Mounting a bike lock

[mk4kc5cmc4]

Hello Mustachians! Long time reader, first time poster. I have a question I think this group might have a good answer for. I normally use a U-lock for my bike, which came with a plastic mount that attaches to the bike frame. Picture:



The problem is that the weight of the lock is too much for the plastic mount, so after 3-4 months the mount cracks.




I have replaced two of them at ~$10 a pop including shipping, but I can't take the waste of money and plastic anymore. I'm looking into back rack options, but not sure my bike can accommodate one, so looking for alternatives. Any suggestions appreciated!

[SweatingInAR]

Do you have any scrap PVC laying around? Or know anyone with a junk-filled garage and tools?

https://www.instructables.com/Bike-Lock-Holder/

[GuitarStv]

A big, heavy U-lock is best kept in one location all the time and not held on the bike frame.  If you're biking to work, leave it locked up outside the office.

For quick errands, get a lighter weight cable or chain.  It's not as secure, but is less miserable to cycle around with and since they're quick errands you can get away with a little less security.  You can wrap these around your waist or wear it looped over a shoulder like a bandolier while cycling.

If you desperately need to carry your U-lock around all the time, get a rear rack:

[mk4kc5cmc4]

Do you have any scrap PVC laying around? Or know anyone with a junk-filled garage and tools?

https://www.instructables.com/Bike-Lock-Holder/

Wow, this is a great idea. I can probably do something like this, though the brake cable running down the frame will complicate it a little. I had been looking at cheap metal clamps for something similar. Thought I might be able to get two of these and some kind of coupler.

A big, heavy U-lock is best kept in one location all the time and not held on the bike frame.  If you're biking to work, leave it locked up outside the office.

For quick errands, get a lighter weight cable or chain.  It's not as secure, but is less miserable to cycle around with and since they're quick errands you can get away with a little less security.  You can wrap these around your waist or wear it looped over a shoulder like a bandolier while cycling.

If you desperately need to carry your U-lock around all the time, get a rear rack:

I work from home, so no 8+ hour unattended stretches, this is mostly for just bombing around the city for fun/errands. I do want to be able to leave it for a couple of hours and feel decent about it though. But yeah, I think a rack might really be the only good solution. Which kind of shocks me. I think if the company made a metal version of the plastic mount it comes with, it would probably be fine.

[GuitarStv]

You could always get a good sized piercing on your nose and just wear the lock as you ride.  Might be more popular amongst the younger punk music crowd though.  :P

[Posthumane]

I recommend you just move the existing mount up a few inches until the lock touches the top tube, then put a small bungee around the lock and top tube. This will carry the weight of the lock while the seat tube mount keeps it from flopping about. This is probably the most economical solution. That being said, a rack use useful for other things as well.

[ixtap]

I have always had a basket and/or rack on my bikes. I love being able to take a picnic, for example. DH recently got a trunk for his rack, but the one that will fit mine is backordered.

[getsorted]

A number of options. Generally, behind the seat is a good place: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCGmFiRjCoE

You can buy fancy leather holsters, do the full diy in the video, or do a bungee-and-wine-cork arrangement (pictured).

[GuitarStv]

A number of options. Generally, behind the seat is a good place: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCGmFiRjCoE

You can buy fancy leather holsters, do the full diy in the video, or do a bungee-and-wine-cork arrangement (pictured).

That looks like it would rub the back of your leg while pedaling.