Just got a new Bike, what's a good lock?

nelsonmc

nelsonmc

Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
1,225
I just got a new Bicycle tonight and I was wondering if anybody has suggestions on locks. I know there was a problem with Kryptonite locks awhile ago, able to be opened with a Bic Pen, that sucks. Have they fixed the problem? I'm not sure I want one though, the bike only cost me $70, so I don't think buying a lock that costs more than the bike is uhm worth it. thanks!

P.S. Sorry about posting this in community... OOPS!
 
The new Kryptonite locks have that problem resolved, and they've sent out replacements to people who had the old ones ... took a loooong time to get my replacement, though. For a $70 bike I would probably just use a cable with a padlock. Hell, that's what I use for my $1000 bike (though you'll want to keep in mind crime rates in your area). While I was waiting for my replacement lock I just went without it, and got used to not having to carry it. One thing about the U locks is they're bulky and heavy, and can be a pain to carry. Now I have a brand new U lock and no desire to use it.

The only other thing I might prefer is a cable with a built in combination lock. I have too many keys as it is. You wont go wrong with a Kryptonite, now that they've corrected the Bic pen problem their products are top notch. That problem affected almost all tubular locks from any company ... only reason it got associated with Kryptonite is because their popularity meant they had lots of locks out there.
 
We had a major to-do over the Kryptonite lock thing here at the university, as we issue the Kryptonite as part of our program.
There was a lot of noise over the distributed video and such, and much negotiation with Kryptonite over replacements.

To my knowledge, we only had a couple of people apply for replacements, and we have not had a single bike stolen by manipulating the Krypto lock.

I tried it as soon as I saw the video, and I was unable to do it. I'm still not sure of the authenticity of the claim, and Kryptonite's willingness to replace locks may have been a PR move.
 
I don't know what you get for $70 in the US.
I'd go for a simple chain and D lock if you need to secure wheels (quick release)

If your not carrying the lock around just get a big heavy chain
 
Crime is low out here, farming country, but I live in an apartment complex so not a lot of room inside. I guess I will buy a cable or chain and a padlock and secure it to the stairs outside. A couple bikes have been stolen up here in the past few years, but they were all unlocked and just left laying in the yard by kids, so I'm not too worried.

Kinda OT but damnit my butt hurts, I never remember riding being this tough, it's only been 5 years.
 
The tubular keyed Kryptonite locks were indeed defeated, rather easily. I have done so several times myself. The company has since replaced the dealers shelves with flat key type locks.

Although a $70 bicycle may not have a high dollar value in general, keep in mind that if you depend on it for cummuting, exercise, etc., then it may be worth much more than the $70. If you keep the frame and rear wheel locked, and leave the front wheel alone, that front wheel may "walk off" on you. This could be a royal pain in the arse to discover one morning when you have to rush off to commute to work. Not to mention that the wheel can cost you anywhere from $25 + depending on its quality. Even in "good" neighborhoods, theft is present. You may fall into that very small percentage that it may happen to you.

I personally use the Krytonite "Noose" chainlock where one can loop one end thru the other (wider diameter link) to get a tight fit around the bike frame and 2 wheels (front quick release wheel removed).

N.
 
Cables=stolen bikes. Even a simple nippers can chew through em' in a very short time. We've arrested juvenile thieves armed with nothing more than a pair of pliers!
 
I ended up getting a U-Lock and Cable Lock from Masterlock, now I need to memorize the combos, joy joy. Thanks for the help guys!
 
nelsonmc said:
I ended up getting a U-Lock and Cable Lock from Masterlock, now I need to memorize the combos, joy joy. Thanks for the help guys!
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I carry the combos on a little laminated card in my wallet with emergency numbers on it. You can also use www.combolocker.com but that doesn't help unless you carry a laptop everywhere.
 
Ok seriously what the PHUCK!?! My ass is killing me. I don't remember my ass hurting this bad when I was younger. Anybody got any suggestions on seats or adjustments? Right now I got the sadle flat and at the right height I think. Maybe I need one of thos wide ass sadles, I mean I'm a big guy but I always have been... WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY ASS!? :mad:
 
nelsonmc said:
Ok seriously what the PHUCK!?! My ass is killing me. I don't remember my ass hurting this bad when I was younger. Anybody got any suggestions on seats or adjustments? Right now I got the sadle flat and at the right height I think. Maybe I need one of thos wide ass sadles, I mean I'm a big guy but I always have been... WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY ASS!? :mad:
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Conditioning, Matt. Ha Ha

Go to a good bike shop and find the biggest Gel seat you can find. Also, if you can stand looking at yourself in the mirror, get some good shorts with the gel inserts.

Then, do your rides, and when your butt toughens up, swap back to the lean seats.


Also, don't overdo your rides....biggest mistake is to try to do too much.


Thomas Zinn
 
nelsonmc said:
Ok seriously what the PHUCK!?! My ass is killing me. I don't remember my ass hurting this bad when I was younger. Anybody got any suggestions on seats or adjustments? Right now I got the sadle flat and at the right height I think. Maybe I need one of thos wide ass sadles, I mean I'm a big guy but I always have been... WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY ASS!? :mad:
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Get a wider seat. It's not worth it feeling like you've just been sodomized.
 
Not to be argumentative but Gel seats are no good. Because of the 'give' the compressed gel squirms into other places and errr squashes delicate tackle. Just give it a week or so and you will be fine. If you want a real seat, get a Brooks B17. Unfortunatley they take a fair amount of breaking in, but once done are super comfortable.

Further reading www.bikeforums.net
 
Paramount to comfort is fit. Break down and go to a bike shop that has fitting capabilities, or find someone who's familiar with setting up bikes for individuals.

Saddles are probably the number one "replacement" item. Most shops have barrels full of "your pick-5.00" jobs that folks have tossed for something else.

Would that we could test ride em'!

Everyone's butt is a little different, and everyone likes setting things up a little different. The main thing is to position the saddle so that your "sit bones" (Ischial protruberances- see, I do know my stuff :D ) are centered on the deeply padded portion of the saddle. You want the saddle nose to be at an angle that puts no pressure on your other bits. I like mine at a slight downwards angle. Getting the seat fore-and-aft distance is critical to comfort and efficiency.
I've been buying the Serfas saddles for the department; not something a hardcore roadie would like, but reasonably comfortable for hours of upright riding.
 
Don't sweat the butt pain - that'll go soon. Right now, you are just a tenderbutt! I used to race mtn bikes, on nothing but a thin, hard saddle with no problems. Yesterday, I rode to work on a cushy old saddle (hadn't ridden in nearly 6 months) and ZOWIE....I couldn't sit down without wincing. I'm still feeling it tonight.

Although correct saddle sizing as noted above is important, conditioning is a major element. In the long run, you'll be happier without a heavy, gushy gel saddle - they chafe!

-Raj
 
nelsonmc said:
Anybody got any suggestions on seats or adjustments?
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endura%20boxers.jpg


"Endura CoolMax Padded Briefs: Padded undershorts to wear beneath your favorite legwear."

Sheldon Brown's expert advice on saddles and comfort.

Don't wear jeans while cycling! They're stiff, tight, heavy, sweaty and have a honking great treble thickness denim seam running right where the sun don't shine!

Persevere: cycling is the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

maximus otter
 
Don't be afraid of lycra! Sure, your buds might call you a bike geek, but almost all cycling gear is the product of many years of real-world and race testing.

A good pair of cycling shorts are a great investment. The underwear Maximus shows are a good compromise. Mountain-bike specific shorts look more like "real" shorts, but have the built-in padding.
 
My 350 pound ass would not look good in spandex! I didn't ride yesterday much and let my butt heal and I just got back from a short ride and my ass feels pretty good. I put the seat up higher and that really helped for some reason...
 
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