Can you recommend an exceptional bike lock?

[Danneaux]

I use an Abus Amparo ring-lock...

Pete, are you also able to use the Thorn's built-in pump pegs with this lock? (I'm guessing this might not be an issue if you're already using a stay-mount kickstand, as that pretty well precludes a pump in that location anyway).  I'd really like to go for a ring-lock on my Sherpa, but cannot figure how it could clear the Zefal HPX2 mounted to the left seatstay.  I see Abus make available a mount that attaches to the V-brake bolts, but then I could run into problems with the rack stays and it would appear to put the lock aft of the rear triangle, which wouldn't do as much to prevent theft as if it were ahead of them.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?

Thanks,

Dan.

[il padrone]

Hi

I have a Thorn Raven Nomad Mk 2, so no pump peg is supplied. Even if there was one, I use and love the rear-stay mounted kickstand. I use a Lezyne Road Drive pump, one of the better of the mini-pumps.

[Danneaux]

In addition to my Kryptionite Evolution K4 lock (the one with the non-cylindrical key in the middle) and a small-diameter custom-made vinyl-covered aircraft cable for use on tour in more rural areas, I have also added a small motion-detecting alarm to the seatpost.

It was a cheap eBay find from China (~USD$4 or so, plus about the same in postage), very light and works great.  Two levels of sensitivity, custom alarm codes, and a series of warning chirps before letting fly if it continues to be molested.  I popped in a 9-volt, 10-year lithium alarm battery intended for smoke detectors and it works great.  It has to be unbolted to remove the battery, and so provides an extra annoyance for those looking to bother the bike during the brief times I am in a small-village store.  Of course it provides no real security; a hammer could smash it, but it is annoying and loud. 

I also thought it might be helpful when wild-camping to let me know if small animals have found my bike-mounted panniers.  When in bear country, I'll hoist the bags 'way up into the trees to remove ready access to bears, then affix my bear-bell to the saddle rails to alert me if something is going after anything with residual attraction on the bike (porcupines love the salt left by perspiration on Brooks saddles and don't mind Proofide, so they can be a real problem unless shooed-away).  The motion alarm should do as well and let me really sleep unless it goes off in the middle of the night to greet the raccoons, chipmunks, and porcupines that get hungry for a midnight snack.

Best,

Dan.

[Tito]

+1 for Abus Granit-X. I use the shorter version, which fits perfectly in the rear triangle when I ride my RST. I always lock it through the front wheel and frame, very easy with narrow poles. I also use pitlocks for everythign (front, rear wheel, seatpost, saddle itself, ahead, and even brakes).
I have seen the swiss thing where you can lock the stem four years ago - it's an interesting concept, new so potential thieves may be discouraged. At the same time, it did not look very sturdy at all...

[Andre Jute]

I bought the Swiss n'lock and have fitted it, and it appears to be as good as the triple-tested German stem fitted as original equipment to my Kranich by Utopia -- with the additional function of frustrating thieve. I'll write about it later in the thread I started for it, but Tito unfortunately doesn't have this one right, there is nothing flimsy about the n-lock. -- Andre Jute

[StuntPilot]

As of today (just got an email announcement), atomic22 have announced the launch of their component/wheel/saddle/other security locking system. I am happy myself with the PitLock system on my saddle, Ahead and axels however anyone wanting to secure other (as well as the usual components, or looking for an alternative system) could secure them with the atomic22 system. Looks good!

http://atomic22.com/

[Danneaux]

Richard,

You've really found something! This in some ways beats the Pitlocks for those applications where a Pit is not available -- i.e. as a bolt replacement. In this respect, it would allow me to secure my Tout Terrain The Plug 2 and the fork, where the Pitlock cannot do so. Similarly, I prefer the appearance of this design for things like the seat bolt and to secure the seat cradle as well (a second point for opportunistic theft if left unsecured).

The Atomic22 Infiniti3ds closely resemble the "puzzle locks" used as lug nuts to secure automobile wheels, but with the difference that they are either recessed or strongly conical, making it less likely for removal using the universal method of hammering a cheap socket over the outside.

Like a puzzle-style wheel lock, I am a bit concerned at their ability to absorb normal tightening torque without distorting; that puzzle shape is pretty small for the items being secured. Still, with quality materials and a sufficiently deep contact well, it could work nicely.  I see they have apparently addressed this concern with the optional "hypertorque" key design, as well as one specifically designed for low-torque and normal applications. The real appeal is being able to lock virtually any component with this design, and having it appear pretty normal in appearance. I wonder if stainless steel is used to prevent corrosion in the puzzle well.

On the one hand, they aren't cheap; on the other, you can buy the locks you need for a specific application.

Nice job, Richard! Thanks for letting us know about this one!

Best,

Dan.