I recognize this answer changes dramatically based on the area and crime, but I did want some thoughts. My office is located pretty firmly in a US suburb. Really no foot traffic there outside of people who have to be there or live close by. My office currently has one wave bike rack on one end of the building bolted to the cement outside. I work at the exact opposite end of the building, though, which is legitimately probably a several minute walk. It's just really tedious to deal with.
I asked some folks at my job about getting a bike rack on the other side of the building. We recently added some charging spots for EVs, so I figure this is an even lighter weight proposal and worth pushing on. They acknowledged some hesitancy with installing something heavy duty, and offered something like this (one of those pretty annoying wheel slot racks that you can't really lock too unless you use them not in the intended way, no bolts to hold it down) instead as a cheap and immediate solution
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/618p0V-wIoL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
I was pretty immediately dismissive of this, and my gut says that I would never feel comfortable locking to something not permanently installed. I've been thinking about this though and wondering if I am being overly paranoid. My Ortliebs are probably worth more than my bike is at this point; it's an old Canondale.
Would you lock up to this and accept the minimally added risk? Would you assume that a bike thief would sooner angle grind my u-lock chain rather than take the whole rack? Would you push for a more long term solution? Would you just continue to lock up to the nearest tree or metal fence like I've been doing?
by dawnconnor
12 Comments
I wouldn’t. 2 average sized men could easily lift that into the back of a pickup truck and drive away.
I think you’ll be fine.
What’s wrong with the nearby metal fence?
One of my female friends had a forget-about-it D lock. The homeless guys in front of her apartment used a hack-saw to saw thru her iron railing to steal the bike.
When you say “permanent”. Unless the bolts are welded, alot of bike racks can be wrenched off pretty easily. Depending on the grade of the bolt, they can also angle grinder even a welded bolt right off.
It’s also illegal to defend property in my state. You’re supposed to defer to the police, but they literally decline to take a report on most theft/breaking/entering cases, like the one I tried to file last month. They did send me an emotional support letter though… lol.
insurance, or budget to replace your bike once a year-ish.
Maybe going against the grain here, but I think you’ll be fine in a low traffic, quiet suburban area. I’m picturing an office park where the only foot traffic is people walking to and from their cars.
In most other areas I wouldn’t trust it, and also I despise these style of racks. But it seems like a low risk situation, especially if your bike is as inexpensive as you say.
Does your office have a parking complex? My office got the same rack, but the one double the length. Means it won’t be easy for someone to load it up in a van. Might need a truck but then will need access into the parking complex and will be under surveillance.
Still, get insurance just in case.
It also depends on where in the suburbs you’re talking about. In a strip mall? That’s better than nothing, but I’d be more comfortable with it for a quick trip through a store than an eight hour shift. In an office park? Sure, especially if it’s in a high traffic area.
Edit: like you, my bags are worth more than my commuter. I take them with me. If I had $300 wheels or sat on a Brooks I might feel differently.
When you in doubt, don’t do it
I wouldn’t trust a bike rack that wasn’t in my line of view, bolted or not. I’m lucky that I can lock mine right outside my gatehouse.
never. i’m in LA, but not even if I was in Mayberry.
Overnight? No.
All day? Maybe.
While shopping? Yes.
Can you lock a heavy-duty chain between that rack and a pole, fence, pipe, or railing nearby? Nothing will stop all thieves, but the more difficult it is, the less attractive the target.
Another idea is to stick one of those cheap fake security cameras with the blinking red LED on a wall near the bike rack.