Women's Falcon Explorer Stolen

Pembily

Hi all, I have had my third bike stolen from outside GMIT, Galway, any clues on how to stop the theiving people taking it? Yes I had a lock and yes I know it was in full view and yadayada but I cycle to college and it is my only way of getting around as I hate buses!!

The last bike stolen was taken from the shed behind my house while I was in the house...

It was an ordinary thinish lock and was wondering if a thicker lock is better? Is there anything out there that can't be cut through with an ordinary hack saw?

Have asked in a few shops but as I am a girl I tend to get fobbed off!!!!

Thanks for the help, am currently looking for a replacement for my stolen baby...

rflynnr

If your bike is in a high risk area (and clearly it is), two locks are probably required. Get one U-Lock and one cable lock. (The latter are sometimes considered suspect but Abus do a couple that seem pretty effective.) You're probably looking at spending €50 per lock for ones that are worth having. The specific reason for two locks are:

1. The next bike down probably only has one - all things been equal, thieves will go for the easier option.

2. The different types of locks mean that any thief would have to be carrying two different types of lock-breaking equipment: again, all things been equal, this makes your bike a less attractive target than the next one along.

Lumen

Sorry for your loss.

Lots of previous "which lock" discussion.

A good u-lock is very hard to break with hand tools, but very easy (though very noisy) to break with power tools.

Victor

Get one cable lock and one shackle. Lock the frame and each wheel to something solid.

If you want, get a €2 padlock and put it on the wheel so it wasn't be wheeled away.

Ant

Sorry to hear about your loss. Losing your means of independent travel can be a devastating experience.

I'd definitely agree with the other posters in recommending that you use two different types of locks that are broken by thieves using different tools/methods - though I'd suggest a thick chain lock instead a cable lock as I've previously had thick cable locks cut through with a bolt-cutters. If you're regularly locking your bike in the same place outside your college, it can be a good idea to keep your chain locked around the bike stand so that you don't have to be carrying the heavy weight around on your cycle (tends to take the fun out of it).

My bike cost me €700 so for town use and I hope to keep it for at least 7 years. I actually use 3 locks: a strong D-lock which I use to lock the frame and back wheel to a bike stand; a reasonably heavy chain lock (which neatly fits around my 31" waist) which also goes around the frame and back wheel; and a token cable lock for locking the front wheel to the bike frame.

To sum up, it's worth spending money on good locks - even if it's more than the value of the bike as it'll save you having to buy more replacement bikes in the future and if you ever do get a better bike, you can keep your old locks for it. If the local bike shops aren't taking you seriously because of your gender, just follow the Chain Reaction link as they offer free postage for Ireland and their prices are pretty good.

Pembily

Thanks a million guys, it's very frustrating not being taken seriously, I am a mechanical engineering student so I have a clue but I am blonde and wear glasses so therefore stupid and have no clue about anything technical...

Have seen a few bikes with two locks, think i will do that, GMIT is located in not the classiest place in galway but even though NUIG is in a better location they have as many bikes stolen!!!

Fingers crossed my new purchase will last till I at least finish college this time next year!!! Really loved my bike!!!

One other question - is a falcon explorer a good bike? I loved it and was fab to cycle, I got my one at a shop at home in ennis and it was half price cos it was out to tourists and was 350 new, is that standard?

Thanks