Bike Security - What to use?

[tim]

I've been thinking about the whole bike security question when my bike is parked in public (and to use at home as secondary protection)!

Seeing videos of how simple it is for steering locks to be broken and bikes wheeled up ramps into vans is kinda freaky.

Still not sure on what devices to go for in different situations.

I want to get something going just not sure what's gonna be effective and practical tho.

Situ 1. At work. Bike parked in a commercial unit carpark all day until after dark. After 6pm there's not many people around, just the occasional customer. Area is well lit but quiet.

Situ 2. When leaving it in public, say parked on the side of the road in parramatta etc.

What are my options and what do you guys recommend?

Disc Lock(s)
Full Alarm/Immobiliser
Chain
Hidden Kill switch like in a car
Others?

I'm pretty handy with the electrical realm so I'd tackle the alarm myself.

Anyone else wonder about this too?

Thanks.

[ty]

I only ever used a disc lock. I never had any problems, but I guess that doesn't mean much - could've just been a matter of time.
Anyone serious about pinching your bike is going to - I guess it just a matter of balancing the hassle for you vs. the hassle for them as to how far you go.
I've never thought alarms to be worth anything. Immobilisers are probably ok, so long as they can't manually move the bike and deal with it later.
Most chains are easy enough to get through, and a second kill switch is no different to an immobiliser.

So I always just stuck with the disc lock - and made sure I got one that couldn't be opened with just a ball-point pen case(!).

The postie gets a chain/bikelock when parked at the station - but it's a very public spot, so anyone with bolt-cutters will be pretty obvious.
ty

[Six Addict]

just park the thing, get off and go to work!!!

leave ya helmet on the bike if ya have too!!!!

[seiko1]

Alarm is best at least someone may actually witness the theft, but nothing will stop the pro's anyhow.
Bought this $25 posted but haven't installed yet, very basic
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Honda-Suzuki-Hyo ... 7C294%3A50

[photomike666]

I guess it depends on what the area is like you are parking in, how desirerable your bike is etc.

My work has secure parking, or I wouldn't bring the bike.

Bike theft in UK was much more common, and you needed the best precautions. Organised bike thieves used padded vans and worked in teams of 4. They would simply pick up the bike and carry it into the van - disc lock doing nothing and alarm wailing. Once the van doors were shut the padding worked as sound proofing and they could tackle any security at their convenience.

I neved had an alarm fitted, and never had a bike stolen...

No 1 was a good quality chain. Kryptonite or equiv, 3/4 inch thick or more with a high quality lock. Wrap chain around a post. This is a pain in the arse to carry around, but you're bike is not going anywhere.

Use microdot data tracking. Not sure about this in aus, but in UK you buy a box with microchips, etching kit and micro dots. All parts of teh bike a discreatly marked, and can be racked easilly. My bike had a chip in the tank, frame, rear wheel and seat foam. Etching on the tank and all fairings and microdots on the inside of everything. Police could wave their magic wand over any part of the bike and it registered as mine. Thieves didn't want traceable bikes.

[Disco]

All the newer bikes have immobiliser's so I don't bother with anything......

And If your fully insured I wouldn't bother either....I'd be hoping they steal it so you can buy a kwaka

[tim]

All the newer bikes have immobiliser's so I don't bother with anything......

And If your fully insured I wouldn't bother either....I'd be hoping they steal it so you can buy a kwaka

Nope, 3rd party only.

[Lone Wolf]

No 1 was a good quality chain. Kryptonite or equiv, 3/4 inch thick or more with a high quality lock. Wrap chain around a post. This is a pain in the arse to carry around, but you're bike is not going anywhere.

I have a Kryptonite chain and lock. It'd be a bastard to carry around especially as they are heavy as hell. There are a couple of locks available by them, but the one I have is the top one. It can be used solely as a disc lock also and is better than your average lock. It is designed so that a thief would have to cut through it twice to take it off.

[philbo]

wish i had of had my alarm disc lock on yesterday when i looked out to my bike and seen a dad put his kid on my bike. Dont mind if im there but not when i'm not
But Tim i just use my steering lock most of the time now used to use disc lock but have had out since coming back from coffs