Bicycle Alarms

[FrogPrince]

Bicycle alarms seem to be available on Ebay at very cheap prices.

For example

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bike-Bicycle-Security-Alarm-Motorbike-Steal-Lock-Moped-Waterproof-New-Type-/171101118077

Has anyone used them and are they any good?

Sorry put this in the wrong place ....could you move it moderator?

Since I posted this I found Dan's post but would still like other comments

[energyman]

I bought a padlock that "squeeks" when locked and is disturbed.  It was from ALDI for Ģ5.  My experience is that people just walk by.
The only person who took notice was my wife  - she hates the noise and she ended up wrapping an old duster round it when she disturbed it in the bike shed !
Just google "alarm padlocks".
Nothing beats a good U lock.

[andrewheard]

I bought a movement activated lock a few years back. Was quite sensitive. Alarm was quite loud. I put a new lithium $15 9 volt battery in it. It had gone flat the next day. Alarm went into the bin.

[bikerwaser]

yes, i have one of these and they work quite well. i use it for just popping into a small shop or similar.
also for camping if itīs a dodgy place . easy to change the settings. the fact it says alarm may deter some. iīve used it when going into a large supermarket in combination with my lock as there were some youths nearby and didnīt want my stuff touched.

[Andre Jute]

I too bought one because it was cheap, same as Dan bought. It's eaten two batteries without ever being set off. It seems to work right for a while, then suddenly it eats a battery. I don't use it any more.

[Danneaux]

Sorry for the bad experience, Andre. I've been through a half-dozen of them and the present one seems to work fine. The yield turned out to be pretty low, but I'm glad this one is still working as I find the peace of mind helpful when sleeping in my tent.

I did autopsies, bought replacement piezo speakers, etc. to try and revive the dead ones but when they're done, they're done.

All the best,

Dan. (...who just wants a *reliable* alarm)

[FrogPrince]

You hit the nail on the head ........I want one when sleeping in a tent!

[Danneaux]

You hit the nail on the head ........I want one when sleeping in a tent!

Yep! It is *perfect* for that. Goes off when deer nuzzle the bags looking for goodies and scares the little rodents and porcupines away if the bags are left on (discourages toothsome gnawing through the Ortliebs). Lets me know if someone's bothering the (locked, of course) bike as well.

Peace of mind is well worth it for a better night's sleep!

All the best,

Dan. (...who has also used a monofilament [fishing line] tether between bike and wrist with good success)