Showing posts with label Bike locks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bike locks. Show all posts

Friday 14 July 2017

More Locks, More Lubes







These Schwalbe Lugano, have seen me switch to the skinny tubed charms of the “teenage dream”; a machine that I am still deeply endeared to, 26 years later. I corrected its builder’s disappointing quality control back in 2009. Poor reaming, egg-shell enamel and runny brazing, the most obvious, visual weak spots.

Clearance with mudguards can still present the occasional challenge but otherwise, I can ride, polish and enjoy. Seven Day Cyclist recently did a short haul (225miles) summer test of Muc-Off hydrodynamic chain lube. https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/muc-off-hydro-dynamic-chain-lube

Developed in conjunction with team Sky, we were expecting something special and weren’t disappointed. Ingredients are cold wear secret, although and despite the 4hour curing time, I was surprised to discover we’re not talking petrochemical stock.

Nonetheless, use and store away from animals and children and don gloves if you are prone to dermatitis. The distinctive blue colour and extended spout, means most folks won’t have any problems achieving a consistent, even application.

However, there’s a UV torch for the last word in precision. Given my working fixed and teenage dream’s existing preps were thinning, I’ve stripped both in favour of the hydrodynamic and will see just how many miles can be racked up per application.

Muc-Off cite 400, which doesn’t sound particularly impressive, when cheap as chips, bog standard mineral oil/PTFE blends will return 200 in less intense conditions. However, we are talking an approximate, overall, four season’s mileage.

Staying with lubes, the Green Oil Eco-Spray also lived up to its promises https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/green-oil-eco-spray-lube Comparison with a traditional, heavy duty PTFE based spray is fairest. In its present guise, there are better options for those seeking to flush cables, or waterlogged blinkies through. It’s also twice the price of some very capable, store branded maintenance sprays.

I’ve been impressed with its staying prowess, versatility and overall economy.

Not so long ago you had to choose between performance and planet friendly. The latter have closed the gap, especially when it comes to light-middleweight lubes, degreasers and bike washes.

One thing that hasn’t improved is bike theft. So long as there is a market for stolen bikes, it’s going to remain a serious problem. On one level, all good security does is buy time. The longer it takes for a thief to work, the more noise they make, the greater the likelihood of them being caught.  

Conversely, security is only as strong as its weakest link. A properly deployed mid-range lock is more effective than a high-rent model used badly.

Ideally, a lock will have done its job as a visual deterrent, a would-be thief considers it too much hassle, so walks on by, looking for easier pickings. Pros in particular are looking to be away in the proverbial 60- seconds. Reality is, that passing strangers are not about to challenge someone wielding a portable angle grinder!

Talking of portability, it’s worth taking two different approaches. One when locking in the street, another at home. General riding, say on a road biased mtb hybrid, I’ve erred toward several kilos of armoured chain and disc combination. Usually reinforced with another, short shackle U lock for the front wheel.

Other people will opt for a series of high quality locking bolts to secure front wheel and expensive components, and a medium shackle U lock, deployed to thwart tools. Whatever your preference, expect to spend 10% of the machine's retail value i.e. £900 should be secured with a £90 lock.
That's assuming you don't have a deep, emotional attachment to the machine and components. Rightful owners will be able to tell the story behind (pretty much) every nick, chip or minor scratch.

Pros with vans are a different entity, since they can haul an arsenal of tools-unimpeded but the average “street walker” usually comes tooled up for one system, or the other.

Using two types is likely to see them scurrying along without stopping. With this in mind, I’ve just been sent these competitively priced, gold rated sold secure locks from On Guard www.todayscyclist.co.uk .

The 8001 Brute STD U lock retails at £54.99, which is pretty competitive for the level of protection and overall specification. The 8019 Mastiff chain lock retails at £65.99 and features a titanium reinforced hexagonal link chain, which supposedly rules out sawing and other, mechanised cutting techniques.

The short shackle also makes life harder for the light fingered. We’ll see how they are to live with, before the final, destruction testing. Stay tuned.