U-lock over top tube. NOOOOOO! A rough twist of the bike and a cheap U-Lock is toast as the top tube gives a lot of leverage. Always lock up the rear wheel to the frame and a post, cable goes around front wheel.

"Who wants to ride around with a heavy chain around your neck...." Let me open this Rap video in my other tab.

I'm pretty sure for a U-lock, you put the U around your rear wheel AND the seat tube or seat stays. The extra loop is for your front wheel.

Regarding your comment at 5:00 about people stealing wheels, when I lived in NYC I had a series of photos about bikes in various stages of “decomposition” due to theft. Some bikes you could create a time lapse of their regression. It would start with the seat, and you could imagine the bike owner telling themselves “well, I can’t bike home without a seat. I’ll go to Modell’s tomorrow and pick up a seat, and then take the bike home.” But then the next day they would arrive and now the bike was missing the seat AND the rear wheel (because the front one was locked with the rest of the bike). And so on

When you lock up with a U-Lock you should try and put it through the rear wheel as well as the frame, this will leave much less space for thieves to get leverage or fit a jack inside. Also a good tip is to have 2 types of locks. Even if the 2nd lock isn't as strong as the primary lock, it's a good deterrent if it would require a different tool to pick and/or break open to the other, which the theif might not have. For manual bikes I would reccomend a U-Lock as a primary lock with a folding or armoured cable as a secondary deterrent because it doesn't weigh much. Personally I have an E-bike so I don't mind carrying a heavy long noose chain around in a pannier as it gives me much more flexibility for locking up, especially when couriering to places that might not have a bike stand; a U-Lock can't go round many types of lamposts and railings.

The most convenient lock for most people is actually a frame lock. They're standard on bikes in the Netherlands, where most of the population commute on a bike. You can still pick up a bike that has a frame lock engaged but you can't ride it and they're hard enough to cut because their location and proximity to the wheel makes them awkward to cut. Combining a frame lock which you use when your bicycle is in your line of sight and any of these locks you mention locking the bike to something solid when you have to leave it somewhere is likely to be highly convenient and keep your bike modestly secure.

I've watched a lot of these videos from others. I have to say that rather than wasting a huge amount of time showing us every model of every manufacturer and giving us a history of bike locking. You did what you promised after a brief and to the point introduction. That puts you head and shoulders above others. Good work.

You can just wrap the chain lock over the top tube of your bicycle frame. Its easy and becuase its flexible you can roll it asmuch as you need.

From the Netherlands here, I'm using two different styles of locks, on my sportier bikes I use an Abus nylon braid covered chain, but this is a bike I won't leave anywhere for very long, this is just for going in to a shop for a minute. My city bike has a Dutch lock, with a cable/chain attachment. This is definitely by far the best lock for anti theft and convenience. I have used U-locks in the past, but never really jived with them. The cables are convenient, but a good quality little pair of Knipex wire cutter pliers will cut through these in like four or five 'bites'...

I agree that the folding lock is the best compromise for day to day use with a moderately priced bike. The ease of carrying them on the frame is a definite winner,

Hi from Ilkeston, UK. Looking forward to this - I’ve just converted to a Dutch lock on my old classic .

If you can, it’s best to lock up your back wheel along with your frame. The priority goes: frame, back wheel, then front wheel. That’s ordered by value.

I quite like the Dutch bike approach. 1 the bike itself has a built in lock you can engage in seconds. Good enough to prevent it from being ridden away, but not good enough to prevent it from being tossed in a truck. You can use it to run into a store for a minute, or whatever. 2 - a chain that you run through both wheels and a locking location. Good enough for most purposes. You can wrap the heavy chain pretty easily around the front fork and ignore it when riding about. Fewer issues that I've ever had with bike lock mounts provided by manufacturers.

In the hood we place the U-lock across rear wheel and frame, and throw a chain around the front wheel, and frame on the pole or bicycle parking …. I can tell this guy lives in a nice area lol

I use a chain lock because is mor flexible and I can use it in different structures. I use it as belt for transportation and lets me know if I'm gaining weight

Personally I love chain locks, I find them very safe and easy to use. Last few years however I've been using such an old bike that nobody would ever steal it so a cable lock is enough 😅

If you attach a big enough clock to a bike chain around your neck, us 80's kids will get the reference. Just sayin'

The first rule in Netherland is to have two locks. One locks your bike to something solid, the other locks the wheels to the bike. I use two levels of protection. One level is a 30 year old Schwinn cable lock. It's an old school padlock with a laminated shell. Very tough. The other level is a cheap department store bike in unwantable condition. Nobody wants my bike and it's too much trouble to break the lock. Even I don't want my bike. I''m replacing it with something better, but in an oddball configuration nobody would want to steal. And I'm getting a U-lock to go with the cable lock.

I have had my bike stolen once and I was using a U lock with a cable, supposedly secure. Since then I haven't bothered with heavy or inconvinient locks like that, I use a short cable lock that lives wrapped around my top tube. I try to lock my bike up in places where a thief would likely be caught on camera or somewhere that has a constant flow of foot traffic so that someone stealing my bike might be noticed. I also will only leave it in one spot for about an hour. If I need to lock up my bike for longer I will go to a secure storage shed of some kind. I see a lock as simply preventing a passerby from running away with my bike

When I was doing research at a university library, I simply left a heavy chain and lock there. It beat carrying it back and forth each day. Best of all was when I worked at a hospital. It provided a fenced in area with a camera moitoring the entrance. All bikers needed to do was ask for a key.

I use an Asus rear wheel lock that is permanently attached to my frame. When I park my bike, I pull a lever, and it blocks the back wheel from moving. For extra security, the model frame lock I have includes a chain that locks into the lever, and a loop on the other end. I can loop that around a bike rack. Then I have another Asus chain lock like the one in the video. I usually use it to lock my front wheel to the rack. Is three locks overkill? Probably. But that's the idea. Make my bike a huge pain in the ass to steal.

The best way to lock a bike with a U-lock is to lock the rear wheel through the triangle of the seat tube, the seat stays and the chain stays. This allows the most flexibility. If it is possible you can put the lock through both the seat tube and the rear wheel. The front wheel can be secured by removing it and locking with the U-lock along with the rear wheel. Another option would be to use a cable to secure the front wheel with the U-lock. I use the cable to secure my front wheel so I don't have to deal with removing and replacing the front wheel.

Gotta add cafe/frame locks

There is absolutely nothing better than the dutch style wheel + chain lock when it comes to convenience.

I also use the folding lock. It is the most universal - almost as easy to set up and transport like cable lock, lighter than U-lock or chain, gives a similar level of security as average quality chain, it's much more flexible then U-lock and is always at a bike. Not the best on any of these catgories but it's the best on avarage.

I live in a country with high crime rates (3rd highest in the world, theft of personal property being most common form of theft)😓. People are regularly mugged on the streets for their phones, I've even had runner friends having to hand over their running shoes in street muggings😳. There are two rules about bike security I'd share. First, spend at least 10% of bike value on security. Second, when it comes to locks use multiple. For QUICK stops to a cafe I use a standard cable lock as it is both the most convenient and easy to use (but with that comes most risk). I often cycle alone so I don't have a buddy to watch my bike when I go into a shop. But my full bike security looks like this: cable lock, D lock and cable, folding lock, rotor locks (f+r), bike alarm and GPS tracking. (10% of bike value). I don't have a chain because I never leave my bike unattended for extended periods of time. I suppose if I were regularly stopping at a specific bike stand I would just chain the stand and leave the chain there for everyday use🤷‍♀️ Buy once, cry once! You can always move your security every time you upgrade your bike.

Just a technical video tip_ when discussing a new product and how to use it, use close up shots . This will help your audience see exactly what your doing in better detail .cheers.

*I love the **Latest.Bike** I use it when going camping. It folds up so easy and isn’t heavy at all. Rides so smooth. I love my bike!*

a dumpy bike with little resale value is the best deterrent.

I've never had a problem wrapping chain locks around the frame, though I'll say double sided velcro helps a ton in keeping them from rattling. I'm a bit disappointed that there were no alarmed locks used in this video as they're the best deterrent in my opinion.

Went for option 5 myself, Dutch frame lock with plug-in chain. Meets the requirements for bike insurance, extremely easy. Can't be accidentally left at home.

U lock and cable in me backpack, I live in Los Angeles so I never forget to lock it. 🤣

My chain is easy to transport - it just sits in the side pocket of one of the rear panniers. One of the great things about being a utility cycle user rather than a "cyclist" is that my old bike isn't worth much (yanked from a skip!) and has lots of carrying capacity.

"Don't ride an expensive bike." Ok but what about e-bikes?

I've only ever used a cable lock, but I live in a smaller town and I don't think bike theft is much of an issue here. Since the cable lock retracts itself, I usually just slide it over the handle bar. With a chain lock, I'd do the same, just twist it once and then slide it on. I ride a BMX though, so the shape of the handle bars keeps it in place. The only thing that might deter me from using a more rigid lock or a shorter lock is that sometimes there are no bike racks, so I have to lock up on something like a tree.

ik at this point this video is a little older compared to your newer ones, but i've been watching some of your older videos and man has your presentation and quality gone up. Love to see. Keep up the damn good work!

I'm with you on the folding lock convenience; I have one mounted to my folding bike (Abus Bordo 6100 Combo type) and thus never forget a lock or key whenever I take it somewhere. It is kinda awkward though, and like you said doesn't always easily work with every place one can lock up at. My commuter / daily driver actually has a cable lock - one of the Abus "Tresorflex", so-called "armored" cables. Basically has what amounts to a goose-neck lamp shell around the cables to protect them a bit more. I'm in a low bike theft area so it works. As a parallel for it I have one of those wearable Hiplock chain locks, but I don't always bring it with me since the cable seems to be enough - a habit I need to get back into I think. I have an Abus Granit 540 U-lock as well but I rarely use it since it's a key lock and I'm always mildly paranoid I'll drop my key somewhere.

A few things to mention: U-lock can be put around the rear triangle of the frame through the rear wheel and to the bike park. So it would serve as an extra axle and prevent thief from getting a rear wheel. There are security-focused QR mechanisms that require you to turn your bike upside down or need a key to unlock. Chains are great but keep in mind they will be less sturdy then the Ulock of the same weight. They are thinner or they are heavier then a ulock of the same length even, its just the way links are. I personally run U-lock + folding lock for my front wheel (it used to be my main one but I got tired of worries). I got 2 cuts (scratches actually) from a bolt cutter on a ULock, so it paid off already.

IMO, if you're going to be cheap and only buy a cable lock, save your money and just used a piece of rope and tie a knot in it when you leave your bike. Equally effective (i.e. not at all) and cheaper. When I worked at a bike shop it was so frustrating when someone bought a nice $1000+ commuter bike and then cheap out on the lock (we even gave a discount on accessories when you bought a bike).

I wrap my chain around the top and down tube behind the head tube. As the frame opens up it prevents the chain from sliding down.

By far the most convenient lock I have is an ABUS adaptor chain. It's like that chain lock, but instead of having its own lock, it plugs into an ABUS frame lock. Because of how they designed the plug mechanism, it can be locked without any fumbling with keys. When I'm not using it, I just throw it into my basket

I have that same Abus chain, but with the combination lock. My experience with the convenience is different from yours. Most of my bikes have a largish seat bag (like a Carradice) or rack trunk and the chain coils up nicely to fit wherever I can squeeze it in. I've tried U locks in the past and never found the perfect place to carry them on my bikes. I have some cheap and light cable locks for my road bikes, but those are just to prevent a casual grab n' dash if I pop into a convenience store or something.

08:17 Most rappers: and i took that personally

I've been using a U-lock with a cable for a while now, and I find that it's really not too bad after you get used to locking and unlocking your bike. I no longer use the little velcro strap, and just sort of weave/loop the cable through the lock. It now takes significantly less time to undo the cable to lock my bike, and then get it done back up after I unlock it. I also appreciate the added versatility of the cable. There have been multiple situations where my U-lock couldn't reach the rack, but the cable could.

Wanted to let you know that I’ve learned so much about bikes from your channel. It’s excellent on so many levels. Thank you!

@shifter would you mind telling me which cruiser bars you are running?

I totally agree about the folding lock. So convenient, especially on a mixte frame like mine. I also have an integrated lock for my back wheel for darting in and out of shops. I don‘t have a 5000 € bike though.

I love love love my folding lock--that's definitely what I use most because I feel it gives me ability to lock up to many more types of places than a small U lock (which I used to use exclusively). I do always lock my wheel and frame to the rack, though. It's easy enough to do 90% of the time and worth it. My friend had **both** of his quick release wheels stolen, which is crazy to me. What in the world would someone do with rear wheel gear cog? Thanks for the great content--keep it up :D

Not long ago I got a U-lock with cable at a local bike shop. It mounted to the bike using a molded plastic mount. After a few weeks, the mount had developed a crack and broke and the the lock fell off the bike mid-ride. I was able to return the lock to the bike shop and exchanged it for a folding lock. I have to agree about the convenience of the folding lock. The only thing is that it rattles a bit in its mount while riding but other than that I really like it.

Just paint the chain lock gold and every Hip Hop Guy will wear it around the neck.

Thanks for your video! Perhaps it's overkill (it's Toronto afterall), but I use all of the locks you'd mentioned except for the folding one: 3 U-locks (one of which secures front wheel to frame) used with 2 looping cables; 1 cable lock that threads through the saddle, pannier rack and post; and 1 chain lock to reinforce as needed. As per your other video, luckily there's a police registry for bikes in Toronto. That was a good video, too, so ta for that 👍

4:12 With that lock on that rack, I'd run it through the front wheel and down tube. I use a U-lock and a couple Ottolocks on my commuter. U-lock goes through the frame (and front wheel if I can reach it), one Ottolock goes around frame and back wheel, and the other goes around the frame and front wheel. Then I use the Ottolocks when I have to go ride to lunch with one securing the frame and back wheel to the rack and the other the front wheel and frame. The Ottolocks are not the most secure locks but are perfect and convenient for a quick stop. They roll up nice and small and can fit in your pocket if needed. Sometimes I try and weave the locks through the pedal, chainring, or rear rack if it allows, just to make it more inconvenient for the thief. But if they really want it, they'll be able to take it. Keep an eye on it when possible. 5:30 Again, I'd wrap the U-lock around the down tube and wheel. 7:15 It's important to try and fill the space of the lock and leave no slack, it just gives them less to work with. If you have a rack, carry it on your rack.

Great vid, thanks. As for transporting chain and cable locks, a bungee on the rear rack will do the job. I have a 3' chain lock, but that sucker weighs a pound per foot, and around here 3' isn't really long enough, so I use a cable lock. It deters opportunistic thieves, the most common kind, and I don't usually leave it that long. Also, every time I lock it, I understand that if a pro *really* wants my bike, he's going to get it, doesn't matter what lock is on it. Fortunately my bike, while awesome, isn't the latest and greatest, so pros won't be interested.

I rock two d-locks, small one for one wheel to frame, bigger one where I can usually get through the park, frame and other wheel.

Thank you for this video and the spreadsheet!

I appreciate the fast simple demos. The problem is I (and most others) would run that U lock and the other options through the back wheel as well as the frame. Getting that lock around as much of the bike as possible insuring that my bike will be the maximum PITA for a thief. A cable or chain are excellent for those tasks. I'd also point out the classic carry for a chain or cable lock is the seat post.

I use a light combination chain lock and wrap it on the top tube of the bike. If the pole is thin like a parking sign pole, then I will only partially unwrap it and secure it on the pole, otherwise unwrap and then rewrap the lock against the immovable object. The combination lock is convenient because you don’t have to even carry keys, lock on the bike, the key absent is great to making riding access, maybe at the expense of security as a cryptographer can easily crack a 4 digit password, xD. But Tom made a point to not ride a very expensive bike. I have a 2nd hand road bike with down tube shifters that maybe more than a decade ago, hopefully that won’t get stolen. Any reply about my setup will be appreciated.

One thing to note on the U-lock is that it is MUCH more difficult to mount if you have a step-through frame (i.e. most women's bikes)) Without being able to cleanly mount it on a bicycle, it is very cumbersome to use.

Best way to carry a cable lock is to make a neat coil, put the small side through the coil, and then put it through the 2 thin metal bars underneath the seat and click it. No wrapping around the frame, fast and easy, mine doesnt bounce much at all. Very convenient.

I find it strange that people in the US don't use frame locks. They are commonplace in Europe and are often delivered with the bike itself. They are attached to the frame and the rear tire, the keys rest in the lock and once you are locking up your bike locking the frame lock takes no longer than pulling out the key from your pocket. And then you can have a secondary lock of your choice. it's a two-level protection system. and if you are just heading in for a short visit in a local shop you only need to lock the fast frame lock instead of fiddling around with alternatives shown in the video. :)

Love your channel! My favourite setup is using 2 Abus high quality U-locks often with an Abus braided cable. I’ve also attached a bike alarm, which screams if they tamper or even touch the bike or locks in any way. 🤪.

I use a frame lock/chain lock combo. It's quick to use and easy to store, if you have a rear rack with a clamp.

I much appreciate your show-and-tell on bicycle locks. You make it very plain how a cyclist would use these locking devices so riders could buy one (or not) with confidence. For me, the best lock is you, the cyclist, that is, your physical presence. I have a chain lock and an electronic horn the beeps loudly if the device's sensor senses my bike is touched or moved. But in addition, I never leave my bike unattended. If I make a cafe stop, I lock it with one or both of my anti-theft accessories, keep my eyes on my city bicycle, and make sure I'm within 5 to 10 seconds of my two-wheeler in case I have to suddenly confront (or chase down) a thief, which is not likely to happen since I’m sitting or standing close by. So, for me I'm always "tethered" to my machine one way or another. If I can't be, I'll take alternate transportation. Some stores will look the other way, if you bring your bike inside. Some of them will openly allow it, especially if you have a nice, clean bike and you are polite/respectful of others. My point is don’t entirely rely on any lock. You wouldn’t leave your dog tied up to a pole outside a restaurant if you couldn't watch your pup the whole time, would you? Sadly, some people would. But I wouldn’t. In certain jurisdictions, there are ordinances regulating such treatment of canines. Maybe such an approach would further reduce bicycle thefts. Looking to the future, here's a crazy thought: maybe one day someone will engineer bicycle wheels that are round when the owner rides the bike and square or octagonal at all other times. There are many variations on this theme. I'm pretty sure thieves would find a way "around" the bumpy wheels 🙂

Nice summary. As you say, it's hard to decide what is best, because each lock design has its own pros and cons. I'd like a long heavy-duty chain myself, but it's _heavy_ and hard to carry. U-lock is easier to carry and lighter, but harder to use. My main commuter has an Abus folding lock. Unfortunately, it's not the longest version, so I do still run into problems getting it around the frame, wheel, and rack sometimes. But it's a great all-around option. For what it's worth, a good option if one finds they can't reliably lock up the wheels with their regular lock, is to install locking skewers on the wheels. I've seen them for regular axles and quick-release, and I'm pretty sure they make them for through-axle style skewers too (getting more common because of the higher weights on e-bikes).

Hey Tom 👋 from Glasgow Scotland. Do you have a video on panniers ?

Awesome video!! I was actually looking for bike locks today coincidentally :) I really appreciate your advice and your google doc!

I live in a big city with lots of bike theft. I use a big integrated chain lock around the down tube, front wheel and whatever immovable object the bike is attached to, then a hand-sized U-lock around rear wheel and seat tube, and finally a cable lock around the saddle and frame that never gets unlocked. Attached at the top of the cable lock are the drawstrings of a cheap headphone bag, which I use for storing the chain, after folding the chain into quarters. The bag rests at the front of a low wire basket attached to the rear rack. Actually it rests on the U lock, which is secured to the basket with a flat bungee cord, making the ride as quiet as possible. When riding I like to keep the triangle of the bike frame accessory-free for aesthetic reasons.

I use a a heavy U-lock as my main and a folding lock as my secondary. U-lock for the back wheel to rack, folding locks front wheel to frame and then rack if possible.

If you carry a little triangle frame bag you can take the chain with you really easily.

I use a U lock for commuting in conjunction with my bikes 'cafe' inbuilt wheel lock. If you commute to the same place consider locking the lock to the bike rack so you don't have to transport it 😎

I have mostly used the ulock and cable locks. I do agree part of the issue with locks is where to put them. I used to carry them on me either slung around or in a back pack. I added racks and baskets and keep them lashed to those. Much easier.

You should be running your lock around your rear tire inside your rear triangle wherever possible. This secures your rear wheel AND your frame at the same time.

Excellent video! Thank you. Thanks as well for the spreadsheet. I use two u locks for long term lockup and I use a folding lock for on the go, quick lock ups. I'm in Toronto, and bike theft is a huge problem here. I stay away from cable locks. Pretty much useless in Toronto.

Meant to add that for packing a U-lock, just tossing it in your backpack is just the simplest and best way in spite of the various mounts out there. I put in in with an 8mm chain lock for a wheel (which used to be my primary lock). When I'm loaded up, the chain lock goes on the horizonal tube, and the U-lock goes on a bottom side, either right side up or down depending. But no matter how much I have in there, no matter how much weight it is, there is always enough room left to place the Krypto in there too. When I carry the heavy orange Krypto chain lock (10mm), again in the pack with a cable and a separate pad lock for the secondary. The same place on the bike frame for hauling it back as for the smaller chain, and the cable can either be strapped to the outside of the pack or just put inside of it, depending.

I have the same kryptonite lock. All good but good lord that rattling noise when on the mount!

In here before it premieres and I'm excited to find out what your conclusion is. My money is on chain lock because well that's what I use and it's just as easy as a cable lock (which I used before), but way more secure and at the same time way more versatile than a U-lock so you dont have to look for a special place to attach it.

Use the U lock on the frame, and then pass the cable through the front wheel, then pass the other cable eye through the other eye to lasso the front wheel. You'll have enough cable left over to make a couple wraps around the post, then lock it in the U lock.

A chain lock can be carried wrapped around the stem of your seat. And there should be laws against owning a cordless grinder. 99% of those serve one purpose only: stealing bikes.

Love your take on urban cycling and your content. Also, regarding the chain lock around your neck... Flava Flav may want to have a word with you...

I've been using the u-lock and cable combination since a wheel was stolen. I still don't know why anyone would steal a wheel, but some thieves do. My best guess is quick release wheels are easy to steal and they just steal whatever is easy and worry about use later (someone once stole my headlight mount after I removed the headlight to protect it from thieves, I'm sure having no idea what the mount was, but it was grabbable.). I wrap the cable around the u-lock and strap the whole thing to the rack over the rear wheel. I rarely use the rear rack for anything else, so that gets the lock and cable out of my way. It takes a long time to lock up, but I haven't had a bike or wheel stolen for long time.

I have on my bike 2 x U Lock's, a Loop which is permanently threaded through my quick release seat (I've seen seat's only stolen from pretty ordinary bikes - possibly just by some hooligans with a sense of humour? 😳) and a combination cable lock. 95%+ of the time I just use one U-Lock in area's I feel pretty secure in like around my local small town. If I go to a much bigger town with a not so bike safe reputation then I will make a point of using them all. I realise that if someone REALLY wants my bike and is an experienced or professional thief then nothing I use will stop them, particularly the cable lock and loop. But it will certainly deter them or encourage them to take the other guys bike instead. I have seen regularly in bigger towns either single wheels remaining locked in bike racks or the wheels gone and the rest of the frame remaining. Quick release on a bicycle used regularly about towns or cities are probably more of a security pain in the ass as they are a benefit in other ways. I never considered carrying these locks and cable's as a major inconvenience. They're really a necessity. I wrap the cable lock around the crossbar. The loop is permanently threaded through the seat and wrapped around the seat post. And the 2 U-Locks are locked around the seat post with the heavy locks resting on the carrier behind.

Idk what's so difficult or inconvenient about chains. I use a chain lock as my main lock most of the time, coupled with a cable lock for the wheels. It's not a particularly great setup but I rarely lock my bike for extended periods of time and often do so where I can still see it. Though, when I do lock it for long periods I only do so in secure places. My bike is already semi heavy with fenders, rear rack, and a budget frame, so added weight isn't an issue. It takes a minute or so to lock everything up and wrap/unwrap the chain. I just wrap the chain around the seat post and a cable around the handlebar stem. Locks always stay on the bike so it's impossible to forget about them at home. Though I did forget the keys once in my other jacket. I tried wrapping the chain around the top tube, but it was uncomfortable - my legs kept rubbing on it. I think I'll add a combination lock just for the eventuality of forgetting the keys again.

Hi, what bike are you riding in videos and how much do they cost? Thanks

I never actually had a U-lock before this year. I always thought about the less flexibility aspect and the problems with mounts to the bike aspect. I only just starting upping it with the bike security this year generally due to much greater utility use. What I've found is that while a decent chain or chain lock gives you more ways to go for how you're going to lock the bike up, when you know the bike racks, and know what to expect, the U-lock can be very straightforward and easy to use. Sometimes less trouble actually. I guess when you really think about the nature of a ten millimeter or around 3/8ths inch chain links, compared to a decent size U-lock with a 16mm shackle, the hassle of cutting them with a power grinder could be more for one or the other depending. One has more steel, but the other can bob around. Both are really good though. The thief is forced to use that to break them and draws attention to himself.

All the cable locks sold in my area come with convenient bike attachments and they twist up nicely into them.

I use the u lock with a cable. It is definitely a pain to carry but ive been locked up beside other bikes that got stolen but mine was left. So ill take the inconvenience of the lock.

In Seattle where people only seem to really steal stuff that's not bolted to the bike and aggressive theft of the whole bike seems uncommon, I went with a foldylock and $6/month bike insurance. I've never had a problem apart from a thief just ripping my zip tied pannier right off the frame (tore the pannier before the zip ties went) and I never leave my bike unattended overnight. I agree that the convenience of the foldylock is just unparalleled. Particularly paired with bad (and sometimes no) bike racks, they're able to get around trees and posts when you need to, which is a situation I run into a LOT. Also use an allen key titanium front axle and a belt drive system makes the rear all but impossible to remove. But even then, insurance is just nice to have. I pay about $70 a year for insurance that covers complete replacement.

U-lock frame storage attachments don't work on step through frames, right?

I use a D lock because it's the most secure and a cable lock just to lock my wheels as a deterrent not to steal a wheel.

The problem with the Kryptonite U-locks is that the mount sucks. If you've got the New York one, which is pretty heavy, it'll come loose after every few bumps. In fact I've started carrying it on the rear rack and hold it down with bungee cords. But I'd expect a better mount from Kryptonite for the price you pay for those locks.

my old school Retrospec Beaumont has a mouse trap style rear rack, so I can throw my chain lock under there, and for me that seems like the best compromise between flexibility and toughness

I go with kind of a strategy. Our heavy cargo bike will never stay outside over night. We use a ilockit gps lock, that opens and closes motorized and without a physical key. Almost magic. It also has an alert and gps tracking over cellular connection. But it's bolted to the frame. The other lock is a abus lock with alert 120cm in length. Bordo alert. It makes a loud noise on any movements. So both locks rely on each other, since on gets cut open very quick, the other has a chance to alert the surrounding while the bike is to heavy to get carried away. When my wife walks into a store at day time, the bike is usually only secured by the keyless ilockit. This lock is less secure but always on the bike and absolutely effortless to operate. In less crowded places the second lock strengthens the security. 350 Euro try to secure 7000 Euro. And as last resort, the motor carries a gps as long as it is powered. With all that our bike is better secured than an average car. 😆 Actually sad.

I take your point about chain locks being hard to transport because you can't get a good mount. On the flip side, of course, a D-lock is much harder to transport if you *don’t* have a matching mount fixed to your bike. Personally my city bikes have always had a rack on the back, and that's where the chain lock goes. In a pinch, if I need the rack to transport something else and I don't have a bag, I can always hang the lock on the handlebars (or somewhere else, but I find the handlebars practical for a short trip because it’s so easy!) PS: The traditional place for a cable lock is around the saddle post ;-)

Am I the only one who read the "Before I Die I want to not have an adult child living in my basement" written on the wall at the beginning? That's Hilarious!~

I think you missed one major question and that is how long you'll be leaving it unattended. If it's hous on end I use a U lock with a cable, for a quick trip to the store I use a simple cable lock.

Dutch lock/horseshoe lock fixed to the frame, clinches the back wheel, with an optional chain attachment.

I'm pretty happy with my ulock. I don't bother with a cable and just got locking skewers that only let the wheels be removed when it's upside down.

I just wrap my chain lock a few times below the saddle. Very convenient.

I dont have a ulock (yet) but use a cable lock that I wrap around the seatpost to store, and a home made chain lock. Basically a thick chain with a good padlock wrapped in something to not scratch the paint. Then I added 1 deterrant not mentioned and not visible. An alarm. It has a remote like a car alarm and acts the same, somebody so much as bumps the tire it goes off. I remember 1 woman harmlessly locking her own bike turned around and her foot struck my tire, scared the bejebes out of her. With that I dont need to make my bike unstealable, thats impossible, I just need to make it harder to steal than the bike next to it.

Thank you!