I am absolutely gutted. I finally managed to get out for a proper cycle yesterday. I locked my bike to a proper bike post with a £50 D lock. I was only gone an hour or so, when I came back, all there was was the closed lock still locked to the bar. I cannot for the life of me work out how they did it. I am sure that it was properly attached. Even more gutted that I had left the newish 14ah battery on the bike.

If any one spots similar on eBay, would be grateful for a heads up, likewise any strange key requests per earlier 50 cycles post.

 

I am really, really p###ed off

Sorry to hear about the theft, really feel for you

 

Hope you get some good news

 

Will keep an eye on eBay

 

Jason

Blimey!.....That must have been gut wrenching. Is it insured?

 

you need to contact Onbike ( and check if they have other dealers) regards request for a charger....

 

The most I probably leave the bike for is a couple of hours. You would think a shopping centre with the amount of people circulating would be relativity low risk if a decent lock employed. I know it hardly matters but are you sure you locked it properly. if they used a key or picked it why leave the lock, and if they used the jack method, would it not be wreaked.

 

Next time, heavy short chain and D lock. I use both when we cycle out together, but only take chain(3.5kg) to areas I am unsure about, rest of time D lock (1.5kg) This has made me have a rethink. Again...very sorry to hear this!

Edited January 16, 201016 yr by eddieo

Very sorry to read this, Nick. I remember your kindness in offering to let me ride on the outing you organised after the Exmoor trip. It must have been very upsetting for you.

 

Best wishes

 

Andy

Aw - That's not right Nick. What a bunch of theiving oiks.

 

I'd be gutted too. I'll shall also be keeping my eyes peeled for you.

Still bereft

 

Thanks for the kind responses. I have replayed it in my mind, and I am convinced the bike was securely locked when I left it. I am as bemused as Eddieo as to why they would relock the D-lock. Perhaps they were showing off. The real pain is that I was carrying two locks. I thought about using the second one, and had it been my Cannondale I would have done. I guess I had grown complacent about the Torq. Learnt my lesson though.

Next question: Does anyone have a mk1 Torq for sale, battery condition not an issue since I have my my own?

 

Cheers, Nick

maybe ask the local police for their opinion re the lock? do you think they would leave an expernsive lock if they had a key? I guess no insurance then...It kinda eases the pain.

Edited January 16, 201016 yr by eddieo

What a rotten start to 2010. I'll also keep a watch om Ebay, etc.

Isn't the implication that they used a lock pick of some sort? The lock would be of limited value since they would have to get a set of keys to use themselves.

 

Perhaps this confirms the idea that two different types of lock should be used, one a good quality combination lock, since two different techniques would have to be used.

There are a couple of Torqs for sale in the current issue of A to B, I've sent you a pm with the details

Was the lock one of these?

 

YouTube - Kryptonite bikeforum

Sorry

 

Really sorry to hear this Nick!!!

 

I've had three bikes stolen over the years, so I can sympathise with you whole-heartedly, although none of them have been one of my electrics luckily!

 

If you know the bike / frame number and also key number, then drop me an e-mail at phil@onbike.co.uk

I will of course be questioning any eZee charger / key enquiries for you - I will warn the other OnBikers to be vigilant too. (I'll also keep an eye out on eBay).

 

If there's anything I can help with, just let me know...

if the lock is not broken. maybe they hacksawed the frame? what part did you lock it round? was there any CCTV footage? use a freedom of information request to get it.

 

they could have only been after the battery and trashed the bike to get it. sounds like it was professionals, and not the usualy junky with a pair of pliers. i hope theives haven't cottoned-on to the value of these bikes yet.

Hi Nick,

 

Really sorry to hear this. I'll send you a pm.

 

Nick

commiserations

 

sorry to hear about the loss of your bike Nick,

 

honestly... these scumbags drive you to the limit don't they.

 

i know what that is like, your world is OK, then suddenly... bof... no bike, in my only instance of losing a bike the devious little sh*t had sawn thru some iron railings as thick as your thumb to free the machine, this in a busy shopping precinct. made me wanna cry.

 

these days i use three locks.

 

there is a good previous thread covering locks and how easily some are broken.

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/2302-electric-bike-security.html

 

whoever nicked the bike is going to need a charger, probably from ebay, is it worth emailing the ebay sellers, explain your loss & ask them to let you know if any are purchased in the UK in your area ?

 

hope the rest of 2010 gets better for you.

Was the lock one of these?

 

YouTube - Kryptonite bikeforum

Any round key lock can be opened the same way, they really are almost useless.

here is a first timer surprised how easy it is. both my chain and D lock are key locks. was the D lock in this theft one of the round key type?

 

 

I will be surprised if any one still using these round key locks as their vulnerability has been common knowledge for ages!

 

there is really not much hope, from an attack by a determined thief

 

YouTube - Electric pick gun in action

 

YouTube - Locksmith Training Basics : How to Pick Padlocks

Edited January 17, 201016 yr by eddieo

Thanks for all the messages of support

 

It makes it more bearable...just.

Sorry I've been a bit quiet. I'm currently wrestling with a windows 7 install that isn't going well ( no Asio drivers for my MOTU) so having to rely on iPhone. thanks for the PMs, will respond shortly. The key was not the round type, as I have seen the posts. I'm thinking they probably cut through the crossbar, which is how it was secured, as Ive done hundreds of times before. thank god I still have the Cytronex. Went for a long ride yesterday, it was quite cathartic. I cannot get used to double locking the bike and removing the batteries EVERY time I leave it, even for a few moments

Thievin' b@st@rds make me sick....

Sorry to hear about the bad news... I feel for you.

 

Are you able to post pictures of your (now-stolen) bike, or at least give us pointers to promotional photos with the same frame color, etc. ? We could keep an eye on eBay for you.

 

Could you please post details about your lock ? (just in case it has been picked indeed, rather than the frame sawed in half)

 

I have been recommending the Abus Granit 54 X-Plus 30cm D-Lock, see here: http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/4830-any-bike-lock-recommendations.html#post61032

 

Manufacturer page: ABUS | The good feeling of security

 

50 GBP (inc. delivery) 23cm model here: Abus Granit 54 X-Plus 160/230 Texkf Sold Secure Gold 2009 - £49.99 - SBR Sports or here: Abus GRANIT 54 XPLUS 230 EAZYKF 2010 - Black 230mm

 

I need to purchase a second lock now that I own a second e-bike. I would probably get the same again (50-60 GBP), unless there are better alternatives.

 

I hope you recover your precious hard-earned investment.

Cheers, Daniel

Edited January 17, 201016 yr by daniel.weck

if using two locks you need two different types, as the thieves apparently need to carry different tools. a heavy chain with close padlock and a D style lock. if they are good at picking locks the bike is gone anyway:confused:

 

I have the Abus (1.5kg) you are thinking about and touch wood, has been OK in 12 months use. but I also use a pragmasis chain (3.5kg short version) and it is a real beast...it makes you feel much happier walking away from your bike!

 

Pragmasis Protector Chains Review - BikeRadar

Wake up call to all of us,i used to use two locks on my bike it,i was worried about theft at first but lately i have been complacent and only used one lock,this is just pure lazyness on my part to save a few seconds unlocking,in reality a thief will even steal an unlocked wheel or saddle if it is an easy steal.

I have been recommending the Abus Granit 54 X-Plus 30cm D-Lock, see here: http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bicycles/4830-any-bike-lock-recommendations.html#post61032

 

Manufacturer page: ABUS | The good feeling of security

 

50 GBP (inc. delivery) 23cm model here: Abus Granit 54 X-Plus 160/230 Texkf Sold Secure Gold 2009 - £49.99 - SBR Sports or here: Abus GRANIT 54 XPLUS 230 EAZYKF 2010 - Black 230mm

 

I need to purchase a second lock now that I own a second e-bike. I would probably get the same again (50-60 GBP), unless there are better alternatives.

 

Well, I've now purchased the 23cm model with the new EazyKF mount (I already have the 30cm model with the TexKF mount).

 

This pair will be quite a versatile kit for locking our bikes together (my wife's and mine). I will probably use the shorter lock for my Brompton now, as the longer one will accommodate the much wider rear frame triangle on the iZip Via Mezza Enlightened.

 

I use cheap "twisty" wire cables for locking the saddles in place, they're easy to cut but act as thief-deterrent nonetheless.

 

As for the batteries, I would not leave them on the bike for anything more than 15 minutes...but then it highly depends on the location

 

It is worth noting that I lock my bikes at home. Call me paranoid, but it only takes a couple of minutes and puts my mind at rest.

 

Cheers, Dan

Edited January 19, 201016 yr by daniel.weck

I will probably use the shorter lock for my Brompton now, as the longer one will accommodate the much wider rear frame triangle on the iZip Via Mezza Enlightened.

Good idea as D locks with spare room (enough to fit an orange apparently) can be forced open with a bottle jack.

That's a good solution Dan. Luckily I don't have to leave my bike anywhere iffy for too long. I'm using a thick Abus loop n lock cable from SJS but I think I'll double up with a 2m x 12mm Squire cable and CEN rated padlock to keep the wheels and saddle a little more secure... Seems to me though that if the 'serious' thieves want your bike they will take it no matter how good the security...

Nick just seen this thread. I'm appalled. The thieving miserable low life. I hope you get your bike back as soon as possible.