Things You'll Need:
- A Bike
- Cable or Bar Lock
- Wall Hanging Hooks
- Pen and Paper
- Razor Blade
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Step 1
Even before the bike is locked up get the serial number down and carve in your telephone number or name in some inconspicuous location on the bike. (reference for a lot of these points comes from http://bicycleuniverse.info/eqp/theft.html)
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Step 2
Purchase a “good” lock. What’s a good lock? Well, U-Lock’s are great for bike racks, and sometimes they even provide theft insurance. Strong cable locks are good. But these locks are mostly ways of staving off the non-premeditated to casual theft. If someone has an eye on your bike, staking you and the bike out, chances are the lock will not be the deterring factor. That being said, what will? Well, look further down the list for potential answers to that.
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Step 3
Before we delve into theft hindrances, let’s talk about correct method of locking the bike. I see bikes with the locks roped through only the front tires 85% of the time. Really, with a quick release, how hard is it to rip off someone’s back tire? How realistic is it that someone will steal only your back tire? I guess that depends on variables such as demographics and proximity to the border, but nonetheless it pays to be prepared.
The correct (in terms of highest potential for securing your bike) way to lock a bike is to remove the front wheel, place said wheel near the rear wheel, and then lock front and rear wheel in series with the frame. Pit traps work as well. -
Step 4
If space is available in house, purchase a secure ceiling hook from your local hardware store, along with some rope (shoe laces work great). Why lock your bike outside when you can comfortably perch it on the ceiling, using the shoe lace to make sure the frame stays in the preferred horizontal location.
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Step 5
Parking outside is a risky endeavor, even with all the necessary security precautions in place. Try to park near lighted spaces that are in viewpoint from nearby windows and doors, or any place that provides what you might consider a significant deterrent to theft.
