Parking the bike on long rides

[warneral]

One of my favorite thing to do during a long (roadbike) ride (20-30mi is currently long for me) is to stop and eat at a local cafe. Recently it was just a Starbucks stop for a egg white & feta wrap to re-fuel.

I really don't want to lug my heavy lock around for such trips.

So what do you do in those situations?

[Owlie]

I was actually going to ask this. I've been asking people to watch it while I nip in for a bathroom break, but I'd like to be able to lock it up.

[shootingstar]

I lug my lock around all the time. No kiddin'.

Last 17 yrs. I figured that extra half lb. made a stronger cyclist. :p
But then since we are car-free, I also haul groceries on bike.

[Pedal Wench]

I clip my helmet through the wheel and clip it onto something, but still keep it right in my eyesight. No one can run off with it before I could get out if I see someone messing with the helmet. But I understand my risks in doing that.

[lph]

For short stops like that I carry a thin, lightweight cheapo lock. I don't have very valuable bikes, and I figure anyone who might pinch a bike on a whim like that is not going to be carrying a humongous lock cutter around. It's not hard to cut a lock, but you can't do it with standard home tools, at least not the ones I have.

Bikes that are regularly locked up at the same place and time, or left in a spot with many other expensive bikes are definitely at risk from the professional thieving lot though.

[moonfroggy]

i use a lock
but not a super heavy one and keep it where i can see it at all times

if i ride someplace with a really high rate of bike theft i use my super heavy lock or stay on my bike the whole time until i am someplace without a high risk of bike theft

[OakLeaf]

I have a cheap retractable cable lock that I use for short stops like that (if I lock it at all ... depends on where I am).

You could probably cut my lock with scissors, but the point is just to discourage opportunists. A serious thief is going to get any bike they want, or at least parts of it.

When I ride to work (not often) I bring the bike inside. I wouldn't be so shy of leaving it outside if the bike racks were in view of the security cameras ... I've asked several times for the racks to be moved or the cameras to be zoomed out, but no dice. :(

[m.eliza]

I have a cheap thin cable lock that I carry around in my seat post bag. It's not gonna stop someone walking around with wire cutters who seriously wants to steal a bike, but it gives me peace of mind. I ususally don't leave the bike out of my eyesight for more than a few minutes though, just in case.

[warneral]

Getting a lightweight lock would be smart. Thanks for the suggestions!

[azfiddle]

I have parked my bike by a window- and have wheeled it right into the grocery store with me when I didn't have a lock.

[KnottedYet]

I have parked my bike by a window- and have wheeled it right into the grocery store with me when I didn't have a lock.

My grocery store has been nice about letting me leave my bike inside across from the checkout lanes when I've forgotten my lock. Not that the checkers can actually watch it, but it might dissuade someone from walking off with it (just by it being in view).

I often see bicycles indoors at restaurants and locally-owned coffee shops and doctors' offices. Generally right near the door. Sometimes there will be unlocked bikes in the library foyer. Not the safest options in the world, but you could always ask if you can wheel the bike in and leave it inside near the door.

ETA: Starbucks has never let me bring in my bike, and I've never seen one inside.

[PamNY]

If it's just a matter of keeping an eye on the bike -- if I'm nearby and with a group of people, for example, I rig a bungee cord on the wheel. This would slow down a thief.

[Crankin]

I also have a light, cheap, cable lock I can stick in a jersey pocket. I rarely use it, because mostly I would be stopping at a place where I could watch my bike, or take it inside. When I've gone on group rides where we stop at a restaurant, I usually end up locking my bike with someone else's, who has a good lock.
I have to be with DH, when he uses his Carradice bag, to have the super good lock with me. I just had to buy a new seat bag and now i don' even have room for arm warmers or a vest. There's absolutely no seatpost there.

[smilingcat]

When I don't have a lock, I remove the front wheel and leave the bike in plain sight from the inside and bring the wheel in with me.

My expensive bike does not go anywhere except for rides. And its stored inside my house not in the garage. I don't use it to run errands with it. It doesn't get parked even with a lock in public places.

[smilingcat]

software hiccupped. removed the double post

[Crankin]

My road bike is also just used for rides. But, sometimes these rides involve lunch or coffee. I would never use my baby for shopping, though.

[moonfroggy]

When I don't have a lock, I remove the front wheel and leave the bike in plain sight from the inside and bring the wheel in with me.

My expensive bike does not go anywhere except for rides. And its stored inside my house not in the garage. I don't use it to run errands with it. It doesn't get parked even with a lock in public places.

i am planning to get a cheap bike for errands soon and do this. i will still lock my bike up to use the bathroom though when i am on long rides