Stopping Bike Theft?

How does one "stop" bike theft? Today at my kids school I saw a rather nice condition older Puegeot "locked up" waiting for a thief. It was locked to one of those U Bicycle Racks installed by the City. Okay. It had a U lock on it. Okay. That's something. BUT the U Lock was only through the middle of the frame around the top tube. Both wheels, with quick releases on them, totally unlocked. I didn't see who did it to warn them. I assume it will be gone by this afternoon

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on April 10, 2013 at 8:50am

I've been locking like that for the last 10 years and never had a wheel or bike stolen as a result.

Not trying to knock any anti theft efforts though. Go for it!

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Permalink Reply by ChrisO! on April 11, 2013 at 8:55am

Some people, just prefer to not hassle with more thorough methods of locking up. I've spent many years doing the best I can of informing people of the risks posed by shortcuts from the shop level and while most are receptive, many don't take it seriously until something gets stolen.

The areas in which you ride and the circumstances under which you'd leave it may influence how far down the rabbit hole you feel you need to go in securing your whip but in my experience, there's no substitute for building good habits. A stout U-Lock and just enough time to remove the front wheel (even bolt-on's for all the SS/Fixie riders out there), bolting it to the rear, is always the best.