You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Don't really need one, but some-one very obviously sniffing round in the car park this morning reminded me that it's time I bought a wee lock for the bike when it's parked up around the back. I need something light weight that I can carry - preferably hidden on the bike if that's possible, so I can use it when I'm out and about and not carrying a pack?
Someone 'sniffing around' suggests that 'lightweight' is not really going to be enough?
I'd get a couple of heavy duty D-locks and leave them at work.
Nah, the bike isn't visible, and it's behind a gate that's not easily openable from the CP and you'd have to walk past me (which I how I saw them in the CP in the first place), a nurse and a GP to get to it, so it's not really "unsafe" but I need a lock anyway.
Also, do folks use Airtags on their bikes?
I use an Ottolock when stopping at cafes on long rides such as audaxes.
https://www.ottodesignworks.com/
It is a combination lock with only three dials and so could be cracked easily by someone with time and opportunity but it is light and better than some of the alternatives.
I would not use it if locking my bike up in the town centre as there are lots of scrotes who cut cable locks.
TBH I think the previous recommendation of getting a D lock and leaving it at work is the best option.
D-lock left in the shed is the right answer - if you have to lock it, use a proper one*. Especially if someone has been "sniffing about"
*In a previous place of work somone hopped a fence, accessed the "secure" bike park all in view of the security cameras, snipped my lightweight cable lock with a set of bolt croppers and rode my bike out of the compound past the security office at the gate.
I do not use airtags but it seems they are a thing for bikes.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-hide-an-apple-airtag-on-your-bike-and-why-you-should/
Better to prevent it being stolen though as I don't think the Police would be interested in tracking a stolen bike
Big fan of HipLock Nick. I don't have the strongest/heaviest one, mine is about 2kg I think and silver rated. Do not notice it when riding (commuter bike not MTB). Long enough to do a wheel and frame. It's more deterrent that 'thou shall not steal' but for where I leave the bike, it's perfect.
Lightweight and worthwhile are mutually exclusive.
Any bike that I leave in a semi public area I kind of accept that it may well be stolen
As above leave a good quality lock in the shed ? Thats what I have done in the past.
If you want to carry it with you then a cheap combo lock works for me.
Won't stop even the cheapest bolt cutters but it will stop someone just grabbing the bike and cycling off or some pliers.
Also, do folks use Airtags on their bikes?
The other thing would be an alarm...
I ended up getting a Knog alarm/tracker its airtag based so will still notify the thief they are being tracked at some point but hasn't notified my kid yet who's in the van with me and the bike often enough.
£40 ish delivered off Amazon
Having bike stolen recently with biggish cable lock, I'd go for a big fat d lock.
If you don't want to carry it, I'd leave it there.
My bike is in a locked room, inside. Locked room with a d lock into a wall shackle.
I use this Abus folding lock as it attaches to the bike and when folded is smaller than a d lock with similar security strengths as well as stronger than a cable lock
Everyone above is correct that a strong d lock is best, and any lock can be broken in under 2 minutes if the thief is prepared and determined
But you know your location and security risks better than any of us, hence your open question about a lightweight lock instead of the usual locks that you’ll no doubt be aware of
Do let us know what you end up deciding after your research, as I haven’t bought a new lock in 10 years
As above, I leave a heavy D-lock at work, even though the bike park is in the basement of the secure building.
I've had a bike go missing from a different secure place of work in the past so I try to make it harder for thieves
I’m also in the leave a heavy lock at work club. On Guard Brute for me, pretty good value with a 16.8mm shackle.
Even if I had to carry a heavy lock, my bike being stolen would still be much more inconvenient!
For a similar usage case, I've recently bought a Foldylock.
My bike's not been stolen yet, but early days...
I like the Hiplok DX - it's Sold Secure Diamond rated and the carryclips fit in the back pocket of a pair of Levis or over a belt.
I've got one of these Halford hobbies. Wraps round the seatpost when I'm not carrying a bag.
Only use it for a quick nip in a shop though, or at the pub where it's sort of in eyeshot
