Cycling in Sydney Australia
GPRS For Bike Security.
I have been advised by my fantastic boss that I can no longer have my bike inside next to my desk and unfortunately, have to leave it downstairs in the common bike room.
I am not happy and dont intend on just leaving my bike without some form of security. So i have been doing some research.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/New-Mini-GSM-GPRS-GPS-Tracker-Car-Eld-Childr...
Youtube VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2IBL5dkWlw
Above is a tracking device which will send you a sms when setup correct indicating the trackers location. It is small so can be put into your bike. Im thinking of mounting it under my seat. So it isnt obvious. Charging wise. I would have to recharge everyday but still. It is definitly an idea to consider when i hear so many people saying their bikes were stolen..
I plan to trial this to see if it works.. Id rather spend money on a good lock but im unsure what lock to buy.
Also - As this topic has probably been brought up in the past, I just needed to know with Krptonites past, what do people use and recommend for sombody wanting absolute security for his/her bike?
Cheers,
Dean
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Si on -
Just get yourself a BFL (big f***in' lock) for ~ the same kind of price. Prevention is far better the cure.
The potential thief could potentially think "you beut, a gps tracker that I could potentially flog as well", or even pull it off and leave it somewhere inconvenient for a laugh.
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Permalink Reply by Si on
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A would consider a taxi inconvenient. Perhaps more so than a stationary object :).
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Permalink Reply by sit ubu sit on
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Most Sydney cabbies I talk to (sorry, correction: I get talked at by*) bemoan the fact their taxi IS a stationary object ("Maaaate, I've waited 42 hours in this queue for your fare, and you're only going to North Sydney" - in other words, please give me a massive tip).
* NeilA, help - please come and rescue me from this awkward grammar!
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Permalink Reply by Lauren on -
Mini phone device is not something I would buy or rely on. If you have a desk and a room at work, you could maybe store as many u-locks or security devices you want at work withou suffering a weight penalty.
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Permalink Reply by Deanoz on -
Why not both mate?
Again, just asking if sombody has come up with somthing similar...
So what kind of BFL would i buy ? haha
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Permalink Reply by DamianM on -
The main problem with the GPS tracker is that it would be easy to remove.
Regarding locks, there's no such thing as absolute security, any lock can be defeated with enough time and the correct tools, the trick is to make your bike look like more effort than the next one along.
If you want to be really serious about it, buy a good cable lock AND a good U lock. Thieves use different tools to break the different styles and rarely carry both at once.
Kryptonite make very good locks, they'd be a good choice.
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Permalink Reply by Deanoz on
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Yeah i definitly will leave the locks at the location as they would be pretty heavy..
What im considering is a very thick and heavy chain with a good heavy duty master lock.
Ill cover the chain with a black shrink tape so it doesn't damage the frame..
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Permalink Reply by Si on
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Probably cheaper as you will not pay the this-is-a-special-bicycle-thing-mark-up.
I'd also consider carrying a cable lock with you when you ride - after all, I should do as this is what I do. The reason for this is that if something breaks on the bike which makes it unrideable you might need to leave it locked up somewhere while you jump into a taxi/bus. Your normal rescuer may also be on the way to/at work when you are commuting. Has happened to me a couple of times.
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Permalink Reply by Kimberley on -
Leave the big chain lock there but carry a U-lock on you as well. Use two different sorts of locks to deter bike thieves as they usually only carry the tools for one sort of lock. I learned the hard way when living in London that Kryptonite can be beaten by acid. Bye bye loyal Trek...
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Much like the others, I'd suggest spending the money on a decent lock - or two. Something like the Kryptonite NY Noose (more Kryptonite products available here and here). It's not light, but then you can leave it in the shed, or carry it for training! Remember, like Damian says part of the protective value in a lock- it's presence, the thief sees you've got a decent lock and doesn't even try to steal it, instead looking at the next bike. I doubt an (easily removed GPRS) will have the same deterrent factor.
Another idea to reduce the appeal, especially to an opportunistic thief, is to take part of your bike with you - seat & post, front wheel, pedals etc if you can (quick release makes the first two easy, removing one pedal isn't that hard if you've got an 8mm hex key and generally they're easy to carry than a seat or wheel). Although not always the easiest thing to do, no thief who is stealing your bike to ride it away is going to do so if it's missing some essential parts. Likewise if they're stealing it to sell it they're not going to do that if they have to go to the trouble and expense of purchasing a new seat etc.
Finally make sure whatever you're locking your BFO lock to is as strong as the lock. No point locking your bike to a rack made out of al-foil. If not, something like this is a good idea (apparently they're much bigger than they look) and if you have permission to install it (or asking for forgiveness is easy), and have a reasonable chance of being able to store your bike in the same postion to take advantage of it each day. Cheapo version here.
© 2013 Created by DamianM.
