Some Chinese locks aren't so good

I had bought a new electric scooter on a Monday. Bought an alarm and two locks: one for the trunk/battery case and another beefier one to luse on the wheel. I come out on the following Wednesday morning to find my bike is nowhere to be found. Called the police and we watched the CCTV of an older fellow stroll up to my bike at 5:20pm in broad daylight, unlock my wheel lock and push it away.

By some stroke of luck, on the way back home, I found my bike on the side of the road, just out of view of a security camera. I was able to drive it all of the 100m back home, although the steering lock is wonked out and the ignition has to be replaced.

I found a used kryptonic fogetaboutit lock on taobao and have been using that rediculous chunk of metal to lock it. Also have a cover on the way from the States.

Don't trust Chinese locks to lock even ur bicycle.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by r1smith

I had bought a new electric scooter on a Monday. Bought an alarm and two locks: one for the trunk/battery case and another beefier one to luse on the wheel. I come out on the following Wednesday morning to find my bike is nowhere to be found. Called the police and we watched the CCTV of an older fellow stroll up to my bike at 5:20pm in broad daylight, unlock my wheel lock and push it away.

By some stroke of luck, on the way back home, I found my bike on the side of the road, just out of view of a security camera. I was able to drive it all of the 100m back home, although the steering lock is wonked out and the ignition has to be replaced.

I found a used kryptonic fogetaboutit lock on taobao and have been using that rediculous chunk of metal to lock it. Also have a cover on the way from the States.

Don't trust Chinese locks to lock even ur bicycle.

---

Amazing and wonderful outcome. Did it appear from the CCTV that the thief had some kind of master key, or perhaps an actual key for that lock?

I'm also starting to see OnGuard Locks on sale in many stores here in Shanghai. I just had a squiz through Taobao and see there's a ton of choices there.

cheers

Sorry I had to change the perfectly reasonable title of the thread because it was causing troubles with the GFW. :rolleyes1:

+1 on Kryptonite locks

I am using my Abus locks I had from before. The Chinese locks are definitely not as sold .... Plus the chance of master keys floating around..... Fairly high to " you really need to ask?"

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by euphonius

Amazing and wonderful outcome. Did it appear from the CCTV that the thief had some kind of master key, or perhaps an actual key for that lock?

I'm also starting to see OnGuard Locks on sale in many stores here in Shanghai. I just had a squiz through Taobao and see there's a ton of choices there.

cheers

---

Hi all,
Maybe it is not the best to buy this kind of security stuff on taobao as the seller knows your address and can have a key of your purchased lock as well.
Buying from a high rated seller can be a guarantee (Arranging purchasing with non home address also an option)
Maybe i am paranoid....

I am looking for a long chainlock with a bigger ring at its one end. any proposal?
Any experience with top dog?
http://a.m.taobao.com/i6923619969.ht...a0210&abtest=7
Any experience with luma?
Or this is the solution to be able to sleep well?
http://a.m.taobao.com/i16781265363.h...a0210&abtest=7

The bests sandor

Why taobao?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=89011

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sandor

Hi all,
Maybe it is not the best to buy this kind of security stuff on taobao as the seller knows your address and can have a key of your purchased lock as well....

---

Now this paranoid is getting a bit out of hand. You can apply the same logic (or paranoid) to your car key, door key, office key or any other kind of locking devices. Why stops at Taobao sellers? Don't those Chinese around you all look suspicious, your landlord, business partners, your customers, your co-workers? Is this country really fit for honest living, temporary or permanent?

And worst of all, how can you possibly ride your motorcycle to anywhere? Haven't you heard of those crimes and bandits in the "Chinese" countryside? (Don't even think of going to Xingjiang.)

:naughty::naughty::naughty:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by milton

Now this paranoid is getting a bit out of hand. You can apply the same logic (or paranoid) to your car key, door key, office key or any other kind of locking devices. Why stops at Taobao sellers? Don't those Chinese around you all look suspicious, your landlord, business partners, your customers, your co-workers? Is this country really fit for honest living, temporary or permanent?

And worst of all, how can you possibly ride your motorcycle to anywhere? Haven't you heard of those crimes and bandits in the "Chinese" countryside? (Don't even think of going to Xingjiang.)

:naughty::naughty::naughty:

---

I did not mean that all chinese are suspicious or worse than people of other nations. One can find cheaters everywhere in the world. My post was just maybe a bit overreaction to the 'floating masterkeys' remark...
But maybe you can agree with that if one sees a branded good in the us or eu then he does not think even for a moment about if it is an original or copy, because there it is not straightforward just to copy something completely and sell it with the original brand's logo.
I mean here they play the game of life with a little bit different rules than i used to do in europe.
I am not judging just this my impression.

The bests sandor

Most of the time, the thieves will force the steering lock, busting it in the process by using force by twisiting handle bars until the lock gives. The ignition is simple, a long screw driver with big enough handle and a hammer sort that out, enough force can turn the barrel and get the bike running, or else sitting nearby will be an associate usually on another bike, who will tow the stolen bike with thief aboard. As for external locks, a few big sets of bolt cutters are deployed, which works for most locks...
There's a thread with links on Youku/Soku showing captured CCTV footage of bikes being stolen... worth reviewing

By the ease at which he took it, it seemed like he had a master key. Either that, or a specialized lock pick for the job.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by milton

Don't those Chinese around you all look suspicious, your landlord, business partners, your customers, your co-workers?

---

You forgot spouse! :chinese: :icon10: (ooops, did I really say that out loud?)

Actually, the ONLY time I have been blatantly ripped off in China ... it was by a whitey American. Crooks come in all shapes & sizes.

This picture has caused local internet stir, but does prove some point.
Attachment 12132

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by td_ref

This picture has caused local internet stir, but does prove some point.
Attachment 12132

---

Nice post, TD. Maybe we need a new thread called TIC-N -- This is China-NOT!

cheers
euphonius

Since I was PM'd by a fellow MCM member asking advice and info about locks thought I may as well throw some info here to share...

Kryptonite locks Pretty solid variety of locks. Worth looking at the companies website too. Kryptonite locks for sale on Taobao.
The Kryptonite prices vary a little on Taobao, but expect to pay around 2000 for the chain lock and about 1000+ for the U lock.

Look for the NYC fughetaboutit chain/lock from Kryptonite

There are also Xena XUL310 U locks which incorporate an alarm 110dB. So plenty loud. The Xena locks are n Taobao but not specifically the XUL310.

Advice:
Use a combination of two locks, a U lock and a chain lock. The U lock through one wheel to the frame while the chain lock to the other end of the bike and through a solid object/ground anchor.

Also there are chain locks at my local B&Q, 289 kuai. Masterlock I think is the name, I use one on my Dragstar 1100 Classic, in combination with a disc lock.

Worth a read...

ask-a-motorcycle-thief

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bikerdoc

[...]There are also Xena XUL310 U locks which incorporate an alarm 110dB. So plenty loud. The Xena locks are n Taobao but not specifically the XUL310.

Advice:
Use a combination of two locks, a U lock and a chain lock. The U lock through one wheel to the frame while the chain lock to the other end of the bike and through a solid object/ground anchor. [...]

---

U can find all sizes of Xena alarm 110dB disk locks on Jiaoji road at the big shop close from Jiaotong rd, they don't come cheap but they're just dope, especially if u live near enough from ur bike to hear the 110dB alarm.

Regarding ur advice, damn right, regarding ur link, excellent read, tips about gated garages and clutch lever are awesome.

I would add for China:

1: Get a GPS, and regular alarm too, real cheap here..

2: Don't park ur bike where some guys can just raise it up into a truck, then all locks are worthless, park it so there's a physical barrier between ur bike and the street.

3: Don't put any lock (chain, braided cable, U-lock) at ground level, like everyone does here in China, attached drawing to explain why if u do, lock quality don't matter, u still should lock it to the environment though..

4: For home, if u can, feel like it, and have a little garden at least, the ultimate protection against thieves is and has always been a big black dog..

Attachment 14017

^Great post/reply, and I dig that graphic... very simple and effective explanation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bikerdoc

^Great post/reply, and I dig that graphic... very simple and effective explanation.

---

Cheers, I was reading ur article a third time and decided to read every single comment so see if there's more interesting stuff, most are people ranting that their 98 GSX600 got nicked.

But this guy seems to be a thief also and although ranting that he's better (probably disappointed he didn't get to be interviewed) he makes a few interesting points:

Lots of loop holes in this guys bullshit.
Everything is said will work...if a amateur is trying to steal your bike.
All disk locks are a joke for a pro. Just unbolt the disk, hang it with a shoe lace and bye bye motorcycle. You can even ride.
Gated apartments? Those are the worst. Lots of windows and possible prying eyes, unless if the bike is in a perfect spot.
Clutch lever? A pro is ready with extras or vice grips. They even carry ignitions switchs with keys, snapping the fork lock is a joke and some bikes you can plug in the ignition switch for the side plastic.
Like I said a "pro".
Jo-Jack? Most bikes are stole at night while youre having sweet dreams of riding the next day. While your dreaming your Jo-Jack and bike are already in pieces.
Garages are the best places. Not only do you get time to work on stealing the bike in private but all the extras that come along with it like gear and tools. Big score.
Best place to keep your bike is in your own fenced in back yard garage with a couple of Rotties or Pits. Thieves hate big barking dogs. I use to leave my garage wide open all night long knowing the risk. My 160lbs Rottie and 80lbs Pit did the job.
But if you are going to park the bike in a garage make sure it secure with a few locks and make sure the locks are mount at the top of the door, that will make it very hard or impossible to cut with bolt cutters. And inside the garage some rebar cemented in the floor with the best chains and locks money can buy. And a garage alarm wouldnt hurt.
If you park on the street it doesnt matter what you got. 2 guys, 1 van, day or night and your bike is gone. Day time works better some times. People think who the hell is going to steal a bike right now in front of all these people and no one bothers to call the cops. A pro doesnt make it look obvious. Ive loaded up my bikes and friends bikes on busy streets,never once got pulled over or asked what we were doing. So if you think your safe because its day time your wrong.

And the majority of professional bike thieves are not on drugs. They are thieves and want to get paid for their risk and goods.

He confirms about locks on the ground being sitting ducks (but then says best is rebar cemented in floor, weird) and big dogs of course...

I hate what he says about disk locks, those are my favorite, I also hate what he says about Lo-jack, I'll still get the XENA 110dB and GPS as I dunno if China thieves are that pro, let us hope not, cause they really sound like they'll get any bike they want anyways... And still u can't just get nothing cause they'll get it if they really want.

I'll also look into getting a removable clutch lever also cause it sounds easy and efficient.

I think GPS, 2 alarm disc locks, one braided cable, all high end, plus the steer lock of course is a fair setup, and I'm buying a Z250, not even a sports bike lol...

I've never seen this in China, but have in several other "developing" countries ...

The kids on the sidewalks that you pay $1 for them to "watch" your bike. I always thought it was a protection scam (i.e., don't pay and they will call the thieves to come and pick up your bike), but I never had a bike stolen or screwed around with after I paid the kids.

Maybe in China we can offer those old guys free smokes and a little table (and 4 tiny stools) to play cards at, next to our bikes. Or 4 old women and a mahjong table.

Great discussion guys, and great suggestions/reads too...

When looking for a parking spot around Beijing, I'd love to figure out a way to not have my chain lock just lying there on the ground, but am often left with no other options really... I suppose I could find a solid fence a kilometre away to lock my bike up to, but that kinda defeats the purpose a little, doesn't it?

I read a bit further regarding chains.

Seems we can forget about the fughetaboutit, and most other brands actually.

Check this out:

http://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/index.asp?pg=19

Now if someone wants to order one of them Almax chains in Shanghai, pls let me know cause I want one too but don't own a credit card...

XENA alarmed disc locks are the ones I use, but maybe I will change my mind ...

http://attachments.motorfans.com.cn/...25NX8C4460.jpg

Found this pic (and others) as well as a discussion on motorfans (clickie).

It's because this one's 6mm pin does not lock in the "receiver" hole, thus if forcing it open only the body holds, making it much more fragile than the ones with body and pin holding together.

It needs a locking pin like follows (14 or 15mm):
Attachment 14510


Best 2 are those I read (no alarm tho, I don't know about Abus alarm disc locks):

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorc...rged-disc-lock

http://www.abus.com/eng/Mobile-Secur...7-60-Maxi-Mini

is there a retail outlet in Shanghai that sells these chains and locks....

According to some western M/C thieves disk locks aren't that useful because a thief can actually unbolt the disk, then hang it from string and still ride your bike away. Best to use the best chain you can get lock it to an object maybe with an alarmed padlock.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ZMC888

According to some western M/C thieves disk locks aren't that useful because a thief can actually unbolt the disk, then hang it from string and still ride your bike away. Best to use the best chain you can get lock it to an object maybe with an alarmed padlock.

---

Yea. U can't rely only on disc locks, but I believe it's an indispensable part of a proper security setup.

Talking about which, I'm getting one of those Almax chains (renowned to be the best worldwide):

http://www.almax-security-chains.co....oducts/c-1-73/

Delivery fee to China is somewhere near 80 pounds, if anyone is interested plz PM me.

I'll order next week.

Peace.

Finally received the 16mm 1.5 meter Almax chain from GB, looks pretty solid, I removed the sleeve so it's easier to see:

Attachment 14898

Just a bit heavy to go around with but any box on the bike or scooter trunk will lodge it just fine.

RMB 1600 with the lock, add 400 for freight, it's actually cheaper than many lower quality Abus, Kryptonite or other brands chains.

Let's hope it's as solid as advertised...

Hmmm... the exposed links make it that much easier for a set of bolt cutters to get a good easy purchase... If the chain links had been encased in a several mm thick rubber/epoxy resin casing then that would make life just that little more difficult... me thinks.
YMMV

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bikerdoc

Hmmm... the exposed links make it that much easier for a set of bolts cutters to get a good easy purchase... If the chain links had been encased in a several centimetre thick rubber/epoxy resin casing then that would make life just that little more difficult... me thinks.
YMMV

---

Yea I don't really understand why there's no casing, I haven't seen any chain with it, while it's common on D-locks. Many other chains are actually of square section which actually eases the cropper's jaws purchase...

The video claims the almax is bolt croppers and portable hydraulic croppers proof, even if getting a good purchase:
http://www.almax-security-chains.co.uk/index.asp?pg=19

Then the lock's shoulders and small "hole" makes getting purchase on the exposed part of the shackle difficult, as the piece needs to be deep between the jaws for it not to slide out.
Now I guess a dent just at the end of the jaws could "catch" it still.
Then there's always the good old blowtorch option...