I have a couple of newbie questions about securing bicycle U locks:
1. As a line of first defense, is there a solution to prevent someone from inserting a lockpicking tool in the lock?
I'm thinking of secure locks such as those from Pitlock or PinheadComponents that can only be opened using a custom screwdriver provided when you buy bolts from them.
2. If I manage to always place the U lock so that the lock faces the ground, would this make it more difficult or even impossible to pick due to gravity?
Mounting the lock so the keyway facing down can make it more difficult to pick, but not impossible. There is always this way of preventing people from actually picking the lock...
Won't go into specifics of strengths and weaknesses of different locks. But the Forever lock can not be picked since you never actually see the keyway and pins.
Gordon
I have no affiliation with the Forever Lock company.
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
I like the TiGr lock, too. It has more discs than many of the lesser disc detainer locks. Have one of the lock cores from Stanton Concepts. Not cheap quality. A good recommendation. My only issue is that it is not a convenient shape for mounting on my bike while riding.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
I was going to mention the forever lock but Gordon beat me to it. I've only ever heard of one person defeating it, but the attack he used (a foil impressioning attack) was very difficult to pull off because of the tight tolerances inside the lock. In fact he destroyed the first lock he tried it on without getting it open. And in order to even attempt it you'd have to have a forever lock key that you don't mind sacrificing to the cause. I can foresee no real world circumstance where a bike properly secured with one would be stolen, but it's possible i just lack imagination.
Sure, but losing a $€2,000 bike makes you think about how to avoid this again with the next bike.
As a way to obstruct the lock, I was thinking of a bit of plastic that would expand when tightening it in, such as the bung that is placed at the bottom end of the seatpost on the Brompton:
Sure, but losing a $€2,000 bike makes you think about how to avoid this again with the next bike.
As a way to obstruct the lock, I was thinking of a bit of plastic that would expand when tightening it in, such as the bung that is placed at the bottom end of the seatpost on the Brompton:
now you might be over thinking it. If you got one of the TiGr locks I linked to, it would be unusual to take the extra step of putting something in the cylinder to further block it. As a bike rider myself, the extra step would be a pain in the ass to undo every time I wanted to insert the keys into the lock.
Have heard it said that the value of the lock you use to secure your bike should be about 10% of the value of the bike.
Would you want to secure a $2,000+ bicycle with a $30 lock? Or would you spend the extra and try to get something more likely to stand up to a more determined theft attempt? Conversely, it would not make much sense to use an S&G 951 padlock to secure a $90 Walmart special bike.
As for picks - depends on the locks.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
I use this instead of a U-lock. So far nobody has tried to pick it and for me it stores in a more compact form than a U-lock. It isn't too expensive either. However like other bike locks a cordless grinder would open it in seconds. I'm sure someone could pick it, but I am not bothered because it would take a seriously skilled picker and some serious time.
