Bicycles!

[NeaterBonita]

Dc has just confessed that her bike, extremely tatty, was stolen at the beginning of term. It was left in public space overnight so at least one lesson learnt. Lesson 2, no D lock.
Dc has asked for new bike for Xmas. I do have a lovely, expensive bike I could give her, and it would only be kept locked up overnight. It’d be covered by my home insurance. Everything is quick release, so I’d be worried about seat disappearing. But it would be safe mechanically and very comfortable.
However I am thinking it be better to get another second hand one?

[witchmountain]

With a decent lock (Sold Secure Gold Standard) it’s less likely to be taken, but depending on where is it overnight it could still be removed with an angle grinder sonit depends on how much it matters to you.

If you are worried about quick release things being removed, have a look at Hexlox. I’ve used them and they work.

[NeaterBonita]

Thanks, will google these products!

[witchmountain]

thebestbikelock.com

I really would go for gold rather than silver (you can sort on his tables by standard. The Abus one listed second on the main page above is great because it’s light.

The irony is that if you do go for a second hand bike a lock might cost almost as much!

Other link is hexlox.com

[hellsbells99]

we bought DD a quite decent bike off ebay for £10 for university and she has left her good bike at home!

[Malbecfan]

Like hellsbells99 we bought DD1 a bike from the local recycling centre for £8 and she has that at uni. It's a sickly shade of pink but is reasonably sound. Her nice bike is at home. I wouldn't send a decent bike as it's just too tempting for someone.

[Xenia]

My son has his at university and he bought a second hand one. Back here at home at th tube station someone put their own extra lock on it one night (not round any other bikes) and we had to spend a lot of time getting it free again (either a prank or someone who does that hoping you then remove your own locks and they come back to stake it). Thankfully his has been okay at university so far. he said although is was second hand it was probably quite a popular one to steal and he does have good locks at least 2 of them both on so that probably helps.

[NeaterBonita]

The cost of good locks far outweigh a second hand bike. I like the idea of getting one from the recycling centre but would just worry in case it was not roadworthy!
Am going to look on eBay.
DC seems to think bikes are taken in Oxford to sell on in Cambridge and vice versa.

[Sunndowne]

My DD Has found her good bike essential at uni. We bought DLock and painted stripes on it to look less swanky. Locks it in areas that seem safe. So far so good.
We know risks and may have to buy another at some point.

[ErrolTheDragon]

I'd go somewhere between 'extremely tatty' and 'very expensive' - and definitely wouldn't risk your nice bike losing pieces.
We got DD a decent but not massively expensive bike, and a good D lock (plus an extra chain for the front wheel) when she went to uni last year, it's survived intact so far.

We kept my old bike when I got a new one so if she does lose hers we've a spare.

[NeaterBonita]

DC has sorted herself out with bike. So all my background research was unnecessary. Actually a good sign that ‘adulting’ well and truly underway.
Thanks for helpful comments. Who knew bicycle locks could be so expensive?

[ErrolTheDragon]

Good but slightly weird when they start to do adulting!