You are hereForums / General Discussion / NoBMoB Chat / Protecting your bike
Protecting your bike
Hi!
Alas.. my almost new baby-blue GF Paragon (size small) has been stolen from workplace's basement in North Sydney.. Had just installed new XTR bits on it, gravity dropper - yes, it's quite painful..
1 I am talking about it here in the remote hope my Paragon could be found and maybe other bikes could be made harder to steal,
2 In general, I am interested - I am sure I won't alone on that - in as many hints how to save your bike.. - which lockers are the best, what insurance is available, are the stolen bikes in Sydney stats available etc etc? Any useful hints on this topic would be useful..
I had a wire like locker - that was my main mistake I guess - the basement has an open access from the street.. it's a new workplace to me, so being used to safety of closed basements I got a bit slack in the head.. Yes.. sensible people have a cheaper commuting bike - but I am new to Australia and can afford only one bike at this stage - for commuting and for off-road - at least that was my attitude so far..
On the way home I am told by a stranger another bike had recently been stolen from the neighbouring building.
PS My moves now -
- a talk tomorrow morning to the manager of the building - theer are numerous video cameras isntalled in place..
- reporting bike's serial number to the police
- buying a new bike - some old dunger 
- Login to post comments
- Bookmark & share
Bummer about the bike, too many low-lifes out there. Being a rare frame you do have more chance than some of getting it back though.
Please post pics so we can keep an eye out.
My opinions on security (fwiw):
All the wire rope locks are next to useless, easy to cut through with a $2 set of pliers from a $2 shop. Only good for secondary security of front wheels etc.
Always use a hardened steel U shackle or hardened steel chain and case hardened padlock. Expect to pay $80 upwards.
Lock though the frame to an immovable object, and be sure that it can't just be unbolted with a $5 shifter.
I generally lock through the back wheel and rear triangle.
Not all U shackles are safe. See the U-Tube videos on opening kryptonite locks with a business card (the ones with a cylindrical key).
Make it harder to steal than the 'other' expensive/good bikes in the cage/bike room.
W.
Well, thank you for that! - I uploaded the photo of Paragon model - mine had a Gravity turbo dropper (very noticeable) and XTR cranks..
Maybe we could have a detailed listing of reliable U-locks/lockers?
big time especially being a new bike , I go too a few races will keep a eye out but if they are smart enuff they might not take it too the races , I feel the pain on a awesome bike & hard earned dollars
On a recent trip to New York, I was amazed at a) how many bicycles there were and b) most of them had the top tube and/or bottom tube wrapped in tape.
Why?
Well I was going to be clever and post a picture but it seems as no galleries are available to link to presently so I can't. (Edit - not true - in the moderation queue now, sorry)
They all use hoofing great toughened chain locks with enormous padlocks on - the tape of course is to protect the frame from damage. Having said that I saw more than one frame locked to a post with said protection device and all the running gear stripped off!
http://nobmob.com/node/19071
Kryptonite locks are the way to go! For my commuter bike i use a chain and a u-lock.. The legend goes that not even bike thieves in New York can break these babies...
As a side benefit - they will also replace lost keys!
http://www.kryptonitelock.com/OurStory/Legendary...
Check this out...
http://youtu.be/PCxHD9_uEf8
Basically, some Kryptonite locks can be opened with a Bic pen!
That's pretty scary
Hi Sasc
Sorry to hear about your loss. Sadly I have a very similar story. My bike was stolen from my building basement (116 Miller Street) sometime in the last 24 hours. The bike was housed in a cyclone-fenced compound with swipe-only access, and the compound is in the basement carpark of the building which also is only accessible by swipe card. The thief cut through the cyclone fence and cut the padlock on the cable that was securing the bike to the bike rack.
I have been relieved of my gold-coloured Merida S-Presso i8 (distinctive in that it has an internal-gear rear hub).
Have you reported the theft to police? And what building are you in? Sounds like we have an MO potentially developing here...
Hmm.. I am sorry to hear the news.. I've been expecting such message..
I wish I could reach more people in time..
The thieves seem to be feeling safe as they come back for more.. Another bike had been stolen from my building (73 Miller Str) yesterday. And stuff had been taken from some other bikes..
Yes, I reported the serial number to the police in North Sydney (just few hundred meters up the road on Pacific Hwy). I am also getting the cameras footage for the police. Could you do the same please? It only takes 5 mins..
I found out one bike insurance - Velosure - the coverage and preliminary quote I was given sound very attractive. I am wondering if anyone has experience using such insurance?
Yeah, I spoke to the guys at Velosure about... erm... insurance and explained their name came up online a lot. Just search for them here and you'll see.
Anyhow, the guy there gave me a referral code to spread about... if anyone does insure with them, if you quote this code it would be nice: 0992