Chains

Many people turn to their local hardware store for their bicycle security. A good length of chain, they figure, will protect a bike. While the chain in a hardware store may be great for pulling or hauling, it's lousy for locking. Perfect proof of this? Most hardware stores leave a bolt cutter nearby so a customer can cut the desired length of chain. If it's that easy in the store, it's that easy on the street.

Kryptonite New York Chains

There is one chain that withstands even the most forceful of attacks, but it doesn't come from Home Depot, it comes from Kryptonite. It's called the New York Chain. This massive set of links was designed specifically for the New York City market, which happens to be the bike-theft capital of the United States.

Forged in Italy at a centuries-old factory in the Alps, this square chain resists the jaws of bolt cutters, and the chain is so massive it would take hours to cut through just one side with a hacksaw. Kryptonite used to import it in hundred-foot lengths and then cut it in the United States, but it proved to be such a hazard to cut the chain that they now import it in the finished lengths. If the factory can't cut it, you can bet a crook can't either. Cable Locks

Most people are familiar with cable locks. They are sold in every bike store and constitute the majority of bike security products sold. Cable locks, because of their inherent flexibility, relative light weight, and convenience, are perfect for lower-crime areas.

Cable locks come in a variety of sizes and can be wrapped around a bike, wheels, and just about any other object that needs to be secured. Coiled or straight, cable locks are great for short-term protection in a safe area, or secondary protection when combined with U locks.

Cable locks are more prone to attacks than U locks, so it's important to consider the likelihood of an attack. A cable lock may be fine in a small New England village in daylight outside the post office, but try the same thing with the same bike in New York City and the bike will be gone before you can get a stamp.

Select steel cables with a pick-resistant locking mechanism and coverings that will deter attacks with bolt cutters.

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