Portland Logistics

[bikerHen]

what don't you like about u-locks, out of curiosity?

I know a lot of riders use them, but I think they are too limited with how you can lock your bike. With my six foot cable I can go through both wheels, the frame and then wrap it around a sign post or tree or whatever is available. Or you can lock two bikes together. Can't do that with a U-lock.

[jdubble]

I know a lot of riders use them, but I think they are too limited with how you can lock your bike. With my six foot cable I can go through both wheels, the frame and then wrap it around a sign post or tree or whatever is available. Or you can lock two bikes together. Can't do that with a U-lock.

good point about the versatility of the cable! that makes sense. and if you don't live somewhere where bike theft is rampant, buying a u-lock just for one trip doesn't sound appealing. there should be a lock rental program for visitors here i wonder if Waterfront Bikes would rent just a lock for a few days? Might be worth an inquiry?

around here, there's *usually* a bike rack or sign available to lock to, and i'm mostly concerned about my frame (though obviously loss of wheels would suck). if i'm leaving it somewhere for a long time, or somewhere questionable, or know that i have to lock up my son's bike too, i do have a kryptonite cable that i can bring with me to run through the wheels and his bike.

[Grog]

With a u-lock I lock my front wheel and frame to the rack. You don't want to leave much space there (to make it more difficult to break the lock). The back wheel doesn't have a quick release on my commuter bike. If I was to leave my fancier bike locked up, I'd probably get a locking rear-wheel skewer instead of the hex-screw skewer...

I agree that you may be able to borrow/rent a lock from Rivercity Bikes... it's worth giving them a call anyway.

[gbunker]

I use a U-lock for my bike and add a cable if I am towing the Burley. I loop one end of the cable around the Burley frame, snake it through my back wheel and frame, then lock up the free end by passing the U-lock through the cable end loop while locking front wheel and frame to rack. I park in downtown PDX and haven't had a problem.

Something like this might work for your bike/trailer. And yes, I bet Waterfront Bikes could rent you a U-lock for a few days so you wouldn't have to buy your own.

Gillian

[RubyTuesday]

In a few places near Sacramento there are bike lockers. Your bike fits inside and you provide the U-lock to keep the bike safe. I wish more places provided this type of security. Out of site is the best idea.

[Susan Otcenas]

I always carry a u-lock and a cable (sans lock) which is designed to loop onto the u-lock. I put the u-lock around frame and one wheel (usually rear, but since I have a generator hub, I should put it around the front) and then loop the cable trough the frame and other wheel, then put the ends of the cable onto the U-lock.

As for security - sometimes larger events contract for bike parking, which often comes with perimeter security. You should inquire about whether your event is doing that.

[bikerHen]

Well after all the great information I've received, we won't be able to make the convention this year. We've both already marked the dates for next years convention on the calandar. But in the mean time, if I have another reason to visit Portland, my bike and I are all set. Thanks again for all the good advise!