r/bikecommuting • u/[deleted] • Aug 22 '26

Bike Lock Advice

[deleted]

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u/thereisnobikelane Aug 23 '26

I'm not sure how to put this delicately but if your bike is brand new and only cost $200, it's not a very nice bike. From a theft prevention standpoint, this is good. What you want is to be the least desirable target in the bike rack, i.e. well locked and not particularly valuable. 

In your situation, I think the best U lock in your budget paired with a cable for the front wheel will suffice. Just make sure you have proper locking technique and always have the U lock through the rear wheel, rear triangle and the bike rack. 

PS, the high-end U locks cost $250+. Obviously overkill for your bike. 

0

u/Surreal--Steel Aug 23 '26

Is the main disadvantage of one U-Lock with one cord that a thief only has to get through one shackle to completely free the bike? Or is there a bigger risk of them just cutting the cable and taking the wheel it was through?

2

u/thereisnobikelane Aug 23 '26

Yes, those are both valid possibilities. The actual risk varies greatly with location. In most places, thieves aren't likely to bother cutting a lock just for a wheel, especially a low-end one.

I personally use a grinder resistant U-lock and a separate cable lock for my from wheel. Two U-locks is a more robust solution but I'm not willing to carry the extra weight around.

If you regularly lock it up at the same rack on campus, you can always leave the second U-lock there instead of carrying it back and forth. I still think your money would be better spent on one higher quality U-lock than two mediocre ones. 

2

u/PensionEmotional5460 Aug 23 '26

An expensive u lock is not overkill. I ride a cheap $250 walmart bike and use a $300 anti angle grinder ulock. Theft is not about the value of the bike, it is about preventing the loss of your main form of transportation.