Security - locking your bike

[Inge]

John -

the differences between the Trelock ring locks?  I went to the website and there are several variations of the same model, i.e. RS-453 POC (AZ, NAZ, Balloon)

- they vary in the tyre width and whether or not you want the ZR 355 plug-in chai.
Main differences between the varius ring locks is the tyre width.

[hikerjer]

A related queston:  which is more theft proof, a subtantial cable or a good chain. I know a u-lock is probably best but I'm locking the bike to a trailer and the geomery of both will not allow for a u-lock without a subsantial investment in a welding job. I also know no lock system is prefect.  Just looking for recommendations/suggestions.

Thanks.

[HikeBikeCook]

It is my understanding that a cable is harder to cut and provides more protection per ounce of weight. That is of course an opinion and if you ask 10 cyclists you will get 12 opinions. 

[froze]

It is my understanding that a cable is harder to cut and provides more protection per ounce of weight. That is of course an opinion and if you ask 10 cyclists you will get 12 opinions. 

All you have to do is search YouTube videos of people cutting various materials, and a cable can be cut with a pair of cheap pocket snips like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-E337CB-7-Inch-Diagonal-Cutting/dp/B00D3R66O6

[Pat Lamb]

A hardened logging chain can be cut.  It's kind of entertaining to watch the guys at the hardware store (where they have the right tools) cussing as they try to cut a piece for you.

[staehpj1]

A hardened logging chain can be cut.  It's kind of entertaining to watch the guys at the hardware store (where they have the right tools) cussing as they try to cut a piece for you.

Yeah last time I saw them cut some at the hardware store they used a 4' bolt cutter it must have weighed 50 pounds, a big clunky awkward tool.

And yet a smaller lighter battery angle grinder goes through it like butter.  I guess the hardware store doesn't want all the flying sparks.  A thief probably doesn't mind them.  Angle grinders are great tools sadly they are great for dishonest folks too.

The good news is that theft isn't a huge problem on tour in most places with a little care.  In the higher risk places you just need to take greater care.  Perhaps at some point in my touring career I will lose my bike and gear, but I figure that is just a small risk that is baked into the sport.  Having gear you can afford to replace takes some of the sting out of it.

[Westinghouse]

I will be riding the Pacific Coast Route starting late August, solo.  I get it about locking the bike (or not), but what about the panniers while in camp, or going to the shower while in a state park campground?  Bike is locked, tent is up, panniers in tent, but there are still unscrupulous persons who go through "stuff" when no one is around.  I can certainly take valuables to the shower, but who wants to do that every day?
Any suggestions for security of panniers, even when at a restaurant or grocery store?
Thanks!

It is a problem. I never liked the feeling I got knowing that when I went into a food store, things could be missing when I got back to the bike. If you go through the experiences and advice in this thread, you will have the information you need to maximize the security of your things on tour.

[froze]

short of taking your bicycle into the shower with you, or into a store, there isn't much you can do to prevent someone from rifling through your panniers.  If you're panniers have grab straps or they can be connected together you can disconnect them and throw them on your shoulder or carry them in like suitcases, but that's a hassle as well, plus there is other stuff on the bike that you simply can't take it all inside with you.  The only option you have is to place the bike near a window so you can see the bike while inside a store, and take a seat next to the window that the bike is parked against if in a restaurant, that's what I do, I find an empty seat from outside first put the bike next to that window then go inside and request that window or set at that window table.  I've never had anyone bother my bike, and others I spoke to about that possibility have never had their bikes bothered either when touring, but there is that thing in the back of anyone's head that tells you, or bugs you, that someone could someday mess with your stuff, so you don't want to get lackadaisical about it, but at the same time not get so paranoid about it that it ruins the fun in touring or camping.

I did buy a better locking system for my bike, but I'm not going to use while touring due to the weight of it, but it is a heavy smallest gauge chain that Abus sells, and then I got a Masterlock combo lock that I will take to use on my cable when camping because it's a lot lighter than the chain and I don't want to carry more weight, and the combo lock is so I don't lose my key accidently while camping or touring.  I use the chain and combo lock at work now.

[Westinghouse]

I believe that the risk is much lower outside larger cities, but I don’t have any data to support that belief. I only carry a small, lightweight lock, but I take the bike inside when possible, and try to keep it in view if I can (which is not always possible).

There’s always risk.

You do not need data on that. If you are inside in a small town, only a few people will see your bicycle. In a large city during rush hour hundreds will see it in the same space of time. That greatly increases the odds that a grab and run thief will come along. It stands to reason. Like any other crime.  You are much more likely to be attacked and robbed in Philadelphia, a big city, than in Yeehaw Junction, Florida, a very small town. It is a fact.

[froze]

I believe that the risk is much lower outside larger cities, but I don’t have any data to support that belief. I only carry a small, lightweight lock, but I take the bike inside when possible, and try to keep it in view if I can (which is not always possible).

There’s always risk.

You do not need data on that. If you are inside in a small town, only a few people will see your bicycle. In a large city during rush hour hundreds will see it in the same space of time. That greatly increases the odds that a grab and run thief will come along. It stands to reason. Like any other crime.  You are much more likely to be attacked and robbed in Philadelphia, a big city, than in Yeehaw Junction, Florida, a very small town. It is a fact.

I'm not disagreeing with what you said because you are correct, but I did talk to a few people I ran into who tour across the US and Europe and parked their loaded touring bikes unlocked in big cities and never had a problem, of course they try to keep their eyes near it but some said they wouldn't see the bike for an hour and it was still there.  Personally I wouldn't do that, but they seem to think that people won't bother someone who is touring?  Hmm, I don't know, but that's what they said.  Maybe they have insurance on the bike and are hoping it gets stolen?  Either way I'm not going to go touring with a 5 pound or so locking system, just a cable and a combo lock which means I would have to keep an eye on it insured or not.

[BikeliciousBabe]

Damn! I live in Philadelphia. Better stop doing tours from my front door despite the only place anyone tried to steal anything from me was in a campground Yeehaw, Wyoming. (It was actually DuBois, but I think you get the point.)

BTW...”More likely” doesn’t necessarily mean “likely.” It’s a fact.

[Codetalker]

In some areas, a single lock may be sufficient, while in other areas, it may be necessary to use multiple locks or other anti-theft measures. Some bike touring enthusiasts recommend using a combination of locks, such as a U-lock and a cable lock, to provide extra security.

Another option is to use a lightweight and compact folding lock. Locksmith N5 affirms that folding locks can provide a good level of security without adding too much weight to your gear. These locks are designed to fold up and fit easily into a backpack or pannier, making them a good option for bike touring.

[Jono1979]

Melarch,

First welcome to the ACA Forums.  Like the others, I use what I call a "deterrent" lock which is basically a 15' length of coated 1/8" wire locked with a more heavy duty (LOL) luggage lock (a local hardware store like ACE or True Value will make one for you probably).  If in small towns (under 3k people), I never lock but like others try to keep an eye on it or ask someone to if they can.  In larger towns (20+k) I always lock unless if just going into a CS.  However, while I tour, I am rarely in a larger town.  If going into a big city, i.e. Washington DC, then I just ride into town, check in at the hotel, and just use public transportation to get around.  Maybe I am jinxing it but in 40+ years of touring, I have not had anything stolen.

Obviously, if you are going solo, it is a bit tougher than if in a group, then someone can stay outside while the others shop, shower, etc.  Plus in a group, if you wrap the cable through a lot of the bikes, they can't just pick up the bikes and haul off, at least not easily.

Tailwinds, John

John. Some great advice there.
I plan on carrying a couple of lightweight cable locks but I don't really expect to be leaving y bike anywhere vulnerable.
When I'm in my start and finish cities I intend to leave the bike at my hotel and use public transport to get around.

Safe riding all.
Jono

[rafisher14]

Once, at a c-store, I asked a woman in a car if she could keep an eye on my bike while she waited for somebody in the store. It was really busy, so it took awhile for me to get in and out. I was pleasantly surprised to see the woman (and now her son) still sitting in the car waiting for me to come out. I have also asked the person at the cash register (if it's next to the window) to watch my bike while I dash in to use the restroom.

[davidbonn]

Generally I run with a cable I bought on Amazon, a hardware store lock, and a Hiploc Z-loc, which is basically a lockable zip tie with a steel core.

https://hiplok.com/product/zlok1/

None of them would even slow down a determined and skilled bike thief.  But they are Good Enough for a quick dash into a mini market or lunch if I can keep the bike in sight while eating.

In camp I usually wrap the ridgeline of my tarp around the seatpost, so if someone disturbs the bike during the night they are certainly going to wake me up.