John Romeo Alpha is a BAD influence on me. Over time, his posts on locks (go to the link and search with keyword "lock") have worn away at me, much like water erodes a rock. Last weekend, I broke down and bought yet another lock, so I could secure my front wheel, the one with the carbon hub, by more than the cable that came with my OnGuard lock.
Since my OnGuard Mini lock was too small to go around the front rim AND the frame, I went off to Wally World and got the full size Kryptonite lock. At about the same price as the OnGuard, I have to say that the Kryponite is of poorer quality than the OnGuard, but it is sure a lot better than the simple cable.
You might wonder how or why I carry TWO full size U locks. Well, I don't. I leave them BOTH at work and my only incremental weight is the weight of the extra key, which is also why I chose Kryptonite over OnGuard for this lock - the key is different and easy to differentiate in the early morning, whether it is completely dark or a bit brighter.
While I'm on the subject of locking, take a look at the video below for a test of the "Sheldon Brown Locking Technique." It is one reason I use the full size OnGuard at work - it captures the rear wheel AND the frame. The OnGuard mini captures only the wheel. The mini works well as a travel lock, but it is just a smidge too small for all-day, every day, in the same place locking.
One other bonus. Come winter, when a lock freezes, I've still got another chance to get the other loose and on to my bike. Theft is not a big problem around DFW when the temperature is below freezing.
Since my OnGuard Mini lock was too small to go around the front rim AND the frame, I went off to Wally World and got the full size Kryptonite lock. At about the same price as the OnGuard, I have to say that the Kryponite is of poorer quality than the OnGuard, but it is sure a lot better than the simple cable.
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| My Locking Approach at Work Up Until This Week |
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| Refined Locking Approach at Work. Weight is no Obstacle. The Remaining Question is, is that Cable Overkill Simply to Go Through the Saddle Rails? |
One other bonus. Come winter, when a lock freezes, I've still got another chance to get the other loose and on to my bike. Theft is not a big problem around DFW when the temperature is below freezing.
Stealing a "Sheldon Method" Bike
4 comments:
I love this part: "which is also why I chose Kryptonite over OnGuard for this lock - the key is different and easy to differentiate in the early morning, whether it is completely dark or a bit brighter." I can relate!!
I'm actually glad someone else tested the Sheldon lock and posted video--I made some preliminary tests including cutting through a rim easily, but had mixed feelings about going further. I also like your solution to the two keys question, although I still think there may be a market for selling two matched U-locks that use the same key. No more Sheldon locking for me. Thanks Steve!
Really, the video indicates you need to capture either the seat tube or a chain stay to be secure. I still use the Sheldon method with my mini u and cable unless I can find something that will also let me catch the chain stay. OTOH, I don't use that combo in a risky area and it is a lot more secure than what most people do.
Regardless, a mini u and cable is half the weight of a full size u and may be harder to break. It is clearly a big step up over my minimalist cable locks which merely defeat the "jump on the bike and ride away" attack that requires no tools or premeditation.
I was really grateful that my cable and my U lock have drastically different keys (one has a plastic bit, one does not) Fumbling in the wee hours of the morning just got heaps easier!
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No Need for Non-Robot proof here!