Maybe_Ra wrote:My main questions are these:
Just how secure should I feel if I'm using these newer Kryptonite U-locks as my primary security?
I think you have a very formidable set up. Especially locking the frame as well, as I do not agree with Sheldon Brown's statement about the unlikelihood or time elapse before bypass of a rear wheel attack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9fLtdZyX-A. I have been able to secure through the rear wheel and around post and triangle with one lock. I have never bothered to secure the front wheel, simply because I do not like to attract too much attention to my bike or have too much to carry (in the situation I was in I had a lot of gear to worry about and had to economize.) It is often said, but holds true that advertising security can be the cause of attempts to compromise it! Though many of the recommendations made have been very good, I doubt that any of what has been suggested would be better than your current set up. The only thing I would think to recommend is maybe locking skewers, but as you said you use your quick release quite frequently, which is understandable. As a side-note. I have used my quick release to take off my seat quite often: when I saw street sweeper bristles or wiper blades on the road, I would store the bristles or wiper inserts in the seat post
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Maybe_Ra wrote:Would it be worth my time to purchase a new set-up, or to just keep doing my routine?
I would stay with the routine you have. As it stands I think you are doing very well. Kryptonite locks are very good. Have you considered registering with Bike Shepherd, bytheway?
Maybe_Ra wrote:What lock/lock-chain combination would you suggest? It does me no good to have an amazing lock if the chain is crap.
Here is my personal set up, notice it is less secure than yours but I have either been very lucky or adequately secure in high-theft areas:
I favor the Kryptonite U-style lock. I've always had good luck with these, and I can strap them to my bicycle's book rack for ease of transit. I've had to lock my bike down in some very rough areas (pretty nasty areas of Jacksonville-to-Gaineville, FL) for more than 5 hours on end almost daily over a period of more than a year and have never had an attempt made on my bike (pretty good but 2-yr-old Trek bike--but I must admit I try to dress my bike down so it doesn't look like what it's worth.) It might also bear mention that I have known many people who had their bikes stolen in the same areas as me that used either a cable, unshrouded padlock, or chain.
Also, I am really not that concerned about how long it takes to compromise as much as whether it withstands common-sense methods and most known-methods. The sad truth is that a good thief will not usually flee when questioned but try to gain benefit of the doubt from observers and just keep going:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-af2PaRqOoAlso, not all U-locks will withstand a cutting attack, fortunately the Kryptonite has a good track record for this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYUf4h0Lv_8I find the following links to be helpful when considering how to better secure a bicycle:
http://news.ufl.edu/2011/04/12/bike-thefts/http://www.bicyclesource.com/choosing_bike_lockhttp://www.bikeshepherd.org/bike-security.htmlhttp://www.mit.edu/afs/athena/activity/m/mitbug/techinfo/bug.theft
