Anyone using an ABUS frame lock on a CLEM JR?

[Mackenzy Albright]

I'm building a 64cm Clem right now and noticed it has the braze-ons for a frame lock. It seems like a good option for bike camping and added security for commuter parking. 

Anyone here have experience with one? Would they work with a 2.1-2.3 tire? I also swear I read somewhere that the 64 has wider seat stays and so may need modifications. 

[Richard Rose]

Which braze on’s are for a bike lock?

Sent from my iPhone

On May 19, 2022, at 11:43 AM, Mackenzy Albright <mackenzy...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm building a 64cm Clem right now and noticed it has the braze-ons for a frame lock. It seems like a good option for bike camping and added security for commuter parking. 

Anyone here have experience with one? Would they work with a 2.1-2.3 tire? I also swear I read somewhere that the 64 has wider seat stays and so may need modifications. 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/fe61bba7-bc31-436d-a026-59636c6e8f2dn%40googlegroups.com.

[Joe Bernard]

Hi Mackenzie, 

I can't verify tire size because I have no memory of what I used on my first Clem (45cm H model) but I can' tell you that lock is a right bugger to install, someone (I think Jenny Klug) said Mark @ Riv didn't like messing with them either. Plus I think you're right about the seatstays on a 64, that sounds familiar. Also it's quite heavy and always there, my opinion is an Otto lock is a better/simpler idea for "run into the store" locking. 

Joe Bernard

[Joe Bernard]

Doggone it, my phone autocorrected your name. Sorry Mackenzey! 🤦

[lconley]

I have an AXA frame lock on my 52 Clementine. It clears 650B x 50mm tires and fenders, but not 27.5 x 2.4 without modification. There are three pairs of mounting slots in the lock. When moved to the slots that clear the 2.4 tires, the moving part of the lock barely hits the Velocity Cliffhanger rims. I am going to grind/file the slots so that the lock clears the 2.4 tires and rim. I am also going to have to split the fender at the lock. Nothing particularly difficult to to for the mechanically inclined, just a lot of measure/check, cut/grind/file and repeat.

The ABUS on a 64 will probably be something similar - fits with smaller tires, requires adjustments with larger tires.

Laing

Delray Beach FL

[Mackenzy Albright]

Thanks all for the input everyone. 

RMROSE - there's two M4 bolts on the underside of the seat stays you can bolt a frame lock onto. Pretty neat, I'd say! 

Joe - No worries on the misspelling, the autocorrect of my life. I do like the Otto lock, but this winter bumped the combination at the liquor store with my mitten and it partially removed and locked up and it reset the lock to a random code in -40 and had force it off. I was quite surprised - but then after some internet research it is a common issue for the lock if bumped to auto reset the combination so lost faith in them a bit. If i was far from home and couldn't get my bike unlocked it would be a bad day! Its a shame because I otherwise love the lock. 

I think this seems to be the general consensus that they are heavy and awkward to install. I may just wait and invest the $80cad elsewhere for now. It's not necessary for the initial build - perhaps I'll wait until the build is further completed. 

[Emily Guise]

Mackenzy- I put a frame lock on my 59cm Clem L last fall. I think this one is it (I got it on clearance at Clever Cycles, so it didn't have packaging). I've found it hasn't added significant weight, nor was it hard to install (definitely a LOT easier than fenders) and I've used it with both 60cm and 57cm tires, no problem. Even on muddy paths the tire clearance hasn't been an issue, surprisingly. It's a nice bit of extra security when I'm locking up around the city, so I'm a fan.

-Emily

[Jingy]

I have this Abus 5750 on my Clem Jr with fenders and 700x50 Soma Cazadero tires with no clearance problems. I do need to install a shorter fender bolt though, but it hasn't been an issue in the  last 1.5 years.

One tip, don't ride around with the key in the lock-It will fall out!

Jim in Mpls

[Mackenzy Albright]

Thanks both Emily and Jingy! Those both look like great options. I do like the idea of extra security since I  built a dynamo front hub and the bike I so long I feel like it could make locking up much more flexible in the city and exceedingly ample for camping pitstops and ferry parking. 

[Frakern]

I set up an abus frame lock on my wife's 52cm Clem and I don't recall it was particularly hard to install. She's got 62x2.15 schwalbe big ben tires on it and SKS fenders. 

I also installed the same lock on my Cheviot that I use as an everyday ride-around-town bike. I really like it since it's always there and takes only a few seconds to lock. I also use a cable from abus that plugs into the frame lock for extra security to wrap around the front wheel.