I am moving into an apartment that has a parking garage. Next to my spot is a large concrete column. I am going to research the strongest (probably most expensive) means of chaining the bike to the column.

My question: Where, aside from the rear/front tire, is the best place to run the chain? I assume some place through the frame? Any suggestions??

Believe me, i know that if somebody really wants to take the bike, a chain of any kind can basically be cut... but im just looking for my best option.

Any other suggestions for being as secure as possible while i am gone all day at work?

Thanks!!

 

If you are too lazy to properly store it in a garage/storage unit, then whats the point of chaining it up? That's the reason we carry insurance.

You need to understand a chain doesn't stop a thief.

 

if u got the proper insurance, then **** a chain, if it gets stolen, then huge cash payout...

BUT if you have to, then what my cousin did was either through the shock (depending on how visible and available it is, or through the swing arm. Ive seen people weld on metal bars to their frames or swing arms as something to run a chain or bike lock through....

me, i have a front and rear disc lock.... god forbid that it does, but my bike has yet to be stolen yet

 

I use to live in an apartment complex when I owned my ninja. I had lojack installed on the bike when I bought it. It gave me a sence of security that if my bike was moved it would alert me. The only bad part is that it can take up to 30 min before your notified.

I also kept my bike covered and installed a small red light like the one that comes with a car alarm. All I did was drill a hole and installed it by my cluster. I even had it on a toggle switch so I could turn it off when needed.

Just to let you know. You can chain up, use disk locks, and even alarm your bike but what is going to stop anyone from taking it. It is just like when you go to the store or the mall. If they want your bike they will get it. Just like everyone else stated....thats why you have good insurance.

 

Well, if you took the time to read my post, you would see that i acknowledge the fact that chains do not stop a theif. I was asking for advice on best way to chain to make it harder or to deter half-assed theives.

Too lazy to store it in a storage unit? What does that even mean? I am not trying to put it away for the winter, i am simply trying to secure it day-to-day while i am at work.

Did you have any productive feedback for me? Or no?

But I appreciate your negativity.

 

impulsebuy:

Its all about *deterrets*. The more deterrents - the better. Chain thru the frame/swingarm/etc the best way you can. Use at least two chains at various spots. Get yourself a good fitted bike cover, the kind that have the grommets on the bottom to run a locking cable, & be diligent about using it. Believe it or not, thieves not being able to see what's underneath is a huge deterrent. These things aren't theft-stoppers but the more a thief has to do to get his ill-gotten gains, the less likely they are to attempt to steal it.

I had a bike stolen from outside my apartment yrs ago. I was only using one heavy duty chain & lock. They simply cut the chain & the bike was gone. Perhaps had I had more deterrents than that, they might would've moved on to an easier score. As mentioned, if they really want it - they'll get it...but...if you can make it harder for them, who knows?...maybe they'll move on.

 

A chain thru the tire is not secure in the slightest. The chain isn't the point of vulnerability. The tire is. With the right tools and sockets, the tire can be removed in minutes (or even faster if they have practice) and you'll come back to find the tire still chained to the column.

Contact the property management and seek permission to install an anchor on the column. Something like this:


Offer to do all the work, possibly leaving it there when you move out for other bikers to use. Many property owners are actually amenable to allowing their residents to do something like this. Makes them look good. Or ask they install stationary anchor points for motorcycles / bicycles.

The reason you want it on the column is you don't want the chain on the ground. That provides a leverage point for someone with cutters. If the chain is laying on the ground, even the most solid chain becomes vulnerable. If you can put something like this on the column, you should be able to easily loop the chain thru the frame via an engine opening.

And supplement the chain with another layer. A cheap alarm with shock / tilt sensor + chain will deter many thieves because they'd have to sacrifice staying inconspicuous to get your bike. The chain starts rattling the frame when they begin to work on it and the bike starts screaming. And you'll want an alarm anyways for when you're out and do not have a heavy duty chain / anchor point to secure your bike.