Theft security

[gavo]

Originally Posted by scoclo

Not sure if this is the right thread to post this, but what the hell...

To put this short, I live in the city (nice part of town but not free of hooligans) in a condo building that is not gated. I park my bike in the same spot as my car, covered of course, but worry about someone spotting it and trying to steal it by either destroying the ignition with a flat head or putting it in the back of a truck. I know the keys are micro-chipped and all, but am worried about her (really making me want to move outside the city in a house with a garage)!

Anyhow, curious of anyone who wants to share experience with keeping their bike safe. Is it worth getting a gps security system, motion censored, etc or is what comes on a duc more than enough to keep you bike safe? Any recommendations or personal experiences would be much appreciated!

btw... I ride a 2012 M796

Use a heavy steel cable, not chain as they're harder to cut with bolt cutters and a lock with a protected shank or one of the large after market u bolt type locks from someone like Kryptonite. Lock thru frame to something immovable like steel pole then it can't be carried away. The standard steering head locks on most bike aren't worth shit, ( I've had a new bike stolen) and the immovable object so it can't be carried.

[llamadingo]

What I have learned over time is that nothing is safe. Unprotected bikes are easy to steal, don't make it easy. All of the security can be defeated and don't be fooled by a security camera scaring anyone away.

The two crucial elements seem to be:
1. Use multiple deterents (high quality locks, alarms, cover, quality chain/anchor, block with vehicle, etc.) enough to make it a hassle. Consistently use them, it just takes a few extra minutes. Make thieves have to work for it.
2. Have adequate insurance for replacement.

My 2 cents

[andrman]

I've been lucky for a couple years parking on the street in [a nice neighborhood of] Chicago. I use a disc lock on the front, and a Kryptonite chain on the rear. I chain it to a street pole (I have to try to find a parking spot next to a pole, luckily in my neighborhood everyone kind of knows to expect my bike there now). Sometimes it's only long enough to chain the rear wheel to the pole, otherwise I use the frame if possible.

My bike is a model year 2000... so take all of this with a grain of salt.