Ways to avoid getting your bike stolen (Chicago: to buy, auction)

[jman07]

I understand that even with locks, people get their bikes stolen. I wanted to know what are some common mistakes like locations, time of day, etc to know about so that your bike is less likely to get stolen.

[Jesse69]

This website is a good study of how bikes are stolen, so avoid the owner's same mistakes to prevent bike theft: Chicago Stolen Bike Registry

I lock up all of my bikes, even my $9000 retail Cervelo with Zipp 404s. I use a U Lock and thick cable for the front wheel. I do this to go quick shopping in a store or grocery or bank and then come back out. At most I leave the bike out for 2 hrs.

But if I leave a bike out from 8am to 5 pm then I'd lock up my cheaper commuter bike, a 2005 Giant OCR 1 with Jandd Commuter panniers.

[It'sAutomatic]

Don't lock your bike with cables, they are very easy to quietly cut off. Don't lock to a post for street signs; they can usually be unscrewed from the bottom, or the signs removed from the top.

[rparz]

Take anything quick release off and change it to bolts.

Use a hefty lock and cable for any bits that might be removed. (wheels, seat, etc) Lock is still just a deterrent.
Kryptonite

Don't leave it outside any more than you have to, preferably only a few hours a day.

Or, get an old crappy bike that you buy for $50 that no one would want to steal anyway.

Or, better yet, get a Brompton, and take it everywhere with you.

[jlawrence01]

Many years ago, I attended a bicycle auction sponsored by the Chicago Police Department.

Chicago Police

They offered a bicycle license for a small fee (under $5). That puts your bicycle on a registry and allows the CPD to identify you as the the owners.

It is also a GREAT place to buy a bicycle.

[jsk1983]

Don't ride a bike you can't afford to get stolen.

[rparz]

Originally Posted by jsk1983

Don't ride a bike you can't afford to get stolen.

This, along with playing it smart.

[jonnynonos]

It depends on what bike you have. With most bikes in most areas you'll be fine by using a u-lock and not leaving it out overnight.

If you have a really expensive bike with really expensive components then, yeah, you're not going to want to let it out of your sight for long at all.

[jman07]

What about riding it to a bar on a friday or sat night and leaving it out until late? Or outside a festival.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by jman07

What about riding it to a bar on a friday or sat night and leaving it out until late? Or outside a festival.

Isn't this kinda like putting a Please Steal Me sign on the bike?