Security

[GaRRy]

Mind you the more I look the more locks I can find being picked with no real problem what so ever.

Makes me think a combination lock is not such a bad idea after all

 

[Mussels]

So....no good taking it to the dragons' then ?

If you can give it bright colours and put your pitch to reggae music then it might be a killer product.

I looked for those dutch locks last year but they were still being sold with round key locks, years after being shown up as useless.

 

[aseb]

I got aset of the removable pedals but mainly to stop bashing them against my shins when moving the bike in confined spaces, but they are a bit of a deterrent too. They weren't too pricey from ebay, some were selling them for up to 3 times as much.
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/9566-folding-pedals.html
I've also fitted an Abus 4850 wheel lock, you have the option of adding a chain or cable to it so can wrap it through luggage handles, the other wheel... and fasten to a bike rack / lamp post etc.
I chose it over the AXA because it has a wider opening, and I found it cheap on ebay.
There is a third make (can't remember the name at the moment) but I think they were harder to come by- American I think.
ABUS | The good feeling of security

 

[Biker44]

lots of stuff on you tube re these AXA locks being opened with a pen top....

You're confusing the AXA lock (uses a fairly regular flat key) with the annulus type, cheap versions of which may be vulnerable to the end of a pen.

As others have pointed out, the horseshoe lock is not a full solution for an expensive bicycle but is very, very good if you're out shopping.

It's noticeable that Dutch users of reasonable bicycles will use a second lock when they leave their cycle all day outside the station, but I don't think that's a weakness in the locking, more the number of determined bike thieves with bolt-croppers. YouTube video claims that the flat key style is also vulnerable to picking but I'm not convinced.

 

[flecc]

A flat key AXA horseshoe wheel lock with the optional long heavy duty cable is a good lock for general purpose use, it was all I ever used on my Giant Lafree.

 

[GaRRy]

You're confusing the AXA lock (uses a fairly regular flat key) with the annulus type, cheap versions of which may be vulnerable to the end of a pen.

Nope he means the AXA ones certain older models can be opened very easily with a blank key.
Look on the net you will find loads on it including videos on uTube of dutch TV consumer programmes.

Does not apply to latest Defender locks

 

[Mussels]

You're confusing the AXA lock (uses a fairly regular flat key) with the annulus type, cheap versions of which may be vulnerable to the end of a pen.

As others have pointed out, the horseshoe lock is not a full solution for an expensive bicycle but is very, very good if you're out shopping.

It's noticeable that Dutch users of reasonable bicycles will use a second lock when they leave their cycle all day outside the station, but I don't think that's a weakness in the locking, more the number of determined bike thieves with bolt-croppers. YouTube video claims that the flat key style is also vulnerable to picking but I'm not convinced.

I do the same with locks, a lightweight lock like the AXA is fine for short stops but not when the bike is parked up all day in a high risk area. I leave a very heavy and strong D lock at my destination for the regular all day use and carry a lighter lock for emergencies. I'm going to get one of the AXA locks as the lightweight one as the Halfords lock I have is fairly heavy and not very secure.