Hi All!
This is one thread I cannot afford to practice myself; theft is simply too common and rampant in my area, thanks to the methamphetamine epidemic. However, that's not the case elsewhere, and many riders either don't carry or choose to use a lock, depending instead on more casual strategies to deter theft. These won't fool a real thief and are well-known by this time, but would be an inconvenience and might deter an impulse snatch-and-grab or give the owner a few extra seconds to launch an adrenaline-fueled pursuit. All can be combined with more secure locking strategies, of course.
Richie has recently mentioned using his rubber brake bands for this purpose (
http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4823.msg24487#msg24487 ). A lot of people do similar things. Here's a few I've seen myself or remember from my ramblings 'round the 'Net...
= On Rohloff-hubbed bikes, detach the EX box (if so equipped) with the 'box in Gear 14, Turn the shift selector to Gear 1.
= Detach your v-brake cable noodle(s).
= If you have a quick-link in your chain, detach it and put the gap at the top of the outer chainring; chain will "break" on thief's attempted departure.
= If you have derailleurs, park with the drivetrain in an extreme cross-chain posture, then reverse the shift levers (relaxing the cables).
= Forget your cable or lock but want a bit more security? Use your quick-link and chain to secure the bike to a post or rack.
= When leaving the bike, release the brake levers and screw the brake adjuster out before resetting the levers. Presto, stationary bike.
= A clever trick I saw recently was to reverse the rear wheel on a derailleur bike so the cassette was on the left side. At a casual glance, all appeared normal, but the chain engaged...nothing.
= If you have toe straps, set the cranks horizontal and loop the strap on one pedal around the chainstay and re-buckle it.
Any more come to mind?
Best,
Dan. ("Justasec'" is an eternity to a thief delayed...)
