MY GUIDE: Bike Security (Copyright ©)

PB Forum :: Beginners
MY GUIDE: Bike Security (Copyright ©)
  • Previous Page
Author Message
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 11:07 Quote
JUST A FEW FACTS BEFORE YOU READ THIS GUIDE:

-A Bike Is Stolen Every 71 seconds in England alone with 440,000 thefts reported in the last 12 months.

Watch these videos, you'll be shocked...

Gone in 60 secs Parts 1 & 2 (LETS FIGHT BIKE CRIME)

by road-psyclist
Views: 62,797    Faves: 185    Comments: 33



-TOP 10 CYCLE HOTSPOTS FOR PUBLIC BIKE THEFT IN U.K 2006 -

1.Central London
2.Kingston-upon-Thames
3.Cambridge
4.Bristol
5.York
6.Oxford
7.South West London
8.Brighton
9.Portsmouth
10.Nottingham

-Top 10 Cities in the U.S for Bike Theft-

1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. Boston
4. Philadelphia
5. San Jose
6. Los Angeles - tie
San Francisco - tie
8. Seattle
9. San Diego - tie
Washington, DC - tie
Portland, Oregon – tie

-A Survey Shown
1.6 Million U.K Households Were Victim Of Theft From Their Gardens In 2 Years

Typical bike thief doing what they do as you can see some carry bolt croppers in bags or conceal them to steal bikes...beware
  Typical bike thief doing what they do, as you can see some carry bolt croppers in bags or conceal them to steal bikes...beware!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-A GUIDE ON BIKE SECURITY-

Hello and welcome to my guide
This guide will guide you to the best ways to keep your bicycle safe and secure from the hands of bicycle thieves.

In this time a high majority of people are buying expensive mountain bikes for sports of high value anything from £300-£8000.
These bikes are an eye candy for thieves a two wheeled alternative of what brand named cars like Ferrari and Porsche are, high value and a money maker for criminals who can sell them on.
Thieves find them an easier target as bikes are easy to steal from a shed or garage, and as they have no engine they do not wake the owner up when they are stolen,also they are easy to transport for a thief to a safe spot by riding down back streets and alleys instead of main roads in which car criminals tend to do.

Common theft of bicycles are from towns when an owner leaves their bike outside a shop for example for a few minutes.
But not all people know (only victims like myself) that another common crime of bike theft is from private property.

I hope you take notice of this information on the website, I have done this to help my fellow bike riders prevent their pride and joy being stolen as I am a cyclist myself.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW THIEVES KNOW WHERE YOUR BIKE IS


You may have your bike stolen from a public place or from your property.

This guide contains information for both home security and public security.

If a thief spots you riding your bike they will follow you to your home to see where you live taking their own precautions for you not to spot them, they then come back to your property late at night to steal your bike.

This is how many bikes are stolen from property as the owner is unaware they have been followed to their property.

It has been seen in many cases during my observation on bicycle forums, some of which are very shocking stories and which show what levels thieves will go to steal a bicycle.

One of the most shocking stories I had witnessed were thieves who broke into a garage with a crowbar then smashed the car window in the garage to move the car into the driveway to break the locks on the bike.

ALL THIS WAS DONE WHILST THE OWNERS SLEPT!!!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOUR SHED

The last place you want to put your bike is in a shed, whether you have good padlocks on a shed, thieves will simply unscrew the screws on the latch to get in or use other methods to get into sheds.

Your shed will always be a target for thieves whether or not the thief knows your bike is in your shed.

Thieves target sheds in random burglary's as they know many people keep expensive gardening machinery (e.g Rotavators) and bicycles in their sheds.

Sheds are very easy to break into as they are made of wood and as sheds are commonly placed a distance from the house it is easy for a thief to make little noise if they should break into the shed.

There are shed alarms which you can buy, but these still will not be good security. (This link only applies to U.K citizens)

Also read how to toughen up your bike shed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOUR GARAGE

Your Garage is safer to keep your bike in but not all are alarmed or secure than others.

If you keep your bike in your garage, it is best to have a heavy duty chain and padlock and u-lock and chain the bike round something secure NOT a heating pipe or weak material.

The best thing to secure you bike to is a ground anchor.

Beware that thieves will find it nearly as easy to break into your garage as a shed if they want your bike.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOUR HOUSE

Your House is the best place to keep your bike and is always a priority even if you live in a small flat or cramped home it is worth it in the long run.
Common bike thieves rarely burgle houses as most are known as petty thieves. This, however, depends on the thief.

In the case of burglars, it is best you chain your bike around a radiator or something securely built into the house like banisters.

If you would like to know more about burglary prevention simply click here which will take you to the website.

THE BELOW PICTURE SHOWS HOW TO LOCK UP YOUR BIKE IN YOUR HOUSE

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz244/Kinetic-UK/bikelocks.jpg?t=1296655679
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUICK RELEASE AND PUBLIC PLACES

Never leave your bike chained to a fence in a discreet place like a park for example.

photo


If the thief can't have your bike they will take any quick release parts off your bike like your wheels or your seat.

Never leave it in a place such as the above mentioned for a long period of time, the thief may come back and cut the chain with bolt croppers or a saw.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SECURITY CHAINS AND LOCKS

No lock is unbreakable - Take that as a note.

One thing you should always keep in mind is that if a thief wants to steal your bicycle, they will always be able to given enough time, the knowledge needed to break your locks and the right tools.

There are a number of steps you can take to help keep you and your trusted steed together:

-Buy the best locks you can afford.

-Avoid the bad locks.

-Use two locks or more (the more the better)

-Choose a good location.

-Attach your bike to a solid, immovable object.

-Understand the tools and techniques thieves use.


If you're looking for a good bicycle lock the following will tell you all you need to know.

How to choose a good bike lock

Security rating – in the UK there is the Sold Secure rating system. This classes bike locks as Gold, Silver or Bronze. The three different levels represent how long it will take a bike thief to breach the lock. If you have bicycle insurance then getting a Sold Secure lock is usually part of the terms and conditions.

Size – a lock with a bigger locking diameter will mean you can secure it against a wider range of objects. The downside is this gives the thief more space to try and use a lever-aging bar to break the lock.

Weight – obviously this is something you need to carry around with you often and any additional weight on the bike means additional pedalling effort. Usually a better bike lock will also be heavier.

Maintenance – you should use WD40 to keep the locking mechanism working well and not seizing up especially during cold weather.

Spare keys – there is nothing worse than losing your keys just as you are about to set off to work. Most bike locks come with at least two spare keys but a third is often very useful.

|||||||||||||||||

Cable locks have a bad reputation for security. They are far easier to cut through than D-Locks. As a secondary lock however they can be a good choice. Steel cable locks will be a better deterrent and also make a thief take longer to cut through if you have one of these with your other lock.


D-Locks/U-Locks are a better security option over cable locks and are rather strong depending on how much you pay. However they can be broken open with a jack device if a thief is well equipped.

Chains & Security Locks are the best option when it comes to security. But it all depends on what you buy

|||||||||||||||||

Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit 1000/800mm would be the best cable lock, I wouldn't recommend anything other than this lock. However not as your primary lock.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/AbusGranitSteelOFlex1000review_14216/abussteeloflex1000.jpg
Kryptonite New York 3000 NYL is the best U-Lock/D-Lock you can get and is Gold Sold Secure it may cost a lot but it is sold gold secure and will hold up a lot of abuse to be broken.
(Review Here)

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/kryptonite_ny_3000_u-lock.jpg
Almax Series III is near enough invincible and has took it's test in which it has passed in strength against bolt croppers. It ranges in price from £125-£200 depending on which package you buy but is worth it.
(Review Here)

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://static.lfgss.com/attachments/6738d1236613738-almax-series-3.jpg
|||||||||||||||||

LIST OF OTHER LOCKS - Credit goes to LFGSS.com on this list:

Before looking, take a look at Almax Wall of Shame

U-Locks:
_______

1. 16mm Abus Granit Extreme 59 [tied with]
1. 18mm Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini (the best) [not big enough for MTBs with fat tyres, fine for road bikes with tighter clearances]

2. 18mm Kryptonite New York M-18 [tied with]
2. 18mm Xena Bullett XUL

3. 19mm Motrax Disclock Large (best value security) [tied with]
3. 16mm OnGuard Brute X4 (best value security, from major company)

Chains: (best left at work, or at university, so you can relock it each day)
_______

1. Almax Immobiliser Series IV

Skewer Locks:
____________

1. Pitlock (highest security)
2. Hublox Security Skewers (ease of use)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Heavy Duty D-Locks/U-Locks: (Primary security)
_________________________

18mm/19mm:
______

GRP Superdeals U-Lock [18mm]

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini [18mm]

Kryptonite New York M-18 [18mm]

Master Lock Street Force 10 [18mm] (8 tons pull resistance)

Motrax Disclock Large [19mm] (Badly named, because it is a U-Lock)

Xena Bullett XUL series [18mm] {Alarmed lock} [2.92kgs (210cm); 3.34kgs (270cm); 3.48kgs (310cm)]

16mm/17mm (or equivalent strength):
______
Abus Granit Extreme 59 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) [2.9kgs (260cm); 3.06kgs (310cm)]

Abus Granit X-Plus 54 [13mm] (7 tons pull resistance) [1.84kgs (300cm); 1.4kgs (230cm)] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]

Abus Granit Power 59 [16mm] [3.06kgs (310cm); 2.9kgs (260cm)]

BLOK UL X200(Magnum) [16mm]

GRP Superdeals U-Lock [16mm] (round barrel, not square)

Motrax Viper Disc Lock [16mm] (Its actually a U-lock)

Onguard Brute X4 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) £27.35 [WARNING: key combinations are few.] [1.864kgs]

Oxford Magnum [16mm] (regular) [SOLD SECURE GOLD]

Oxford Magnum - Large [16mm] £43.47 [SOLD SECURE GOLD]

Trelock BS 510 [16mm] (6 tons pull resistance)

Trelock MB 600 [16mm] (8 tons pull resistance)

Trelock BS 610 [16mm] (7 tons pull resistance) [SOLD SECURE GOLD]

Trimax MAX90 Ultra Max [16mm] (6.5 tons pull resistance / 8 tons expansion resistance)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chains: [16mm minimum] (Primary security)
(Extremely heavy, and will last long enough to put off most thieves, but not indestructible)
_____________

Almax Immobiliser Series IV (1m chain only) [19mm diameter links!!]

Colossus chain + Viper lock (1.2m chain)

PJB Untouchable [16mm] (1.5m chain)

PJB Untouchable [19mm] (2.0m chain) £169.99 [19mm diameter links!!]

Pragmasis Protector £66.65

Squire Ex-Caliber SS65 £49.95

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alarm Disc Locks: (very useful in shared accommodation, outside the pub, or at university - not primary security).
____________

VirtualVillage 6mm Motorcycle alarm disc lock (110db)

JBSL02 Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £22.95

LA-01 Alarm padlock(105db) £16.99 (adequate chainring-based deterrent, but easily cut)

LA-02 Alarm disc lock (100db)

Motrax Alarm Disc Lock (100db)

"New" Alarm Disc Lock (112db)

Oxford Boss (110db)

Oxford Screamer Alarm Disc Lock (100db)

SG Locks Heavy Security 3-01 ()

SNC 808 Alarm Disc Lock (110db)

Xena XBL2-35 (110db)

Xena XPL46 (110db)

Xena Special Offer XZZ6 Alarm (110db)

Xena XZZ6 Alarm Disc Lock (110db)


Alarm Padlocks: (again, nearly essential security but not as primary security).
____________

Krabus XL505 (the original) As used on downtube [very effectively]

No Name Krabus copy

SNC locks (many are Krabus copies)

Faithfull (Krabus copy)

Budget Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)

Rolson Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Axle / Skewer Locks: (additional security, NOT primary security)
____________

For solid axles (ie. fixed gear hubs)
Atomic 22 [needs to be bought direct from manufacturer]

Pinhead

Pitlock

For hollow axles (ie. quick release)
Hublox Security Skewers

KF Secura Locking Skewers Set

Pinhead Duo

Pinhead Tri

Pitlock

Trans-X Security Quick Release

Zefal Lock n Roll

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW TO LOCK UP YOUR BIKE

Bike Lock Tip 1 – Choose your location

Always make sure you don’t attach your bike to something that can easily be broken, moved or lifted off. Spend that extra 5 minutes when you are out and about to find a more secure object and your bike safety will be ensured.
Location tips:
Well lit area with CCTV cameras around are the most ideal

It is preferable to choose an area where other people are around and are frequently walking past. Never leave it in an isolated place

Lock it near to other bikes – there is a decreased chance of thieves picking your bike as there will be easier targets around


Bike Lock Tip 2 – Buy the best bike lock

A cheap lock is a false economy so buy the best you can afford. I’m fairly sure I could actually chew through some of the bike locks I see in London! Aim to buy a D-lock with a cable attached to it.

If there is such a thing as a “best bike lock” then these two would be definite contenders:

krytonite new york lock 06Kryptonite New York Standard which is available at a surprisingly good price on Amazon. It would take a thief a very long time to get through this lock. It is one of the toughest and remains one of the most recommended bike locks. If you want to keep your bike safe then this is what you want.

The second equally well recommended one is the Abus Granit Xplus. It is very strong and unless the bike thief has some seriously heavy duty equipment it will not move.

Bike Lock Tip 3 – Use your lock effectively

Lock the frame, front and back wheel to the object you have secured your bike to

Make sure the D-lock is tightly fastened so it is not hanging loose between the bike and the object you have locked it to

Face the D-lock (U-lock) keyway facing down so that they cannot spray liquid into it

Don’t place the lock too near the ground as then it is easier to leverage them for attack

photo
photo

Bike Lock Tip 4 – Use two different locks

Two different locks will mean thieves need two different types of tool to remove them. They are unlikely to be carrying both of these. I always take my bag with me and put the two locks in there. The one lock is a d-lock and the other is a chain lock.

The bike thief will take one look at your bike with the two locks and will look elsewhere.

Bike Lock Tip 5 – Register your bike

A registered bike is less likely to be targeted. Obviously make sure you get a sticker that says it is registered to put would-be thieves off. I highly recommend http://www.bikeregister.com/ and http://www.immobilise.com/ if you are in the UK.

Bike Lock Tip 6 – Remove all accessories

A bike is less attractive without lights, the seat post etc so make sure you remove these if you have room to carry them with you.

Finally this excellent video below helps re-iterate the main points about how to lock your bike:


Almax Chains may be heavy to carry but they are 90% sure to be un-breakable and your bike will not be stolen.

I have an Almax Chain & Squire Lock, ok so it's £125 - £55 for the Squire lock and £69.95 for the chain, but for a reason.

These are locks you want to avoid (as shown by Almax)


And here's why Almax are one of the best chains you can get.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GROUND ANCHORS

A Ground Anchor is a number one priority if you store your bike in a garage or next to a wall outside it can only be fixed into a concerete floor. It is simply secured into the concrete floor and is impossible to remove.

Also a list of other Ground Anchors:

http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/ground-anchor

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ELECTRONIC TAGGING DEVICES

Tagging Devices are a priority, they are placed on the inside of your bicycle and if your bike is ever stolen it can be recovered.

The ImmobiTag Electronic Cycle Protection Kit is an easy-to-fit device that's embedded into the bike frame and is almost impossible to remove.

http://www.integratedtrackers.com/GPSTrack

There is also ChipNTrace who do a similar Electronic Tagging Device ChipNTrace offer a return service if your bike is found and they also have people going round to shops and trails and are actively trying to stop crime at the trails, shops and centres. They to are involved with the police and have an active watch list that gets updated on their website for all to see.

There is also a data tag device which uses chemical etching and includes 1000 microdots for minor components on sportsbikeshop.co.uk useful for placing on all parts of your bike in case it is taken apart and sold as parts.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Rear Wheel Lock by AXA:

The AXA Defender lock is a wheel to frame lock which is permanently mounted on the rear seat stays. It is very common in Europe and stops the bike from being ridden away as well as stopping anyone from stealing the rear wheel from the bike. With the addition of the plug in cable this becomes a good lock choice for people living in a low risk area. It is quick and easy to use and because the key stays in the lock when the bike is in use it is great for those people who are apt to lose keys. If used in combination with a U lock for the front wheel and frame this would be a good system even for higher risk areas.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://momentummag.com/downloads/2657/download/bitblt-579x400-b0c0964427538d11b664493e258a10f9d9d1e145/axa-defender-lock-plus-cable-lead.jpg
Thanks for reading.

Also, I have left a forum open on here for you to ask questions.

Alex/Psyclist.
flag alythcyclery
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 14:00 Quote
Slightly off topic- But, For the British guys- You would be surprised what you can find in T.k maxx.

They often have Oxford chains for about £12. They are excellent locks and have ratings to help you choose, they are meant for motorcycle use, But they are pretty solid and no-ones getting through them in a hurry.



Just thought I'd throw that in there, Help folk save some cash.
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 14:04 Quote
Apart from the two below listed:

Oxford Monster?
Hand Bolt cropped by Peter Walker of M.A.G (who had never cropped a chain before) in 3 seconds

Oxford Boss?
Hand Bolt cropped in approx 22 seconds
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 14:08 Quote
The problem with cheap chains is, you pay for what you get. It is important that you pay good money for a security lock. Okay. So you can buy insurance for your bike but not all people do. And even if you do you may as well buy a good lock for a good bike you put hundreds or thousands of pounds in.
flag tom666
FL
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 14:12 Quote
Kin, I don't seem to see "Raleigh curly cable lock thing that cost £5 from halfords" anywhere on your list of great locks. What's going on?
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 14:15 Quote
lol If you really want to buy a crap lock for your bike go ahead but don't blame me when a pair of scissors cut it.Book
flag tom666
FL
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 14:17 Quote
Mate. I gave that lock a good old tug with my left hand. It's safe as houses. lol
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 14:21 Quote
lol LMAO!

I have the Almax Series III. I got it for free and I would've bought the Kryptonite NY 3000 U-Lock if I wasn't given the Almax as it's overkill for my bike which I use.

Seriously though. If you ever leave your bike somewhere for a long time have a good lock (or two) It's crazy seeing how many bikes have gone missing since this time last year on the stolen bikes thread Eek
flag tom666
FL
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 15:01 Quote
What do you reckon the best PORTABLE lock would be for a sensible price. These massive chains and U locks are all very well, but I want to take mine in my backpack. I can't have it weighing 2 kilos.
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 15:02 Quote
Do you have a budget?
flag tom666
FL
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 15:08 Quote
I'd rather not spend more than about £40.
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 15:14 Quote
This is a great lock. Sold GOLD secure so it's a great lock.


Bicycle security for moderate to high crime areas, with a standard length shackle

14 mm hardened Kryptonium steel shackle

Patented double deadbolt locking mechanism for extensive holding power

High security ovalised cylinder that makes this a sold secure gold lock

Reinforced sleeve over crossbar and cylinder provides enhanced security protection

Reinforced internal housing increases twisting leverage type attacks

Offset key location and overhead cam locking mechanism resists leverage attacks

Double deadbolt locking for extra strength against leverage attacks

Anti-Rattle bumpers keeps the shackle snug against the crossbar and prevent unnecessary noise

3 keys, including 1 lighted

EZ-Mount bracket included

Rotating dustcover over cylinder protects from dirt & grime

Vinyl coated and weatherproof
flag tom666
FL
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 15:15 Quote
What is the LED on the key for? unlocking in the dark?
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Sep 5, 2011 at 15:16 Quote
It's for night time use so you can see what you're doing.
  • Previous Page

 


Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.017502
Mobile Version of Website