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Locks

Started by Matilda, November 22, 2019, 04:13:48 PM

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Matilda

New Rad owner looking at locks. What have you found in your experience works best to securely lock bike to vehicles, trees, posts or whatever and is reasonable easy to carry. I'm leery of keys to lose. And where to get it.
Thanks

Ryan

#1
Many folks like the Kryptonite brand bike locks and many are available on Amazon. The prices can range quite a bit depending on how much security you want: https://amzn.to/2OejmSA

Your options will be limited however if you want a combination lock though Kryptonite does make a chain lock. Many of the most popular ones are keyed. For security purposes stay away from the cable locks as they are easily cut and go with a u-lock even if they are more cumbersome. Some people actually buy one that has a mount for the bike but you can also use straps/zip ties so you don't have to carry it. My personal opinion is that no bike lock is perfect and if you live an area where bike theft is a common occurrence you may want to consider insurance. Others use motion alarms. On the vehicle I'd consider getting a bike cover to hide the fact that they are ebikes.

Personally what we use around town is a utility lock which is adjustable. The adjustability is a huge factor since when we put the stand up on our Wagon it puts the bike further away from a tree, post, or bike rack. https://amzn.to/2OekfdS

Let us know what you decide! Here are two other threads on locking your Rad Power bike:

https://www.radowners.com/index.php/topic,102.0.html
https://www.radowners.com/index.php/topic,15.msg53.html#msg53

Matilda

Thanks for getting me started with your post and the threads you referred me to Ryan,  After further checking the online sales information and a multitude of posts about them, we went with Abus Granit XPlus locks, Kryptonite KryptoFlex Security Cables and anti-theft vibration alarms. When traveling with our truck we are looking carrying them inside out of sight.  A bike cover when we have the car sounds like a good idea though. We have put insurance on them, but certainly don't want to have to use it, if we can avoid it. I appreciate your time helping out a newbie. In the past we did a fair amount of strictly pedal  biking, but e-biking is new for us.

Ryan

For those interested here are links to the products mentioned above:

Albus Granit X-Plus Locks: https://amzn.to/2KXIf2R
Kryptonite KryptoFlex Looped Bike Security Cable: https://amzn.to/2OLsE7C

If you get a chance please share your thoughts on the alarm you purchased and if you decided to get a bike cover - I know there are many options.

Mike

I got the FoldyLock orange and mounted it to the built in screw points on the underside of the tube. The color looks great on the bike and it's a convenient and sturdy lock. https://seatylock.com/collections/foldylock

Ryan

Interesting, I've seen these folding locks before. Rad Power Bikes now sells the ABUS BORDO Folding Combo Lock 6100/90 for a whopping $130. At least this is cheaper and I do like the mounting options. Thanks for sharing.

Quote from: Mike on December 29, 2019, 11:50:00 AM
I got the FoldyLock orange and mounted it to the built in screw points on the underside of the tube. The color looks great on the bike and it's a convenient and sturdy lock. https://seatylock.com/collections/foldylock

mamedy01

Good evening.  I have been reading the posts concerning locks and have settled on either Abus or the NY lock.  My question is about shackle length.  Is there a shackle length that works best?  I have seen them ranging from 6" to 11.5".  I have a couple RadCity step thrus I will need to lock up ((separately).  There does not seem to be U-lock of sufficient width cover both frame and wheel.  Chain locks are can be quite unwieldy, but me be the only option.
Thanks for your input

Ryan

Are you talking about the front or rear wheel? Our utility U lock stretches from 8.5-11.5" and I don't think we've ever been able to lock it using the minimum distance on our RadWagon. I know within that range does work locking the front wheel to the frame (works in a pinch when there is nothing to lock to). You could always use one U lock to the bike rack and one to the front wheel. Sometimes we will U lock to the rack and loop a cable around the front tire securing it on the U lock. I guess it all depends on how you're planning to lock them up but in my opinion you will never regret going larger to be on the safe side. That's why I love our utility lock since it is versatile when there are various style bike racks.

Quote from: mamedy01 on January 12, 2020, 06:37:38 PM
Good evening.  I have been reading the posts concerning locks and have settled on either Abus or the NY lock.  My question is about shackle length.  Is there a shackle length that works best?  I have seen them ranging from 6" to 11.5".  I have a couple RadCity step thrus I will need to lock up ((separately).  There does not seem to be U-lock of sufficient width cover both frame and wheel.  Chain locks are can be quite unwieldy, but me be the only option.
Thanks for your input

chuck@mobraten.net

I'm looking at the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 for use with a RadRover and a Radrover Step-thru. My question is on length - there is an 85cm option and a 110cm option. Which would work best?

RadJohn

#9
I have both 85 & 110cm folding link locks and am forever finding things I can't get the 85 around when that's the one I have with me. The 110 is a beast and opens up the possibility of using many more things as possible anchors, but even it won't go around a decent size tree. If every place you ride has a compatible bike rack with open/accessible slots, the 85 would probably be fine.   

massassi

#10
has anyone used a frame mounted lock for their wheels? something like this:
https://amzn.to/3n1x2iY
I'd like to have a couple on my radwagon, but apparently this style are often a pain to mount. Ideally I would get one that someone has successfully mounted previously.

sc00ter

I got the Seatylock, made by Foldylock. You have to really run your seat post down low because of the Seatylock underside. Lock works great but the seat has some floppiness from the hinge mechanism. Plus the seat itself is not the most booty friendly. Seats okay for a few miles but will flatten you out after 10. And you can change the color of the seat.

Andy Finney

massassi - I have installed the ABUS 5650L NR on my RadCity ST and it was a piece of cake. Rad has a video on how to do it. https://radpowerbikes.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043630613

I also have the accessory chain for this lock. I think it is a good locking system but it really depends where you live as to the level of lock system you employ. Where I live this is adequate. YMMV

Ryan

Quote from: chuck@mobraten.net on September 24, 2020, 04:37:53 PM
I'm looking at the ABUS Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 for use with a RadRover and a Radrover Step-thru. My question is on length - there is an 85cm option and a 110cm option. Which would work best?

I'd get the longer one. You'll appreciate the extra length.

Koki

I have this lock. 

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