Locking Updated

Gone are the days when we could secure our bikes with one D-lock and a cable around the wheels - especially if you are in the Dalston (east London) area. Dalston, in the past year, has become quite known about its bike thieves. Just to make sure you are getting the point:
DO NOT USE CABLES / CABLE LOCKS ! The evil bike thieves just cut them, even on busy roads.

So, the best way to lock your bike in Dalston would be to use a good D-lock around a bike rack, the frame and the back wheel; and a different lock around the bike rack, the frame and front wheel. (and if you have a third lock, then throw it in the picture too, just for luck). Dalston sucks.

...And never lock on a pole....

do not lock on poles! no! bad idea!

Abus Granit Mini Futura

I am so excited with this bike lock, that obviously i had to blog about it and share this find with you!

I bought the Abus Granit Mini Futura as a 2nd lock for my bike. It is extra extra light (less than 900 grams) which is great. Its maximum Abus Level System is 11 (that's the company’s own security rating system, which does not mean much to me); Sold Secure Rating: Silver, which is not that bad for a second lock right?  The other thing i like about this lock is its length: just 15 cm long.

The downside is that it is a little narrow; with 67mm width it is hard to secure the frame and wheel to a bike rack. (would have been perfect if it was slightly wider).

£54.99 from Evans

£49.99 from Bike Plus

Locking!

A few people have asked about locking advice so...

I always use 2 locks and 2 wires: 

1) A D-lock/U lock that locks the bike frame and one wheel on a bike rack/railings; If the D lock cannot reach then I use the D-Lock on the frame and bike rack/railings, and a wire is used for the front wheel. 

2) A good 2nd lock that secures the frame and the other wheel on the bike rack.

3) Another wire that secures my saddle.

I never lock my bike on poles:

because the bike can be lifted through...

In short:

• Lock the bike to something that is very strong and very securely anchored
  
• Ensure that the bike & lock cannot be lifted over the top of what you're locking it to.
  
• Use a wire for the saddle; and take off your lights!
  
• Always use 2 locks (made of different material/different locks as this may put off thieves) and make sure  both locks are attaching the bike frame to the rack/railings.
  
•  Fill up the shackle of a D-lock so a jack cannot be inserted into it. (have a small but strong  D-lock.)
  
• See the SoldSecure rating site for some locks that earned Gold, Silver or Bronze certification in SoldSecure's tests. Also see ART for their ratings; four stars is best.
  
  Do not use cable locks as a primary lock; use them as a secondary lock.