Day -22: The Lock

If you ask bicycle tourers what the best type of lock is to buy for a bike you will get a different answer from different people.  Lets be clear about one thing (if I haven’t already) – I have never toured before.  This is my first time and I am learning as I go.  So I can’t say what the best lock is.  But I can certainly describe the different options as I understand them and give reasons for why I did or did not select that certain type of lock.

• Cable Lock: The cable lock is popular because it tends to be relatively lightweight and can be coiled around the bike frame, the tire and an object that is rooted or bolted to the ground.  Generally people using a cable lock will wrap it through the front tire and around the frame.  It is important that you also lock the bike to a rooted object otherwise somebody can easily lift the entire bike.  Some cables come with the lock built in and other cables comes with the two loops through which you can insert your own lock.  For those with a built in lock, some are combo and others are key.  A benefit with the combo lock is that there is no key to loose, which is really important for long distance travelers.  To counter this, for some locks the key is stored in the lock until you use it.  All cables can be cut if you have the right tool.
• U-Lock: The U-Lock is made of two metal pieces – one of which is a bar and the other shape in a U-Form.  These tend to be good for locking the wheel to the  frame and, in some cases, the frame to a solid object.  U-Locks tend to be heavier than cable locks and not as versatile.  On the other hand, U-Locks are more difficult to cut, though still can be cut given the right tool.  Certain older types of U-Locks can be easily picked by those that know the technique, so if purchasing a  U-Lock go for one that is new.
• Frame Lock: This lock is basically installed on the bike and locks the frame to the back tire.  This lock ensures that people cannot ride the bike without the necessary key to unlock but doesn’t prevent somebody from full out lifting the bike.  A nice benefit of the frame lock is that it is installed on the bike, so you don’t need to worry about storage.  It is also relatively light.
• Alarm: Believe it or not, there are bike alarms out there that will sound if the bike is moved.  I have not seen much as to how effective they are, but they can run pretty cheap so may be worth checking into.
• Creativity: For campers, one can tie the bike to the tent so you are awakened if somebody attempts to steel it in the night.
• Disassembly: One can remove the front wheel when turning in for the night or going into a building.  The bike is pretty much useless without it and cannot be ridden away.  If removing the front wheel be sure that you know what you are doing.  The wheel is balanced, so if you don’t pay attention, when you put the wheel back on you may find that it is unbalanced.  This causes many problems, most importantly it may result in the wheel rubbing up against the front break as you ride it.  If this happens on the road you are screwed my friend.  Screwed.
• Observance: If entering a building for lunch, be sure to get a seat where you can look out on the bike.  At night, sleep with one eye open.
• Friends: If you happen to have the luxury of a friend, you can leave your bike with your friend to keep an eye on it when you enter a building.  Just be sure that you can trust the bastard.  There are some bad friends out there.  If you want some examples just let me know and I will get you some.

There really isn’t any foolproof way to secure your bike.  If somebody wants to steal the bike, they are going to steel it.  However, if you are not in an urban area, the chances of a roaming bike thief on the prowl are relatively low.  Chances are anyone that will steal your bike in a rural setting will do it for the thrill of it or just to be a bastard.  Regardless of the reason for theft, when touring you have tend to have a shit load of stuff on the bike, so you need to be cautious.  If you can handle the added weight, consider using more than one method for locking the bike.  For example, use a cable lock and a U-Lock.  In order to cut both one needs two separate tools.

I’m going with the combo cable lock.  I am considering a U-Lock as well or an alarm.  I don’t think I will remove the wheel from the bike due to prior bad experiences.  Otherwise I am just going to chill out…you know, “let go and let god” as they say.  If somebody wants to steal my bike bring it on.

My concern though is less the bike and more the panniers.  I haven’t figured out yet how to protect those from theft.  I’ll let you know if I figure anything out.  If the locks don’t work out you will see a post from me in about a month and I will be looking for a ride.