Need the advise of some of you that work on high-rises in the loop.
Mountain biker here looking to get a commuter bike for a 30 minute bike commute to work.
A few things top of mind that I would like to get insight on:
If there are any other suggestions, please feel free to share.
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I park my bike outside in the Loop at my current job and did the same at my old job. Both buildings have bike rooms, but like V W I found it too time-consuming to use them.
I've never had a problem. But I also ride an old road bike, not a flashy, expensive bike.
Agree you should remove lights, etc. (as you would anywhere).
I recommend at a minimum a U-Lock plus cable, so both wheels are secure.
I guess personally I would not leave a bike outside in the Loop all day everyday if I considered the bike, either for economic or sentimental reasons, irreplaceable. Otherwise, go for it! :)
EDIT: I have always had access to an actual bike rack outside my building. Not sure I'd feel comfortable leaving the bike all day downtown parked to just a street sign pole.
Alex and VW pretty much summed it up. Lock with a good cable and U lock that gets both wheels and the frame. Take anything that comes off...off. I once had a bike stolen and it was my fault. I used a cheap, thin cable with a new york lock. What a dumb move. One snip and the good lock did not matter. That was a long time ago. Using a real cable and a U lock I have not had a problem. I am on a very public corner and it will take a brazen professional to pilfer my bike. It can happen but so far has not.
Worth asking management about and worth getting a lower end bike you wouldn't be as heartbroken if stolen.
I've heard parking in the same place is not good - people can scope out a bike and figure out the schedule of that bike.
This is all really good info. Thanks everyone. Some of my suspicions were correct. I think part of why I haven't looked into the building's parking is because I know it will most probably result in something that is time consuming.
Part of me wanted to get something on the nicer side but I guess its time to check out craigslist.
I too park my "low end clunker" outside with a U lock (no cable) practically every day, even though my building has a bike room. I've been doing it for many years.
The Loop needs more racks, tho. At this time of year, they suddenly go from practically empty (yesterday) to completely full (today).
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