(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best bike chain locks

Something I think you should know before throwing a bunch of money at security: If a bike thief wants our bike or something off your bike, they're going to get it.The best you can do is to make your bike more of a hassle to take so that they move on to the one next to it. I had a friend who had his seatpost and pedals taken even though he looks up with a couple of u-locks. Also, even when signed up for registries, there is very little chance your bike will be found and returned. Don't mean to be a total downer, just giving it to you straight.

That said, making your bike that much harder to get is still a good thing. If weight (and price) isn't an issue, then the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit U-Loc wld be what you are looking for. As for how to lock up, most people praise the Sheldon Brown method. Sheldon's site also has an article worth reading on bike security.

To ensure that things like seatposts or wheels aren't stolen, remove any quickrelease skewers and install security ones instead. These are usually just a skewer that you have to use an Allen key to loosen. Again, there is nothing stopping a thief from just bringing along a set of Allen wrenches and taking them off, but that's more work to do on your bike where they could grab two others in that time instead.

A final word: I don't know what kind of bike you have, but if you have to lock it up for a lengthy time outside in an urban area, a flash, expensive bike isn't a good idea. For me, I have "stealthed" my bike. It is an old, beat up steel frame but I've put some modern, relatively good components on it. It doesn't look the part, but it rides really nice. Here's another article that looks at theft from the bike theif's perspective. Don't mean to put you down with this kind of info, just want you to know how bike theft really works.

So good luck and stay safe!

I've been an Oahu biker since I moved here from Maui in 2008. I attended UH and two years had gone by before I needed a car. Beyond the infrequent trips into town that require a car to haul back things from the mall or walmart, I've always been able to get around just fine with my bike, theBus, or a combination of the two.

The campus is very bike-friendly, and if you have any experience riding with cars on the roads, you shouldn't have a problem adapting.

However, it always seems that Hawaii drivers haven't had any experience riding with bikes on the roads, so you'll need to be extra careful. Drivers don't know what they're doing sometimes, or what to watch out for, which means you'll need to watch out for them. Imagine all the cars don't have brakes; that's how I ride.

Most of the major roads have bike lanes, but I prefer the sidewalk when I ride.

But beyond needing to bike defensively, you don't have much to worry about. Exercise good defensive bike security (lock it up well when you walk away) so invest in a really good lock. Personally, I have one of these and one of these for when I lock up my ride outside overnight.

Expect lots of hills. The island is just one big hill, so you'll be fighting several inclines at some point in the day. Because of our humidity, its really easy to work up a decent sweat when riding. I keep an extra shirt with me to change into so I look at least decent in between rides.

Since you're going to be a student, most of your rides will be between campus, your apartment (if you live off-campus), and the mall. Occasionally downtown. The rides in between these are relatively easy, done in about 15 minutes in any direction. The biggest of the climb (<500ft over 2.5 miles) being from town/the mall to campus.

If you're into long-distance riding for exercise, there is a long stretch of flat road that people ride all the time. It has a bike lane and wide right-shoulder (mostly used by buses). It should take you about 30-40 minutes to ride if you're an experienced rider.

Check out your routes on google maps (and street view. It helps) to get an idea of how long and where you'll be riding. Happy riding and hope this was helpful.

Hardened security chain with hardened security lock.

Generally speaking these are industrial chains originally designed for overhead lifts (if the chain brakes and workers have high chance of injury/death) and wheel chains on mining equipment. To prevent the chain from wearing from years of daily use they feature significant surface hardening.

This surface hardening means that the chain is as strong and hard as jaws used in bolt cutters. If you try to use heavy duty bolt cutters to cut these chains it will just end up ruining the jaws in them. These chains cannot be cut by anything less then a angle grinder or cutting torch.

This is different then the big chain you can get at a hardware store, which are made of relatively soft welded links.

Then you need a lock to match the security chain. something that can't be hammered, drilled, picked, or pried apart.

Then when you chain it up you want to chain high up on the bike and you want to 'fill' the chain or u-lock as much as possible so it's not really slack. You don't want the attacker to be able to get tools in or get locks and such things on the ground where they can use their body weight for leverage.

Generally speaking the bike should be locked through the rear triangle and go around the rear tire and seat tube.

You can buy this stuff pre-made:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QN0MI0/

Or buy chains and locks from places like Westech riggers supply

There are very heavy duty U-Locks that are more convenient and almost as tough. But there is a lot of garbage u-locks out there.

The trick then is to secure the stuff attached to your bike. Seats, front wheel, handle bars, racks, etc.

Getting rid of quick releases and using security bolts/nuts that require specially 'keyed' tools to remove is usually a good approach. But you can run cables or chains through them and stuff like that.

If you're going to leave your bike outside and it's worth a fair amount maybe use a good solid reviewed chain, lock combo that won't get done so easily by junkies.

This is recommended by one of the best lock oriented youtuber out there the LockPickingLawyer

Cable locks keep honest people honest. Consider something like this or this.

When you say chain, you mean something like this kryptonite lock, not something like this cable lock?

Cheers for the thorough response, I wouldn't have known about the cover holes.

Random follow-up: when do I need to be concerned about the kickstand? Is it only really hot days and fresh tar? I've just been using the center stand so far.

I was also thinking some kind of lock with a built-in audible alarm (like a Detex device) could be an effective deterrent. Not sure where you'd get one though...

This is the kind of lock I was referring to. For some reason the "related items" section includes back braces, lifting belts and chainmail lol

As a bonus, this model of lock can also be a deterrent against muggings!

Thanks. I hear you re: that cable lock. I didn't want to do a standard u-lock so I ordered this particular Abus cable lock after a bit of research. Then a friend recommended the Abus Granite X-Plus foldable lock and I ordered that one. It will still be a few days until it arrives so I'm glad the cable lock came quickly -- I wouldn't be able to ride yet without it. That black thing on the frame opposite the water bottle holder is a Tekmun Sende folding lock which is my secondary. Fold all the things.

Sorry to hear about your stolen bike. I've just gotten back into riding after 30 years and got a Cannondale Treadwell 2. It's a hybrid/fitness bike, but I love it.

Consider getting a chain lock. This one should be pretty hard to cut.

Kryptonite Evolution Mini Integrated 10mm Chain Bicycle Lock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006QN0MI0/

$150 for two locks. A nice U-Lock and a nice cable lock presumably. She probably overpaid, but maybe something like this and this.

I use this bad boy. the fabric on the chain can take a beating. While the cable isn't very long I wrap it around the metal bar and my frame. When I have a bicycle rack available to me I'll use that. otherwise a stop sign pole does pretty good too. Visibility is important. Even where I live most people aren't going to steal a bike locked up under a big lamp. u/blank5tare's recommendation is pretty good too I've used that in the past.

I've parked my bike at the bike racks several times while visiting Metrotown. I use a heavy chain, plus a cheap cable lock to secure my bike seat - but maybe I've just been lucky so far.

AMA by a motorcycle thief.

If you lock it up correctly you should be okay. I've seen a lot of cut cable locks, but I haven't seen any cut u-locks. I've had a helmet stolen, lights taken, and someone swapped my (not quick release) wheel with theirs though, so there's definitely theft of things that aren't locked down.

I bought pinheads for my front wheel and use this on the back wheel / frame:

http://www.amazon.com/Onguard-Beast-Chain-Padlock-Black/dp/B008OHBFUU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1416353862&sr=8-4&keywords=onguard+chain+lock#customerReviews

Feels pretty safe.

If you are still using the allen key my LBS here in SF recommend putting/glueing a ball bearing in all allen key holes so if they want it they have to work a little bit harder. Also they recommend products like abus seat lock or you can get an old bike chain DIY or if you have a cable that can fit through the rails use that to go through your seat rails as well as your wheels I made the mistake of buying a cable for my wheels and my seat but its too thick for my seat.

Congrats! Fenders are back in stock today too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EW31R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have one of these, pretty indestructible. Can't pry them like a U lock, can't cut with bolt cutters either : Kryptonite Evolution 4 Integrated Chain Bicycle Lock https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B006QN0MI0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_niDdBbVQ1VTNX

>I don't ride in the rain,

https://www.amazon.com/4ucycling-Raincoat-Outdoor-Updated-Version/dp/B06WD4J837

>and then I have to haul a bike around to use LINK?

https://www.amazon.com/Resettable-Combination-Complimentary-Mounting-1-4Lb-Blusmart/dp/B011NX8KMC

edit: to your edit

>I'd rather have stations closer together, like they are in cities with good transit.

I know you would, but the system isn't for every special snowflake. There is always a balancing act of transit time to convienence. Everett is a long ways away, if we doubled the number of stops, it would make the system inefficient. Plenty of cities with good transit have their stops ~2 miles apart once 6 miles out of the core and we will too.

I like Kryptonite chain: https://smile.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Evolution-Integrated-Chain-Bicycle/dp/B006QN0MI0?sa-no-redirect=1

Not sure if they have that on the euro amazon or not, but make sure the chain you're getting is a security type from a well made company. It takes no time at all to zip through those if it's a knockoff or even just a sub-par material.

I am thinking of ordering 2 of these. Amazon Link I have heard good things about these locks and I can get one red and one black. Do you know anything about them?

Yup, you are 100% right. The setup in the bike room really encourages theft. I use this chain and just leave it in there every night because it's way too heavy to take with me anywhere:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XTPO2M

Maybe 2 of these..? Would certainly be a pain to break if someone were determined enough. If they are, might as well make it as time consuming as possible!

http://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Legend-Padlock-Inches-Locked/dp/B001SMUBK8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090C4M3U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_uoDKAbFBDFD5Z

That's me chain lol

I have one of those absurdly bulky Kryptonite chains like this for the front wheel.

Obviously the suggestions of "fuck the police, keep it in your room!" are not helpful. You already know that is the best option, and if you could keep it inside you wouldn't be asking.

If you have to lock your bike outside over night, consider one of these (or similar). Yeah, they cost a lot of money.

Don't take it with you; lock the chain to the bike rack in front of your dorm and leave it there when you're off riding. Then, when you get back, lock everything up tight. Just use your normal u-lock for class, and then the u-lock + chain + shackle combo for night.

Hiploks are sold secure gold and "easy" to carry as belts. They can even serve as a reflective belt

I bought this kryptonite chain lock (kryptonite evolution series-4 1016 integrated chain bicycle lock bike lock (5.25") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EW31R6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hJwoDb8EECDRW) because it had a good rating, lifetime warranty, looked good, has a program to sign up for your key where they mail you a new one if lost, and I think covers your bike in the event it actually does get stolen for up to 3k.

The thing is it's pretty massive. It's much thicker and longer than it looks in the picture. I doubt anyone could cut threw this chain without a decent amount of time and heavy power tools. I believe it's intended use is for locking it up overnight. so It's sorta overkill for me because of the weight and the fact I probably won't ever lock it up overnight. it is 5 feet long so I can go threw the rear rim, the frame, and even the rear rack my battery is bolted too.

I might return it and get 2 of the locks that look like big handcuffs.

One smash with a hammer and those joints are gone. I mean, look at this....

Couldn't tell you for sure without getting my hands on one, but...doesn't seem worth it to me.

On Guard locks are fine. I have two. Depending on where your from and if you’re leaving your bike outside for more than an hour or two I’d buy a Kryptonite chain in addition.

Bringing it inside mostly...

Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YPK7V8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This isn't the most secure lock, but it beats a cable lock and I don't have to lock up anywhere particularly high risk. Lowe's might be the most sketchy, but they've got a nice sturdy bike rack.

Saw this on Amazon before. http://www.amazon.com/ABUS-Chain-lock-Bordo-Folding/dp/B005IKE39G

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009IH7RR0/

I use a Kryptonite Keeper 785

H&S® 6/8/10mm Dia x 1.2/2M HEAVY DUTY Motorcycle Motorbike Bike Bicycle Cycle Chain Lock PadLock (6mm Dia x 1200mm Length) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C13AZEK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_NVcxybEQW48QE

Got my scooter a few days ago and here's the stuff I got to go with it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FLTKJ58

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078HHS3N9

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OWSR43W

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CQ2HLF2

I just ordered a thick chain from amazon.ca...

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001SMUBK8/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ordered yesterday, will be delivered today!

Kupio sam si svemirski bicikl sa lancem debljine onog za krave. Svaki put se nasmijem kada si zamislim kako se s ovim netko jebe i pokušava prepiliti. Najbolje potrošenih 100 dolara ikada :D

That pile of trash is the exact same price as: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QN0MI0/

I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QN0MI0/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Which is also the lock that LickPickingLawyer uses:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVOTEOMRuE

I park for a few hours at a time during daylight on busy streets in nyc.

Kryptonite Evolution Series-4 1016 Integrated Chain Bicycle Lock Bike Lock (5.25") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007EW31R6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PgdCDbZWZK1R6

I'm the same way, I travel with spare fuel, some tools, a flat repair kit and CO2 cartridges in case of flat. My chain though is a 7' long 20lb beast because my moped is hot wired (lost the key) so anyone can start it and the light poles in Boston tend to have ornate bases so I need a long chain to get around them. I'll break my back if I put that in my bag.

Here is the Frame Lock: https://www.amazon.com/ABUS-Tectic-4960-Bicycle-Frame/dp/B017ZWGV6W

Here is the chain that plugs into the frame lock: https://www.amazon.com/Abus-Immobilizer-Extension-Chain-100cm/dp/B00IYAZCHO/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_468_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YCZ86FS1FM5F1Q41M7HZ

And if your bike doesn't have the pre-drilled holes in the rear triangle to mount the frame lock (generally European bikes do and American bikes don't), you may need this mounting kit: https://www.amazon.com/Abus-Tightening-Straps-Frame-Adaptor/dp/B00HUO7IEA/

is this the lock you were talking about?
Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Bicycle Lock Chain Bike Lock, 33.5-Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YPK7V8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2sf7CbYJAK5XT

I use this lock by Abus Locks, its a small chain lock and collapses well into your jersey pocket.

http://www.amazon.com/Abus-Steel-O-Chain-1500-Key-Lock/dp/B0077KG5DM/ref=sr_sp-btf_title_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1409877937&sr=8-16&keywords=abus+chain+lock

A decent chain lock works just as well as a U-lock, and it's more portable. I wear mine like a belt and there's no problem.

Hey, sorry about the bike, looked awesome! I'm originally from Detroit and I learned the hard way to carry the toughest lock/highest rated available. This is what I always commute w/ https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-New-York-Fahgettaboudit-U-Loc/dp/B003UWEE5W/ref=pd_sim_468_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51kR7BmAvcL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=X9MDE4C2B3SVE14VKKAN

Never had an issue. Though I'm sure even this could be sliced open. Second thing: ride something nice but make it look dirty grungy (rattle can , homemade fender..) keep it fast but unattractive, not meaning to preach and hope you recover it

A $300 bike isn't really worth stealing. Bike thieves aren't stupid and aren't going to invest time popping locks for a $300 bike. It will get stolen if it's not locked, but it's not likely to be the target of a deliberate and sophisticated effort. That gets saved for people who are idiots that locks $2,500 road bikes with shitty U-Locks.

Get her a decent bike and put Pinheads on the seatpost and wheels. Lock it with a Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit U-Lock. If it's going to be left overnight, lock it with both that U-Lock and a Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Chain, as this is going to require two sets of tools in most cases, or a minimum of 4 cuts and two batteries in the event someone is using a grinder.

Something like this or this.

All locks are more deterrents than anything. If someone wants your stuff badly enough, they'll try and take it. But just about anything is better than a cable lock that can be cut in no time with a cheap pair of wire cutters.

I am OCD when it comes to that. I have my bikes (including my carbon road bike) all attached to the shelf in my garage with a huge kryptonite chain. again, not theft proof but i want to make it as tough as possible for them to steal anything.

moving on, do you or your neighbors? nest or ring cams? maybe something was caught on those if you provide them with a day and ballpark time the bike was stolen...

​

edit - this is the chain that i use. its like 30 pounds and absolutely overkill but it gives me piece of mind - https://www.amazon.com/Kryptonite-Evolution-Integrated-Chain-Bicycle/dp/B007EW31R6

Everything is cuttable. An angle grinder can cut through 1 inch of cable in less than a minute.

2 locks does tend to discourage them especially if one of them is this.

I recommend a thick chain lock for the other lock.

A little pricey, but should last a very long time.

About 2 decades without a theft using this system myself.

• battery tender, keeps the battery charged during the winter.
  
• Tinted visor for his helmet, usually those run about $15-35 depending on the helmet.
  
• Lock - Brake Lock, Chain Lock

This is the lock I have

https://www.amazon.ca/Kryptonite-Keeper-Integrated-Chain-Bicycle/dp/B005YPK7V8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

87 reviews not a single one complained about bike being stolen, so IDK

I use one of these

It's not particularly light, but it is physically quite small. The downside is it doesn't reach very far, but I can actually fold it into the almost non existent space under the seat of my MT07.

I also use the disk lock part of the Abus suggested by /u/jonnogibbo , which I just lock through the passenger footpeg guard when not in use.

Get away from U locks

If you come back to the same place every night then invest in a kryptonite chain, vs a U lock. Even with a angle grinder it is much harder to find a static place to cut on these chains, vs a U lock.

I actually stopped using U locks entirely, after seeing how easy it is to pop them. Thieves in cities are experts at just using leverage to pop them in seconds. It is much heavier to lug the chan but small price to pay for security.

I also use this for my front wheel if I am planning on leaving my bike for a extended period

So far my overkill locking method has prevented anyone from even attempting to mess with my bike.

Kryptonite Keeper. Realistically a thief can cut through ANY lock in a few seconds with a battery powered grinder and a cutoff wheel. The keeper is tough enough to keep someone from grabbing and running and light enough to carry.

Not trying to be a dick, but a couple tips to prevent this happening to you in the future and to others:

1. Don't lock your bike in Hoboken (or any urban area or college campus) with a single $30 bike lock. A lock like that could be used for locking your tire to the frame, but even then I'd be hesitant. The reason is that the only person you are dissuading from stealing your bike with that lock is someone who would take an unlocked bike, but otherwise has no plans to steal a bike. Your bike was probably specifically targeted because of your lock.
   
   
2. Don't lock your bike with all the other bikes right by the PATH station entrance (or anywhere there are a large number of bikes locked up). Locking up your bike for an extended period is not a "safety in numbers" type situation. Lock your bike up a block or 2 away. Somewhere that still has heavy foot traffic but that isn't so crazy (and with so many bikes) that no one will notice someone messing with it.
   
   Personally, I use two Kryptonite chain locks. In my opinion, a more expensive lock is worth it in comparison to a bike that is worth several hundred dollars. Even if you do opt for a cheap one, I think the brand-recognition even on the ones that are easier to cut might deter thieves from even attempting. I use one for my frame and one tire, and the other to lock the other tire to the frame. When I take my bike down by the PATH station, I lock it up around the corner in front of the TD Bank.
   
   At any rate, I hope your bike turns up. Make sure you file a report with the police and, as other have mentioned, keep an eye on CL and other P2P sales platforms.