Hal Grades Your Bike Locking

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Hal Grades Your Bike Locking

Since it's officially the first week of Bike Month, we resurrected this 2003 bikeTV classic that was my first work to gain worldwide noterity in the alternative transportation world.

We hit the streets of Soho with the help of Bicycle Habitat's most famous mechanic Hal Ruzal - who humorously grades the bike locking ability of New Yorkers. Sure he's harsh, but also damn funny while dispensing useful anecdotes from his many decades in the biz. Hopefully you'll learn how to keep your bike safe and avoid a failing grade.

Note: Make sure to catch the sequel!

http://www.pdxk.com/crankmychain Dan Kaufman

Hal is a RIOT! He has great insight and uses humor to get his point across. More please.
http://www.bikehoustsonst.net IanD

But Hal...my New York chain already weighs more than my bike! Do I hafta lock my back wheel to get an A?

And to be picky - sure looks like you're walking around Nolita more than Soho, Clarence. Geography, B+.

Best part - when the guy leans out the window and says, "I get a C?!?"
jaysus

Hmmm, the two bikes that are locked to the street signs (the ones made of steel with the holes in the center) should definately get downgraded as often times these signs can be removed/or the lock can be lifted off the top of the sign. Other than that exceleent!
http://www.livablestreets.com/people/trorb/ Clarence

Ian:

Yeah we were all around the area so technically let's call it SoHoNoLita! I think that is what that area was called by the Dutch back in the 1600s.

But I'll take the B+
ElizabethM

I saw this video about two years ago and met Hal a year after that. At least I knew what to expect!

He's a crazy man in real life, -and- he plays one on tv.
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max

it is very useful to my life
http://www.alifelessmediated.blogspot.com nickdigital

I wish i would have known the importance of a New York lock when i first moved here from DC so ever long ago. Lost my first bike that way. They were kind enough to leave my cut lock though.
Andy B

Too bad you didn't actually go over locking a bike in the most ideal way possible. I agree with all that I saw but it still could be unclear to a total beginner.

Peace
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BGGB

Great video with good tips, but I was definitely hoping for tips on how/where to place the lock, both on the bike, and on which kind of signs/poles.

Thanks!
http://www.karmaarmy.com Senan Gorman

We love Hal and his awesome passion for our cycling/biking community's well-being. We're big fans Hal and hope to meet up with you soon!

Senan
aka GeneralKarma
KarmaArmy.com
"Like an Amber Alert for your Bike"
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Jen

He didn't point out any locking jobs that have the problem I see ALL the time around the corner from me: people lock their bikes to the crossbar of a scaffolding. You can remove a scaffoling crossbar in seconds with a crescent wrench. If the bike is locked to a removable crossbar, it doesn't matter how good the lock is! It can be stolen.

Sometimes I think of removing the bar and leaving the bike standing there by itself, just so people can see how stupid they are. But I never do.
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This is great. With this highly grades of lock, theft will not harm anymore your bicycle.
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Pstiegl102

Interesting. I'm going to follow up on his suggestions because he has put more thought into this than I ever could have dreamed. I had a bike stolen once and it will be the last time.
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Hannahvjones83

I'm confused....aren't there any purpose built bike parking areas in Manhattan... ?! It seems like the only option is a pole that you hope your D-lock fits round...
mondegreen

he is like the happy brother of norman finklestein, weird
Anderhu

Thanks Hal. Next week I'm moving two of my children to NYC and both have great bikes - I've been wondering what kind of locks to get and how to lock them - this little film was informative and enjoyable and I"m telling my kids to get their bikes serviced at Bike Habitat!
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Anonymous

Hal's an amazing dude. I walked my bike into Bicycle Habitat for something and he said something like:

"83, 84 Bianchi Triumpho"

I was stunned because he was correct. If he wasn't in Manhattan I would have him work on my bike but I'm in BK.
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Babybaborella

If that bike was locked up so darn well, why did he not give it an A+? Great video thanks very much!
Doug

What is the weight of carrying the suggested amount of locks?
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Nikki

Hi, What's the name of the song playing at the end of the video? Thanks! Also, very helpful and informative tips.
David Buccola

Hal is the best! He's an amazing mechanic and a great guy. Awesome video!
Los Angeles College Rider

Hal, My cheap bike & 4 expensive locks will get an A+ and make you laugh.. I have a Walmart GMC Denali, locked with a TiGr bow lock, 2 Kryptonite New Yorks, a Kevlar cable through the both D locks, and an OnGuard heavy chain & lock. I take the pedals off and run a cable through the crank holes, I remove the quick release seat & post. Also, i put a hinged pipe repair clamp from Home Depot on both D locks with heavy masters lock holding both clamps shut. Bottom Line: A $160 bike with over $400 worth of locks and hardware.
Charlie Canfield

i'd get and A+, but still had my bike HANDLEBARS stolen; haven't figured a great way to secure them except glue a BB pellet in the allen screw. Gotta love that crystal meth work ethic...
disqus_fb4s6p3t4F

Hose clamps around the quick release.. Why hadnt I thought of that before?
elleesttrois

I want pictures.

I, too, have a pretty old, worthless bike. But she has sentimental value. I bought her from a college co-op mate. She's a 1990-ish Diamondback Ascent. I still lock it with two cables and a u-lock. And I remove the lights since bitch-ass thieves will take those too.
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Benji

Why anybody would steal these pieces of shit is beyond me
http://dobots.nl Anne van Rossum

Yeah, the Dutch used English abbreviations. It should then have been NoKita and ZuHo.
Jason Towers

There's a couple systems that come with custom security fasteners that come with skewers, seatpost, and handlebars. Look up security skewers and handlebar and pick your favorite. Usually around $50 for the set that covers wheels seats and bars
Stevo

like the guy said, weed.
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