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Loose locking bike locks
lil_old_me
Posts: 97 Forumite
Today I purchased a U lock and a coil lock. They were averagely priced from Sports Direct. However I am not sure they are any good. The U lock feels very loose eg the 2 bits where is locks it moves like mad, I think with a good whack or good pull it would come out. The coil lock is not much better. They were sealed so could not view in the shop but would you consider this faulty? They both feel very loose when they lock and not at all secure. I want to get a refund and buy better.
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Comments
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A bit late after you've already bought it. But Kryptonite d-lock (u lock) from Halfords are the best and offer some sort of insurance. Cost nearly £30 up to over £100.0
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lil_old_me wrote: »Sports Direct ... refund
A credit note maybe, but a refund from Sports Direct...0 -
To be honest, anything from Sports Direct is going to be cheap and cheerful. Go to a proper bike shop (even Halfords) and be prepared to spend a bit.
Having said that, I have an ancient Citadel U-lock which rattles like fury but is strong as a house. I would tend not to trust cable locks - they are convenient, but a decent pair of croppers will go through them like they were spaghetti. A good chain and padlock take some beating, as long as you leave as little slack as possible and nothing lying on the ground where it can be attacked. If the chain/lock combo is too heavy, you can always leave them at your destination (suitably locked to a railing or something).
This kind of thing will deter the casual or opportunist thief. You wouldn't believe what lengths the pros will go to - jacks to break U-locks apart, liquid nitrogen to freeze chains and make them brittle (and shatter with a hammer), bolt-croppers with five-foot handles ... Mind you, your bike would have to be worth a bit for someone to bother with all that.
As a motorcyclist, I have the same problem. Best solution - always park next to something newer and more expensive.If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.0 -
Check out some of the bike lock videos on Youtube, see how easy it is to break some whereas others pass the test.Liverpool is one of the wonders of Britain,
What it may grow to in time, I know not what.
Daniel Defoe: 1725.
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There really is no point skimping on a lock - if you've spent 'x' amount on a bike it's worth paying a bit for a quality lock.
I had a 2nd hand racer with a cheap lock that got pinched. I then bought a far more expensive, new bike but got a decent lock for it and haven't had any trouble since.
I'd really, really recommend splashing out on a decent one and taking your SD one back.0 -
To be honest, anything from Sports Direct is going to be cheap and cheerful. Go to a proper bike shop (even Halfords) and be prepared to spend a bit.
Having said that, I have an ancient Citadel U-lock which rattles like fury but is strong as a house. I would tend not to trust cable locks - they are convenient, but a decent pair of croppers will go through them like they were spaghetti. A good chain and padlock take some beating, as long as you leave as little slack as possible and nothing lying on the ground where it can be attacked. If the chain/lock combo is too heavy, you can always leave them at your destination (suitably locked to a railing or something).
This kind of thing will deter the casual or opportunist thief. You wouldn't believe what lengths the pros will go to - jacks to break U-locks apart, liquid nitrogen to freeze chains and make them brittle (and shatter with a hammer), bolt-croppers with five-foot handles ... Mind you, your bike would have to be worth a bit for someone to bother with all that.
As a motorcyclist, I have the same problem. Best solution - always park next to something newer and more expensive.
Sage advice.
No one is going to nick my 30quid 'shopping bike' so sometimes it even gets left unlocked if I'm only popping into a shop.
Whereas if I was like Alan Sugar, I too would not let my expensive road bike out of my sight.0 -
Perhaps worth adding:
For decent security, you need three locks, or one/two locks that will perform three functions: front and back wheels locked to the frame, and frame locked to something solid. One long cable lock would do all of that, but would be very vulnerable.
As SailorSam says, have a look on YouTube, especially at the videos made by Almax chains where they demonstrate how poor the competition is. You will be horrified at the effort the bad guys are prepared to put in!
http://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/
They do bicycle stuff, too. I have no connection with the company, never even bought the stuff, but impressed by the vids!If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.0 -
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/kryptonite-evolution-mini-7-lock-with-4mm120mm-flex-cable-flex-bracket
This is the one i use and my bike has never been touchedR.I.P Sam, still in my heart0 -
I have one of these too - very happy with it so far (well my bike hasn't been stolen yet *lol*). Its a good price for a Sold Secure silver lock, the extra cable is useful if you have QR wheels and it feels solid. Only thing to note is that as its a mini lock you need to think about where you want to lock it up: its great for bike stands and railings, but it won't fit around a lamppost.http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/kryptonite-evolution-mini-7-lock-with-4mm120mm-flex-cable-flex-bracket
This is the one i use and my bike has never been touched0 -
I have one of these too - very happy with it so far (well my bike hasn't been stolen yet *lol*). Its a good price for a Sold Secure silver lock, the extra cable is useful if you have QR wheels and it feels solid. Only thing to note is that as its a mini lock you need to think about where you want to lock it up: its great for bike stands and railings, but it won't fit around a lamppost.
That's the only draw back with the lock imho, i was thinking of buying extra cable for it so i could lock it against a lamp post,i'll wait till Edinburgh cycle or another local shop has a sale on and hopefully hit lucky..R.I.P Sam, still in my heart0
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