30 years and never had his bike stolen is good claim. But if you put up a sign that says "I bet you can't steal this bike" it WILL be stolen. It's really 30 years of luck of the draw (and good locks obviously). there's no such thing as a perfect/safe lock, we are just doing our best to DETER thieves with locks that may take too much time or effort to open or cut. Give them enough privacy and time locks can be broken. I lock mine in very public/high traffic areas just in case.
Sorry this video is pretty stupid. Even the most expensive d-locks can be easily cut through in 5 seconds with an angle grinder. And the most expensive kryptonite locks can be picked in a few seconds with a biro. If the thief has any skill, they can take the best locks apart in seconds. So the much more important thing is to get insurance.
Because he is clever, or because his bike is a piece of shit and he uses two locks. Whilst next to his bike is a Trek/Canondale/Kona/Marin with a single cable lock? hummm
having just witness a cocky little toerag using a pair of bolt cutters make short work of a useless wire lock yesterday at westfield stratford no less!... listen to the man! and r.i.p
this is the saddest bunch of bikers ever, steal a front wheel from one badly locked bike and steal a frame and back wheel from another who only locked their front wheel and you can ride off into the sunset...and make two people cry. I personally never lock only my back wheel and frame since i don't carry a cable. luckily no stolen front wheel yet
Great vid! Only vid I've seen thus far where an expert goes through real-life bike racks, and critiques bike locking techniques that are good and not-so-good.
Some of the hardware [like that last squarish-shaped U lock] I haven't seen before...maybe only available in Europe?
RIP Barry Mason, the guy in the video who has just died while on holiday in Spain (5 June 2011). He was involved in a myriad of local environmental and transport campaigns in southeast London and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
You want peace of mind? Buy a used bike that's so cheap you won't sweat it if it's stolen. Unless you're Lance Armstrong you won't know the difference between a $50 bike and a $500 bike anyway.
@petelush There is absolutely a difference between a Huffy and "insert name brand" bike that anyone will notice while riding. Even at the low end of the line.
i have 2 realy heavy good chains which can only be cut with a disc cutters, they are heavy and i use ithem when i lock my bike for long periods when i swim or go th the gym, they both have good locks too, because they are quite heavy to carry all the time i leave one on the rack at the pool and one at the gym , if you leave your bike at the same place most of the time just leave the lock too , this wil not put you off carrying a heavy lock or locks with you every where you go ,
The ABUS wire lock you pointed out at 3:20 is a Gold Secure, double thickness wire lock with armour plating around the wire also to help prevent using clippers.
Another tip I would say on top of all these valid points are to keep the locks high up on the bike where possible... the reason is that many of the bigger croppers are much, MUCH easier to use if you can put one handle on the ground, and your bodyweight on the other. High up locks would require incredible upper body strength to break a decent lock.
i have a bmx we the people versus 2010 and i have a good as cable lock 5 star rating and it fits through back wheel frame front wheel and bars is that good enough for you
@williamn6133 The way to look at it is, if you don't spend on a good lock, then you will be spending on a new bike. The longer you aren't forced to buy a new bike, the better value the lock turns out to be.
around 3:20 he criticises a lock for being a 'rubbish boy racer lock' which looks to me to be an Abus Granit (I could be wrong!) they're rated 10 on Abus scale and silver on the Sold Secure - so not exactly rubbish! Reason I spotted this is that I have 2 of these - one at work & one at my sports club as they're heavy to carry around. You can clearly see the Abus logo near the keyhole.
Agree there are plenty of locks that look sturdy but are rubbish, but that one has a high rating?
Id also suggest adding a rear-wheel ring lock, like an AXA Defender, which are very common in the NLs & Belgium where I bought mine but also available online in the UK.
After 3 bikes stolen (although from an exposed overnight flat cyclestore), I now travel with a gold secure or 15/15 rated Abus Granit X Plus D Lock matched with an Abus rate 7/15 cable lock. At home I have a Kryptonite New York cable lock.
@LondonCycling "The big lock is a pain to carry.." If possible, leave the heavier lock at the parking area and carry only one lock. If feasible, leave both lock there.
An even better option, use a Brompton and it's away with you - no chance for the thieves.
I'm super paranoid about getting my bike stolen so always have 2 super good locks with me. I don't mind carrying them around with me. I just deal with it. result: not a stolen bike since 1994! WOHOO!
What's with the yanking on the chains and knocking the bikes around? Yes its no more than these bikes will be subjected to during inner city use but this isn't the point. Perhaps he feels that the owners don't value their bikes therefore he doesn't need to care about them either. None of that is neither here nor there, the fact is its other peoples property he is manhandling and he should have more respect.
Yeah, I dunno if he's supposed to be illustrating the point or what... I'm guessing/hoping they wouldn't just start messing with people's bikes so they maybe staged a few, but given the inaccuracy a couple of people pointed out about that one lock, maybe not?
Why's he hitting the bikes?! Good point, I have 2 locks. And most people have one dlock, come on, adding a second d lock isn't going to be difficult is it?
@wakefordt It's better to use a D-lock and then a different type, such as a cable or chain. Using two kinds of lock means thieves need more tools to break them.
I might say....Hardly anybody has two locks, or space to carry them. Take the front wheel off and lock it to the back and frame. And er...Don't leave your bike anywhere.
@davescfc1 I have two locks: one monster gold-rated for the frame and front wheel, and a much thinner cable to lock the seat (Brooks) and the back wheel. The big lock is a pain the ass to carry, but at least I have my bike.
The cable lock Barry calls " a rubbish boy racer lock " at 3 min 22s is actually an Abus granite steel o flex & is sold GOLD secure. I use these locks & have never had a bike stolen. I lost my key last year and it took me a good 2 minutes with an angle grinder to get through my lock. The cable inside the hardened steel shell is at least 15mm in diameter. You should try carrying on around all day Barry.
Is there a way to stop the quick release levers being vandalised without using safety bolts?
jalit 2 months ago
what if the object you locked it to is compromised, just happend to me..
MrOscar5690 2 months ago
My bike is so rusty and ugly that no one wants to steal it. But it drives like a new one.
Cornholio602 2 months ago
30 years and never had his bike stolen is good claim. But if you put up a sign that says "I bet you can't steal this bike" it WILL be stolen. It's really 30 years of luck of the draw (and good locks obviously). there's no such thing as a perfect/safe lock, we are just doing our best to DETER thieves with locks that may take too much time or effort to open or cut. Give them enough privacy and time locks can be broken. I lock mine in very public/high traffic areas just in case.
Mikenopolis 2 months ago
cheap bike, expensive lock and no need to be affraid....
totematika 2 months ago
Sorry this video is pretty stupid. Even the most expensive d-locks can be easily cut through in 5 seconds with an angle grinder. And the most expensive kryptonite locks can be picked in a few seconds with a biro. If the thief has any skill, they can take the best locks apart in seconds. So the much more important thing is to get insurance.
PseudoApollodorus 3 months ago
Because he is clever, or because his bike is a piece of shit and he uses two locks. Whilst next to his bike is a Trek/Canondale/Kona/Marin with a single cable lock? hummm
Sidowse 3 months ago
I use a U lock and 2 cable locks formy tiers and the U for my frame and cone ring my cables
4DiamondAppsAndMore 4 months ago
fill with explosives, add electronic ignition, get new bike if thief survived explosion
Steamer15hp 4 months ago
having just witness a cocky little toerag using a pair of bolt cutters make short work of a useless wire lock yesterday at westfield stratford no less!... listen to the man! and r.i.p
article12 4 months ago
this is the saddest bunch of bikers ever, steal a front wheel from one badly locked bike and steal a frame and back wheel from another who only locked their front wheel and you can ride off into the sunset...and make two people cry. I personally never lock only my back wheel and frame since i don't carry a cable. luckily no stolen front wheel yet
Mikenopolis 5 months ago
I have a chain lock, a 25mm cable lock, and a 3.25 inch D-Lock for my bike. Invincible LOCKKKIIINNNGG
ageofempires619 5 months ago
He's not really telling us anything. Just judging someone elses loking methods
FunE4life 5 months ago
hey man you just scratched my bike!? b-( blam! he should have started kicking the bikes for good measure?
communicashun 5 months ago
sad thing is there is a vid on u tube called "kryptonite lock mahem". the ny bike lock is not all its cracked up to be.
bikerchic650 5 months ago
2 GUD LoKZ
SGwizard1 6 months ago
what brands or models do you recommend besides NewYork?
PiranhaJaw22 6 months ago
this was very helpful
PiranhaJaw22 6 months ago
Dual wield. That's how ya role.
wearethesame890 6 months ago
I'm a gold rated mamajama double lock whore.
wearethesame890 6 months ago
RIP Barry. You'll be missed sorely. I'm off to buy some proper locks! x
spazdiv 7 months ago
just make sure your bike doesn't look very attractive and it is locked at least as good as every bike around it.
boterbram 7 months ago
What can I buy that will keep guys like this from slapping my bike around?
dancesAl0ne 7 months ago
I let the air out of my tires too works good a theif won't steal a bike he can't ride
fackyoutoobe2 7 months ago
Great vid! Only vid I've seen thus far where an expert goes through real-life bike racks, and critiques bike locking techniques that are good and not-so-good.
Some of the hardware [like that last squarish-shaped U lock] I haven't seen before...maybe only available in Europe?
hpotter1097 7 months ago
I just use two mean gold rated U locks. watch out!
xafez 8 months ago
I give you six out of ten for damaging all those bikes, now I know where all the scratches are coming from.
damhaith 8 months ago
Those "really good locks" he keeps citing are the worst Kryptonite U-locks (i.e., Series 2 ones) you can buy. Yeah, use a U-lock, but use a GOOD one.
Commando303X 8 months ago
British Hal Ruzal. L.O.L.
Commando303X 8 months ago
is the master python lock good?
alistairism 8 months ago
is the masterpython lock good?
alistairism 8 months ago
is the master python lock good?
alistairism 8 months ago
is the master python lock good?
alistairism 8 months ago
Thank you Barry! RIP
SE1Bear 9 months ago
RIP Barry, never met you but watching this I reckon you were a sound bloke.
manmaas 9 months ago
Missing you already mate.
grahambigvan 9 months ago
RIP Barry Mason, the guy in the video who has just died while on holiday in Spain (5 June 2011). He was involved in a myriad of local environmental and transport campaigns in southeast London and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
MsPeperonata 9 months ago 18
Great vid! I believe the lock at 3.29 is an Abus Granit Steel O Flex, they are pretty good. Not full of air i hope as i use all the time...
davidaluis 9 months ago
Great Video!
Thanks a bunch.
MurCurieux 9 months ago
U locks are pure peace of creap which can be opened in about 10 seconds.
Ubojica6661 9 months ago
Not only informative, but good training in following a lower/middle class British accent.
petelush 10 months ago
If I came back to my bike and he was slapping my bike and yanking my locks I'd give him a piece of my mind.
GhibliFan1 11 months ago 5
Excellent video. I'm gonna buy two good locks and use them properly - you can't put a price on peace of mind! Thanks for the advice Barry.
castlefox27 1 year ago
@castlefox27
You want peace of mind? Buy a used bike that's so cheap you won't sweat it if it's stolen. Unless you're Lance Armstrong you won't know the difference between a $50 bike and a $500 bike anyway.
petelush 10 months ago
@petelush There is absolutely a difference between a Huffy and "insert name brand" bike that anyone will notice while riding. Even at the low end of the line.
n0c0n 10 months ago
piss someone by locking your bike to someone elses
Dizmapler170 1 year ago
what about the ol' bic pen trick with the circular key hole in the u'locks?
Funkrushplus 1 year ago
i got my bike stolen recently... guess i should have listened to this guy!!!!!
terminaterjohn 1 year ago
Too bad he dont realize his high rated locks are easily picked lol
HiRiderAce 1 year ago
the lock at 3:20 on the fixie is a Sold Secure gold rated abus granite flex-o-steel yet he calls it "rubbish"
Chipwhitley489 1 year ago
at least the guy with the allez took his computer 1:30
Mitsugamerz 1 year ago
Look at 0:52 - 1:25, a front wheel locked with a u-lock on the floor, must've got a 1/10.
pitviper71 1 year ago
I think old matey needs a life :D
reflex1reflex1 1 year ago
i have 2 realy heavy good chains which can only be cut with a disc cutters, they are heavy and i use ithem when i lock my bike for long periods when i swim or go th the gym, they both have good locks too, because they are quite heavy to carry all the time i leave one on the rack at the pool and one at the gym , if you leave your bike at the same place most of the time just leave the lock too , this wil not put you off carrying a heavy lock or locks with you every where you go ,
ironmanc5 1 year ago
The ABUS wire lock you pointed out at 3:20 is a Gold Secure, double thickness wire lock with armour plating around the wire also to help prevent using clippers.
floorpeas 1 year ago
i reckon you scratched about 50-70% of those 40 bikes thank you mr.bike lover
nNorthWestern 1 year ago
If I saw this guy dicking around with my bike I would bust his rotten teeth out of his mouth
fastedos1969 1 year ago
Another tip I would say on top of all these valid points are to keep the locks high up on the bike where possible... the reason is that many of the bigger croppers are much, MUCH easier to use if you can put one handle on the ground, and your bodyweight on the other. High up locks would require incredible upper body strength to break a decent lock.
amaxford 1 year ago
I Worked hard raising the money for my bike, is there anyway I can secure it only spending 20-40 pounds on locks?
As I currently have a crappy wire lock that I used to use on my £60 bike..
IIITrickzIII 1 year ago
i have a bmx we the people versus 2010 and i have a good as cable lock 5 star rating and it fits through back wheel frame front wheel and bars is that good enough for you
sizGDJ 1 year ago
Just replace your drop bars and add a shopping basket on the front of your bike, you won't even need a lock!
mightyPants 1 year ago 10
The way he slams on the bikes and get all the fenders out of alignment REALLY irritates me.
JimexJimex 1 year ago
Good video, thank you.
russofamerica 1 year ago
get a bike that doesn't worth stealing and leave the bike indoors :D
csabadapp 1 year ago
I agree. Important to lock your bike well.
But I bought my bike used for £100 ... seems a bit crazy to spend £95 on a lock...
williamn6133 1 year ago
@williamn6133 The way to look at it is, if you don't spend on a good lock, then you will be spending on a new bike. The longer you aren't forced to buy a new bike, the better value the lock turns out to be.
retread01 1 year ago
around 3:20 he criticises a lock for being a 'rubbish boy racer lock' which looks to me to be an Abus Granit (I could be wrong!) they're rated 10 on Abus scale and silver on the Sold Secure - so not exactly rubbish! Reason I spotted this is that I have 2 of these - one at work & one at my sports club as they're heavy to carry around. You can clearly see the Abus logo near the keyhole.
Agree there are plenty of locks that look sturdy but are rubbish, but that one has a high rating?
sarahannblackburn 1 year ago
@sarahannblackburn spotted exactly the same thing! I have the steel-o-flex 1000 which is Gold Secure, same looking lock
floorpeas 1 year ago
Id also suggest adding a rear-wheel ring lock, like an AXA Defender, which are very common in the NLs & Belgium where I bought mine but also available online in the UK.
After 3 bikes stolen (although from an exposed overnight flat cyclestore), I now travel with a gold secure or 15/15 rated Abus Granit X Plus D Lock matched with an Abus rate 7/15 cable lock. At home I have a Kryptonite New York cable lock.
arohemq 1 year ago
@LondonCycling "The big lock is a pain to carry.." If possible, leave the heavier lock at the parking area and carry only one lock. If feasible, leave both lock there.
An even better option, use a Brompton and it's away with you - no chance for the thieves.
totobobomask 1 year ago
@totobobomask
I agree, "use a Brompton".........no one will EVER steal those f-king ugly wierd nancy boy things !!!!!!
britsalt 1 year ago
I'm super paranoid about getting my bike stolen so always have 2 super good locks with me. I don't mind carrying them around with me. I just deal with it. result: not a stolen bike since 1994! WOHOO!
theannanas79 1 year ago
What's with the yanking on the chains and knocking the bikes around? Yes its no more than these bikes will be subjected to during inner city use but this isn't the point. Perhaps he feels that the owners don't value their bikes therefore he doesn't need to care about them either. None of that is neither here nor there, the fact is its other peoples property he is manhandling and he should have more respect.
/rant
TeabagWaldron 1 year ago 42
@TeabagWaldron
Yeah, I dunno if he's supposed to be illustrating the point or what... I'm guessing/hoping they wouldn't just start messing with people's bikes so they maybe staged a few, but given the inaccuracy a couple of people pointed out about that one lock, maybe not?
Comes off as a right arse though.
Nibbbling 1 year ago
Very good advise, lets hope people watch it and learn.
gaz545 1 year ago
Why's he hitting the bikes?! Good point, I have 2 locks. And most people have one dlock, come on, adding a second d lock isn't going to be difficult is it?
wakefordt 1 year ago 14
@wakefordt It's better to use a D-lock and then a different type, such as a cable or chain. Using two kinds of lock means thieves need more tools to break them.
LondonCycling 1 year ago 6
Good stuff...
I might say....Hardly anybody has two locks, or space to carry them. Take the front wheel off and lock it to the back and frame. And er...Don't leave your bike anywhere.
davescfc1 1 year ago
@davescfc1 I have two locks: one monster gold-rated for the frame and front wheel, and a much thinner cable to lock the seat (Brooks) and the back wheel. The big lock is a pain the ass to carry, but at least I have my bike.
LondonCycling 1 year ago
The cable lock Barry calls " a rubbish boy racer lock " at 3 min 22s is actually an Abus granite steel o flex & is sold GOLD secure. I use these locks & have never had a bike stolen. I lost my key last year and it took me a good 2 minutes with an angle grinder to get through my lock. The cable inside the hardened steel shell is at least 15mm in diameter. You should try carrying on around all day Barry.
singlesp2 1 year ago