May 27, 2021
Avoid catastrophe and think about preventing theft before your
next bike tour. On this episode some thoughts and tips on keeping
your bike and gear safe.
Hat tip to
listener Dimitri for the show idea... email me with episode
ideas...
Check out my prior episode on locks (Pedalshift 066)
This is also on my mind as I get ready to roll on the
microcamper adventure. Look for a full review of how that works out
in early July.
Things to think about:
Bike theft - all about locks
I tend not to tour in spots that have high security needs, so
the locks I use in DC don't tend to come with me. Still, I like to
have the peace of mind to lock up outside grocery stores and other
spots when I'm leaving my bike outside.
Some people are good with just cable locks on tour... I used
to be ok with them, but I think they're SO easily defeatable with
simple tools that I prefer something more secure.
No lock is foolproof... all can be defeated. The trick is to
find the right risk management.
New folding lock styles are interesting. I used to like
my
Inbike folding
lock as a touring lock option. Only downside is TSA sees
it as a multitool every time so you should pull it out of your
carry on separately or risk the (often lengthy) wait. I found it to
be a little difficult to use at times and don't reach for this
often anymore.
Back in ep 066 I spoke about testing the cinch
Ottolock. I think this is a good upgrade from a
cable lock, but no substitue for a good U lock. On tour though, I
think it's a great compromise considering I'm rarely away from my
bike long.
Speaking of... know where you're going to be! San Francisco
and Portland are notorious for bike theft so I bring a u-lock and
frankly double lock. Or bring the Brompton and bring it
inside.
In camp - I do lock habitually, but it's probably not always
necessary.
In roofed lodging - first choice always is to bring it in the
room. If the hotel doesn't let you or it's impossible, ask for
secure storage (inside if possible). And lock the thing tight as a
drum.
What about on or in a vehicle? Huge target if you are going to
be away from the vehicle and something I'm extra aware of with this
trip. Thule makes a leash that has a hockey puck on one end that
you can loop around your rack or your bike and close the puck end
inside the trunk. Certainly defeatable but not quickly since it has
two steel strands in it.
I won't be leaving my Brompton unattended ever, but for
overnights when we're in the vehicle with the privacy shades up I'm
locking it to itself folded, leashing it to the trunk AND covering
it with a tarp. If I sleep through that, they deserve the bike.
This is not a challenge.
Gear theft
Only thing I ever got stolen was frankly my own fault... I
left a battery charging unattended at Sunset Bay SP in Oregon and
it walked.
Not saying you can't do that (it's usually safe because lots
of people charge stuff in bathrooms) but sooner or later someone's
going to walk with your power bank
Beyond that... I've grown comfortable with leaving my loaded
bike locked but the bags hanging on it at grocery stores, cafes,
etc.
Don't underestimate the degree to which people think they're
being watched
I carry all important things on me always (wallet, phone,
usually computer if I have it... which is way less often these
days)
Cable lock for bags? Sure. I don't but it's not an awful
idea.
Again, know your location
Camp? Hotels?
I always bring gear in with me. All of it.
Always needed? No.
Pedalshift Society
As always we like to close out the show with a special shoutout
to the Pedalshift
Society! Because of support from listeners like you, Pedalshift
is a weekly bicycle touring podcast with a global community,
expanding into live shows and covering new tours like this spring's
DC to Cincinnatti bike tour! If you like what you hear, you can
support the show for 5 bucks, 2 bucks or even a buck a month. And
there's one-shot and annual options if you're not into the small
monthly thing. Check it all out at pedalshift.net/society.
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