Maybe I have had a false
sense of security, but until recently I haven’t invested much time in
researching the best ways to keep my bike safe when it’s parked and out of my
sight. Where I was formerly employed I locked my bike to a “No Parking” sign in
full view of someone in an adjoining office. A vinyl coated cable and brass
marine lock seemed all that was needed and I thought little of the possibility
of someone taking the bike. When I made the move to a bicycle lifestyle and
started riding the Schwinn fulltime I purchased a pair of Nashbar Euro Compact Panniers.
They are difficult to hang and to remove making theft a little less likely, so
I never gave much thought to their safety, either. When I began riding the
Safari my attitude began to change.
I accept the truth of the
assertion that a determined thief can overcome any system used to secure a
bike. Making the task as hard and time consuming as possible is one way to
minimize the chances of losing your bike. By any standards my current approach
falls short. For each bike I create obstacles, but not sufficiently difficult
to overcome under anything but idea conditions for me.
My aged Schwinn is unlikely
to be a first choice for a thief. It is looks its age because of the myriad of
nicks it has acquired and fading of its logo appliqués. Unless the potential thief
is bike-savvy and looking for an ancient hardtail or understands bike
accessories its tires and fenders will mean little. Only the FrankenBrooks
saddle might seem to have tangible value, but it is modestly protected by a
thin cable and combination lock. My sense is that for trips to my busy, nearby
grocery store the bright yellow vinyl encased cable and brass lock is
sufficient. No longer do I carry panniers, having replaced with my Burley
Travoy, so it just a matter of securing the bike and shopping.
Before I set off on my tour
I invested a modest sum and purchased a Kryptonite chain and integral lock. I
probably had little to worry about in the campgrounds where I stopped, but I
felt more comfortable with the chain that I would have with my vintage vinyl
covered cable. Since I removed all the panniers and handlebar bag each night
and kept them in the tent with me security of those items was a non-problem,
too. While the Kryptonite is heavy, weight was (and is) a non-factor compared
to loss of the Safari. My current security solutions are make-shift while
meeting requirements I think are important, but I think something more focused
is necessary.
I once knew a burglar who
asserted with a pretty good credentials (for a thief) that time of exposure was
critical if he wanted to steal something. he calculated exposure by considering accessibility. If something was
difficult to take because of security measures or problems in getting to it the
item was less likely to be taken, lacking a value worth a higher risk. With
that in mind, I have read innumerable reviews of locks and chains and cables
and cuffs and whatever-else-passes-for-bicycle-security. There is general
agreement that a dedicated thief can take anything, given enough time and that
is just about the only single point of agreement.
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| Venerable vinyl covered cable |
|
In the very near future I
will replace my vinyl covered cable with another chain from a name-brand
manufacturer. I’m opting for chains over U-Locks because of the difficulty
U-Locks create in mounting them when not in use and their lack of flexibility
in encircling many readily available securing points. Chains require use of
heavy duty bolt cutters or powered grinding wheels which would be less likely
in the hands of someone engaging in thefts of opportunity. I am willing to take
that much chance in security circumstances common to my lifestyle.
I can employ secondary
security on the Safari’s Ortlieb panniers and handlebar bag when necessary.
Among my secondary measures is a BikeClub which I used for my front panniers before buying the Travoy. It resides in one
of the Front Rollers for that single purpose. A Knog Party Frank
takes care of Back Roller security.
Admittedly, neither the Party Frank nor the
thin cables attached to the Ortlieb Front and Back Rollers are going to thwart a
determined thief carrying cutters. The idea is to limit exposure, so I seldom
carry panniers except for touring. Ortlieb provides a locking mechanism for
their handlebar bag which is enough to discourage theft of opportunity.
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| Party Frank and Pannier Security Cables |
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| Kryptonite in Repose |
With a chain for the Schwinn
and the vinyl covered cable as a secondary measure I expect it to be as safe as
it needs here. In a major city with dedicated bike thieves I know something
more would be needed., but even the most secure locks may not be enough. An
acquaintance, while in Brooklyn, had his bike stolen by having the frame cut. “Fuhgedaboudit”.
Someone wants it badly enough, they’ll take it.
