Any tips on bike locks in Auckland? Are thieves walking around with bolt cutters and lock picks? Or are mainly opportunists?

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Any tips on bike locks in Auckland? Are thieves walking around with bolt cutters and lock picks? Or are mainly opportunists?

turtleattacks

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#288773 22-Jul-2021 12:23

Kia ora all,

I've recently acquired a bike and would like to hang onto it rather than it getting nicked.

Can a cyclist please chime in with their experiences with locking up their bikes?

Would something like this lock be sufficient in locking the bike up in the CBD?

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Deamo

159 posts

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#2748134 22-Jul-2021 12:57

Generally, the best locks are D shaped ones or chains, as they're harder to cut through - not recommending either of the below, just ths first of each type I saw on torpedo 7.

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/U2LOUN1ZTAA/title/kaiser-u-lock-hard-steel-key-78mm-x-170mm-lock

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/U2LOHN1ZIOR/title/street-fighter-chain-hard-steel-5mm-x-100cm-lock

Living in Hamilton, I've always used a cable like you linked becuase I like to wrap it around one of the wheels as well as the frame when i lock up my bike & I've never had any trouble.

My brother on the other hand had his bike stolen after his cable lock was cut through..I imagine his bike was more appealing as it was a dual suspension mountian bike & i've always had road bikes.

alavaliant

222 posts

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#2748142 22-Jul-2021 13:10

I had a bike with a combination lock on it stolen a long time ago. I don't have any direct information but from 3rd party claims I've heard that combination locks aren't so secure/there are methods for unlocking them.

Since then I've moved to a lock with a key and haven't had any problems.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#2748152 22-Jul-2021 13:39

You have quick release wheels and/or seat ?

Cable/D-lock the frame, whip the wheel and seat off and take with you...... obviously not always soon as "cool" to be taking a wheel into a movie however ;)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

LinkTree

FineWine

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Nurse (R)

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#2748158 22-Jul-2021 13:52

Have a read of this Consumer NZ article (free) https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/bike-locks

Whilst the difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a bit longer. However, miracles you will have to wait for.

Arsonist

31 posts

Geek

#2748189 22-Jul-2021 14:31

Search through LockPickingLawyer's videos on youtube, and find the bike locks he recommends!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpVOTEOMRuE

mudguard

2118 posts

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#2748249 22-Jul-2021 14:48

If you can get away with leaving the lock in one place IE you chain it up at work each day, get a motorcycle one?

duckDecoy

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#2748268 22-Jul-2021 14:57

turtleattacks:

Kia ora all,

I've recently acquired a bike and would like to hang onto it rather than it getting nicked.

Can a cyclist please chime in with their experiences with locking up their bikes?

Would something like this lock be sufficient in locking the bike up in the CBD?

If you want to park your bike in the CBD with a $40 lock you'd better make sure you're insured. Bike theft in the Auckland CBD (not sure where you are) is rampant. I have watched in plain daylight in public places guys run up to bikes with bolt cutters, snip the locks/cord off, and cycle away, completely brazen. You should probably look more around the $100 plus budget.

If you are in Auckland and you need more convincing, wander around the various bike stands at Auckland Uni, you will likely see a few cheap bike locks on the ground sans the bike.

I often see bikes with no seats or wheel and felt sorry for the owners, but someone on this thread has made me realise it might actually be the owners taking them away with them rather than them being stolen.

Lenovo

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jpoc

1043 posts

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#2748361 22-Jul-2021 18:26

I knew one guy who never locked his bike and it was never stolen.

It was a track bike, fixed gear with no freewheel.

He claimed that the chance of any potential thief being able to ride it was tiny.

No idea if that was true but it worked for at least a year.

Senecio

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#2748419 22-Jul-2021 21:42

The best bike lock is two bike locks. A combination of a solid D lock and a cable/chain. A determined thief with time could still steal your bike but chances are that they will pick an easier target.

Geektastic

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#2748954 23-Jul-2021 22:25

I have an Abus Bluetooth operated U lock. Had to import it from USA as not sold here.

Abus give you credit card size things with QR codes on that allow you to order keys; we moved house and I can't find mine anywhere. The annoying thing is that there are software updates for the lock and you cannot install them without the QR code! So bear that in mind if you should get one from Abus - keep the card safe! You cannot replace it.