<p>Okay...</p>
<p>So the cable lock should go between my frame and the bike rack. And the U-lock goes between my rear tire and frame only? Or my rear tire, frame and bike rack?</p>
<p>I didn't think I would need TWO locks...</p>
<p>Our daughter has a Trek hybrid that has held up well (and that she plans to take up in a few weeks). Those Target/Costco bikes tend to have little problems and are not as fun to ride. Plus, bike shops specialize in the non-chain bikes and take good care of them.</p>
<p>Going the distance: You had it right the first time, the U-lock is meant for the rear tire and the bike frame. People always make the mistake of using U-locks for attaching the bike to, say, a pole or bike rack. This isn't what they were built for. The unique design of the u-lock, and it's placement, creats very little space for any would-be criminal from getting bolt cutters or a grinder around the lock in order to cut it off.</p>
<p>And yes, two locks is a lot, and i'm not saying you have to bring two, but a combination of two bike locks is the BEST way to ensure that your bike isn't stolen. A bit extreme? Maybe. But especially if you bring a nice, expensive bike, the price of two locks will be lower than the price of replacing the entire bike.</p>
<p>And don't forget: you should always change all your quick-release screws to regular bolts, so that a robber can't steal your seat or front tire.</p>
<p>So, if I only want to purchase one lock, what would be the best one? U-lock or cable?</p>
<p>How much is good-quality U-Lock</p>
<p>going the distance: If you just picked one, I would say get a cable lock to attach it to a bike rack, as well as changing your quick-release to regular bolts. With that, you could also loop the cable around ur front/back wheel, also securing it. U-Locks are much stronger than cable locks, but if you only use one lock, you want to connect it to a immobile object, and the cable gives you more available options.</p>
<p>Blueelmo, Kryptonite make the best (and original) U-locks. Depending where you go, they can cost from $20 to $75. The Evolution, my personal favorite because it is very small, is around $50.</p>
<p>I would have to disagree on the cable lock suggestion. If you're getting one lock, get a U-lock. A U-lock from the frame to a tire rack will prevent someone from just waltzing up and snipping a cable. Once again, though, the best recommendation is to get a cheap bike. If you've got suspension, you're a target. Avoid anything fancy unless you're willing to use 2 locks.</p>
<p>What about racing bicycles? Are they the lightest, easiest to ride?</p>
<p>eudean, first of all, yes U-locks are overall stronger than cable locks because they are made from solid steel (higher quality ones, that is). And cabling is...duh: steal cabling. However, as long as you get a high quality cable lock, the cabling is going to be thick enough that the robber will need bolt cutters, and again: walking around campus with bolt cutters is a tad suspicious. And with a U-lock, the bike is never secured to an immobile object, so a robber could pick up the bike and walk away, still suspicious though. See, that is why a combination of the two is the ideal solution. </p>
<p>Needadvice: if by racing bikes, you mean road bikes, then yes, they are generally very light and very efficient when it comes to energy-in versus energy-out.</p>
<p>Bolt cutters are pretty easy to hide under a jacket. Snip, bike's gone. A hacksaw and half and hour of sawing is a little more conspicuous. A U-lock can most certainly be used to attach the bike to an immobile object, e.g. a bike rack. There's enough room to thread the U-lock through the frame and front tire, which are the easiest targets (besides the seat).</p>
<p>I know this isn't how you're "supposed" to use a U-lock, but it works.</p>
<p>Yea, that is true, but when you attach the u-lock to the bike rack, you leave a large space open so, exactly as you said, someone can grind it down. When it is used for the backtire / bike frame, there is little to no space to slip in a saw without destroying the tire or frame (makes it hard to ride/sell). But here is the thing, you have a robber who is willing to bring bolt cutters or a hacksaw, your bike will probably be taken.</p>
<p>But the thing is: if you have two bikes, one with two locks, one with one, the robber will go for the easiest target, and if he can just pick it up (which only 1 u-lok does), then it is easy to steal.</p>
<p>I dont' mean for this to be an argument between me and eudean, im just trying to say that your BEST bet is to use two locks, and change your quick-release to bolts. Most people hwo use even just one bike lock will probably deter theft, whichever you use, but there have been cases when they've been cut/sawed. However there are NO reports of a bike being stolen with two locks.</p>
<p>No matter how many locks u use, the biggest pointer i can give is the change your quick-release to regular bolts. That will greatly help.</p>