Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Non-Thorn Related => Topic started by: bikerwaser on May 20, 2026, 05:56:04 PM
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uURfJWuKAlY
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That is almost exactly what I use to stop someone jumping on and riding away. I used nicopress crimps which can not loosen. If I park the bike for longer I use a heavier duty cable lock and the lightweight wire lock goes through the saddle and rear wheel as I have a Q/R on the saddle stem.
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I use a skier type lock for just a quick run into a store. The red lock in the photo has a retractable cable in it.
If you just want a small cable with a couple loops on it, such cables have been sold for people to use to lock their saddle to their bike if they have a quick release seatpost and are concerned that the saddle and seatpost may disappear.
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I have an old and light cable lock from the 1970's. I doubt if anyone has that kind of key anymore and it will take a second or two longer to cut than a brake cable.
I use it for very short stops with my Brompton folders or my two lightweights in case I have to leave them in the street for a few moments, preferably when I have them in sight. If I plan a stop with any of these bikes I take a more serious and heavier lock, generally a U-lock.
My other use for the cable lock is to lock my rear panniers to the frame when doing supermarket shopping. My Ortleib panniers have the optional anti-theft wires (basically brake cables). Again, this won't stop a serious thief, but should deter an opportunist without tools.
The other family bikes have ring type frame-locks permanently fitted, these locks are fairly heavy and immobilise the bike, but a prepared thief could just pick the bike up and load it into a van and deal with the lock at leisure. I find a frame lock very convenient for short stops, but add a "serious-looking" chain lock (it isn't hard to cut with the proper tools) and/or a U-lock if I plan on leaving a bike for a significant amount of time, for example, supermarket shopping.
I consider locks a deterrent, not a real anti-theft solution. So I have old bikes that aren't worth much that I generally use when I know I will have to leave a bike locked up somewhere. And for some trips I use a Brompton folding bike and take it with me rather than leaving a bike on the street.