Securing your bike

[riderx]

I picked up the Ottolock specifically for trips where I don't need or want to carry a U-lock. Small, light, convenient and the design seems to be more secure than most cables

From the site description:

Security is addressed with a patent-pending, multi-layer steel and Kevlar® band design, making it extremely cut-resistant. Under load, the bands slide upon one another and effectively reduce shear forces. Conventional theft tools like wire or bolt cutters will have a hard time against OTTOLOCK. It is not a replacement for a U-Lock. For maximum security, use a redundant locking method with both a U-Lock and a secondary lock.

[Aushiker]

Apologies if these have been mentioned before but these Hiplock Z-Lok Security Ties look interesting, particularly for quick stops at shops etc.

[Adam Alphabet]

I had one of those snowboard style locks. I used it when I toured the Colorado Trail and for other local trips where trails were the priority and resupply lock up in town was the only time I'd need it.
The one I had was not at all secure. I was able to pull on my bike and the cable would release from the lock body. I hope this isn't other people's experience but once I accidentally found this out I stopped using it.

[Lentamentalisk]

I just picked up a pair of HipLocks. A step better than clipping my helmet through the spokes. My primary concern is someone hopping on and riding away while I'm stopped at a general store, so this should slow them down a bit.

[bakerjw]

My first and second TD, I used a palm lock with a retracting cable. It would keep the honest person honest. This year, I am riding the route with my son and a friend. My son picked up a heavy cable lock to take and I told him that it was too heavy. He then picked up a lighter version but IMHO it is overkill.

I picked up some 1/4" kevlar cord to make some securing cables for use with small travel locks that we have laying around. I am not sure how difficult it is to cut, but typically you have to work at it a bit which draws attention. I'll post more when they're finished.

[freespirit]

I actually use a Kryptonite U-lock and a smaller Palmy U-lock - one front and one back, then park next to a bike with just a cable lock if I see one. If I'm in a high-theft area, I'll add a cable lock. My city bike was $1000 and almost never is the most expensive bike on the rack in this area, and it helps that it's a brand not well-known. My goal is to make my locking annoying for the run-of-the-mill thieves, and my bike itself not as attractive to the pros.

I usually do not leave my bikes unattended for longer periods. Most of our bikes are in my cellar and locked with everything I got..

[bikelite]

Could fiberfix spoke kit serve dual purpose as lock as bakerjw mentions?

[Hambone]

Pop out your front thru-axle, and stick in a cardboard tube to hold the wheel in place.

Or take the chain off the front crank.

[Hambone]

https://www.skunklock.com/

[Gudan]

An ordinary lock can be put on the rotor.
If I put on a chain or cable, then I reset the gears to a minimum, so that if they are cut off, then the thief could not go quickly.

[freespirit]

Agree with that, but finally, it doesn't matter which lock is used. Scoundrels either want to steal it or they don't. I got an occasion with Ottolock. The thieves just cut it off from my truck rack(hate it, unsafe at all). That's all...

[fabulator]

As I got electronic shifting I stopped bringing lock at all. In small villages, I don't really care because the chance of stealing a bike is minimal. In town, I shift to the lightest gear and remove the battery. That prevents random folks from just biking away. It might sound risky but locking the bike sounds like a lot of stress. I left my fear home and don't worry about it anymore.