Kinetic-UK
Retro Guru
JUST A FEW FACTS BEFORE YOU READ THIS GUIDE:
-A Bike Is Stolen Every 71 seconds in England alone with 440,000 thefts reported in the last 12 months.
-TOP 10 CYCLE HOTSPOTS FOR PUBLIC BIKE THEFT IN 2006
1.Central London
2.Kingston-upon-Thames
3.Cambridge
4.Bristol
5.York
6.Oxford
7.South West London
8.Brighton
9.Portsmouth
10.Nottingham
-A Survey Shown
1.6 Million U.K Households Were Victim Of Theft From Their Gardens In 2 Years
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
-A GUIDE ON BIKE SECURITY-
Hello and welcome to my guide
This guide will guide you to the best ways to keep your bicycle safe and secure from the hands of bicycle thieves.
In this time a high majority of people are buying expensive mountain bikes for sports of high value anything from £300-£8000.
These bikes are an eye candy for thieves a two wheeled alternative of what brand named cars like Ferrari and Porsche are, high value and a money maker for criminals who can sell them on.
Thieves find them an easier target as bikes are easy to steal from a shed or garage, and as they have no engine they do not wake the owner up when they are stolen,also they are easy to transport for a thief to a safe spot by riding down back streets and alleys instead of main roads in which car criminals tend to do.
Common theft of bicycles are from towns when an owner leaves their bike outside a shop for example for a few minutes.
But not all people know (only victims like myself) that another common crime of bike theft is from private property.
I hope you take notice of this information on the website, I have done this to help my fellow bike riders prevent their pride and joy being stolen as I am a mountain bike rider myself.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOW THIEVES KNOW WHERE YOUR BIKE IS
You may have your bike stolen from a public place or from your property.
This webpage contains information for both home security and public security.
If a thief spots you riding your bike they will follow you to your home to see where you live taking their own precautions for you not to spot them, they then come back to your property late at night to steal your bike.
This is how many bikes are stolen from property as the owner is unaware they have been followed to their property.
It has been seen in many cases during my observation on peoples forums on bicycle owners websites.
Some of which are very shocking stories and which show what levels thieves will go to steal a bicycle.
One of the most shocking stories I had witnessed were thieves who broke into a garage with a crowbar then smashed the car window in the garage to move the car into the driveway to break the locks on the bike.
ALL THIS WAS DONE WHILST THE OWNERS SLEPT!!!!!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR SHED
The last place you want to put your bike is in a shed, whether you have good padlocks on a shed, thieves will simply unscrew the screws on the latch to get in or use other methods to get into sheds.
Your shed will always be a target for thieves whether or not the thief knows your bike is in your shed.
Thieves target sheds in random burglary's as they know many people keep expensive gardening machinery (e.g Rotivators) and bicycles in their sheds.
Sheds are very easy to break into as they are made of wood and as sheds are commonly placed a distance from the house it is easy for a thief to make little noise if they should break into the shed.
There are shed alarms which you can buy, but these still will not be good security. (This link only applies to U.K Citizens)
Also read how to toughen up your bike shed.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR GARAGE
Your Garage is safer to keep your bike in but not all are alarmed or secure than others.
If you keep your bike in your garage, it is best to have a heavy duty chain and padlock and u-lock and chain the bike round something secure NOT a heating pipe or weak material.
The best thing to secure you bike to is a ground anchor.
Beware that thieves will find it nearly as easy to break into your garage as a shed if they want your bike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMz1tXBVT1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJDu6zK5X38
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR HOUSE
Your House is the best place to keep your bike and is always a priority even if you live in a small flat or cramped home it is worth it in the long run.
Common bike thieves DO NOT burgle houses as most are known as petty thieves.
In the case of burglars, it is best you chain your bike around a radiator or something securely built into the house like banisters.
If you would like to know more about burglary prevention simply click on the below picture,which will take you to the website.
THE BELOW PICTURE SHOWS HOW TO LOCK UP YOUR BIKE IN YOUR HOUSE
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz244/Kinetic-UK/bikelocks.jpg?t=1311360773
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUICK RELEASE AND PUBLIC PLACES
Never leave your bike chained to a fence in a discreet place like a park for example.
If the thief can't have your bike they will take any quick release parts off your bike like your wheels or your seat.
Never leave it in a place such as the above mentioned for a long period of time, the thief may come back and cut the chain with bolt croppers or a saw.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SECURITY CHAINS AND LOCKS
It is best to have a heavy duty chain, Combi Lock and U-Lock when you take your bike to town, and secure it somewhere., and for when you secure it in your home.
One chain is not secure enough and should not be advised, it is best to have a Almax security chain as your number one chain and a u-lock & combi lock for extra security.
The best locks available are the Thatcham Approved Almax Security Chains they are near enough impossible to break with bolt croppers and other tools.
Non-Almax Security Chains (although Thatcham Approved) are easy to break such as Kryptonite chains.
U-Locks are not too trust as seen as in this below video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6StNOX_654
Almax chains may be heavy to carry but they are 90% sure to be un-breakable and your bike will not be stolen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozppzywsLsk
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GROUND ANCHORS
A Ground Anchor is a number one priority if you store your bike in a garage or next to a wall outside it can only be fixed into a concrete floor. It is simply secured into the concrete floor and is impossible to remove.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ELECTRONIC TAGGING DEVICES
Tagging Devices are a priority, they are placed on the inside of your bicycle and if your bike is ever stolen it can be recovered.
The ImmobiTag Electronic Cycle Protection Kit is an easy-to-fit device thats embedded into the bike frame and is almost impossible to remove.
There is also ChipNTrace who do a similar Electronic Tagging Device ChipNTrace offer a return service if your bike is found and they also have people going round to shops and trails and are actively trying to stop crime at the trails, shops and centres. They to are involved with the police and have an active watch list that gets updated on their website for all to see.
There is also a device which uses chemical etching and includes 1000 microdots for minor components on sportsbikeshop.co.uk useful for placing on all parts of your bike incase it is taken apart and sold as parts.[/url]
If you're looking for a good bicycle lock the following will tell you all you need to know.
How to choose a good bike lock
Security rating – in the UK there is the Sold Secure rating system. This classes bike locks as Gold, Silver or Bronze. The three different levels represent how long it will take a bike thief to breach the lock. If you have bicycle insurance then getting a Sold Secure lock is usually part of the terms and conditions.
Size – a lock with a bigger locking diameter will mean you can secure it against a wider range of objects. The downside is this gives the thief more space to try and use a leveraging bar to break the lock.
Weight – obviously this is something you need to carry around with you often and any additional weight on the bike means additional pedalling effort. Usually a better bike lock will also be heavier.
Maintenance – you should use WD40 to keep the locking mechanism working well and not seizing up especially during cold weather.
Spare keys – there is nothing worse than losing your keys just as you are about to set off to work. Most bike locks come with at least two spare keys but a third is often very useful.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cable locks have a bad reputation for security. They are far easier to cut through than D-Locks. As a secondary lock however they can be a good choice. Steel cable locks will be a better deterrent and also make a thief take longer to cut through if you have one of these with your other lock.
D-Locks/U-Locks are a better security option over cable locks and are rather strong depending on how much you pay. However they can be broken open with a jack device if a thief is well equipped.
Chains & Security Locks are the best option when it comes to security. But it all depends on what you buy
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit 1000/800mm would be the best cable lock, I wouldn't recommend anything other than this lock. However not as your primary lock.
Kryptonite New York 3000 NYL is the best U-Lock/D-Lock you can get and is Gold Sold Secure it may cost a lot but it is sold gold secure and will hold up a lot of abuse to be broken.
(Review Here)
Almax Series III is near enough invincible and has took it's test in which it has passed in strength against bolt croppers. It ranges in price from £125-£200 depending on which package you buy but is worth it.
(Review Here)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
LIST OF OTHER LOCKS
U-Locks:
_______
1. 16mm Abus Granit Extreme 59 [tied with]
1. 18mm Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini (the best) [not big enough for MTBs with fat tyres, fine for road bikes with tighter clearances]
2. 18mm Kryptonite New York M-18 [tied with]
2. 18mm Xena Bullett XUL
3. 19mm Motrax Disclock Large (best value security) [tied with]
3. 16mm OnGuard Brute X4 (best value security, from major company)
Chains: (best left at work, or at university, so you can relock it each day)
_______
1. Almax Immobiliser Series IV
Skewer Locks:
____________
1. Pitlock (highest security)
2. Hublox Security Skewers (ease of use)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy Duty D-Locks/U-Locks: (Primary security)
_________________________
18mm/19mm:
______
GRP Superdeals U-Lock [18mm]
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini [18mm]
Kryptonite New York M-18 [18mm]
Master Lock Street Force 10 [18mm] (8 tons pull resistance)
Motrax Disclock Large [19mm] (Badly named, because it is a U-Lock)
Xena Bullett XUL series [18mm] {Alarmed lock} [2.92kgs (210cm); 3.34kgs (270cm); 3.48kgs (310cm)]
16mm/17mm (or equivalent strength):
______
Abus Granit Extreme 59 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) [2.9kgs (260cm); 3.06kgs (310cm)]
Abus Granit X-Plus 54 [13mm] (7 tons pull resistance) [1.84kgs (300cm); 1.4kgs (230cm)] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Abus Granit Power 59 [16mm] [3.06kgs (310cm); 2.9kgs (260cm)]
BLOK UL X200(Magnum) [16mm]
GRP Superdeals U-Lock [16mm] (round barrel, not square)
Motrax Viper Disc Lock [16mm] (Its actually a U-lock)
Onguard Brute X4 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) £27.35 [WARNING: key combinations are few.] [1.864kgs]
Oxford Magnum [16mm] (regular) [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Oxford Magnum - Large [16mm] £43.47 [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Trelock BS 510 [16mm] (6 tons pull resistance)
Trelock MB 600 [16mm] (8 tons pull resistance)
Trelock BS 610 [16mm] (7 tons pull resistance) [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Trimax MAX90 Ultra Max [16mm] (6.5 tons pull resistance / 8 tons expansion resistance)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chains: [16mm minimum] (Primary security)
(Extremely heavy, and will last long enough to put off most thieves, but not indestructible)
_____________
Almax Immobiliser Series IV (1m chain only) [19mm diameter links!!]
Colossus chain + Viper lock (1.2m chain)
PJB Untouchable [16mm] (1.5m chain)
PJB Untouchable [19mm] (2.0m chain) £169.99 [19mm diameter links!!]
Pragmasis Protector £66.65
Squire Ex-Caliber SS65 £49.95
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alarm Disc Locks: (very useful in shared accommodation, outside the pub, or at university - not primary security).
____________
VirtualVillage 6mm Motorcycle alarm disc lock (110db)
JBSL02 Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £22.95
LA-01 Alarm padlock(105db) £16.99 (adequate chainring-based deterrent, but easily cut)
LA-02 Alarm disc lock (100db)
Motrax Alarm Disc Lock (100db)
"New" Alarm Disc Lock (112db)
Oxford Boss (110db)
Oxford Screamer Alarm Disc Lock (100db)
SG Locks Heavy Security 3-01 ()
SNC 808 Alarm Disc Lock (110db)
Xena XBL2-35 (110db)
Xena XPL46 (110db)
Xena Special Offer XZZ6 Alarm (110db)
Xena XZZ6 Alarm Disc Lock (110db)
Alarm Padlocks: (again, nearly essential security but not as primary security).
____________
Krabus XL505 (the original) As used on downtube [very effectively]
No Name Krabus copy
SNC locks (many are Krabus copies)
Faithfull (Krabus copy)
Budget Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)
Rolson Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Axle / Skewer Locks: (additional security, NOT primary security)
____________
For solid axles (ie. fixed gear hubs)
Atomic 22 [needs to be bought direct from manufacturer]
Pinhead
Pitlock
For hollow axles (ie. quick release)
Hublox Security Skewers
KF Secura Locking Skewers Set
Pinhead Duo
Pinhead Tri
Pitlock
Trans-X Security Quick Release
Zefal Lock n Roll
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOW TO LOCK UP YOUR BIKE
Bike Lock Tip 1 – Choose your location
Always make sure you don’t attach your bike to something that can easily be broken, moved or lifted off. Spend that extra 5 minutes when you are out and about to find a more secure object and your bike safety will be ensured.
Location tips:
Well lit area with CCTV cameras around are the most ideal
It is preferable to choose an area where other people are around and are frequently walking past. Never leave it in an isolated place
Lock it near to other bikes – there is a decreased chance of thieves picking your bike as there will be easier targets around
Bike Lock Tip 2 – Buy the best bike lock
A cheap lock is a false economy so buy the best you can afford. I’m fairly sure I could actually chew through some of the bike locks I see in London! Aim to buy a D-lock with a cable attached to it.
If there is such a thing as a “best bike lock” then these two would be definite contenders:
krytonite new york lock 06Kryptonite New York Standard which is available at a surprisingly good price on Amazon. It would take a thief a very long time to get through this lock. It is one of the toughest and remains one of the most recommended bike locks. If you want to keep your bike safe then this is what you want.
The second equally well recommended one is the Abus Granit Xplus. It is very strong and unless the bike thief has some seriously heavy duty equipment it will not move.
Bike Lock Tip 3 – Use your lock effectively
Lock the frame, front and back wheel to the object you have secured your bike to
Make sure the D-lock is tightly fastened so it is not hanging loose between the bike and the object you have locked it to
Face the D-lock (U-lock) keyway facing down so that they cannot spray liquid into it
Don’t place the lock too near the ground as then it is easier to leverage them for attack
Bike Lock Tip 4 – Use two different locks
Two different locks will mean thieves need two different types of tool to remove them. They are unlikely to be carrying both of these. I always take my bag with me and put the two locks in there. The one lock is a d-lock and the other is a chain lock.
The bike thief will take one look at your bike with the two locks and will look elsewhere.
Bike Lock Tip 5 – Register your bike
A registered bike is less likely to be targeted. Obviously make sure you get a sticker that says it is registered to put would-be thieves off. I highly recommend http://www.bikeregister.com/ and http://www.immobilise.com/ if you are in the UK.
Bike Lock Tip 6 – Remove all accessories
A bike is less attractive without lights, the seat post etc so make sure you remove these if you have room to carry them with you.
-A Bike Is Stolen Every 71 seconds in England alone with 440,000 thefts reported in the last 12 months.
-TOP 10 CYCLE HOTSPOTS FOR PUBLIC BIKE THEFT IN 2006
1.Central London
2.Kingston-upon-Thames
3.Cambridge
4.Bristol
5.York
6.Oxford
7.South West London
8.Brighton
9.Portsmouth
10.Nottingham
-A Survey Shown
1.6 Million U.K Households Were Victim Of Theft From Their Gardens In 2 Years
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
-A GUIDE ON BIKE SECURITY-
Hello and welcome to my guide
This guide will guide you to the best ways to keep your bicycle safe and secure from the hands of bicycle thieves.
In this time a high majority of people are buying expensive mountain bikes for sports of high value anything from £300-£8000.
These bikes are an eye candy for thieves a two wheeled alternative of what brand named cars like Ferrari and Porsche are, high value and a money maker for criminals who can sell them on.
Thieves find them an easier target as bikes are easy to steal from a shed or garage, and as they have no engine they do not wake the owner up when they are stolen,also they are easy to transport for a thief to a safe spot by riding down back streets and alleys instead of main roads in which car criminals tend to do.
Common theft of bicycles are from towns when an owner leaves their bike outside a shop for example for a few minutes.
But not all people know (only victims like myself) that another common crime of bike theft is from private property.
I hope you take notice of this information on the website, I have done this to help my fellow bike riders prevent their pride and joy being stolen as I am a mountain bike rider myself.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOW THIEVES KNOW WHERE YOUR BIKE IS
You may have your bike stolen from a public place or from your property.
This webpage contains information for both home security and public security.
If a thief spots you riding your bike they will follow you to your home to see where you live taking their own precautions for you not to spot them, they then come back to your property late at night to steal your bike.
This is how many bikes are stolen from property as the owner is unaware they have been followed to their property.
It has been seen in many cases during my observation on peoples forums on bicycle owners websites.
Some of which are very shocking stories and which show what levels thieves will go to steal a bicycle.
One of the most shocking stories I had witnessed were thieves who broke into a garage with a crowbar then smashed the car window in the garage to move the car into the driveway to break the locks on the bike.
ALL THIS WAS DONE WHILST THE OWNERS SLEPT!!!!!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR SHED
The last place you want to put your bike is in a shed, whether you have good padlocks on a shed, thieves will simply unscrew the screws on the latch to get in or use other methods to get into sheds.
Your shed will always be a target for thieves whether or not the thief knows your bike is in your shed.
Thieves target sheds in random burglary's as they know many people keep expensive gardening machinery (e.g Rotivators) and bicycles in their sheds.
Sheds are very easy to break into as they are made of wood and as sheds are commonly placed a distance from the house it is easy for a thief to make little noise if they should break into the shed.
There are shed alarms which you can buy, but these still will not be good security. (This link only applies to U.K Citizens)
Also read how to toughen up your bike shed.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR GARAGE
Your Garage is safer to keep your bike in but not all are alarmed or secure than others.
If you keep your bike in your garage, it is best to have a heavy duty chain and padlock and u-lock and chain the bike round something secure NOT a heating pipe or weak material.
The best thing to secure you bike to is a ground anchor.
Beware that thieves will find it nearly as easy to break into your garage as a shed if they want your bike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMz1tXBVT1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJDu6zK5X38
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR HOUSE
Your House is the best place to keep your bike and is always a priority even if you live in a small flat or cramped home it is worth it in the long run.
Common bike thieves DO NOT burgle houses as most are known as petty thieves.
In the case of burglars, it is best you chain your bike around a radiator or something securely built into the house like banisters.
If you would like to know more about burglary prevention simply click on the below picture,which will take you to the website.
THE BELOW PICTURE SHOWS HOW TO LOCK UP YOUR BIKE IN YOUR HOUSE
http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz244/Kinetic-UK/bikelocks.jpg?t=1311360773
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUICK RELEASE AND PUBLIC PLACES
Never leave your bike chained to a fence in a discreet place like a park for example.
If the thief can't have your bike they will take any quick release parts off your bike like your wheels or your seat.
Never leave it in a place such as the above mentioned for a long period of time, the thief may come back and cut the chain with bolt croppers or a saw.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SECURITY CHAINS AND LOCKS
It is best to have a heavy duty chain, Combi Lock and U-Lock when you take your bike to town, and secure it somewhere., and for when you secure it in your home.
One chain is not secure enough and should not be advised, it is best to have a Almax security chain as your number one chain and a u-lock & combi lock for extra security.
The best locks available are the Thatcham Approved Almax Security Chains they are near enough impossible to break with bolt croppers and other tools.
Non-Almax Security Chains (although Thatcham Approved) are easy to break such as Kryptonite chains.
U-Locks are not too trust as seen as in this below video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6StNOX_654
Almax chains may be heavy to carry but they are 90% sure to be un-breakable and your bike will not be stolen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozppzywsLsk
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GROUND ANCHORS
A Ground Anchor is a number one priority if you store your bike in a garage or next to a wall outside it can only be fixed into a concrete floor. It is simply secured into the concrete floor and is impossible to remove.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ELECTRONIC TAGGING DEVICES
Tagging Devices are a priority, they are placed on the inside of your bicycle and if your bike is ever stolen it can be recovered.
The ImmobiTag Electronic Cycle Protection Kit is an easy-to-fit device thats embedded into the bike frame and is almost impossible to remove.
There is also ChipNTrace who do a similar Electronic Tagging Device ChipNTrace offer a return service if your bike is found and they also have people going round to shops and trails and are actively trying to stop crime at the trails, shops and centres. They to are involved with the police and have an active watch list that gets updated on their website for all to see.
There is also a device which uses chemical etching and includes 1000 microdots for minor components on sportsbikeshop.co.uk useful for placing on all parts of your bike incase it is taken apart and sold as parts.[/url]
If you're looking for a good bicycle lock the following will tell you all you need to know.
How to choose a good bike lock
Security rating – in the UK there is the Sold Secure rating system. This classes bike locks as Gold, Silver or Bronze. The three different levels represent how long it will take a bike thief to breach the lock. If you have bicycle insurance then getting a Sold Secure lock is usually part of the terms and conditions.
Size – a lock with a bigger locking diameter will mean you can secure it against a wider range of objects. The downside is this gives the thief more space to try and use a leveraging bar to break the lock.
Weight – obviously this is something you need to carry around with you often and any additional weight on the bike means additional pedalling effort. Usually a better bike lock will also be heavier.
Maintenance – you should use WD40 to keep the locking mechanism working well and not seizing up especially during cold weather.
Spare keys – there is nothing worse than losing your keys just as you are about to set off to work. Most bike locks come with at least two spare keys but a third is often very useful.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cable locks have a bad reputation for security. They are far easier to cut through than D-Locks. As a secondary lock however they can be a good choice. Steel cable locks will be a better deterrent and also make a thief take longer to cut through if you have one of these with your other lock.
D-Locks/U-Locks are a better security option over cable locks and are rather strong depending on how much you pay. However they can be broken open with a jack device if a thief is well equipped.
Chains & Security Locks are the best option when it comes to security. But it all depends on what you buy
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Abus Steel-O-Flex Granit 1000/800mm would be the best cable lock, I wouldn't recommend anything other than this lock. However not as your primary lock.
Kryptonite New York 3000 NYL is the best U-Lock/D-Lock you can get and is Gold Sold Secure it may cost a lot but it is sold gold secure and will hold up a lot of abuse to be broken.
(Review Here)
Almax Series III is near enough invincible and has took it's test in which it has passed in strength against bolt croppers. It ranges in price from £125-£200 depending on which package you buy but is worth it.
(Review Here)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
LIST OF OTHER LOCKS
U-Locks:
_______
1. 16mm Abus Granit Extreme 59 [tied with]
1. 18mm Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini (the best) [not big enough for MTBs with fat tyres, fine for road bikes with tighter clearances]
2. 18mm Kryptonite New York M-18 [tied with]
2. 18mm Xena Bullett XUL
3. 19mm Motrax Disclock Large (best value security) [tied with]
3. 16mm OnGuard Brute X4 (best value security, from major company)
Chains: (best left at work, or at university, so you can relock it each day)
_______
1. Almax Immobiliser Series IV
Skewer Locks:
____________
1. Pitlock (highest security)
2. Hublox Security Skewers (ease of use)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy Duty D-Locks/U-Locks: (Primary security)
_________________________
18mm/19mm:
______
GRP Superdeals U-Lock [18mm]
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini [18mm]
Kryptonite New York M-18 [18mm]
Master Lock Street Force 10 [18mm] (8 tons pull resistance)
Motrax Disclock Large [19mm] (Badly named, because it is a U-Lock)
Xena Bullett XUL series [18mm] {Alarmed lock} [2.92kgs (210cm); 3.34kgs (270cm); 3.48kgs (310cm)]
16mm/17mm (or equivalent strength):
______
Abus Granit Extreme 59 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) [2.9kgs (260cm); 3.06kgs (310cm)]
Abus Granit X-Plus 54 [13mm] (7 tons pull resistance) [1.84kgs (300cm); 1.4kgs (230cm)] [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Abus Granit Power 59 [16mm] [3.06kgs (310cm); 2.9kgs (260cm)]
BLOK UL X200(Magnum) [16mm]
GRP Superdeals U-Lock [16mm] (round barrel, not square)
Motrax Viper Disc Lock [16mm] (Its actually a U-lock)
Onguard Brute X4 [16mm] (10 tons pull resistance) £27.35 [WARNING: key combinations are few.] [1.864kgs]
Oxford Magnum [16mm] (regular) [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Oxford Magnum - Large [16mm] £43.47 [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Trelock BS 510 [16mm] (6 tons pull resistance)
Trelock MB 600 [16mm] (8 tons pull resistance)
Trelock BS 610 [16mm] (7 tons pull resistance) [SOLD SECURE GOLD]
Trimax MAX90 Ultra Max [16mm] (6.5 tons pull resistance / 8 tons expansion resistance)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chains: [16mm minimum] (Primary security)
(Extremely heavy, and will last long enough to put off most thieves, but not indestructible)
_____________
Almax Immobiliser Series IV (1m chain only) [19mm diameter links!!]
Colossus chain + Viper lock (1.2m chain)
PJB Untouchable [16mm] (1.5m chain)
PJB Untouchable [19mm] (2.0m chain) £169.99 [19mm diameter links!!]
Pragmasis Protector £66.65
Squire Ex-Caliber SS65 £49.95
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alarm Disc Locks: (very useful in shared accommodation, outside the pub, or at university - not primary security).
____________
VirtualVillage 6mm Motorcycle alarm disc lock (110db)
JBSL02 Alarm Disc Lock (100db) £22.95
LA-01 Alarm padlock(105db) £16.99 (adequate chainring-based deterrent, but easily cut)
LA-02 Alarm disc lock (100db)
Motrax Alarm Disc Lock (100db)
"New" Alarm Disc Lock (112db)
Oxford Boss (110db)
Oxford Screamer Alarm Disc Lock (100db)
SG Locks Heavy Security 3-01 ()
SNC 808 Alarm Disc Lock (110db)
Xena XBL2-35 (110db)
Xena XPL46 (110db)
Xena Special Offer XZZ6 Alarm (110db)
Xena XZZ6 Alarm Disc Lock (110db)
Alarm Padlocks: (again, nearly essential security but not as primary security).
____________
Krabus XL505 (the original) As used on downtube [very effectively]
No Name Krabus copy
SNC locks (many are Krabus copies)
Faithfull (Krabus copy)
Budget Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)
Rolson Alarm Padlock (Krabus copy)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Axle / Skewer Locks: (additional security, NOT primary security)
____________
For solid axles (ie. fixed gear hubs)
Atomic 22 [needs to be bought direct from manufacturer]
Pinhead
Pitlock
For hollow axles (ie. quick release)
Hublox Security Skewers
KF Secura Locking Skewers Set
Pinhead Duo
Pinhead Tri
Pitlock
Trans-X Security Quick Release
Zefal Lock n Roll
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HOW TO LOCK UP YOUR BIKE
Bike Lock Tip 1 – Choose your location
Always make sure you don’t attach your bike to something that can easily be broken, moved or lifted off. Spend that extra 5 minutes when you are out and about to find a more secure object and your bike safety will be ensured.
Location tips:
Well lit area with CCTV cameras around are the most ideal
It is preferable to choose an area where other people are around and are frequently walking past. Never leave it in an isolated place
Lock it near to other bikes – there is a decreased chance of thieves picking your bike as there will be easier targets around
Bike Lock Tip 2 – Buy the best bike lock
A cheap lock is a false economy so buy the best you can afford. I’m fairly sure I could actually chew through some of the bike locks I see in London! Aim to buy a D-lock with a cable attached to it.
If there is such a thing as a “best bike lock” then these two would be definite contenders:
krytonite new york lock 06Kryptonite New York Standard which is available at a surprisingly good price on Amazon. It would take a thief a very long time to get through this lock. It is one of the toughest and remains one of the most recommended bike locks. If you want to keep your bike safe then this is what you want.
The second equally well recommended one is the Abus Granit Xplus. It is very strong and unless the bike thief has some seriously heavy duty equipment it will not move.
Bike Lock Tip 3 – Use your lock effectively
Lock the frame, front and back wheel to the object you have secured your bike to
Make sure the D-lock is tightly fastened so it is not hanging loose between the bike and the object you have locked it to
Face the D-lock (U-lock) keyway facing down so that they cannot spray liquid into it
Don’t place the lock too near the ground as then it is easier to leverage them for attack
Bike Lock Tip 4 – Use two different locks
Two different locks will mean thieves need two different types of tool to remove them. They are unlikely to be carrying both of these. I always take my bag with me and put the two locks in there. The one lock is a d-lock and the other is a chain lock.
The bike thief will take one look at your bike with the two locks and will look elsewhere.
Bike Lock Tip 5 – Register your bike
A registered bike is less likely to be targeted. Obviously make sure you get a sticker that says it is registered to put would-be thieves off. I highly recommend http://www.bikeregister.com/ and http://www.immobilise.com/ if you are in the UK.
Bike Lock Tip 6 – Remove all accessories
A bike is less attractive without lights, the seat post etc so make sure you remove these if you have room to carry them with you.
