Best place to thread your security chain

[Arfa]

OK, bit of a noob, just got my Fazer 600 (2003 model) and big 16mm chain and anchor. However I'm struggling to find a decent place to thread the chain through the frame, rather than just the wheels. Where do you all put your chains? Or should I get myself a Pinch Pin?

[AdieR]

I tend to put mine round my downpipes mostly.

Try (as far as possible) to keep your chain above ground level - the ground makes a great lever for bolt cutters.

[Grahamm]

It's virtually impossible on my FZ6 because there's nothing to put it around due to the under-seat pipes (unless you want to try to get it around the rear shock!)  However I do have metal pannier racks which mean I can feed the chain through one of them and the back wheel to keep it off the ground.

A long enough chain could even go up and over the seat, but that might be a bit excessive!

[His Dudeness]

i just lock it through the wheel. if someones determined to take your bike it would be quicker to cut the lock than unbolt the rear wheel so I've no problem locking through a wheel. the more important thing is to lock it to something that can't be moved so that the whole lot can't just be picked up and put in a van or whatever.

check out this video

Various Sold Secure and Thatcham chains chopped.

[Slaninar]

i just lock it through the wheel. if someones determined to take your bike it would be quicker to cut the lock than unbolt the rear wheel so I've no problem locking through a wheel. the more important thing is to lock it to something that can't be moved so that the whole lot can't just be picked up and put in a van or whatever.

check out this video

Yes, one meter long bolt cutters usually do the trick. When they are leaned against the ground. So a good chain, not left hanging on the ground, should make your bike tougher to steal than most other bikes. With enough time any lock can be picked/broken, but it is usually enough to have a cheaper and better locked bike than your "neighbours".

[Arfa]

I've gone for the Pragmasis Protector 16mm chain with Squire lock.  I was under the impression them 1m bolt cutter have a mouth that only opens 14mm. Just have it going through back wheel at the moment. Chained to solid railings at work and a Torc ground anchor at home.
At work there's plenty of other (higher value) bikes that'll be easier to steel. However at home that's not the case. Hence why I was wondering about chaining something more secure than just the back wheel.

[MadDogMcQ]

Because you're a noob, I'm gonna ask something related.... where do you store your chain inbetween destinations?? I'm not trying to insult your intelligence (I don't even know you) but I've seen loads of newcomers to bikes, riding around with their chain over their shoulder and it could cause catastrophic damage in the event of an "off". Even at slow speed.

[Dave48]

Good point Maddog! My pal would ride around on his BSA with chain & padlock worn over his leather jacket til someone told him what its like to have broken ribs

[Slaninar]

Safety first:



I always put the chain in the top rack (50+ litre one). Like this one:




A bike without a rack is just a toy, not a means of transportation, for me at least.

[Arfa]

I stick the chain in some panniers. To be fair, I was contemplating sticking it over my shoulder, but it weighs a fecking tonne! Long term I'm gonna get a second chain to leave at work, as the weight of the chain on one side of the bike is quite noticeable.

I do have a mate whose been biking for years who does go round with chain over shoulder mind...

[Grahamm]

where do you store your chain inbetween destinations??

If I'm going somewhere that I feel I'm going to need the chain I've probably already got the top box on anyway, so it goes in there.

Similarly, of course, *don't* put your disc lock in your pocket unless you want it jammed into your ribs if you come off!

[DryRob]

I personally wouldn't leave a chain anywhere over a long period of time, a crook probably wouldn't get bothered breaking a chain that wasn't securing anything then when you get to work wouldn't have a lock and the crook would know. Then there's the continual exposure of the chain/lock to the weather and the fact you have to buy another chain to just leave laying around.

[Slaninar]

I personally wouldn't leave a chain anywhere over a long period of time, a crook probably wouldn't get bothered breaking a chain that wasn't securing anything then when you get to work wouldn't have a lock and the crook would know. Then there's the continual exposure of the chain/lock to the weather and the fact you have to buy another chain to just leave laying around.

I do that. I have one big, bulky, expensive lock and chain. I mostly commute by bicycle, and HATE carrying 3+ kilograms of steel. I leave it at work, locked. It's quite rust proof, so no worries. When I need it elsewhere, I carry it with me (for Fazer, or taking bicycle elsewhere wher it's not safe).

[dx408]

Using a ground anchor in my garage I use two chains one through the wheel over the seat one back wheel to anchor also have a disk lock on the front as well as a garage alarm locked rear gate ( two locks one bolt and one on a hasp and clasp) garage doors bolted top and bottom each door and one across both doors over kill for a 14 year old bike maybe but if they want my bike they will need to work for it.