garage security

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Kurt Wallace

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Nov 20, 2021, 4:59:00 PM11/20/21
to SF2G
Wasn't there a really good discussion on garage security out here a couple of months ago? I'm trying to remember the really solid chain/lock combo someone recommended for running through a bunch of frames...

kurt

Ryan Moynihan

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Nov 20, 2021, 5:06:32 PM11/20/21
to ku...@bikesmakelifebetter.com, SF2G
Maybe this one?



On Sat, Nov 20, 2021 at 1:59 PM 'Kurt Wallace' via SF2G <sf...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Wasn't there a really good discussion on garage security out here a couple of months ago? I'm trying to remember the really solid chain/lock combo someone recommended for running through a bunch of frames...

kurt

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Kurt Martin

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Nov 20, 2021, 6:17:50 PM11/20/21
to Ryan Moynihan, SF2G
Thanks Ryan! 
I’m gonna add another couple layers - I’ll post fotos

Kurt

On Nov 20, 2021, at 14:06, Ryan Moynihan <rmoy...@gmail.com> wrote:



Scott Crosby

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Nov 27, 2021, 4:59:16 AM11/27/21
to Kurt Wallace Martin, Ryan Moynihan, SF2G
here in France they've taken a more top-down approach to bike theft - apparently every bike now is "obligatoire" to register in a national database and every bike has what they're calling a VIN, like a car. the vendor I've seen in various shops here is Recobike:


apparently they use a "chemical welding" (glue?) process to permanently attach a tag to the frame. not sure how I'd feel about that on a high-dollar rig but it's not bad-looking.

as for the out-of-control bike theft from SF garages and the impunity with which theft rings operate - le sigh. but I think maybe "hardening the box" might be a better approach than more heavy chains (assuming you own your place, obvs). unlocking a bunch of kryptonites would make me less likely to ride (bummer), whereas installing high-security garage doors and electronic combo door locks don't add much/any hassle but would be effective against most intruders. also lots of cameras with defined areas of interest that cause alerts/alarms. maybe throw a Lemonade (etc.) policy on my bikes too, whether homeowner or renter. fast and easy.

what's next, vigilantes? seems likely.

Philip Constantinou

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Dec 6, 2021, 9:14:09 PM12/6/21
to scr...@gmail.com, Kurt Wallace Martin, Ryan Moynihan, SF2G
I got a mountain bike stolen from my garage and spent some time trying to improve my security. I put plywood walls around the existing steel cage. I added a motion sensitive security camera that messages my phone with pictures. When I talked to the police they asked if I had any pictures so I figure it was a good use of $40. It's remarkably comforting to be able to remotely check the camera when I hear noises in the night without getting up.

For what it's worth, Farmers insurance has been great. Twice they've given me the full replacement cost of my bikes. If you've got insurance, it's worth spending a bit of time keeping your receipts organized and making sure you're keeping track of any upgrades. I always kick myself for forgetting a couple accessories (pedals, computer mounts, etc) that didn't come with the bike.

For locks I bought these:

Here's a photo. It's not perfect but an improvement. You'll notice that I used the "noose" chain to secure the bike to a sewer pipe and a u-lock to secure it. 

If you want to go down the YouTube rabbit hole check this guy out. Particularly:



image.png




scott :)

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Dec 7, 2021, 9:57:27 PM12/7/21
to SF2G
I think the awkward location of the lock setup is a key factor for making cutting it difficult.  If I were to steal your bike I would cut the pipe it would be really easy and really quick vs the chain.

By my best estimate I could cut that pipe with my sawzall in one minute. 

(Not a bike thief)

Scott Crosby

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Dec 8, 2021, 6:50:33 AM12/8/21
to scott :), SF2G
or better yet, a portable band saw (Makita and Milwaukee make super portable versions designed to cut exactly this type of pipe, in seconds). but you have to admit it would be hilarious if a bad guy cut a sewer pipe above his head! ha ha. 

this is actually better than most garage lock setups I've seen (and better than mine). but yes I think it would be improved by bolting a heavy-duty hasp to the block wall or concrete floor and u-locking to that.

scott :)

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Dec 8, 2021, 10:23:44 AM12/8/21
to Scott Crosby, SF2G
Ah yes the metal bandsaw, I dont have that in my areasenal yet but thanks for the suggestion.  It would be faster although less portable.   

I presume the sewer pipe would be unused at the time of bike theft, and it is to small to be a #2 pipe.


Patrick Kitto

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Dec 8, 2021, 7:02:34 PM12/8/21
to scott :), Scott Crosby, SF2G
uuuuuh, that looks like a soil pipe. You cut that overhead and you're gonna have a pretty bad (or at least smelly) time.

Regardless, now that we are discussing it  snap cutter is the right tool. 

bandsaw will work as will sawzall or angle grinder, but  whatever you cut with, be sure to bring a diamond blade.





Philip Constantinou

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Dec 9, 2021, 2:31:57 PM12/9/21
to sc...@greenboogers.com, Scott Crosby, SF2G
I wouldn't argue that, given enough time, you can get through anything. 

The sewer pipe is for a 24 unit build with a circumference of over a foot. Hopefully it's enough of a deterrent. :|



Scott Crosby

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Dec 12, 2021, 8:06:32 AM12/12/21
to Philip Constantinou, scott :), SF2G
now that's a big soil pipe*! I would definitely think twice before cutting that, ha ha.

*I can't believe they are called that.
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