Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by A.K.A Paul on March 17, 2011 at 3:08pm

I bought a set of the Masterlock cuffs at the Bike Winter Swap Meet and have been using them since. 

 

Here's the thing....They should only be used as the second or third locking method of locking.  I use a Kryptonite NY-first, a longer Kryptonite second and the cuffs as a third.

 

With the NY lock, the thief has to make two cuts through the lock to get your bike.  The Second Kryptonite only needs one cut.  I use the cuffs ala "Sheldon Brown" style on the rear tire.  The cuffs are probably easier cut than many types of locks but with one of the cuffs around the back tire, they cant ride the bike away, they have to carry it off in front of all the people that watched them cut the lock but yet did NOTHING. 

 

I believe bike thieves do the old cost benefit analysis when steeling bikes.  They are looking to take certain bikes that just take one cut to circumvent the lock and ride off with it.   

 

I make my bike NOT look like the type of bike they are looking to sell quickly.   

 

I make them do the math in their puny-little-pea-shit for brains that they have to sell my bike after they cut my NY lock twice, other Ulock once and the cuffs at least once.

 

The math they are going to do in their aforementioned dickheads is that the shiny new Masi with the one off-brand U lock or one cable lock next to my bike is much easier to cut and sell. 

I’m reasonably confident that I wont have a problem with a stolen bike until my method of security is the least secure method on the street and my bike becomes the most attractive bike to be resold. 

Sarah G said:

This is a really helpful thread. I want to also mention that I started using Master Lock Street Cuffs to lock my trailer. I wanted something more than just a cable lock which is what most people use. I don't know if they are a good second lock or not, but I figured since they are used to lock motorcycles they might be a good option. Plus it comes with an anti-theft guarantee up to $3500. The cuffs are a bit heavy but I've found that I can lock the trailer to all kinds of posts, bike racks, and even park benches without too much trouble. Anybody else have experience with these or know if they are a good option? I've been using mine all winter and so far so good.

 

I'm glad to learn that I should be using multiple locking mechanisms, especially since more bikes are out and about and I presume it is now prime season for theft. Thanks!

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next ›
• Page