We got this from a reader, Christine C. today:
“…the nice people (Jen in particular) at Pi Bar recorded on her cell phone the segment of the bar’s security video that shows my bike being stolen this past Friday…for what it’s worth. (And let this be yet another lesson that cable locks are useless and that even if you’re sitting in the window “watching” your bike, this can happen in less than a few seconds.)
Of course you worry again because that can be stolen too. There is no bike lock invented that has not been broken yet. Those U-Locks get broken all the time. Its is obviously a lot harden and more inconvenient for the thief so better than just a simple cable but don’t let that fool you into a sense of invulnerability.
Personally, I’d rather use the larger disc lock and lock rear wheel through frame protecting both and have pinhead hubs on both wheels. I’ve never had wheel with pinhead lock hubs stolen, although I have had them damaged.
And considerably less cumbersome than 8 pounds of chain.
Obviously bait bikes with cable locks are a must!
I’ve often wondered, with the thousands upon thousands of bikes in Amsterdam, I suspect few are stolen, given that they are no frills on two tires. Why not do the same here … buy a basic. No frills bike and less worry about it being ripped off. Yes, one should have the choice to buy a $200 bike or a $2,000 bike, but the reality is that it will likely walk off, as witnessed in this video.
I had a no frills bike stolen from Richmond BART, under a security camera, right outside of the ticket agent’s little box. The difference between Amsterdam and the US is that we have growing inequality and in Amsterdam, the government works for the people – not corporations.
“and in Amsterdam, the government works for the people – not corporations.”
Bahahaha…..fantasize much? Wish to put the Dutch on a pedestal? Try talking to actual Dutch people.
Can’t tell what kind of bike, but sounds like you are saying that if she had a nice bike it, its theft becomes her fault?
Actually he was quite clearly NOT saying that. Why did you jump to that conclusion?
Snip, snip. Two seconds for those pencil sized cables.
Fahgettaboudit chain with the series 4 (orange) disc lock. Never worry again. Added bonus: Thighs of steel … weighs 8 pounds.
It’s almost as if the bike didn’t have a cable lock. Exactly how did he do that?