Hi All!
For those who like the summary first,
I have settled on an AXA Defender ring-lock, a 1.5m/10mm core plug-in cable, and the option to carry my Kryptonite Evo-2000 U-lock. Add
Atomic22 security fasteners (
http://atomic22.com/ yet to be ordered); locking wheel skewers and a custom Atomic22 bolt for the Tout Terrain The Plug 2, and the Plug2/PAT cable/steerer/fork/stem/Thorn Accessory T-bar/front mudguard/SON28 dynohub are all secured. Add two more Atomic 22 bolts, and the IQ Cyo R is secured as well. The
motion-detecting alarm will tell me if someone tampers with the bags or bike and will hopefully serve as a deterrent.
For those wishing a bit more detail, read on...
After finding a way to mount a ring lock on my Sherpa
and use my Zefal HPX2 frame pump, I started the search in earnest for the best ring-lock for my needs. I may have outsmarted myself, but here is the reasoning for my choice, which has me feeling a bit uneasy at present...
A ring-lock is ideal for preventing a snatch-and-grab ride-away theft when you're off the bike (assuming the ring-lock is...locked). The bike can still be removed by carrying the rear wheel, but it cannot be ridden. The concept really appealed a couple weeks ago when I stopped on a bridge to remove the cycling tights I had over my shorts. While I was immobilized with one leg still in the tights, a passerby pointed out he could have taken the bike. An ideal situation for a ring-lock.
Of course, the ring-lock alone does nothing to secure the bike to a stationary object. For that, you need to choose a ring-lock that accepts a plug-in cable (for lesser security) or chain (for higher security), alone or combined with another lock if the bike is to be left alone for a time. After reading a number of German and Dutch bicycle lock and security tests, there appear to be
three real candidates for secure ringlocks that will also accept plug-in cables of chains (in no particular order):
1)
AXA Defender http://www.axacompany.com/EE/en/axasite/products2)
Abus Amparo 4850 http://www.abus.de/us/main.asp?ScreenLang=us&sid=135845364082613220520125013763107&select=0104b04&ArtikelGrID=103)
Trelock RS 445 AZ P (ZR 405) http://www.trelock.de/web/en/produkte/fahrrad-schloesser/rahmenschloesser/8002528_RS_445_AZ_P_%28ZR_405%29.phpAfter a lot of thought, careful measurement, and examination,
I went with the AXA Defender for these reasons:1)
Available in all-black to blend in well with the Sherpa's matte black finish; I decided to go with the surprise element here.
2)
Low-profile, ergonomic lock lever won't catch on floppy rain pants.
3)
Forward-facing actuation slot to minimize possibility of dirt-clogging.
4)
Alternative ATB mount with standoff to prevent grit and corrosion from getting between the lock and seatstays, and allows ready removal and replacement if needed. The default "spam-key" straps are good for only one mounting, and the plastic retainers on the Abus aren't intended for repeated installations and removals. Pics of the ATB mount with video here:
http://www.cantitoeroad.com/locks/frame-locks-mounting-hardware/atb-mounting-set-for-defender-frame-lock5)
Symmetrical design that appealed to me.
6)
Right-angle or folding keys; either has a low, no-snag profile within the ring-lock outline.
7) By default, the
key is retained when the lock is open, so I won't forget my key at home. A wrist coil will keep it with me off the (locked) bike.
9)
Three height-adjustable mounting slots to allow exact placement with the fender clearance I have.
9)
Narrower opening than Aubus or Trelock makes for greater shielding of the lock-ring from bolt cutters. At 50mm, the opening will just accept my 26x2.0 Schwalbe Dureme (47mm actual section width), and the widest opening of 63mm is equal to the Abus, leaving 16mm total clearance or 8mm per side at the widest part of the tire. To avoid fouling the v-brake pads, I often insert and remove the rear wheel when the tire when is partially inflated, so clearance shouldn't be a problem.
10) (Allegedly)
no rattles on rough roads when the lock is open (I have read isolated reports of the Abus being a bit noisy in some samples, though the majority seem to be quiet).
11)
Greater variety of plug-in cable/chain options.
Once I'd settled on the AXA, it was time to choose the plug-in security. There's a number of options:1)
RLD Plus cable, 1.8m long x 12mm core.
2)
RLE Plus cable, 1.5m long x 10mm core, cable clamp and frame storage clamp with 90-degree adjustable head. I weighed it at 400g/14.2oz with mounting bracket.
3)
RLC Chain, 1m long chain x 5.5mm links.
4)
RLC Chain, 1.4m long chain x 5.5mm links, hardened steel chain, quoted weight of 1kg/2.2lb.
5)
DPI 110 Chain, 1.1m long chain x 8mm links, hardened steel chain, Cutting force more than 73 kN, Dutch ART** approved for insurance coverage, quoted weight 2kg/4.4lb.
I figure I need three levels of security:1)
Ring-lock alone for when I am near the bike and want to deter a ride-away theft. Weight is 640g/1.41lb
2)
Ring-lock and 1.5m/10mm cable with clasp holder and bracket for lighter touring use with a loaded bike or on day rides on single-track and at remote trailheads. Cable coil shifts to about half-thickness when offset for storage in my bags, and is long enough to go through the front wheel, front Ortlieb pannier security tethers, rear wheel, rear Ortlieb pannier security tethers, frame, and around a solid object before plugging into the ring lock. Total weight for AXA Defender and this cable totals just over 1kg or just under 2.5lb.; about comparable to my u-lock alone.
3)
Greater security for when the bike is left alone for a time, as when I am in a restaurant and need to secure it to a fixed object. For those times, I would choose the DPI 110 plug-in chain, as it provides the highest level of plug-in security, comparable to the better Kryptonite chains, but at a terrible weight penalty of 2kg -- typically too much when loaded touring. I still have my Kryptonite EVO2000 U-lock, and it weighs 1.09kg/2.40lb -- half the weight of the DPI 110 chain, and another
type of lock. Combined, I could employ...
-AXA Defender @ 640g/1.41lb
-RLE Plus cable, 1.5m longx10mm @400g/14.2oz
-Kryptonite EVO-2000 U-lock @ 1.09kg/2.40lb
________________________
TOTAL weight: 2.13kg/4.69lb.
If I used the AXA DPI 110 Chain @ 2kg/4.4lb, then total weight would be 3.04kg/6.7lb. I'm better off using the AXA Defender, plug-in cable, and Krypto E-2000 U-lock (two
different kinds of locks + a cable) with a substantial weight savings.
Here's a nice illustrated writeup on how a plug-in chain can help secure a bike locked with an AXA Defender:http://forums.roadbikereview.com/commuting-touring-ride-reports/axa-defender-frame-lock-rl140-chain-258840.htmlThe only hitch at present lies in the RLE Plus 1.5mx10mm core cable I bought today(see pics). To facilitate snapping the straight cable into its neat little holder to make a stable coil,
AXA crimped three brass keepers along its length. If I'm not careful, these will take a toll on paint and parts finish with continued use. I didn't see it in photos online nor at the dealer's today; not until I got it home and uncoiled it did I see this flaw. Still, it is workable with care, but takes much longer to use with care than with simple vinyl-coated cable. Time will tell if it is worth it.
So, that's my anti-theft strategy at present. The lock should arrive by early next week at the latest, and the same for the ATB mounting hardware. Full photos in Danneaux's Sherpa gallery when it is all on and mounted. Hopefully, I a good choice. If not, there's always eBay for cost-recovery.
Best,
Dan.
