Locks

[FatBob]

The results of a recent poll on here suggested most respondents use a lock when it comes to ebike security (followed by taking the battery).

I'm wondering what type of lock or combination of locks most prefer: d-lock vs chain vs cable vs folding vs something else? I'm particularly interested in the scenario (if at all) when the bike is locked in a public place.

Or do most owners work on the basis that a determined enough thief can and will steal anything so as long as the lock(s) is rated Sold Secure Gold for insurance purposes then that's fine and que sera sera?

 

[GSV3MiaC]

Folding, because it came with the bike, and the key is matched to the battery. Heavy chain to ground anchor at home. But yes, no lock is thief proof, so insure, avoid lowlife areas, and don't get too attached to your bike.

 

[vidtek]

@GSV3MiaC It's an interesting point you raise with regard to emotional attachment to your bike. As a young man I loved my cars and would never let anyone drive them except the lovely Jane of course-I dared not try and stop her!
When I grew older I came to the unconscious realization that a vehicle is just another tool and my emotional attachment to my car was and unnecessary impost on my well-being.

When I started driving taxis-well that totally removed all emotional attachments to my personal vehicle, now I don't give a toss who drives my car as long as they are legal and not stealing it.....
.

 

[Peddlin' Pedro]

Make it look harder work than the next most interesting bike, and the more locks (decent quality) the better; especially if they’re locked to different anchor-points. An alarm isn’t a bad idea to put off the opportunist toerags, more so with a big ‘This bike is alarmed’ sticker somewhere noticeable.

 

[Sanjuro]

A dlock but honestly it's best not to leave it out in public at all, bike thieves are robbing parts of the bike if they can't take the whole bike. They are rampant and will take any not locked down.

 

[overlander]

I use a D-lock and a cable both from kryptonite range. But the best defence is common sense, if the area looks dodgy then cycle on.

 

[passionate off roader]

Hmmm, I'm not emotionally attached to the bike. It's an inanimate object designed for a specific use, and can easily be replaced. But given the money I've spent on it, I'd be seriously pissed off if it got nicked, so I do take special precautions, lock it through the front wheel and frame against a lamp post or similar, and never leave it alone for more than 5 minutes if I can help it.

 

[GSV3MiaC]

If it is insured the money you spent should be reimbursed, mostiy, although at the moment swapping that money for a replacement might take a while.

 

[snafu]

 

[Stanebike]

A dlock but honestly it's best not to leave it out in public at all, bike thieves are robbing parts of the bike if they can't take the whole bike. They are rampant and will take any not locked down.

Yes just yesterday saw a Specialised Mountain Bike with three locks securing the frame to a metal security fence, both wheels, front folks, cranks/peddles and seat taken. Looked like a very nice clean frame but not much use now.

For myself I use a Gold Standard D lock one end and a heavy motorbike chain the other, making sure the wheels and frame are secured to a fixed object. I have swopped my saddle for a Brookes so also secure that with a light chain to the frame. I think it a reasonable compromise between convenience and security but an angle grinder could easily overcome it all, insurance being the final defence against loss.

 

[AndyBike]

As above ,any lock can be cut using a cordless grinder, but its kind of dependent on where you lock it.
Some dark back alley the thieves can go about their task pretty much unmolested, and that point is often bandied about as a reason for not locking an expensive ebike anywhere really.
However, could a thief whip out a grinder and set about in a very central location like Oxford st without the police taking notice, id say not.
So what you want is something that any would be scumbag cannot easily get through without using something like a grinder and high end safe secure gold D locks with thick bar are a major benefit to preventing your pride and joy going walkabout.
I use an abus bordo granite X 6500 along with a kryptonite cable to loop the wheels in. Plus I only lock it somewhere thats really busy and highly visible, and only for a very short period of time. ie outside a supermarket.
Given the price of ebikes, spending £100+ shouldnt be a negative factor on deciding which to buy.
A kryptonite new york 16/18mm will be pretty much indestructible to any other than the most determined thieves.
They do also weigh a lot, up to 2kg,.

 

[chipfork]

Some very useful advice

I've been looking for a lock and have read/watched a number of guides from the mainstream cycling sites. Once I have one then I'll be looking at insurance. The bike is almost entirely used for leisure with occasional trips to shops.

Those that have been recommended to me so far are the Abus Bordo Granit X 6500, Hiplok E-DX Cargo & E-Bike. Hiplok Gold, Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Chain Lock and Kryptonite Gold Standard.

Finding a combination that offers Sold Secure Gold rating, practicality in the weight to lug around and something that best fits the bike is key. It would be interesting to hear what others are using for their bike security and the pros and cons.

 

[GSV3MiaC]

It really depends where these shops are. I secure mine properly at home (ground anchor and serious chain) but my local rural shops don't even merit a ss gold, never mind a 2 ton NY standard model. My Insurer wants it locked to immovable object, but the folding lock the bike came with will do nicely.

Dark alley in grottown? There are no locks for that job, so don't leave your bike there without a watcher. Preferably armed.

I tried one of those super secure D locks on a tern folder, and it didn't work with square section frame and small wheels. Ymmv.

 

[AndyBike]

I was recommended by the seller the abus granit alarmed lock(same style as the one I bought the 6500), which i can understand is a very good choice, but couldnt go for as the insurance will require a gold standard, and the alarmed model is only silver rated.