@bobjonkman asks:
Something has gone wrong with my U-lock. I can't get the key into the lock, and was lucky it hadn't locked properly so I could get it off (and lucky my bike wasn't stolen).
Q2. What do BikeNiters recommend for securing their cycles?
("All bikes weigh 20 kilograms. A 15 kilo bike needs a 5 kilo lock, a 5 kilo bike needs a 15 kilo lock. A 20 kilo bike doesn't need a lock.")
#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite
@ascentale @bobjonkman @bikenite A2. I think there's not a one size fits all recommendation. Depends on the bike frame geometry, what the cycle rack or other infrastructure you'd lock to where you're using it, your physical capabilities, and your resources for replacing the cycle should it get stolen.
For me, this meant getting very heavy Kryptonite and other motorcycle and construction equipment chains because I could not easily afford to replace my rides and because it is harder for someone with a portable angle grinder to manage holding the chain safely while cutting it. Because of inaccessible racks, I needed a LOT of meters of chain to have flexibility. It was heavy as shit and inconvenient, but less inconvenient than my ride being stolen.
I watched Lockpicking Lawyer videos and cycle vlogger videos to decide what to do & which brand/models to trust. Recently I came across this site as well:
https://www.bikelockwiki.com/ #BikeNite #CycleParkingAudit #UCAccessNow
@ascentale @bobjonkman @bikenite A2 cont'd. My impression is that in the high cycle theft cities, brute force is still the most common attack, despite the fact that lockpicking sport seems to be skyrocketing in the US. Portable angle grinders are the tool of choice AND in the UK and US, the thieves also use the tool as a weapon to threaten any passers-by or cycle owners who are trying to stop them from stealing.
So I focus on choosing something angle grinder resistant and I also choose more than one kind of lock/layers of security so if someone generally uses one tool, there's still another lock that would require a different tool to break. Having more than one kind (U-lock, chain, etc) also gives flexibility in what one is capable of locking up to and how. #BikeNite #CycleParkingAudit #UCAccessNow
I have this idea that the people who participate in locksport aren't the people who steal bicycles.
The people who steal cycles by picking locks aren't engaged in locksport, they're engaged in theft.
I suppose there might be some crossover, but that would be similar to those locksmiths engaged in burglary...
Phil (ascentale)
Megan Lynch (she/her)
Sam H (he/him)
Bob Jonkman