How To Carry Locks-Scary Incident

[Velocivixen]

@alice, yes, those look interesting. Not finding any local dealers for them, but I'll keep my eyes peeled.

@radacrider, yes, I saw those leather holsters at Bike Craft back in December. They're by walnut studio I think. Very top notch for sure.

I think for now I will either hang if off my belt loops or somewhere else on the bike or hang, somehow from the rack.

At first I thought I dropped my chain....I must have looked like a dolt out in the street picking up all my stuff and running...more like hobbling... Oh well. I'm alive.

[OakLeaf]

I personally haven't had a bungee cord fail, nor has my DH, but there are plenty of people in the moto world who shun them because of just the kind of incident you describe. It can be catastrophic and I'm so glad you're okay.

Whatever you use to secure your stuff, three things have to happen: (1) it has to be a QUALITY strap, because cheap ones are much more likely to fail - if it is a bungee, check the hook to make sure it doesn't bend easily, and the strap/hook connection to make sure it's a tight knot; (2) it has to be TIGHT so that vibration doesn't cause the hooks to come unhooked or your stuff to work its way between the straps - if they're elastic, then they have to be the proper length so you reach hook points and keep them very tight; and (3) it has to CROSS your stuff enough times that the load won't shift.

When I use bungees I use at least two. At minimum an X-pattern; depending on what I'm carrying, I might use a figure-8 pattern.

I think with a U-lock, because of the weight, rounded shape, small size and density, you'd have to use so many bungie cords and/or so many wrappings to secure it, that you're better off just getting the dedicated bracket. Either that or putting it inside a pannier or backpack.

[Biciclista]

my husband had a 600 dollar repair because of a bungee getting caught up in the drive train...

[Velocivixen]

@OakLeaf, thanks a lot for the information. I am fairly sure that I didn't wrap tight enough, so it just shifted and came undone. I will definitely consider bungees again, but will keep in mind what you said. I think two will be much better than one for sure.

@Biciclista, what type of repairs specifically, if you don't mind. Was he able to shift the gears prior to knowing about the extent of repairs or ??? I couldn't see anything notable and shifted through all the gears several times and it "felt" fine, but I'll have the LBS give it a thorough inspection when they change/adjust the brakes.

Definitely a lot of good food for thought on this one.