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Post by Radchenister on Aug 2, 2014 12:01:39 GMT
I think I need to buy a lock for my bike as I'm on a cross channel ferry next week, I might also need to lock the bike for short spells on outings in the future ... so I'm onto considering what lock suits but it's a massive subject, with a huge range of products available; consequently, I open it up to the collective for input and opinions. It looks like (almost?) all locks can be broken, so there's various schools of thought that follow on from this. I am chiefly worried about wheels vanishing and the ability to secure the wheels and frame to something solid, then we're onto the item specifics like size, weight and durability / level of security, as well as key v combo variants; you can spend a fortune of course but I don't want to. The ferry enclosure should be fairly secure, except for 15 mins either end and will no doubt be scrutinised by staff / other passengers for some of the time, so that's a consideration - beyond that, it'll only likely be used for shop and cafe stops. I've got one of these reserved at Halfords ... www.halfords.com/cycling/accessories/locks/knog-milkman-cable-lock ... but wonder if it's just too flimsy and that something a bit hardier would be better, as I'm aiming to travel light, it should not be too heavy though, as carting it about is going to be a pain. There's a little poll added for a bit of fun (half serious though). ? ?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 12:32:20 GMT
Looks nice and simple but a review on Amazon said the cable could be cut with scissors??? I dont carry locks/chains with me for my needs.....but I have 2 of these: www.halfords.com/cycling/accessories/locks/bikehut-extender-cable-180cm and 2 padlocks...I leave one set at work and the other at college....just dont like carrying these things about so leave them where I park the bike. Maybe a bit too bulky for your needs???
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 12:33:45 GMT
I picked up a bombproof foldable lock in Aldi and quickly put it down. It weighed a ton.
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Post by Radchenister on Aug 2, 2014 12:35:57 GMT
I am sat here wondering why ferries don't have bike cabinets? Perhaps they do? I'm going to ring them!
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Post by fatmanona5a on Aug 2, 2014 12:38:47 GMT
The amount of security we need depends on where and when we need it. Riding with mates, (someone to watch bike), lock optional. Solo ride, might need to leave bike when popping into shop or loo, lightweight lock. Leaving bike unattended for any length of time, Fort Knox impersonation time!!! Wheels "walk", which could mean securing to frame/solid object &/or locking skewers. If we are just out for a ride, the extra weight of the security measures could help with the "training"?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 12:40:41 GMT
I flip flop on bike security.
At the end of the day if you leave a half-decent machine locked up in a city centre a proper thief will have the right tools on him and will get through a d-lock almost as fast as a crappy chain.
A druggy (druggies account for most bike thefts) may have a pair of cutters that would get through a cheap chain but not a d-lock. So if you really must park a good bike in a city centre d-lock is the way to go PLUS a decent chain to secure wheels. TWO chains and a bike thief, whether a pro or a druggy, will likely move on.
For light touring I'd tend to take a single chain of intermediate heft. Most of the time the time the bike's with your or in view and for short times away from would just chance it. In towns it's best to park in the open where there are people around. Bike thieves prefer seclusion.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 12:45:32 GMT
The normal routine on any ferries I have been on is that you park your bike at the side of the vehicle deck and if you are lucky there are bits of tat to secure your bike to the bulkhead to stop it from falling over. I try to park up out of the way of passengers as space is limited and I don't want people brushing past and disturbing the bike. When disembarking I try to get up front to get off before the cars and wagons. The crew normally let passengers and cyclists off first.
Saying that I haven't used a modern cross channel ferry on my bike yet. Just hand me downs on foreign routes.
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Post by Radchenister on Aug 2, 2014 12:56:07 GMT
Just been on the phone, once vacated, the car deck is secure, so best be late up and early down - bikes are secured to stop them falling over as @davefy7 says, some security is advisable but I'm told that it's extremely rare for anything to go walkies if it is left reasonably secure, as there's a lot of staff about.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 13:07:20 GMT
Just be careful about other cyclists dumping there bikes on top of yours as well. Regarding security, car decks normally have video surveillance as well. I have never had any problems when using ferries and actually enjoy the experience being an ex-matelot of the Queens Navy. It's pretty cheap too compared to travelling with a brum brum.
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Post by Radchenister on Aug 2, 2014 13:12:48 GMT
Yep, exactly why I'm doing it, 1 man and a bike out, plus no.1 son on return - little jaunt from Marlborough to Pompey, overnight travel with some food and vin and then a 8.15am trundle en France to boot.
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Post by russplym on Aug 2, 2014 15:46:31 GMT
I've got bike insurance so just bought the cheapest lock based on the 'secure' rating my insurance required.
For my bike value a needed a bronze standard lock, bought a £20 silver standard d lock plus cable on amazon.
I figure, if a theif really wants to get through it he will. It's a pain to carry around, but the £50 i spent (£30 insurance, £20 lock) has given me piece of mind that if that ever happens, i'm at least not out of pocket.
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Post by russplym on Aug 2, 2014 15:48:09 GMT
To note, i dont take it out on normal spins. I've so far only taken it out when ive had to lock the bike and work and the gym - when i'm taking a backpack anyway which i cam throw it in
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Post by Radchenister on Aug 2, 2014 16:47:17 GMT
After going to the first Hellishfrauds store and finding that my reservation had not shown up (despite saying it was available yesterday) , I then tracked across town to another main store to find that the other model I was interested in wasn't available - went for the £14.99, 1800mm cable one with changeable combination. It's the ones they tether the bikes to stands in the stores. Not going to stop the pro theif but durable enough and light, job done.
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Post by chas on Aug 2, 2014 17:13:42 GMT
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Post by Radchenister on Aug 2, 2014 17:18:35 GMT
Yep, should have just ordered one last week, as Deca is miles away and needs must.
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