A question about U Locks? X-posted from bicycles

[EndersDame]

My sister specifically asked for a U Lock for her bicycle for Christmas . About three years ago somebody I associated (he could find hard to get "stuff" wink wink nudge nudge) with explained to me that one could get into a u- lock using a Bic pen . Lets just say that it was his "professional" opinion (i dont associate with him any more for this reason) Have they fixed this or better yet what kind of super cool lock would you recommend ? She uses it as transportation to college in Austin where bikes are big commodity and I want hers to be safe

[triguy46]

1. Bicycling magazine has done stories on bike locks.

U locks will work to stop the casual, slacker kind of thief. But the guy who wants the bike can pop one with a crowbar in seconds. Try hardened steel chain and ultra heavy lock found at a locksmith. Anything lock purchased at a big box store is not worth it. If Austin is a high bike theft area, she should learn to remove the front wheel, and lock it to the frame and bike rack through the rear wheel. May want a quick release seat clamp and carry the seat as well. Keep theft precautions in proportion to the value of the bike.

[EndersDame]

8. Thank you for the info She is at high risk because she bikes to her college campus

I will pass the information on to her.

[seemunkee]

2. Older U locks had that problem several years ago

It became pretty widely known.
http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2004/09/64987
I would hope they have made changes since then

[flvegan]

3. Do it Pee Wee style

[EndersDame]

5. That is one of my favorite movies ever!

[Gormy Cuss]

4. The U-Locks that could be opened with a Bic pen have been replaced.

My Kryptonite lock has a replacement cylinder provided free of charge, for example. New ones have a different configuration.

The best bike lock protection is to have at least two different type locks on the bike and lock it in a place where it's visible to casual passers-by.

[InternalDialogue]

6. I second the two types of locks advice.

I have a u-lock (an old, hackable one) but I also have a hex chain with kevlar shield and a keyed lock. Both of them go on when I'm leaving the bike for more than a minute or so.

[LeftyMom]

7. This is the correct answer.

Ultimately any bike lock can be defeated. The trick is to do two things:

1. Make your bike much harder to steal than nearby bikes.

2. Make your bike take more time/equipment to steal than is reasonable to the thief. Obviously less time will be available or equipment can be reasonably used to attempt to steal a bike in a busy area under a light than one on a dark, deserted side street.

How much investment in a bike lock that requires depends on your local bike thieves, generally in areas where a lot of people ride you'll have more skilled bike thieves.

[EndersDame]

9. Yeah Austin is a Bike town AND she bikes to her college campus

Thank you so much I will forward the advice to her.

[elocs]

10. Ultimately, locks are to keep honest people honest. If one wants your bike badly enough

and is willing to use the proper tools, and take the time and risk, they can steal it. I just try and keep my locked bike where there are lots of people about. I've seen bikes worth $2-3000 and I'd be afraid to leave a bike like that locked anywhere.

[PJPhreak]

11. Try this one....

Especially if one is gonna lock a nice Bike up at UT Austin!



Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain with Disc Lock

* Super strong case hardened, tempered boron manganese chain for ultimate strength with a unique six sided hexagonal shape
* Weather and heat resistant nylon cover
* Includes a disc lock with one lighted key and two standard keys
* The ultimate in bicycle or motorcycle security in high theft areas
* Narrower inner width of individual links prevents leverage attacks
* Available in lengths of 3'3" and 5'


This is one HEAVY Sucker of a lock....The 5-footer will go both wheels and is almost theft-proof(As any lock and chain can be) But it weighs a ton!!