Where to put cable lock?

[JanT]

I decided it might be fun to do a workout where I ride to the nearby mountain park, lock the bike and run a bit, then ride home. The question is, where do I put the cable lock while I ride, so that it won't be annoying? I tried wrapping it around the rack, but that wasn't so hot. I suppose I could wrap it around my waist, and I guess I could deal with looking goofy for awhile. It just seems like there must be a better way. Do any of you who commute or run errands on your bike have a slick place to put the cable so that it doesn't get in the way, and also so it can be easily accessed? I know someone must have put more thought into this than I have! Please help if you can. Thanks.

[DirtDiva]

Well, a lot of locks come with brackets to attach them to the frame (which is what I had on my bike at home), but I'm guessing you don't have one of those. Could you wrap it around the top tube or the seatpost maybe? I dunno... I just shove mine in my backpack now 'cause I've got a pretty heavy duty D- and cable-lock combo to ward off whatever bike thieves London has to offer.

[mikki]

I wrap mine around the handlebars while I ride. Centered on the post. Just wrap it loosely. Might be important to know I commuting with a mountain bike, though.

[Irulan]

Mine is not coiled, so I wear it bandolero style if the ride is not too long. If you are goingup to the mountains, you can also just stash your bike in some bushes off trail.

Irulan

[JanT]

Thanks for good suggestions. I thought about taking the camelbak and locking the camelback to the bike, but I'm afraid I'll accidentally leave something of value in it. I don't like to run with it on my back--I have enough trouble running as it is! I rode today with the cable wrapped loosely around my waist. It was OK for just riding the 3 miles to the park. This bike is a mountain bike, with a sloped top tube and small triangle, so the top tube won't work well. I might try just using a small bungee cord to attach it to the rack, as it naturally coils into a small circle. It's just a lightweight cable to fend off impulsive children; no one else would be interested in taking this bike! If the bungee doesn't work, then I think I'll use Mikki's handlebars idea.

[Pedal Wench]

Either jersey pocket or in my saddle bag. Works for me!

[maryellen]

As I'm in nyc, I keep a heavier duty cable lock wrapped around my seat post (I use the lock only as a bit of a deterrent if I have to run into the restroom at central park). I use the velco strap from my saddle bag to keep it from rattling around. I leave the lock at home if I'll be riding w others.

[roughingit]

I used to wear mine bandoleer-style before I got panniers. Now I just shove it in my saddle bag and zip off. Perhaps you could obtain some cheap rear baskets to toss on the rack?

[singletrackmind]

I'll second the handlebars. My cable lock is all coily so I only have to squish it on there and wrap it around a few times. I mountain bike with it like this and it works fine. That or when you get to the park you could lock it to the place you lock your bike, sans bike.

[JanT]

Singletrack,
Interesting idea, leaving the lock where you're going to lock the bike! Here in Phoenix, people will steal anything at all. My husband and I used to do a lot of geocaching, and I was always amazed that people would steal the caches, essentially small boxes of absolute junk. However, I think your idea would be ideal in a more secure location, such as at work.

I'd been picturing wrapping the cable around and around some place on the bike. But now you have me thinking that with the coils, it probably would work just to wrap it a couple times around the handlebar and let the coils dangle in with the other cables.

OK, thanks again, everybody. Now that I have a few different things to try, I'm motivated to get back to running at the park. It really was a fun workout, because it was so different: short, hard (running and riding some steep hills), and with lots of people around.

[singletrackmind]

Ha! If you can't leave a locked lock because it will be stolen how do you manage to walk away from your bike locked to the same thing with that same lock?? :D
What a conundrum!
Best of luck with your bike/lock situation! :)

[JanT]

HA! Good point!