I just purchased a bike, where would I put the chain lock to protect it best?

Question

I never owned a bike before, and bike theft happens a lot here. What lock is the best, where would I put it through where to make it hard to steal my bike?

I currently have chain link coil wrapped in plastic, with a combination lock. Would this be enough or should I get an additional U shaped lock with a bar that hooks your bike to something? I am lost...thanks.

Answer 1

kryptonite locks have a good name. lock around the main post of the frame and the rear tire to something solid and that they can't just lift your bike high enough to take. If you have front axles with fast release fittings lock your front tire up inside the lock with the frame and rear wheel. you might want to take any other easily removed parts with you. My friend is always taking the seat of her bike inside where she works, when she locks it up outside. She has a fast disconnecting bolt to take it off and put it back on easy. Chain is alright but not as strong usually as U shapes, cables tend to be less strong than chain or U because they can be worked and wiggled at the swages till they fatigue and break. The lock itself matters. It should be of hardened steel in the hasp(the chain should be hardened steel as well), this defeats hacksaws. the lock should be resistant to tapping(the art of hitting it on the side with a hammer and springing it open(cheap pad locks are very vulnerable) and combination locks are not recommended. Any bike shop should be able to advise you but this is a start. Locks do not stop thieves, they only keep honest people honest. if they have time they will steal or destroy your bike so try not to leave it out where they can get to it or in places where they can work on it out of sight. good luck, hope this helps
p.s. Chain has the advantage over U locks that it can be wrapped aroun diferrent objects that the U lock might not fit around, it has the disadvantage that it is usualy heavier and bulkier to carry.

Answer 2

I have two bikes. One has a large chain and the other has a large cable lock. Each one also has a small cable to secure the seat. I don't live in a high theft area, but I still chain the bike around the front and back wheels and some stationary object. If you get the back wheel, you also secure the frame. I've heard good things about those U locks, but I never tried them because my locks work as they are. If I were you, I'd park my bike in a different place every day and bring it in at night. Also, if you keep it long enough, it will begin to look old and beat up. You can keep it in good working order, but that run down look is a major theft deterrent. Good luck!

Answer 3

Put the chain around the frame...

try not to park your bike in the same spot all the time for long periods of time as people notice... and can easily steal your bike for parts as its usually easy to take the front wheel, seat and goose-neck, handle bar grips!

The more protection you got the better!

..

Answer 4

Locks and chains only slow a determined thief down, best bet if parked outside is remove front wheel , chain Rear Wheel and Frame to a Stand, carry other wheel with you.
In dire emergencys, and if the bike is going to be parked,locked in a very public place, and is low crime rate area, then can remove Front Wheel, loack it rear wheel with frame around a stansion.
But if somebody wants it, it will be GONE!

Answer 5

Hi,
Make sure it is long enought to loop through back tire,frame,
front tire and around whatever you are locking it to.
I'f you are locking your your bike to a sign or pole make sure that it can not be slid over the pole or sign.I myself use a cable lock on my bike and try to keep it in public view at all times. I spent about $1300.00 for my baby I don't want to lose it.

Answer 6

make sure u find a post or something like that to lock with your bike..wrap the chain thru the rim and around the post..dont just lock the tyre alone..cause people can still lift it into a van..and make sure u place ur bike in a place where there's many people around..they wouldnt dare to commit crime in public..

Answer 7

Kryptonite locks work good.
Remove front wheel and put beside bike frame and put lock through both wheels and frame then back around a pole.

Answer 8

The best place is at the foot of your bed.

Answer 9

Around your neck