Nuts and Bolts: Locking Up

So it's summer and you're going out. Why not take your bike? Fine, but you gotta lock it up outside. Relax. Secure on-street parking requires common sense and good locks.

THE LOCK(S)

Your first, "don't mess with me" lock, should be either a heavy duty chain (St. Pierre's Quadrachain or Kryptonite's New York Chain, both about $100) or Kryptonite's New York U-Lock ($80-$100). Other u-locks are cheaper and lighter but just won't hold up.

Your second lock can be a lesser u-lock or a heavy duty braided cable at least 1/2 inch thick.

If you ride to the same spot every day, leave your locks there. If you must carry your locks, wear the chain around your waist.

RECOMMENDED LOCKING TECHNIQUES

Option 1: Remove front wheel and loop chain through the frame, both wheels and the object you're locking to. Or, use a cheap u-lock to secure the second wheel. Pro: About as secure as you can get. Cons: About as heavy as you can get. Front wheel removal is a drag.

Option 2: New York U-lock through frame and the object you're locking to. Loop a heavy cable through both wheels and attach to the lock, Pro: Lightweight choice, fast locking time, still very secure. Con: Cable is minimal protection for wheels.

Option 3: New York U-lock through the frame's rear triangle and the locking object.

Put second u-lock through frame and front wheel. Pro: More wheel security than the u-lock/cable combo. Con: Heavy.

WHAT YOU LOCK TO

Look for a bike rack, parking meter or signpost. DO NOT lock to construction scaffolding-it can be dismantled with a wrench. Lock up in a visible, highly trafficked area.

WHAT TO RIDE

Use your head. You don't need a "steal-me" red Gary Fisher for the three-mile ride to the store. If you can fit a clunker second bike in your apartment, make that your "lock-up" bike. If you've only got room for one, relax. You can lock a good $500 bike on the street if you're careful, Secure the seat with a length of bike chain and think about bolt-on wheels.

It may sound obvious, but we'll say it anyway. Tales abound of bikes left standing outside 'Just for a second," Bike theft is a crime of opportunity. Don't invite it.

-Jesse Kalb