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What sort of lock to carry? What sort of lock to carry?
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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 19 Jul 2011
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What sort of lock to carry?
I have an Abus Granit Citylock that weighs a ton - do people tour with these things (I'm talking Latin America), or would i be OK with the GS immobiliser, steering-lock, alarm and a disc lock? Any thoughts?
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Old 19 Jul 2011
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lock
I like locks that can be long enough to let you attach the bike to something , as far as alarm its ine more chance to break down an realisticaly I think that many people will only steal if its easy and most of modern lock are really strong especially for South American ladron , I always park in hotel or where there is some security but I do like to secure the bike to something just in case , now if I was in Europe I will have a top of the line lock an alarm and I will still be careful .( Yes I use to live in Paris )
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Old 19 Jul 2011
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MOTRAX KAYBUL

Motorcycleworld - Leamington Spa - Motrax Kaybul Wire 1.2m


It doesn't have to be this one, but this design is best IMO...

Doesn't rattle, fairly lightweight (it's hollow) and looks REALLY beefy...

I used to lock three front wheels together or lock my helmet to my bike and also a single bike to a lamp post etc..

Cheap too..... I'd go for the 1.5M for maximum application options.
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Old 19 Jul 2011
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Thanks!
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Old 20 Jul 2011
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I use one of these or similar, long enough for both bikes, you can wrap it around a post etc and thread one end through the other and then take the other end to the bikes pass throught the wheels and I use a "regular" padlock.
It also works if we want to lock all four panniers together in a dodgy hotel room.
I'm a big believer in the visual deterrent, anything other than a 20kg chain and £100 padlock can be cut through in seconds with bolt cropers or a disk cutter and none of us are going to lug that half way round the world.
As long as it stops someone just pushing the bike down the street or throwing it into the back of a truck then I'll sleep well enough.

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Pete
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Old 20 Jul 2011
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Hi

I carry a standard oxford disk lock for my front and have a beefy looking combo lock (about 1.2 metres) chain for the back wheel and lampost/something secure.

But if someone wants your bike, there going to have it !! just makes it a bit harder for them.

I too look for secure parking in hotels or park the bike next to my tent.

I also cover bike in a tatty looking bike cover... whats not seen attitude !

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Old 21 Jul 2011
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Good point about the cover, we had loads of problems in India with people playing around with the bikes, sitting on them, stealing fuel and generally being a pain so we brought cheap (£0.10) bed sheets and used as covers and the problems stop.After India it wasn't an issue so the sheets were given a new home.
Does anybody know if this sort of thing happens in south america? I'm not keen on carrying a cover but will buy something as and when it's needed.
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Old 21 Jul 2011
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I'd agree with everyone that recommends something like this: Oxford Trip Wire Cable & Padlock - FREE UK DELIVERY

It's lighter than a traditional chain and you'll feel so much better if you can tie your bike to a tree / lamp-post in bigger cities. I also use it to lock my helmet to my bike if I go for a walk. A disk lock would be far lighter but is so less useful I think the extra weight pays for itself.

A cover for your bike (just a bog standard Hein Gericke one) also works wonders, apart from keeping dampness off overnight, a good black coloured one means most people won't see it and will be far less likely to pick and poke around with your luggage as they'd have to untie the cover first which, OK its not 100% secure, but just helps against curious passers bye..

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