As I am about to part with a lot of hard earned money for a new bike, I was just wondering how do you keep your wheels safe. Is it acceptable to just park in the street, or do you use special safe parking, i.e. a lockup garage? How about basement parking lots, but they read front licence plates, which bikes don't have of course.

Will a thick chain and padlocks, tied to a tree or pillar be acceptable?

Another thought: Huzhou city centre will become bike unfriendly from next month. Will a bike parked in the street be at risk of getting confiscated? How do you guys in similar situations get around it?

I was also told it migt be a good idea to slip a bao an or shop owner a 100 once a month to keep an eye,

Any thoughts?