Padlock or Combination lock

[jgspin]

On my solo rides I sometimes go in convenience stores for food or restroom breaks and I lock my bike outside. Which would be harder to pick; a padlock or a combination lock? Which ones do you guys use?

[EricEstlund]

Cutting the cable is easier.

Really anything tiny is a theft deterrent at best, and you'll be equally fine. Something to be said about not carrying yet another key.

If I know I'll be locking up for any length of time I carry a mini ulock.

[Chance]

Combination with small numbers can be a PITA if vision is limited by lack of prescription glasses or too much sweat on lenses. Otherwise it saves carrying a key.

Cutting the cable is easier.
Yes.

[AngryScientist]

i've been known to carry one of these occasionally, its a cable lock meant for snowboards, retracts into the lock itself. its good for running into a convenience store or bathroom.

make no mistake that a lock like this is just meant to keep the honest people honest, but it does prevent quick "crimes of opportunity" by providing a minimal level of protection. anyone who's prepared to steal something with a reasonable cable cutter can get through these. its super light and portable though.

http://www.milosport.com/FS/ity/88317_md.jpg

[1happygirl]

Definitely combo. No need for key.

I bought an expensive U lock and found it was just so much of a PITA to carry I didn't half the time. Just like others have said, if they really want it, they will get it. It's just for honest peeps anyway.

I was thinking of this myself, what about just strong cable like the picture and then a strong lock from Wal-Mart? It would be lighter and more compact than a U-Lock. Cheaper too.

[11134]

I have about 3 of these and they all work great. They are pretty beefy and super cheap! I also like the size as they are enough to get the frame and one wheel but still not too cumbersome.

http://www.harborfreight.com/combo-cable-bike-lock-66689.html

[false_Aest]

A few months ago I was setting up a new computer lab complete with a $15,000 scanner. Talking to the facilities guys I mentioned that we could use some extra security to keep the scanner from getting removed.

They brought me a cheap computer cable. I scoffed. Then one guy said, "Listen, locks only keep the lazy thieves at bay. Anyone who really wants this thing is gonna get it."

My guess is that the thief you really have to worry about is the random kid that sees something shiny and tries to ride away on it. Anyone who wants your bike won't balk because you used a combo vs a master lock.

I've always asked if I can bring my bike in with me. I've never been told no.

[rice rocket]

i've been known to carry one of these occasionally, its a cable lock meant for snowboards, retracts into the lock itself. its good for running into a convenience store or bathroom.

make no mistake that a lock like this is just meant to keep the honest people honest, but it does prevent quick "crimes of opportunity" by providing a minimal level of protection. anyone who's prepared to steal something with a reasonable cable cutter can get through these. its super light and portable though.

http://www.milosport.com/FS/ity/88317_md.jpg

I have one of these that came with my laptop, except it has a motion alarm on it, which will go off if you touch it (usually a bit excessive), but it'll chirp when you cut the cable too.

http://www.shopblt.com/images/imagecache/targus_pa400u.jpg

[jr59]

Lock just keep honest people from becoming thieves!
If a thief wants your bike, he/she is going to get it.


Just as an example;

I pretty much live car free, because I want to, and I can.

I was food shopping, at the local whole food. When somewhere I lost my keys.
DRAT! :crap: So I call my friend who has a set of spare keys to my store. He comes and gets me, we go to my store. I take an ac/dc convertor, and a small plamsa cutter. Better than pop a lock.
It took about 5 seconds to cut tru 1 kryptonite chain and 1 forgetaboutit lock!
That's 5 seconds total!

BTW; not one person asked be what I was doing!

So lock it with what ever you want. If a real bike thief wants it, it's GONE!

[William]

Ride with a scary friend who can watch your bike for you.

http://ny.curbed.com/uploads/2008_10_Bedford%20Ave%20Gorilla.jpg





William :)

[Dekonick]

Check this out:

http://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/video/stop-bike-thief-10589721