Simply Cycle: Security enhancements/fun with inflatables

We live in a frightening world. One where bicycles are taken from us. The monetary loss is horrendous but the emotional toll involved is crushing. After developing a personal relationship with each component and the myriad decisions we make it's understandable. After all, when you hold something that closely between your legs for years, you grow rather fond of it.Occasionally you hear of a happy ending after somebody has lost a loved one, but usually it's just pain.

It's hard not to get emotional, but our fear has made the lock industry proud.

Here is what I depend upon as a matter of review:

The lightweight cable lock, good for practically nothing, a glorified pair of scissors will beat it, but seems to deter completely honest people from stealing something they didn't want.

The Ring Lock, attaches to the frame, you can't forget it, and prevents the casual ride-away. Not bad, it adds about a pound to the frame which you would carry in your pocket, it can be supplemented with a cable or chain and only a grinder will get through it.

The trusy U-Lock. The choice of professional messengers, again impervious to anything but a grinder, I use it in high crime neighborhoods and any strange town. It's about two lbs to put in your pocket and help expose your butt crack to the world.

The Abus Bordo, link lock. I've seen reports that this has worn out grinder wheels. It has a holster to mount on the frame, and it better because it weighs 4 lbs. I take it to any strange city, on long tours when weight is not a question and, in Chicago I use it in conjunction with a Ring and/or U Lock. It makes me feel good, unless I am pedaling uphill.

I understand that the Boston Police have instituted a new program, the cardboard cop.

Don't even snicker, this is real. I didn't see it on my recent trip, but they say theft has gone down 67% since these things have been set up. It's an important step. Obviously it would be difficult to carry a life size cardboard cop with you, but there could be options.