Find a more valuable looking bike, and lock yours next to it. You know, the “ you don’t have to be quicker than the bear, just quicker than your slowest friend” approach.
This theory doesn't work in practice. I had my boutique bike on a cafe rack next to a mate's low end bike and his was taken. Possibly because I run an extra small frame size, slammed stem and 36cm width bars, larger people simply have trouble riding it and hit their knees on the bars, can't sit down etc.
"Despite not owning a lock to save weight, the cyclist does not fear that his bike will be stolen because that would mean that the thief would have to wait until he got off the bike which hasn't happened in years." -Casually explained
I used to work in a bike shop in a college town, and bicycle theft was endemic. I told customers “there is nothing that will stop the bike thief who is committed to stealing it.” So take that into consideration. Most bike thefts are thefts of convenience; they’ll take the easiest bike to steal. The more time they spend on the bike trying to extricate it from the lock, the more likely they’ll get caught. And, end of the day, any lock or cable is about extending that time and discouraging the thief from spending time on your bike.
They say that when you and a friend are being chased by a bear, you don't have to outrun the bear, you only have to outrun your friend! The same thing applies here (sort of?) - if your bike is locked up and another isn't, the thief will likely skip yours and go for the less secure one!
Lifehack: Can't have your bike stolen if you never get off it. And I mean NEVER. Are you at a coffee shop? Just track stand while drinking coffee. Make sure that even when you crash you are still on the bike, get a double bed so you can sleep with your bike, gf can have the guest room if necessary
When I am on bike rides, I always keep the bike with me, even at cafes and restaurants. I explain the situation to the personnel at the cafe or restaurant. If I get any objections, I find another more bike-friendly cafe or restaurant. Also, if you are commuting to work, ask your employer about bringing your bike into your office. If you discuss the issue with them, often you will find that they understand and will help out.
I remember when my housemate had just his front wheel stolen. That confused me at the time until we walked another 50 yards and saw just a front wheel locked to a bike rack. Have always made sure I lock my bike properly since seeing that.
I'm surprised that wheel happened to be compatible with that other bike. Usually bike thieves know next to nothing about bike specs or even basic features. One time someone stole my bike and left his in it's place. The seatpost on his way all the way down, which had to be uncomfortable unless the guy was like 3 feet tall. The idiot didn't even know how to use his own quick release seatpost to raise it up. And the brakes were almost completely useless on my bike, which he probably didn't even bother to check until riding off with a frown.
The only thing I learned from this video is not to take insurance from this company, their demands seem to be so strict that I highly doubt they will ever pay.
I was just thinking that the amount of they won't do this or they won't do that well what's the point if there's so many caveats.seems a waste of money if they'll worm out of everything on technicalities.
While in college some bicycle friends of mine said if they saw a bike chained to a parking meter, they would lift it off the meter’s pole. Then put it back on the pole upside down. So the owner could figure out a simple pole is not very secure. Unfortunately nice secure bike racks are not very common in the US. 8( But we are getting better.
Put your bike in the lowest gear outside cafe's when locked, wont stop them but it will give you a chance to run after them whilst their spinning away!..
@@GotDamBoi With mechanical shifting it's even easier. Put the bike in the largest cog front and rear then shift all the way to the smallest cogs without pedalling. No one's pedalling that away in a hurry.
Wouldn't putting it in the highest gear slow them down more? I'm guessing the average bike thief's knees aren't packing much wattage. Lmao, would be a great GCN video though. How fast can a pro continental rider catch up to this Xbox teen bike thief who rides maybe 3 times a year. Let's find out!
'It's going to take five or ten minutes to get through it' (lightweight lock at 3:30). Ansolute nonsense, that lock could be taken off in a couple of seconds.
Good video, always a topic worth considering. If you spend $5k+ on a bike, ~$200 on a diamond class lock is nothing. Now carrying it can be a bit of a trick if you don't have a pannier rack/bags on your bike. Some of the diamond rated chain locks weigh ~20lb. The U locks though are lighter.
My son bought me a brand new road bike when he got back from Afganistan, I bought a Krypto cable and bye, bye bike. So I threw together a bike from spare parts the following week, and used another cable, I thought they'd take the better bikes with smaller cables rather than mine, and again bye, bye bike. That Krypto flex is worthless, since the theif left my cut cable with lock behind I kept it and was able to cut it with hand held wire cutters, it didn't even slow me down . With steel cable you get the same protection as waving a majic wand over your bike. Now I use two D locks, they're heavy to carry but worth it. Then they stole my light I forgot to remove. If I catch a theif the poor guy is gonna get for all the ones that ripped me off. Theives Beware.
Having been a NYC Bike messenger in the '90's, I used a heat treated 3.5 foot 1/2 inch link chain with an ABLOY solid Block lock. Never lost my rides 😊👍
Done any testing of the GPS trackers/alarms like the See Sence Air? Seem to be a good idea when bike is nearby, coffee stops etc. Thanks Connor, love your work
The problem with the see sence is it's completely visible so will be ripped off in minutes I expect. Other products are available like Sherlock that fit in the bar end so are a lot less obvious. I think they have more potential.
You could take the crank apart and put a tracker inside the bottom frame tube. Bike thieves are not exactly good mechanics and aren't aware of access to the various cavities within the bike. Putting one inside a fork's steer tube may also work.
Only stops petty thieves, not professional ones. GPS signals are apparently easily blocked and if you get a signal after a week and its from russia, well... bad luck I guess. And many, especially expensive bikes, worth the GPS tracker are not kept in one piece now. They are dismantled and the pieces are sold separately. So even if you register your bike at the police station and have a GPS tracker in it, it could very well be, that your Fork, Rims, Brakes, or your motor/Battery (If eBike) are sold and used in another bike, while your frame is trashed. You would never be able to prove anything, even if you have suspicions. Sadly criminals are creative today and are stopped by nearly nothing. My last bike was nearly guaranteed stolen by a professional gang. Because I just moved in a new flat, thats in a newly build multi story house, in a newly build neighborhood. I locked my bike in the shared underground garage, to a steel bar and about two weeks in, it was gone. Police told me that similar thefts are happening regularly in newly build neighborhoods here. I assume the thieves are aware, that nobody knows each other directly after moving in, either they put on clothes of workers, claiming to finish something, being let in by a resident in good spirit, or simply walk in, when the door is open, because someone is currently moving in, go into the (from inside the locked house, unlocked) garage and steal what they can carry. Using that there are numerous white trucks on the street, from moving companies, kitchen builders and handyman working at last touches. Throw the stolen goods into your truck, you can park outside and you are gone for good. Its completely bonkers and the police actually filed for "Theft in a particularly serious case", because they "broke" into the house, but two weeks later I got a letter that the police discontinued the case as hopeless. Weeks later we also found marks of unsuccessful break in attempts at the door of the house, so they likely tried to gain access to steal more.
My MTB was stolen from right outside my office. It was locked with a hip lock and cable and they simply took a battery operated angle grinder to it. Gone in less than 60 seconds.... all a lock ever does is act as a deterrent and slows a thief down. A determined thief will always get away with your bike sadly!
How about not locking your 10grand+ bike in public parking and just get yourself a daily normal bike? If you're commuting it makes sense to get another bike, imagine the whole day you're thinking about your 10grand bike if it's ok out there🤣. Probably works out cheaper not need for insurance. I know I won't let my oltrexr4 out of my sight 😉
Even the best lock will only last a max of 10min if someone uses an angle grinder. That is the best case scenario. I had a key break in a lock and had to cut it with an angle grinder. It was a decent lock and it took me about 4 min to slice through with little effort.
If i would buy expensive bike i would hide tracking device somewhere inside in seat tube for example. If bike stays 1 place for hours like in workplace chain left here is good idea, but i would not use any ulocks or stuff like that those are heavy and annoying to carry. Steel cable, even quite thin one is enough. Thief wont bite thru it and noone is randomly walking streets with cutters. And if they are on run to steel bikes and are prepared to do so anything you can carry isnt enough. So opportunistic thiefs cant steal your bike with any type of lock on it so why to have big, heavy and expensive one. Profesional bike thiefs can but and not that many locks can change that, but i would have chance to get my bike back with help of police when i would have it localization. And benefit would be for everyone when those s.... would be caught by police
all the locks you showed are worthless. there is a thing called a angle grinder, that will defeat any of those locks. there is only one lock that can stop a angle grinder. that is the one you should get. the cable and those locks are just junk
I only ride my road bike for training rides so it never leaves my side. And if I do have to stop at a store for some reason I'm carrying that thing cyclocross style and taking it inside. They never bother me as long as you're not rolling your tire on their floors.
Just make the thief unsure wheter the bike is worth the risk. Mine is a alumunium frame with shimano claris. The chain and grup set is well lubricated but the frame is dirty as hell. Noone want to touch mine, let alone steal it.
When I bike for errands around town I use an old pos that has been converted to fixed. Unlikely to be stolen and any thief is likely to found within 100 meters crashed.😂
I use a cheap old bike (£22 off ebay) for any situations I think I will need to leave my bike, still lock it up, it having panniers and a bar end mirror perhaps will put thieves off as well, its not a good look !
Exactly the point. I have an old russian bike from 1987 for my city rides. Nobody even looks at it. I sometimes don't even lock it for 10 minutes shopping. 😅✌️
How about heavier punishment to those who steal, and middle man who buys stolen bikes. Plus more expensive bikes should a cert or a serial number engraved into the bike just like a license vehicle, making buying and selling stolen item a crime. Luxury watches does it, why not bikes. Some Orbea cost as much as a Tudor.
I actually think this is an idea that needs to be pushed more with the bike brands for sure! I don't have a $10K bike, but even a $1500 bike should have a serial number!! Especially when there may be multiples of the same bike with the same paint job out there for those of us that don't order direct from the brand with a custom paint job but pick our bikes up at a local bike shop.....
In my opinion the best way to stop people from stealing your bike is a very good lock on a extra crappy looking bike. When i moved to a big city i took my old MTB's aluminium frame and rebuild it to look as shite as possible, painting it with spraypaint and putting in scratches with sandpaper. The bike is 24/7 locked outside and nobody stole it or touched it in the 10years ive been using it. Also always make sure to park your bike next to another better looking bike with a lock that is easier to crack than yours.
Exactly. I have 4 bikes. One is for city rides and it's rusty and with women frame. Nobody stole it in 3 years I even leave it outside the block at night. 😅
Hey GCN, the problem with the heavy duty lock and chain is the weight and how to carry it around. We all know the beefy lock is good, but it is a hassle to carry with the bike, and add so much weight. Can you address this problem?
Many D locks come with a mounting plate that you attach to your frame. That way the weight of the lock is on the frame while riding rather than your shoulders ☺️
Leave the expensive one at home use a cheap bike for city or do what I do make the thief feel pain a zap or if you catch them grab them and make them suffer
Problem with these d locks is they are heavy and no matter where you try to mount them on the bike you end up rubbing your leg on the lock just so impractical. I have the on guard one in the video
Extremely discouraging video for someone thinking about getting into bicycling. "Your bike is probably going to get stolen, it's your fault, and the insurance you're paying for won't cover it due to technicalities." Gee thanks.
Just upgraded my bikes recently and found this video extremely helpful. I was thinking on insurance and this came at the right time. GCN mind readers?? Going to look into some good locks and check my insurance company on coverage. Thanks Conor for the insight.
> spend 5k+ on a bike to save 1kg of weight > carry 20kg of shackles on you at all times > ??? > profit On a serious note, don't leave anything 105 or above in easily accessible places, the thieves will cut through your frame and wheels if they see they can sell the groupset for any significant amount of money.
That reminds me, a neat and sturdy looking ground anchor with a single central bolt (covered by the lock) briefly featured on this channel (or GMBN?) within the last couple of weeks. But can I find it again...? No. Anybody got a better memory than me?
I suggest you could; scratch the frame, paint it badly, ensure the chain is very rusty and plaster it with Wallmart or cheap supermarket stickers. This has two benefits: 1) protect your bike from theft, 2) psychologically damage anyone a carbon aerobike if you pass them.
Why are there so many thieves in the UK? Why doesn't GCN do a show to see how long it takes for a bike to be stolen. Put an unlocked or tokenly locked bike in a busy area of Bath or Bristol and watch it from a distance to see how long it takes to be stolen. Interesting, and would hopefully end up with a bike thief being arrested and put away for life.
The cable must pass through the seat, the rear wheel is already secured by the lock, a loop is made with the front wheel, it passes through the seat and returns to the lock
I usually carry my U lock and cable lock both in my backpack when I know I'll be parking it outside for awhile. Downside is that some businesses don't allow backpacks but you can circumvent it by saying it's a reusable grocery bag (which it is) or just locking the backpack itself to the bike when going inside somewhere. Obviously it's not favorable for endurance rides, but I don't think there's any good solution to that. Maybe a chain lock stuffed into one of the mounted water bottles.
When traveling, I have taken my bike inside my hotel room, or at least, inside the hotel building. I know people store bikes in balconies. I have heard that a thief has climbed several stories to a balcony and then stolen a bike.
Conor did a fine job taking us through this important topic. But man, ensuring that our bike is insured seems insurmountable. After I pay for all of the necessary locks for indoor and outdoor and travel storage, I'm sure the cost is half the bike.
Thanks for the great video Connor! Glad to see more than one lock company featured! Great tip about Sold Secure! Glad I can check in Canada. We lost 2 bikes in spite of doing everything right ,only to find the deductible on the policy and increased rates after a claim made the process futile, so check your policy.
I have a two Lock system now, after having my last Mountain Bike stolen. 1) ABUS Bordo Alarm 2) Kryptonite New York D lock. At home I lock it with both locks to a steal bar. I make sure to interlock both locks, so they have to saw through both locks, while needing to move both locks, and both need a lot of time to saw through, even with a power saw and also one will definitely start to scream. I took two different brands, because it is highly unlikely that a possible thief has both tools and skills at hand, to lockpick both quickly. If I go on a ride, I take the ABUS with me, because it is not so heavy as the D Lock and also... well, alarm secured and leave the D Lock at home. Also its insured again. 100% worth it here in europe.
Here's a really helpful tip: Don't be afraid to use maritime knots on your cables to make removal of your bike more difficult. Sure, it'll take you an extra 5 minutes to get going again, but it's better than having to replace a £1200 / $1500 piece of kit
Yeah done this, used a piece of car sponge, cut a slot in it and pushed it down into the frame. Helps having a recent Trek Domane carbon with the little storage compartment but sure with a bit of thought one could be hidden on most bikes. I lock mine up in the garage to a motorcycle wall mount and also cover it with a big piece of material so it doesnt draw the eye as easily as a shiny, expensive bicycle. I also put it behind my ancient Raleigh Mirage shopping bike. CCTV and a Ring Doorbell for good measure as well.
Seems like every time a Canuck or a Limey talks about locking up bikes on racks, they always seem to have the most easy to work with, ultra practicable bike racks you could possibly imagine. Every time we have to lock up a bike here, it looks like some crappy relic from the 1970s which isn't even as good as some of the ones we used back then. Also, every time these GCN guys reference commuting by bike, they've always got some form of road racing glam gear on like the only way anyone else is going to be dressed on a bike is going to be like that. Cleated shoes, spandex all over, helmets, etc. They probably ought to dress in normal clothes like normal people maybe having to tie off a pants leg, and wearing a watch cap once in a while!
its important for a commentator to have a firm hold on the language in which they attempt to entertain dont you reckon? if you reckon as i, how on earth does kirby have a job? he literally says the same words describing every scenario, and laughs uproariously at his feeble attempts at humor which are also mere regurgitation, and he somehow still has a job. surely the emperor has no clothes. HELP. US. PLEASE.
Please do not follow these fools . Lock at work or within a garage but that will only keep it out of view short term Any gold lock will take 30mins to break . Please add gps and insurance it Locks will only delay the process for max 1hr . GPS is key
3:33 don't use these zlocks!! They're complete shit. My bike was stolen beacuse I used one to lock up my bike outside a cafe while I popped inside. It jammed itself closed and it was only the second time I used it. Someone cut through it in the time it took me to walk 10 minutes home to get my own bolt cutters and return. I bought a second zlock because I thought maybe I just got unlucky. I tested it in my apartment and it jammed itself closed straight away. Waste of money!!!
Me watching this with my £300 basket road bike that is probably more pretty than it is practical 😂 hopefully I don’t have anything to worry about but better safe than sorry
I have to disagree with using the same D lock for the additional cable. That way only the D lock needs to be opened or cut. Better is to have both a strong (D or good chain) and a cable with its own lock that way any thief would have to open/cut 2 different types of protection.
I worked in downtown Toronto ont and I saw how fast the thieves got away. you should know the cable is easy to cut. I tried it with a bolt cutter . got through in 3 seconds. for my bike I use a u lock on both wheels. ps if all you have isn't enough room to lock both the rear wheel and frame with one lock you can be safe with a u lock locking your rear wheel to the stand as long as its in the triangle. best to have a beeter bike for the coffee shop because even if they cant steal the bike they can steal the saddle etc. I've seen bikes get striped down even when the police are walking down the street giving out parking tickets.
The security rating of the locks are new to me and I really thank you guys for that. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of options of bike insurance here in the Philippines that is good as SundaysInsurance.
If bicycles had easily visible VINs, as do motorcycles, maybe they would be harder to sell and easier to recover. It IS a vehicle, no? The industry won't bother as long as eager buyers pay 12k for untraceable toys.
My bike is fitted with an integrated registration chip in the frame, which dealers have to read and provide the details of for warranty claims and components. Stolen bikes have more chance of being detected by the LBS with this.
1. If You ride more in city, so ride with cheap bike(Good setup and maintenance bike is fast always).(Lightweight bike but heavyweight locks- same total weight) 2. Two locks are good than one lock. Three than two......... More locks more secure.
Find a more valuable looking bike, and lock yours next to it. You know, the “ you don’t have to be quicker than the bear, just quicker than your slowest friend” approach.
Didn’t work both bikes got stolen
This theory doesn't work in practice. I had my boutique bike on a cafe rack next to a mate's low end bike and his was taken. Possibly because I run an extra small frame size, slammed stem and 36cm width bars, larger people simply have trouble riding it and hit their knees on the bars, can't sit down etc.
I'm not gonna lie... i do this too haha
Ngl that honestly is exactly the method I have been using so far in all seriousness.
"Despite not owning a lock to save weight, the cyclist does not fear that his bike will be stolen because that would mean that the thief would have to wait until he got off the bike which hasn't happened in years."
-Casually explained
I was about to say, that quote was from that video.
I used to work in a bike shop in a college town, and bicycle theft was endemic. I told customers “there is nothing that will stop the bike thief who is committed to stealing it.” So take that into consideration.
Most bike thefts are thefts of convenience; they’ll take the easiest bike to steal. The more time they spend on the bike trying to extricate it from the lock, the more likely they’ll get caught. And, end of the day, any lock or cable is about extending that time and discouraging the thief from spending time on your bike.
They say that when you and a friend are being chased by a bear, you don't have to outrun the bear, you only have to outrun your friend! The same thing applies here (sort of?) - if your bike is locked up and another isn't, the thief will likely skip yours and go for the less secure one!
A electric zap might help as well
@@gcn not if yours is 5k and the other 1k
@@gcn 🤣
@@gcn That's exactly it... my goal is not to make it "steal proof" rather a harder target than the one next to me.
Lifehack: Can't have your bike stolen if you never get off it. And I mean NEVER. Are you at a coffee shop? Just track stand while drinking coffee.
Make sure that even when you crash you are still on the bike, get a double bed so you can sleep with your bike, gf can have the guest room if necessary
Big IF
Of you get off, the insurance won't pay...
Bike jacking?
When I am on bike rides, I always keep the bike with me, even at cafes and restaurants. I explain the situation to the personnel at the cafe or restaurant. If I get any objections, I find another more bike-friendly cafe or restaurant. Also, if you are commuting to work, ask your employer about bringing your bike into your office. If you discuss the issue with them, often you will find that they understand and will help out.
I remember when my housemate had just his front wheel stolen. That confused me at the time until we walked another 50 yards and saw just a front wheel locked to a bike rack. Have always made sure I lock my bike properly since seeing that.
I'm surprised that wheel happened to be compatible with that other bike. Usually bike thieves know next to nothing about bike specs or even basic features. One time someone stole my bike and left his in it's place. The seatpost on his way all the way down, which had to be uncomfortable unless the guy was like 3 feet tall. The idiot didn't even know how to use his own quick release seatpost to raise it up. And the brakes were almost completely useless on my bike, which he probably didn't even bother to check until riding off with a frown.
The only thing I learned from this video is not to take insurance from this company, their demands seem to be so strict that I highly doubt they will ever pay.
I was just thinking that the amount of they won't do this or they won't do that well what's the point if there's so many caveats.seems a waste of money if they'll worm out of everything on technicalities.
A lot of insurance plans are a total waste of money unless subsidized through employment/government. This company sounds even worse than most.
Do you know of any companies that don't have such strict demands?
Actually one of the best bicycling insurance companies out there based on reviews. Definitely worth comparing companies.
While in college some bicycle friends of mine said if they saw a bike chained to a parking meter, they would lift it off the meter’s pole. Then put it back on the pole upside down. So the owner could figure out a simple pole is not very secure.
Unfortunately nice secure bike racks are not very common in the US. 8( But we are getting better.
Hilarious prank AND educational! The perfect combination!
Put your bike in the lowest gear outside cafe's when locked, wont stop them but it will give you a chance to run after them whilst their spinning away!..
For sure. I've taken the chain off the chain ring to help deter thieves and to slow them down if I need to chase them.
i think this only applies to people with wireless shifting
@@GotDamBoi With mechanical shifting it's even easier. Put the bike in the largest cog front and rear then shift all the way to the smallest cogs without pedalling. No one's pedalling that away in a hurry.
Wouldn't putting it in the highest gear slow them down more? I'm guessing the average bike thief's knees aren't packing much wattage. Lmao, would be a great GCN video though. How fast can a pro continental rider catch up to this Xbox teen bike thief who rides maybe 3 times a year. Let's find out!
More importantly, bike locks can go up and down in rating, without you knowing, which would invalidate insurance
'It's going to take five or ten minutes to get through it' (lightweight lock at 3:30). Ansolute nonsense, that lock could be taken off in a couple of seconds.
Decorate your bike with fraying duct tape. Anything to uglify it.
Good video, always a topic worth considering. If you spend $5k+ on a bike, ~$200 on a diamond class lock is nothing. Now carrying it can be a bit of a trick if you don't have a pannier rack/bags on your bike. Some of the diamond rated chain locks weigh ~20lb. The U locks though are lighter.
My son bought me a brand new road bike when he got back from Afganistan, I bought a Krypto cable and bye, bye bike. So I threw together a bike from spare parts the following week, and used another cable, I thought they'd take the better bikes with smaller cables rather than mine, and again bye, bye bike. That Krypto flex is worthless, since the theif left my cut cable with lock behind I kept it and was able to cut it with hand held wire cutters, it didn't even slow me down . With steel cable you get the same protection as waving a majic wand over your bike. Now I use two D locks, they're heavy to carry but worth it. Then they stole my light I forgot to remove. If I catch a theif the poor guy is gonna get for all the ones that ripped me off. Theives Beware.
Locks keep honest people honest.
I use this big Kryptonite Chain Thing 😂. The problem is its heavier than the whole bike, trust me you dont want to carry this Lock around😂
The cheapest option is simple: don't commute with your Canyon Ultimate, buy a disposable bike for commuting and use your premium bike just for riding.
Exactly. For commuting I am using an old rusty bike with women frame. Nobody touches it. My carbon bike is just for long rides and never lock it.
Having been a NYC Bike messenger in the '90's, I used a heat treated 3.5 foot 1/2 inch link chain with an ABLOY solid Block lock. Never lost my rides 😊👍
Done any testing of the GPS trackers/alarms like the See Sence Air? Seem to be a good idea when bike is nearby, coffee stops etc. Thanks Connor, love your work
The problem with the see sence is it's completely visible so will be ripped off in minutes I expect. Other products are available like Sherlock that fit in the bar end so are a lot less obvious. I think they have more potential.
You could take the crank apart and put a tracker inside the bottom frame tube. Bike thieves are not exactly good mechanics and aren't aware of access to the various cavities within the bike. Putting one inside a fork's steer tube may also work.
Only stops petty thieves, not professional ones.
GPS signals are apparently easily blocked and if you get a signal after a week and its from russia, well... bad luck I guess.
And many, especially expensive bikes, worth the GPS tracker are not kept in one piece now. They are dismantled and the pieces are sold separately. So even if you register your bike at the police station and have a GPS tracker in it, it could very well be, that your Fork, Rims, Brakes, or your motor/Battery (If eBike) are sold and used in another bike, while your frame is trashed. You would never be able to prove anything, even if you have suspicions.
Sadly criminals are creative today and are stopped by nearly nothing. My last bike was nearly guaranteed stolen by a professional gang. Because I just moved in a new flat, thats in a newly build multi story house, in a newly build neighborhood.
I locked my bike in the shared underground garage, to a steel bar and about two weeks in, it was gone. Police told me that similar thefts are happening regularly in newly build neighborhoods here.
I assume the thieves are aware, that nobody knows each other directly after moving in, either they put on clothes of workers, claiming to finish something, being let in by a resident in good spirit, or simply walk in, when the door is open, because someone is currently moving in, go into the (from inside the locked house, unlocked) garage and steal what they can carry. Using that there are numerous white trucks on the street, from moving companies, kitchen builders and handyman working at last touches. Throw the stolen goods into your truck, you can park outside and you are gone for good.
Its completely bonkers and the police actually filed for "Theft in a particularly serious case", because they "broke" into the house, but two weeks later I got a letter that the police discontinued the case as hopeless.
Weeks later we also found marks of unsuccessful break in attempts at the door of the house, so they likely tried to gain access to steal more.
My MTB was stolen from right outside my office. It was locked with a hip lock and cable and they simply took a battery operated angle grinder to it. Gone in less than 60 seconds.... all a lock ever does is act as a deterrent and slows a thief down. A determined thief will always get away with your bike sadly!
Was it a hip lock U-lock? They cut through that?
How about not locking your 10grand+ bike in public parking and just get yourself a daily normal bike? If you're commuting it makes sense to get another bike, imagine the whole day you're thinking about your 10grand bike if it's ok out there🤣. Probably works out cheaper not need for insurance. I know I won't let my oltrexr4 out of my sight 😉
Exactly. Use an old rusty women frame bike not your carbon bike for commuting...
Even the best lock will only last a max of 10min if someone uses an angle grinder. That is the best case scenario. I had a key break in a lock and had to cut it with an angle grinder. It was a decent lock and it took me about 4 min to slice through with little effort.
Glad i do not to do stops other than out on the road with me standing by the bike, need a damn follow car with all the locks and stuff :)
Have 2 bikes, one for the tours and one for the casual things.
Your baby and your working horse...
EZ
Exactly. I have 4 bikes. One rusty bike for city rides. Nobody touches it...
@@dhanyrafael even smarter
If you don't like the UK weather, wait 15 minutes. Or 5 seconds apparently.
If i would buy expensive bike i would hide tracking device somewhere inside in seat tube for example. If bike stays 1 place for hours like in workplace chain left here is good idea, but i would not use any ulocks or stuff like that those are heavy and annoying to carry. Steel cable, even quite thin one is enough. Thief wont bite thru it and noone is randomly walking streets with cutters. And if they are on run to steel bikes and are prepared to do so anything you can carry isnt enough.
So opportunistic thiefs cant steal your bike with any type of lock on it so why to have big, heavy and expensive one.
Profesional bike thiefs can but and not that many locks can change that, but i would have chance to get my bike back with help of police when i would have it localization. And benefit would be for everyone when those s.... would be caught by police
From a Dutch perspective, it's not locked unless it's at least double locked, preferably triple locked :p
As the famous Eddy Merckx said, lock your bike, lock your bike, lock your bike!
What about when you are sleeping in a hedge, taking a break during an epic ride?
Anything valued over $1k should not be left alone.
all the locks you showed are worthless. there is a thing called a angle grinder, that will defeat any of those locks. there is only one lock that can stop a angle grinder. that is the one you should get. the cable and those locks are just junk
I only ride my road bike for training rides so it never leaves my side. And if I do have to stop at a store for some reason I'm carrying that thing cyclocross style and taking it inside. They never bother me as long as you're not rolling your tire on their floors.
Just make the thief unsure wheter the bike is worth the risk. Mine is a alumunium frame with shimano claris. The chain and grup set is well lubricated but the frame is dirty as hell. Noone want to touch mine, let alone steal it.
cycling shorts are for perverts 8:24 you should be arrested
When I bike for errands around town I use an old pos that has been converted to fixed. Unlikely to be stolen and any thief is likely to found within 100 meters crashed.😂
Exactly.
So conclusion insurance is useless in case of theft, better take your front wheel of and take with you 😂
Carbon frame against metal poles OUCH!!
Nothing will prevent an expensive bike to be stolen OR just damaged/scratched. Don’t leave an expensive bike outside more than 5mn, that’s all
Can you do a video on how to put your socks on. I feel you're missing this.
I use a cheap old bike (£22 off ebay) for any situations I think I will need to leave my bike, still lock it up, it having panniers and a bar end mirror perhaps will put thieves off as well, its not a good look !
£22 off ebay?! That is quite some bargain - nice work, Mark!
Exactly the point. I have an old russian bike from 1987 for my city rides. Nobody even looks at it. I sometimes don't even lock it for 10 minutes shopping. 😅✌️
@@dhanyrafael Picture please
How about heavier punishment to those who steal, and middle man who buys stolen bikes. Plus more expensive bikes should a cert or a serial number engraved into the bike just like a license vehicle, making buying and selling stolen item a crime. Luxury watches does it, why not bikes. Some Orbea cost as much as a Tudor.
I actually think this is an idea that needs to be pushed more with the bike brands for sure! I don't have a $10K bike, but even a $1500 bike should have a serial number!! Especially when there may be multiples of the same bike with the same paint job out there for those of us that don't order direct from the brand with a custom paint job but pick our bikes up at a local bike shop.....
I remember the old adage that all bikes weigh 30 pounds. The lighter your bike, the more hardware you need to carry to keep it safe!
In my opinion the best way to stop people from stealing your bike is a very good lock on a extra crappy looking bike. When i moved to a big city i took my old MTB's aluminium frame and rebuild it to look as shite as possible, painting it with spraypaint and putting in scratches with sandpaper. The bike is 24/7 locked outside and nobody stole it or touched it in the 10years ive been using it. Also always make sure to park your bike next to another better looking bike with a lock that is easier to crack than yours.
Exactly. I have 4 bikes. One is for city rides and it's rusty and with women frame. Nobody stole it in 3 years
I even leave it outside the block at night. 😅
Hey GCN, the problem with the heavy duty lock and chain is the weight and how to carry it around. We all know the beefy lock is good, but it is a hassle to carry with the bike, and add so much weight. Can you address this problem?
Many D locks come with a mounting plate that you attach to your frame. That way the weight of the lock is on the frame while riding rather than your shoulders ☺️
my saddle is 400 dollars and seat post 200, all that secures it is a 4mm hex bolt
I have the kryptonite 10mm chain lock New York edition and I use it and nobody has been stolen or even tampered with
Great choice!
Leave the expensive one at home use a cheap bike for city or do what I do make the thief feel pain a zap or if you catch them grab them and make them suffer
Exactly. For city rides and commuting I have an old 1987 rusty bike. My other 3 good bikes I keep them in the flat next to my bed. 😅✌️
Getting a huge bike that no one but Connor can ride, may also help a little.
El Alto! No thief is gonna tango with that conquistador!
Problem with these d locks is they are heavy and no matter where you try to mount them on the bike you end up rubbing your leg on the lock just so impractical. I have the on guard one in the video
Extremely discouraging video for someone thinking about getting into bicycling. "Your bike is probably going to get stolen, it's your fault, and the insurance you're paying for won't cover it due to technicalities." Gee thanks.
That insurance company sounds way too picky. Probably a complete waste of money.
Don't be discouraged. Use it to know what you really need to do to keep your bike secure rather than thinking it's secure but gets stolen anyway.
Just upgraded my bikes recently and found this video extremely helpful. I was thinking on insurance and this came at the right time. GCN mind readers?? Going to look into some good locks and check my insurance company on coverage. Thanks Conor for the insight.
$25k of bikes in a locked garage surrounded by a bullmastiff and a pitbull. If they get my bikes then they truly worked for them.
> spend 5k+ on a bike to save 1kg of weight
> carry 20kg of shackles on you at all times
> ???
> profit
On a serious note, don't leave anything 105 or above in easily accessible places, the thieves will cut through your frame and wheels if they see they can sell the groupset for any significant amount of money.
Honestly the best protection is still locking your bike infront of a bank. Nobody would steal in front of a bank…
£72 a year for a £1000 bike, my car, fully comp, protected NCB, all the extras, value £10,000+ was £132 this year. Seems a tad excessive!
That reminds me, a neat and sturdy looking ground anchor with a single central bolt (covered by the lock) briefly featured on this channel (or GMBN?) within the last couple of weeks. But can I find it again...? No. Anybody got a better memory than me?
You didn’t mention bike alarms, i.e. electronic devices that issue a siren or an alarm on your smart phone. Any thoughts on these?
I suggest you could; scratch the frame, paint it badly, ensure the chain is very rusty and plaster it with Wallmart or cheap supermarket stickers. This has two benefits: 1) protect your bike from theft, 2) psychologically damage anyone a carbon aerobike if you pass them.
This makes me sad! This is the state of bike crime in the UK? Get a Brompton, take it with you at all times.
Can you do a bike lock test please,? Where you test how long it takes to cut through with an angle grinder
Instructions unclear my shed has gone with the bike lol
Why are there so many thieves in the UK? Why doesn't GCN do a show to see how long it takes for a bike to be stolen. Put an unlocked or tokenly locked bike in a busy area of Bath or Bristol and watch it from a distance to see how long it takes to be stolen. Interesting, and would hopefully end up with a bike thief being arrested and put away for life.
The cable must pass through the seat, the rear wheel is already secured by the lock, a loop is made with the front wheel, it passes through the seat and returns to the lock
Can’t see me fitting all that in my jersey pocket
I wish you would have discussed ease of carrying the lock. Many of the locks are extremely bulky, and have to be carried somewhere on the bike.
I usually carry my U lock and cable lock both in my backpack when I know I'll be parking it outside for awhile. Downside is that some businesses don't allow backpacks but you can circumvent it by saying it's a reusable grocery bag (which it is) or just locking the backpack itself to the bike when going inside somewhere. Obviously it's not favorable for endurance rides, but I don't think there's any good solution to that. Maybe a chain lock stuffed into one of the mounted water bottles.
@@michaelstratton5223 I've just decided to wrap my cable lock around the seat stem and leave it there. It's just the most convenient for me
What about if you have no proof that anyone stole your bike but if one day it just magically disappears.
When traveling, I have taken my bike inside my hotel room, or at least, inside the hotel building.
I know people store bikes in balconies. I have heard that a thief has climbed several stories to a balcony and then stolen a bike.
If your hotel lets you do that, that's definitely a great idea!
So, a theif climbs down from a balcony with a bike strapped to their back? Really? You beliwve that?
@@michaelanderson001 a little rope is an easily carried tool to get a bike down to the ground and worth the trouble of climbing up to get it.
4 storeys or higher is generally safe, but it's still never a bad idea to lock a bike to the railing even higher than that.
Conor did a fine job taking us through this important topic. But man, ensuring that our bike is insured seems insurmountable. After I pay for all of the necessary locks for indoor and outdoor and travel storage, I'm sure the cost is half the bike.
Thanks for the great video Connor! Glad to see more than one lock company featured! Great tip about Sold Secure! Glad I can check in Canada. We lost 2 bikes in spite of doing everything right ,only to find the deductible on the policy and increased rates after a claim made the process futile, so check your policy.
I have a two Lock system now, after having my last Mountain Bike stolen.
1) ABUS Bordo Alarm
2) Kryptonite New York D lock.
At home I lock it with both locks to a steal bar. I make sure to interlock both locks, so they have to saw through both locks, while needing to move both locks, and both need a lot of time to saw through, even with a power saw and also one will definitely start to scream.
I took two different brands, because it is highly unlikely that a possible thief has both tools and skills at hand, to lockpick both quickly.
If I go on a ride, I take the ABUS with me, because it is not so heavy as the D Lock and also... well, alarm secured and leave the D Lock at home.
Also its insured again. 100% worth it here in europe.
Here's a really helpful tip: Don't be afraid to use maritime knots on your cables to make removal of your bike more difficult. Sure, it'll take you an extra 5 minutes to get going again, but it's better than having to replace a £1200 / $1500 piece of kit
Slot something like an Apple AirTag somewhere internally if possible so that if it does get nicked, you can track it down!
Yeah done this, used a piece of car sponge, cut a slot in it and pushed it down into the frame. Helps having a recent Trek Domane carbon with the little storage compartment but sure with a bit of thought one could be hidden on most bikes. I lock mine up in the garage to a motorcycle wall mount and also cover it with a big piece of material so it doesnt draw the eye as easily as a shiny, expensive bicycle. I also put it behind my ancient Raleigh Mirage shopping bike. CCTV and a Ring Doorbell for good measure as well.
Seems like every time a Canuck or a Limey talks about locking up bikes on racks, they always seem to have the most easy to work with, ultra practicable bike racks you could possibly imagine. Every time we have to lock up a bike here, it looks like some crappy relic from the 1970s which isn't even as good as some of the ones we used back then. Also, every time these GCN guys reference commuting by bike, they've always got some form of road racing glam gear on like the only way anyone else is going to be dressed on a bike is going to be like that. Cleated shoes, spandex all over, helmets, etc. They probably ought to dress in normal clothes like normal people maybe having to tie off a pants leg, and wearing a watch cap once in a while!
its important for a commentator to have a firm hold on the language in which they attempt to entertain dont you reckon? if you reckon as i, how on earth does kirby have a job? he literally says the same words describing every scenario, and laughs uproariously at his feeble attempts at humor which are also mere regurgitation, and he somehow still has a job. surely the emperor has no clothes. HELP. US. PLEASE.
Please do not follow these fools . Lock at work or within a garage but that will only keep it out of view short term
Any gold lock will take 30mins to break . Please add gps and insurance it
Locks will only delay the process for max 1hr . GPS is key
3:33 don't use these zlocks!! They're complete shit. My bike was stolen beacuse I used one to lock up my bike outside a cafe while I popped inside. It jammed itself closed and it was only the second time I used it. Someone cut through it in the time it took me to walk 10 minutes home to get my own bolt cutters and return.
I bought a second zlock because I thought maybe I just got unlucky. I tested it in my apartment and it jammed itself closed straight away. Waste of money!!!
Me watching this with my £300 basket road bike that is probably more pretty than it is practical 😂 hopefully I don’t have anything to worry about but better safe than sorry
I have to disagree with using the same D lock for the additional cable. That way only the D lock needs to be opened or cut. Better is to have both a strong (D or good chain) and a cable with its own lock that way any thief would have to open/cut 2 different types of protection.
Ohh yeah, and who decides if I locked my bike correctly? I’ll guess the insurance when they decide not to pay for every other bike?!
Thanks Conner, used your “helmet-lock” today; great idea!
Thanks Conor...braving obviously inhuman conditions to bring us this...oh yeah , crew as well ! I will look in to Sundays tho .
It was a very VERY wet day of filming...
I wonder what the lock picking lawyer would say to you gold or platinum d lock 🤔🤔🤔 picked in seconds most likely
Nothing will secure it, just don't be too far away from it, or buy a mean dog to guard it
Most locks can be broken in seconds...ask any engineer
Seriously, who is carrying that much hardware (that first lock and cable) while on a bike ride?
Great video......video shared in our group:)
Brilliant, thanks!
Ollie ? You've got the wrong guy!..
The question is, what to do when you see someone trying to nick your bike in broad daylight.
I'll never leave my bike outside fuck that, exposed to all kind of people 💀
I need subtitle in Turkish please. I want to watch all of the videos
Dude, I think, I going to start running.
I take the quick release bike seat off, No one going to steal a bike without a seat.
Frame nalang aabutan mo pag balik mo sa bike mo.. 😂
3:30 5-10 mins 😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣🤣 I'm sure he meant to say 5-10 seconds.
I worked in downtown Toronto ont and I saw how fast the thieves got away. you should know the cable is easy to cut. I tried it with a bolt cutter . got through in 3 seconds. for my bike I use a u lock on both wheels. ps if all you have isn't enough room to lock both the rear wheel and frame with one lock you can be safe with a u lock locking your rear wheel to the stand as long as its in the triangle. best to have a beeter bike for the coffee shop because even if they cant steal the bike they can steal the saddle etc. I've seen bikes get striped down even when the police are walking down the street giving out parking tickets.
2 u locks are safe enough for an old rusty bike like mine... the good bikes I never lock them up because I use them only for long rides.
Very informative! Thanks 🙏
very relatable content, I always lock my dura ace wheelset and my 5k carbon frame with an u lock
U locks are completely rubbish, they can easily be popped open with a sissor jack found with any car.
The security rating of the locks are new to me and I really thank you guys for that. Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of options of bike insurance here in the Philippines that is good as SundaysInsurance.
or buy a bike which looks so ugly that nobody wants it haha
Hide an apple airtag in that stem too.
If bicycles had easily visible VINs, as do motorcycles, maybe they would be harder to sell and easier to recover. It IS a vehicle, no? The industry won't bother as long as eager buyers pay 12k for untraceable toys.
My bike is fitted with an integrated registration chip in the frame, which dealers have to read and provide the details of for warranty claims and components.
Stolen bikes have more chance of being detected by the LBS with this.
1. If You ride more in city, so ride with cheap bike(Good setup and maintenance bike is fast always).(Lightweight bike but heavyweight locks- same total weight)
2. Two locks are good than one lock. Three than two......... More locks more secure.
All the locks!
Exactly I am using an old rusty women frame bike and lock it with 2 u locks. No problem in 3 years of commuting.
Link to Sundays may not be working.