Cafe lock with chain

Mike Dupre · August 24, 2024, 03:51:56 PM

Don't forget your key... can't believe i did this but I wrapped the chain around a pole and plugged it into the cafe lock and then had a sinking feeling I didn't have my keys. D'uh! Thankfully I didn't engage the wheel lock or I would have been even more pissed. Nearby construction type dude cut thru the chain in about 30 secs with a quick-cut.
Don't forget your keys! Insure your bike.

John Rose · August 24, 2024, 09:27:52 PM

I was about to say "Nah - that's impossible!", but just now I went into the basement and tried it out.

Yup. You can stick the chain end into the lock without a key, and it's locked in.
What is impossible (on the Rad-branded cafe lock at least) is closing the wheel lock without the key.

This is why I keep my wheel lock key on the same ring as the battery key. If I do accidentally lock the chain in I'm probably still at home.

I am enjoying that "choke chain" type ring scheme though. You have a lot more options compared to having to bring both ends of a chain or cable together.

Naranja_CT5+ · August 25, 2024, 12:09:08 AM

What concerns me is that some "construction type dude" just helped a stranger stole a bike..... just kidding

Unfortunately I bought mine at a local bike shop without the chain. Even though it's the same ABUS I think it cost more than the ones that RAD sells. I am not sure yet if I would buy the chain or make my own choke chain and attached it to the shackle.

John Rose · August 25, 2024, 12:48:48 PM

Quote from: Naranja_CT5+ on August 25, 2024, 12:09:08 AM... I am not sure yet if I would buy the chain or make my own choke chain and attached it to the shackle.

You would have to be able to weld (not just pinch, or screw together) the large ring onto the end link, or else bring both end links around to the shackle, which spoils the fun.

Naranja_CT5+ · August 31, 2024, 08:43:41 AM

I found that the model I bought was not capable of using the ABUS adaptor chain.

I've mentioned either make or buy, and it appears I found a price I can live with.
https://a.co/d/eWsTBv6 and the reviews are not bad.

Ddaybc · September 02, 2024, 08:59:51 AM

Naranja_CT5+ nice chain. 12 mm? That's big. I have a Kryptonite chain for my bike and it's about the same thickness I think. HEAVY. Are you sure a chain that big fit on your shackle?

John Rose · September 04, 2024, 09:33:17 AM

Quote from: Naranja_CT5+ on August 31, 2024, 08:43:41 AMI found that the model I bought was not capable of using the ABUS adaptor chain.

I've mentioned either make or buy, and it appears I found a price I can live with.
https://a.co/d/eWsTBv6 and the reviews are not bad.

That looks alright.
Does the shackle of the cafe lock fit through the small links?

Naranja_CT5+ · September 08, 2024, 03:21:22 PM

Quote from: John Rose on September 04, 2024, 09:33:17 AMDoes the shackle of the cafe lock fit through the small links?

Quote from: Ddaybc on September 02, 2024, 08:59:51 AMHEAVY. Are you sure a chain that big fit on your shackle?

Sorry for the late reply. I was waiting for the delivery so I can take a picture.
So it was what I was expecting ... HEAVY. It was meant for motorcycles/mopeds. But it is exactly what I wanted. It looked heavy duty steel. I think the shackles are now the weakest link (no pun intended). I'm hoping this style of frame lock makes it awkward to cut the shackle. I'm hoping this buys me 30 minutes of theft proofing. Lastly it is not something I would keep on my bike. I meant to bring it only when I am going shopping or running an errands.

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Cafe lock with chain