Flippin’ cheap bicycle lock

Things didn’t quite to plan today but thankfully no great disasters.  Seeing as it was freezing cold this morning (brass monkeys spring to mind) Becky decided we’d cycle to church this morning.  We weren’t put off by the slippery frost at the end of the road, nor by the fact my gloves have holes in them or even because Becky has lost hers altogether.  It turned out we were last to leave and it was then our problem became apparent.  The lock had jammed.

We had no option other than walk home.  Seeing as how it was so cold we didn’t look too odd in doing our penguin impression as we waddled along in our cycling shoes.  We can confirm stiff soled cycling shoes are horrible to walk in.    Once home I grabbed a hack saw and a pathetic pair of bolt cutters .   We waddled our way once again back to church. I must admit I felt self conscious as a Ministry of Justice employee who was “going equipped”.

First step was trying a little lube in the keyhole but I knew it wasn’t going to work. I even tried a spare key but  there was nothing wrong with the first one; it just seemed worth a try.   Naturally neither the spare key or lube worked and there was nothing else for it but to cut the cable.

I don’t exactly have much experience in cutting bike locks and I wasn’t sure how easy or difficult it would be.  First I tried  some bolt cutters which seemed to make a little progress and then I tried a hack saw which sort-of worked but holding the cable in the right position was tricky.

Nearly through the inner cable

After a couple of minutes it was off!  A minute or so later we were off home feeling thankful nothing untoward happened.  Apparently I am now at the top of Becky’s mankiness list for some reason.  I am sure I will be thoroughly ridiculed on her Facebook page before the day is out!

I couldn’t help wonder how long it would take a properly equipped bike thief to cut through – probably 5 seconds.  It took me a minute or two.  The dilemma for now is what kind of lock to replace it with.  Seems we need a secure lock for securing the bikes in the garage at home and another for being out and about.  A combination lock would be nice as, between us, we can remember a combination number easier than making sure a key is always with the right person and in the right place.  Also, we need a secure lock for being out and about but it seems a shame to have a nice light bike and then spoil it with a heavy D-lock.  I feel a buying guide coming on…..

We cycled home as cyclists and not cold waddling penguins who’d lost their bikes.  That struck me as being something very worthwhile indeed.