how to keep your bike safe

[headbanger783]

So I live in an apartment without a garage and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on keeping my bike safe. Last year I just left it at my parents house and didn't get to ride so ideas would be great! thanks!

[jeffs99vulcan]

Any combination of a good disc lock, a bolt into the ground with a motorcycle grade chain through your frame, a full alarm system, and don't forget to lock your cover... won't keep them from messing it up if they want, but will deter a quick theft!

[headbanger783]

how much do bike alarms run and how do they work..sicne like a car there are no doors or windows

[jeffs99vulcan]

Movement, shock, and voltage detection... some have perimeter sensors like a car alarm... "you are standing too close to the vehicle" kind of thing! Those are about $400... and decent bike site should have a few to choose from, just to get you started!

[NCDave]

My son uses a disc lock on his and has a cover for it. Not only good for weather, but keeps eyes from being attracted to is as easily.

[headbanger783]

can you tell me more about disc lock as well....there is only one other bike in the parking lot...and honestly its not in great shape so I don't want to be a target

[W-P Bill]

Where you will park your bike, is there a pillar or column handy that you can wrap a cable around?

[DrmFox]

Hire someone to Stand Guard and watch your bike every minute of the day. Just Kidding. Just a good Chain (you can chain with a plastic ruber shell just like a bicycle chain only bigger so you don't scratch the frame or wheel)through the frame and wheel if there is nothing to lock it too like a light pole or something.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by headbanger783

can you tell me more about disc lock as well....there is only one other bike in the parking lot...and honestly its not in great shape so I don't want to be a target

It's a great, simple solution for walk away or dire away theft attempts. It's a lock that locks to your disc brake, that prevent the wheel from making a complete revolution, and because of the shape and strength is virtually impossible to cut off. You can get them from $10 to over $100, and the $100 ones come with an alarm built in that screeches if the bike is disturbed.

There are two downfalls with it... One, the entire bike can still be picked up and put into a van... but that requires a vehicle and help, something that might discourage all but the committed theif (who's going to get it no matter what.)

Two; it can be considered common to forget it's there and try to drive away, until the lock reaches the brake caliper and does it's job! Then you might need a disc and caliper, and might not move again until you get them! There are a variety of reminder options available, including the lock with the built in alarm.

This is an example of a $28 one that comes with a key tag to remind you it's on:



This is a Xena $100+ dollar one with a built in alarm:



THIS is the web site for Xena...

And this is what it looks like when it's on your disc:

[headbanger783]

ive seen them on eBay for $30 with an alarm...are they crap? or are they ok?

here's an example

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BRAKE-DISC-SCREAM-ALARM-LOCK-FOR-MOTORCYCLE-Universal_W0QQitemZ350130688021QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item35013068802 1&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A543|65%3A12 |39%3A1|240%3A1318

[headbanger783]

this one on ebay is cheap

eBay Motors: BRAKE DISC SCREAM ALARM LOCK FOR MOTORCYCLE Universal (item 350130688021 end time Mar-24-09 12:28:22 PDT)

or should i go name brand only?

[mcwrath]

Park it in your bedroom

[jeffs99vulcan]

My opinion? Those are too cheap for sure... they even look it. Might just smash off with a good kick... or fall apart in a week. Then you're out the price of that one, plus shipping, plus whatever you spend on its replacement... or you lose your bike in a worst case scenario! I can't see the screamer part lasting too long either, especially exposed.

I'd get something a little better, if you don't want to spend the $100, I'd look for one that doesn't have the screamer built in, because the lock will be a better lock if it's not weakened and cheapened with the electronics. I have one like what's in the first picture, Bulldog is one brand name... better metal, better locking device = longer life and better key mechanism.

You should be able to get something reasonable for $20-$30, better quality ones come with a cord that goes from the lock to your handlebar to remind you it's on!

[jeffs99vulcan]

Or park it in your bedroom!

[sbg8r]

what about lo-jack,

[idmtchris]

get a bottom floor apt and park inside. Actually, a good disk lock and if you can chain it to something you should be good, home depot carries a pretty darn loud alarmed pad lock that is very heavy duty. Theives look for easy targets.

[sbg8r]

I guess the biggest key to it is make it look like a total pain in the *** to get, and they will go look for easier prey

[headbanger783]

thanks for all the hints...right now I live down a few stairs otherwise I would sleep with it in my living room...as for lojack I looked at it but it was something like $500. I have full coverage insurance on it but thats gonna go up cuz I moved....anyway thanks for all the help!

[nils]

Headbanger I am in the same situation right now, I am away at college and my bike has been in the garage at my parents house, but I am planning to bring it here and keeping it in the parking lot behind my apartment. Just the other day I bought a Xena disc lock with alarm off ebay for $36. It was a "cosmetic defect" and was supposed to have scratches or something but I cant find anything wrong with it, I dont see any more auctions for these up right now but maybe keep an eye out because it was a great deal.

I am also planning to get a chain since my parking spot has a sign behind it that I can chain it to.

[insolentminx]

alarms are useless unless you're going to be within earshot and can recognise it's your alarm and you can get to the bike within a minute. literally a minute.
any longer and they'll have picked up your bike, stuck it in the back of a van and driven off.

you'll need a heavy duty chain and an equally heavy duty lock. chain it to an immoveable object (light pole, railings, tree, ground anchor) and chain it so the chain doesn't touch the ground. The ground can be used for leverage from a bolt cutter or angle grinder. Harder to cut when the chain is in the air.

Get a proper disc lock. Over here we have a security 'approval' by a company called Thatcham. There's 3 different levels (if i recall) and the top level is pretty much impossible to break with a sustained assault over 1-2 minutes. Level 2 might be certified to withstand an anglegrinder, bolt cutters for 1-2 minutes and level 1 will withstand maybe bolt cutters.

Not sure if there's a similar security 'guarantee' in the US though.

In my garage I use a Thantcham approved disclock which has a built in 100db motion sensitve alarm, and then a chain and padlock.
I also have a crappy little disclock which i sometimes use if i'm just popping into a shop or something.

If someone wants to steal your bike, they will. I've seen Police controlled videos of bikes being stolen in broad daylight on busy streets in London within 30 seconds. chains cut and 3 men picking the bike up and loading it in the back of a van, while the alarms going off.... no-one called the Police or anything.

Use at least 1 chain (to an immoveable object) and 1 disc lock, coupled with a bike cover to keep prying eyes away, and you've done the best you can.

Anything else is a waste of money in my opinion.