<p>Hey, I've been seeing a lot of threads posted by people worrying about what they can do to protect their bikes from theft. Berkeley is infamous for laptop and bicycle thefts, and as my father is a locksmith, I know the best way to protect your 2-wheeler.</p>
<p>First of all, take your bike (or you can do it yourself) to any bike repair shop and tell them you would like to switch all your quick-release with regular bolt-release (i.e. the bike seat and front/rear tire). This drastically decreases a robber from nabbing your seat or front tire, as newer bikes have those 'easy-release' bolts. </p>
<p>Second, you should invest in two bike locks (ehh, it sounds like a stretch, and though i'm not sure i would want to lug all that around, it definitely helps). Have the first lock be a cable, one you can stretch around your frame and a bike rack. (either a key or combination works fine, just don't lose the key!). The second, and most important, is a high quality Krytonite U-lock. Try and get the smallest one possible (the new Evolution is the best) because you want to have as little space between the rear tire and frame. These locks can't be cut with bolt cutters, and only way to break through them is with a high power steel grinder (which most robbers won't have, especially since they run on a cord). </p>
<p>Most people use the U-locks to anchor the frame to the rack, which isn't the correct use, and doesn't secure the bike nearly as well. </p>
<p>I hope this helps. I know it sounds a little extreme, especially if you have an ancient bike from the stone age. But if your bike is of higher quality, the price of these locks doesn't come close to replacing your entire bicylce.</p>
<p>Question- what are the advantages of walking around with a front tire instead of changing the bolt to make it more difficult to remove the wheel? Disadvantages?</p>
<p>Well, frankly i wouldn't want to lug around a front tire. Changing to a bolt means that any potential robber couldn't steal ur front seat unless he had the right wrench. now, that might seem like an obstacle to get over, but if you plan on stealing something you have to be as quick and discrete as possible, so wrenching a tire off in the middle of public isnt the best plan. Also, robbers go for the easiest target. So if there are two bikes, one with bolted tires/seats and one with quick/release, they will always choose the quick release.</p>
<p>The only disadvantage with bolts (and it's small) is that it is (obviously) more difficult to ajust ur seat or change a tire. However, i figure you would only have to adjust ur seat once, and even if you got a flat all you need is a wrench, which you can store in your dorm.</p>
<p>I plan on getting a bike, but I'm not sure which kind. Any recommendations?</p>
<p>Secondly, over my life when using bikes, I've always had trouble finding a seat I thought was actually comfortable. This second part is probably much less nebulous and easier to answer than the first. What're some of the most comfortable seats on the market?</p>
<p>well, generally i would say get an inexpensive bike. You'll probably only use it on campus, so their is no need to get a high end model. Whether it is mountain, street, or stunt, it doesn't matter. I would suggest one with changing gears because berkeley has some pretty good hills. </p>
<p>When choosing a seat, ususally the wider is the more confortable, but also the most expensive. I wouldn't dwell on the seat nearly as much, because no matter which kind you get, your body will naturally get use to it.</p>
<p>DRab: mountain bikes (MTBs) have a more aggressive riding stance (less upright), thinner seats, front suspension (always) and rear suspension (often), a thicker sturdier frame and components that can handle going downhill fast on a rough dirt trail, fat knobby tires, and a very wide range of gears designed for climbing very steep hills from a standstill.</p>
<p>Then you've got the road/racing bikes with the even more forward stance and slimmer seat and tires, very smooth for going fast on road and light for climbing, with "overdrive" gears.</p>
<p>Unless you plan on doing a fair amount of dirt trails up in tilden, or riding uphill to the top of Grizzly Peak and beyond (some great roads further out!), get a hybrid bike for basic and comfortable Berkeley riding. You're better off riding with slimmer tires than MTBs in town, it's smoother, though not as slim as a road bike (those are pretty fragile tires). comfortable seats, handlebar.</p>
<p>Go to Missing Link, it's to bike stores what the Cheese Board is to cheese and pizza. Great people, good range of hybrids ($250-$600) and other bikes. They'll help you pick the right bike for you.</p>
<p>Or get a decent used bike on Craigslist you can find some great ones in top shape cheap, but do it now before you have 2,000 new Cal students also shopping.</p>
<p>Well, blueelmo, if you use a cable lock, a fairly thick one at that, even if the guy was carrying bolt cutters (which would look very obvious), it would take a lot of work to get through that lock, and they might not be able to at all. But if they did, the u lock would prevent them from riding it, and carrying a bike with a lock on it, carrying bolt cutters, looks VERY out of the blue.</p>
<p>ilovecalifornia, but a used bike. Go to craigslist.org and find a cheap used bike. That's the best solution. A cheap used bike plus a U-lock. Nobody will want to steal it--too much effort with the U-lock, and taking bits and pieces isn't worth it since it's a cheap used bike anyway. Don't get anything fancy-looking, otherwise it will be much more likely to get stolen (as I found out).</p>
<p>Small...what kind of bike would best suit a person who hates exercise but wants to get around campus quickly? Meaning what kind of bike is easiest to use uphill and requires less movement? (One without a motor I mean..)</p>
<p>Well, I would suggest a street bike, especially if your not planning to go off-road. they are light, easy to get around with, and prices range from cheap to very expensive. They all (or at least should) have gears, which obviously makes it easier to go uphill.</p>
<p>Another tip if you bring a bike that is newer and of higher quality: you don't want to flaunt your nice, and probably expensive, bike to potential robbers. The best way to thwart this is to wrap a good amount of duct tape around the frame, it will look tacky, but that is the point. It depends on how you care about your image at berekeley, which should never be an issue. Or else, get a really cheap bike at Target or Kmart so that even if it looks new, if it is stolen it won't cost much to replace.</p>
<p>What kind of street bike is best? (brand? say I'm willing to spend up to 400) I have no knowledge of bikes whatsoever, but I want to get around faster.</p>
<p>yeah sure, get a $100 bike if you'd like asa a starter bike. After you ride around for a couple of years, you will appreciate the upgrade. You can always resell your $100 bike for something like $75.</p>
<p>NeedAvdvice, get an entry-level hybrid, around $250. Go to Missing Link (best bike shop in town), all their brands are good, and also check out the other place (Mike's?) nearby on University ave.</p>
<p>About theft: new Kryptonyte locks come with a theft guarantee, if you register with them after purchase, they will refund you the value of your bike if stolen if yo usend them the broken lock. furhermore, there are some "safe spots" on campus with very low theft rates, ask UC Police about them.</p>
<p>I find it amazing that no student governement has addressed the issue of bike theft, it's such a no brainer. Put a few cameras on half a dozen campus bike parking sites, make a sting operation with lockjack-enabled bike baits...</p>
<p>The problem with Hybrid bikes are that they are generally more expensive than either road or mountain bikes, and they are infamous for problems with the gear shaft and back wheel. I would suggest, if you've never biked before, and have no plan of doing it as a hobby, to get one for pretty cheap. </p>
<p>Generally speaking: moutain bikes have more comfortable seats, whereas road bikes are much more efficient.</p>
<p>Oh, i forgot to mention somethign. If (and you definitely should) burchase a newer brand of Kryptonite U-locks, especially the Evolution, the companies have changed the keys. Now, instead of the barrel keys, they have changed it to a very original new key. These keys CANNOT be duplicated at any locksmith shop, so 1) no burglar can get these kinda of keys, and 2) if you lose it, you're in tough luck. Make sure you keep one key on you, and keep another at home or some other safe place.</p>
<p>You could contact kryptonite, but 50% of the time they will say there is nothing you can do, or, if they can, you'll need the original key to send them anyways (which you lost, remember?).</p>