:46324b8f$0$8715$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp-reader02.plus.net...

> Take it in the shop with you, or drop the front wheel out and take that
> in. On my "racing" (hmmm) bike that's as quick as arsing about with a
> lock, and I generally take the wheels out with me anyway, so don't have to
> remember an extra "thing". Opportunists prolly won't see your classy road
> bike and think it's worth having even without one of the wheels.

I sometimes get asked by work collegues to pick up things from town when I
go home for lunch each day. I have wheeled my bike into Boots, Sainsbury's,
Natwest, WHSmith and even Pets at Home and not yet been "challenged"! As
my bike is stored in the spare bedroom and gets parked in my office at work
I have not actually ever got round to purchasing a lock yet!

cheers adrian www.boliston.co.uk

Date: 27 Apr 2007 18:31:21
From: Nigel Cliffe
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Andrew Price wrote:
> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

I have a Safeman lock which coils onto a small self-winder wheel. It cost
about �3 from Aldi a couple of years ago.
Same lock was favourably reviewed in the CTC mag at the time for about �16.

Its small, light, easy to carry. Adequate against ride-off opportunists.
No protection against anyone vaguely equipped for theft of cycles. I'm
happy to use it in low risk areas.

http://www.safeman.de/

Putting "Safeman Lock" into google.co.uk throws up a few retailers who offer
it.

( well, I actually have a couple, different colours, and have painted the
keys to match the body colour so I don't get confused when locking two
bikes).

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

Date: 27 Apr 2007 17:29:50
From: John Everett
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr >
wrote:

>I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
>other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
>than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
>I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
>a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
>eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
>for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
>amateurs for a minute or so?

If you're just trying to discourage opportunists try lacing your
helmet straps around a seat stay and through a couple of spokes.

Yet another reason to wear a helmet. ;-)

--
jeverett3<AT >sbcglobal<DOT>net (John V. Everett)

Date: 30 Apr 2007 08:59:10
From: Dave Larrington
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In news:gdc433ha1bj4icn29jl6c41isjbpd6vrnu@4ax.com,
John Everett <jeverett3@sbcglobal.DEFEAT.UCE.BOTS.net > tweaked the
Babbage-Engine to tell us:
> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr>
> wrote:
>
>> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop -
>> in other words, short term protection against opportunist theft,
>> rather than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>>
>> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock
>> on a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
>> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
>> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
>> amateurs for a minute or so?
>
> If you're just trying to discourage opportunists try lacing your
> helmet straps around a seat stay and through a couple of spokes.
>
> Yet another reason to wear a helmet. ;-)

Although the same effect could be acheived with rather less cost and
inconvenience by a toe-strap.

My chum Mr Hurt discourages minipikeys from making off with his machinery by
attaching a small padlock either to the chainring of his fixer or the brake
disc of his recumbent trike.

--
Dave Larrington
<http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk >
Like Kant, it is my wish to create my own individual
epistemology. But I also wish to find out what is for pudding.

Date: 30 Apr 2007 23:39:54
From: AndyMorris
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Dave Larrington wrote:
>
> My chum Mr Hurt discourages minipikeys from making off with his
> machinery by attaching a small padlock either to the chainring of his
> fixer or the brake disc of his recumbent trike.

I've done that on a fixer but would worry about knacking up the brake
callipers.

--
Andy Morris

AndyAtJinkasDotFreeserve.Co.UK

Love this:
Put an end to Outlook Express's messy quotes
http://home.in.tum.de/~jain/software/oe-quotefix/

--
Posted via NewsDemon.com - Premium Uncensored Newsgroup Service
------- >>>>>>http://www.NewsDemon.com<<<<<<------
Unlimited Access, Anonymous Accounts, Uncensored Broadband Access

Date: 01 May 2007 05:44:28
From: Phil Cook
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

AndyMorris wrote:

>Dave Larrington wrote:
>>
>> My chum Mr Hurt discourages minipikeys from making off with his
>> machinery by attaching a small padlock either to the chainring of his
>> fixer or the brake disc of his recumbent trike.
>
>I've done that on a fixer but would worry about knacking up the brake
>callipers.

Then you need one of those luminous bits of curly string that
motorcyclists use.
http://www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk/external/1/products/moreinfo/ULK340102.jpg
--
Phil Cook looking north over the park to the "Westminster Gasworks"

Date: 30 Apr 2007 09:26:11
From: Tony Raven
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Dave Larrington wrote on 30/04/2007 08:59 +0100:
>
> My chum Mr Hurt discourages minipikeys from making off with his machinery by
> attaching a small padlock either to the chainring of his fixer or the brake
> disc of his recumbent trike.
>

I've only seen it once but its quite fun watching a minipikey making off
on a fixie. Mr Tarmac taught them the lesson about not stopping
pedalling. ;-)

--
Tony

"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell

Date: 27 Apr 2007 11:47:52
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

John Everett wrote:
> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price <ajprice@free.fr>
> wrote:
>
>> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop -
>> in other words, short term protection against opportunist theft,
>> rather than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>>
>> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock
>> on a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
>> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
>> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
>> amateurs for a minute or so?
>
> If you're just trying to discourage opportunists try lacing your
> helmet straps around a seat stay and through a couple of spokes.
>
> Yet another reason to wear a helmet. ;-)

Nice! <eg >

Date: 27 Apr 2007 17:05:40
From: _
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price wrote:

> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>
> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
> amateurs for a minute or so?

Absolute minimalist lock:

http://www.whiplock.com/

Better quality than most ring-combination jobs.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 19:45:33
From: Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Hayfever Edition �
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

"_" <jtayNOSPAMlor@hfDONTSENDMESPAMx.andara.com > wrote in message
news:11rximoskdg46$.10v05mq96ejj8$.dlg@40tude.net...
> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price wrote:
>
>> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
>> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
>> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>>
>> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
>> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
>> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
>> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
>> amateurs for a minute or so?
>
> Absolute minimalist lock:
>
> http://www.whiplock.com/
>
> Better quality than most ring-combination jobs.

A NYC bike thief will break it just by looking at it.

Date: 28 Apr 2007 16:23:03
From: Rob Morley
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In article <xpsYh.4324$Ut6.2832@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net >,=20
Bellsouth Ijit 2.0 - Hayfever Edition =AE=20
bjit@bellsouth.net says...

>=20
> A NYC bike thief will break it just by looking at it.=20
>=20
Probably not quite so much of a problem in Jorvik.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 18:33:21
From: Andreas =?iso-8859-1?Q?Schulze-B=E4ing?=
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

Am Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:05:40 GMT schrieb _:

> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price wrote:
>
>> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
>> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
>> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>>
>> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
>> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
>> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
>> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
>> amateurs for a minute or so?
>
> Absolute minimalist lock:
>
> http://www.whiplock.com/
>
> Better quality than most ring-combination jobs.

I wonder how one would fiddle this lock into the drop handlebars of a
racing bike :-)
I recently spotted a foldable lock, which seems to be rather compact when
not in used, the model Abus Bordo:
http://cyclexpress.co.uk/products/Bordo.aspx
Maybe that would suit a racing bike?

Andreas

Date: 27 Apr 2007 17:35:14
From: _
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:33:21 +0100, Andreas Schulze-B�ing wrote:

> Am Fri, 27 Apr 2007 17:05:40 GMT schrieb _:
>
>> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:00:55 +0200, Andrew Price wrote:
>>
>>> I'm looking for a solution to lock my bike to a lamp-post for 2 to 3
>>> minutes, just the time to buy something to eat or drink in a shop - in
>>> other words, short term protection against opportunist theft, rather
>>> than determined thieves equipped with bolt cutters etc.
>>>
>>> I don't see the point in carrying a 1.5 kilo super Fort Knox U-lock on
>>> a bike weighing only 9 kilos - a determined thief with tools would
>>> eventually crack that, too, given enough time. Any recommendations
>>> for something lightweight but strong enough to resist sticky-fingered
>>> amateurs for a minute or so?
>>
>> Absolute minimalist lock:
>>
>> http://www.whiplock.com/
>>
>> Better quality than most ring-combination jobs.
>
> I wonder how one would fiddle this lock into the drop handlebars of a
> racing bike :-)

Dead easy - you just slide it in.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 18:50:38
From: Dan Gregory
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

_ wrote:

> Dead easy - you just slide it in.

Except "tech support" says fits all bars apart from "road style" which
seems to mean the cable won't go round the bends ....

Date: 27 Apr 2007 12:38:37
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

In rec.bicycles.misc Dan Gregory <dangregory@brakes.palaver.freeserve.co.uk > wrote:
> _ wrote:
>
>> Dead easy - you just slide it in.
>
> Except "tech support" says fits all bars apart from "road style" which
> seems to mean the cable won't go round the bends ....

Plus, I'd imagine I'd have a hard time removing my bar-end shifters every time
I wanted to lock up...

--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
"Kill one man and you are a murderer. Kill millions and you
are a conqueror. Kill everyone and you are a God."
-Jean Rostand

Date: 27 Apr 2007 18:07:46
From: _
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:50:38 +0100, Dan Gregory wrote:

> _ wrote:
>
>> Dead easy - you just slide it in.
>
> Except "tech support" says fits all bars apart from "road style" which
> seems to mean the cable won't go round the bends ....

Well, they're wrong. I had one, and it just slides in.

Date: 27 Apr 2007 19:59:48
From: Dan Gregory
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

_ wrote:
> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:50:38 +0100, Dan Gregory wrote:
>
>> _ wrote:
>>
>>> Dead easy - you just slide it in.
>> Except "tech support" says fits all bars apart from "road style" which
>> seems to mean the cable won't go round the bends ....
>
> Well, they're wrong. I had one, and it just slides in.
Sounds good then. What bars do you have?

Date: 27 Apr 2007 22:37:50
From: _
Subject: Re: Locking up a racing bike

On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:59:48 +0100, Dan Gregory wrote:

> _ wrote:
>> On Fri, 27 Apr 2007 18:50:38 +0100, Dan Gregory wrote:
>>
>>> _ wrote:
>>>
>>>> Dead easy - you just slide it in.
>>> Except "tech support" says fits all bars apart from "road style" which
>>> seems to mean the cable won't go round the bends ....
>>
>> Well, they're wrong. I had one, and it just slides in.
> Sounds good then. What bars do you have?

Cinelli.