What is the best way to lock your bike?

So I just got a bike I really like and wanna make sure no one takes it at the first chance it's outside. What ways does everyone secure their bikes and with what and how do you do so? I live in a larger city (around 500k) but the area I live in is a big bike area so I'm sure the criminals are high and I want to try to keep them from taking it. I'll never have it locked up for too long, just quick run ins to the store or like that. I'm interested in all comments and concerns! Thanks!

First at night bring it in the house!!!
Next, any other time do the following at a minimum.
Park it in a visible area, where you can see it, or have some one watch it.
The chain or cable lock system you get needs to be long enough to go thru your rims and frame. Chain your front tire only and when you get back that's all that you'll find.
What ever you lock it to needs to be some sort of permanent object.
Don't leave it unattended any more that you have to.

Ihave gone to a hardware store, and made a thin, cable loop 4-5 feet long and I use that with a u-lock. the u-lock is versatile for long lockups, but the cable can be routed thru seat and both wheels without dismounting through the frame. Use a Hi-Vis color spray paint in ur lock and cable; if you make it look like a pain in the *** to steal, it will have a greater chance of being passed by. You can have the cable loooped through the seat and frame for ready access on the realy fast lockups, too.

There are two main things to look for when looking for a bike lock. The first and most important is that the cable is thick enough that it cannot easily be cut. Secondly, you need a cable lock that is long enough to wrap around your bike, rear tire, and the object you are trying to secure the bike to (i.e. a telephone pole, picnic table, tree, or bike rack). The longer the cable, the better. But keep in mind that the longer your cable is, the more weight you are going to be carrying on your bike. Another important feature you might want to look for is the type of key used in the lock. It's best to buy a lock that uses a real metal key. Some locks have a plastic looking type of key that they use. I don't like these because I've had them break on me... and when that happens, you're screwed!

When I'm alone riding somewhere on my racing steed, it's too good to leave it alone. But if it's really just quick runs into the store- just get a light but good lock that's cool enough to be hard for someone to cut it free in a matter of seconds

try and get a decent lock, kryptonite or something like that with a decent length so you can feed it through both wheels and around your downtube or somewhere on your frame.

The KRYPTONITE NEW YORK FAHGETABOUDIT is a great lock. It's 3 feet long and bullet proof. It's long enough to go through rear wheel and frame. The company even offers a $3,500 protection offer. It's a bit pricey at $100 but well worth it if you live in a high crime area and have an expensive bike. It's also kinda heavy. I use this lock when I ride into the city, and I never worry about locking my bike and walking away. A word of caution. Some higher than average intelligent criminals cut the bolts on polls and rig other polls such as stop signs and some styles of bike racks to be pulled up from the ground. Thus they can carry the entire rack and your bike away, or slip the poll or rack up and through your lock. So make sure and always check on how secure the rack or poll is to the ground. Whatever lock you buy make sure it is long enough to go through at least one tire and frame. Here is a site that has a good selection of locks. This is where I purchased mine.

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopdisplaypr...

The very best way is two deadbolts on your door. Secure the deadbolts after you bring the bike in and close the door.
Nothing else will stop a determined thief. PERIOD. You can only hope to slow them down.

Yes I do bring my bike inside. Yes I do bring my bike in the store with me -- or I don't go to that store on my bike. It goes in the library with me. When I go to the men's room on a ride -- it comes in the men's room with me.

I am not paranoid, I know they want to steal my bike.

My bikes have never been stolen.




Edit: Wooo Hooo a thumbs down for total security!!!

I never lock my bikes.

When I want to cruise around town, go shopping or ride my bike to the train station to commute downtown? Oh, I just ride my old beater bike, and half the time I don't even bother putting it in the bike rack, but just throw it on the ground to race and catch the train, safe and secure in the knowledge that it will be sitting right where I left it when I return, no matter how late. How do I protect it from being stolen? It's rusty and the most desperate bike thief wouldn't be caught dead with it. Works out really well that way.

When I am not actively riding my expensive road bike, it stays inside my house, where it has it's very own bedroom, and yes, I'm absolutely serious about that.

I can't afford to have it stolen, and I don't mean financially because it's covered under my umbrella policy, but rather it's not manufactured anymore. There's no way to replace it so I make sure it's not stolen.