Safety for new road bike.

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I recently got a new road bike, and I was wondering what the best way to keep it safe was. I've heard of a lot of people stealing bikes and fron tires right out of the racks, and was wondering where the best places are to park your bike, and what types of locks to use.http://cyclingforums.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

I recently got a new road bike, and I was wondering what the best way to keep it safe was. I've heard of a lot of people stealing bikes and fron tires right out of the racks, and was wondering where the best places are to park your bike, and what types of locks to use.http://cyclingforums.com/images/smilies/confused.gif
Where do you live? Where do you plan to park/lock it? For how long? Overnight!!!?? You may need to think about securing the bike, wheels, and seatpost if left in a "crime prone" area. How heavy a locking system are you willing to haul around? Is there any chance you can take the bike indoors with you (into your workplace)?

Also, even though you may be proud of your new ride, anything you can do to "cheapen" its looks (messengers may cover the logos on their bikes with electrical tape) can help. People won't work very hard to swipe a Huffy, or what they think is a Huffy.

For maximum security, most folks endorse a U lock -- many include an insurance policy if the bike is stolen, New York City often excluded.. Some prefer using two locks. Of course, an expensive lock usually means an expensive bike.

One issue is the fact that your bike need not be the most securely locked, just more secure than others nearby. Leaving your dog with your bike can be helpful, too ;).

A new road bike stays inside and when your riding is never out of your sight.
You need to get another cheap mountain bike for around town etc. and a
U lock. Pedal safe.

I have a newfound respect for U-locks........

Bought a Columbia Metro (minor classic) at the local Goodwill a couple of months ago, all of $ 15.00, Kryptonite U-lock around the frame.
They did not have the keys, so I dropped it off at a locksmith to have keys made.
Got a call from the locksmith that the lock was smaller than standard, and all he could do was remove the lock, but could not make keys.
Too bad, I would have liked to be able to use the lock, looked almost unused, but I decided to 'just' hacksaw the lock off myself.
Well......
Neither hacksaw nor files could make even a dent, I ended up buying a 36" (!!!) bolt cutter, took about an hour or so of chewing, chewing, chewing away with that thing - leaning all my weight into every chew - before I FINALLY had enough of a 'cut' for the hacksaw to bite.
Another hour or so of hacksawing.......

I'm sure the kids down in the warzone would have had that lock cracked in 3 seconds flat.......

However....there is a bike frame U-locked to the bus stop sign just a little ways from my place, has been there for at least 8 months.
Just the frame, everything else has been vandalized off the bike (looks like some sort of off-brand MTB), I guess no one has wanted to tackle the U-lock.....

The best lock is still to not leave your bike outside, in this town, they'll steal or vandalize anything, even a Huffy......

If you are commuting to and from work have a word with your management, its getting very pc to support workers who ride in at the moment, they maybe able to suggest a place for storage or help pay for locks and stuff.


Its worth trying anyhow...:)