RECOMMENDATION: Bicycle Lock

[BikeFreak]

Hello fellows,

I own an expensive bicycle and I want to buy a high quality chain that cannot be cut with bolt cutters and a high quality lock that cannot be picked or cut with bolt cutters. BTW, I do know about D-Locks.

What do you recommend ??

Thank you,

BF

[greengrowlocks]

I'm not an expert in bike locks but your question reminded me of these videos of products which could maybe be considered.

Forever bike lock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO0U-3HflTc

For a chain maybe something like this but it would be rather heavy..
http://www.westechrigging.com/pewag-sec ... B8QAvD_BwE

Here is a video of a someone attempting to cut the chain with bolt cutters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSnS4ZkTGUY&t=603s

For a lock that wouldn't be picked by criminals you could use an Abloy Protec padlock but I'm sure there will be other suggestions. You would probably want something beefy with a protected shackle.

[Robotnik]

I use the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock. Disc detainer cylinder, reputed to be very resistant to physical attack.

https://www.rei.com/product/833107/kryptonite-new-york-fahgettaboudit-u-lock

These are relatively short, so I use the U-lock for the frame with a double-loop cable run through each wheel. Living in a city where bike theft is practically its own industry, I fortunately haven't had any issues yet.

[Robotnik]

To address the question about chain, there's really no chain that's bolt cutter-proof per se - there're some hardcore cutters out there (not to mention the fact that 18v angle grinders exist) - but something like this is at least better than a braided cable:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X6E0NE0/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_468_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CV44RYRM5BYEWGAGQCH1&dpPl=1&dpID=91YHH9XPOLL

Abus and Kryptonite both make approximate equivalents. Nothing I've linked to will stop a dedicated thief, though; being careful about where you park your bike and what you lock it to are as important as what you're locking it up with.

There are some higher end locks (Abus Granit folding lock, Tigr titanium lock) that I have no experience with.

[cledry]

To address the question about chain, there's really no chain that's bolt cutter-proof per se - there're some hardcore cutters out there (not to mention the fact that 18v angle grinders exist) - but something like this is at least better than a braided cable:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00X6E0NE0/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_468_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CV44RYRM5BYEWGAGQCH1&dpPl=1&dpID=91YHH9XPOLL

Abus and Kryptonite both make approximate equivalents. Nothing I've linked to will stop a dedicated thief, though; being careful about where you park your bike and what you lock it to are as important as what you're locking it up with.

There are some higher end locks (Abus Granit folding lock, Tigr titanium lock) that I have no experience with.

I use the Abus Granit X lock on my bike. It seems a good compromise between weight and Security.

[BikeFreak]

I'm not an expert in bike locks but your question reminded me of these videos of products which could maybe be considered.

Forever bike lock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO0U-3HflTc

For a chain maybe something like this but it would be rather heavy..
http://www.westechrigging.com/pewag-sec ... B8QAvD_BwE

Here is a video of a someone attempting to cut the chain with bolt cutters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSnS4ZkTGUY&t=603s

For a lock that wouldn't be picked by criminals you could use an Abloy Protec padlock but I'm sure there will be other suggestions. You would probably want something beefy with a protected shackle.

Hi, thanks for getting back to me. It seems some others on the thread did not read the OP, I am looking for a chain and lock not a D-Lock, sometimes called a U-Lock.

Do you know if Pewag sells a cover for the chain? Pewag does seem to be boltcutter proof, based on the YouTube reviews I have seen.

As for a lock, is the Abloy PL362 compatible with the Pewag Hardened Square Link Chain 12mm? If not, is there another lock someone can recommend?

Thank you,

BF

[Robotnik]

I'm not an expert in bike locks but your question reminded me of these videos of products which could maybe be considered.

Forever bike lock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO0U-3HflTc

For a chain maybe something like this but it would be rather heavy..
http://www.westechrigging.com/pewag-sec ... B8QAvD_BwE

Here is a video of a someone attempting to cut the chain with bolt cutters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSnS4ZkTGUY&t=603s

For a lock that wouldn't be picked by criminals you could use an Abloy Protec padlock but I'm sure there will be other suggestions. You would probably want something beefy with a protected shackle.

Hi, thanks for getting back to me. It seems some others on the thread did not read the OP, I am looking for a chain and lock not a D-Lock, sometimes called a U-Lock.

Do you know if Pewag sells a cover for the chain? Pewag does seem to be boltcutter proof, based on the YouTube reviews I have seen.

As for a lock, is the Abloy PL362 compatible with the Pewag Hardened Square Link Chain 12mm? If not, is there another lock someone can recommend?

Thank you,

BF

Definitely read your post. A D/U-lock can be paired with a chain. Made my suggestion; take it for what it's worth.

Happy riding; hope your bike remains un-jacked.

[GWiens2001]

I use the Abus Granit X lock on my bike. It seems a good compromise between weight and Security.

+1. I use the same lock, plus a large u-lock with a different style of key to lock the wheels to the frame. Then the thief would need to get by two different types of locking mechanisms.

Gordon

[cledry]

That 12mm chain is probably close to 5 pounds a foot. to lock a bike 2 feet would be the minimum and only if you remove a wheel and can get really close to what you are locking it on. So with a good lock you are 13 pounds at least. That is quite a bit to haul around. I can see a heavy chain if you leave your bicycle unattended for hours at a time or at home.

I think putting locking nuts and bolts on all the expensive bits is worthwhile, get rid of quick releases for the saddle and wheels etc. In the UK a lot of criminals will damage the lock so that you cannot open it, then they come back in the wee hours and have more time to work.

[greengrowlocks]

I'm not sure if the 362 it is compatible with that chain. I have that same padlock and looking at it would be a tight fit. Some other locks that are also very beefy albeit less pick resistant might be Abus 83/80, Sargent and Greenleaf Environmental. If it helps here is a picture of the 362 shackle next to a tape measure.




Environmental ( You could probably find a used one like this for around $50


Abus 83/80 (This one has a Vitess core but it can be replaced with something more pick resistant.)

[BikeFreak]

Hello fellows,

Thank you for your input and kind help You are really making a difference!

I accidentally came across this 362-Pewag compatibility video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE2fcFTZGq0.

What do you fellows think of the Pewag Viro "Euromonolith" 7/16" Security Chain Padlock http://www.westechrigging.com/pewag-chain-padlock-4153.html ? Maybe there is something better in the same genre of locks you could recommend?!

Thank you in advance!

BF

[gumptrick]

Do you know if Pewag sells a cover for the chain?

i don't know if Pewag sells a their own cover or not, but that's not much of concern, chain covers are very easy to DIY. One thing I have used in the past is tubular nylon webbing. It's used for making industrial straps & slings, rock climbing gear, tie-downs for truckers, and so on. You can buy it in various sizes & it's sold by the foot. Comes in a wide variety of colors.

Another option would be to visit a shop that sells hose for industrial applications. Check your phone book or do a web search for "hydraulic hose shops". These are easy to find just about anywhere because industry and farmers will always need various kinds of hose for different jobs. Hydraulic hose itself is much too stiff, but a shop like that would have a variety of different types of hose and tubing on hand--rubber, plastic, cloth, etc. Bring your chain by and I'm sure you'll be able to find something that would work. In the past I have used hose that resembles the "flat" stuff used by firefighters, but smaller to fit the chain. Any industrial hose shop should have a wide selection of things to pick from and you can buy it by the foot.

[BikeFreak]

Do you know if Pewag sells a cover for the chain?

i don't know if Pewag sells a their own cover or not, but that's not much of concern, chain covers are very easy to DIY.

Hi, Thanks for your response. I just noticed that Pewag just started selling a lock cover. http://www.pewag.ca/Files/pewag.us/52/5 ... b3e8d7.pdf

Pewag has picked up that non-commercial buyers like myself are interested in their products. They have galvanized their chains to prevent rust and now offer the chain covers. I presume soon, they will be offering a line of consumer products, similar to what I am trying to acquire.

Cordially,

BF

[gumptrick]

Abus 83/80 (This one has a Vitess core but it can be replaced with something more pick resistant.)

2nding this is an excellent lock. And like Greengrow mentioned there are plenty of core options available. Upgrading from the standard core you can get the Vitess (aka Pfaffenhain), as well as other options like Bilock and even the Protec2. If you get the Euro model of the 83/80 then you can fit any number of different Euro cores.

[GWiens2001]

Abus 83/80 (This one has a Vitess core but it can be replaced with something more pick resistant.)

2nding this is an excellent lock. And like Greengrow mentioned there are plenty of core options available. Upgrading from the standard core you can get the Vitess (aka Pfaffenhain), as well as other options like Bilock and even the Protec2. If you get the Euro model of the 83/80 then you can fit any number of different Euro cores.

Pay attention to gumptrick's comment on getting the Euro model. There are differences, as seen in this post.

Gordon