Cycle Security/Anti Theft

Our bikes are G-Tech City Bikes which weigh 16kg including the battery and have a range of about 12-15 miles. Their combined weight has to be considered carefully when hanging 30kg+ on a bike rack nearly 3 metres behind the rear axle.

I wish I had paid more attention in my physics lessons at school, then I might have been able to work out what force they are exerting. 

Carthago C-Compactline i138. A class.

I've just replaced my 8 yr old Bosch driven Gepida with a Specialized Vado SL and the difference is marked. The Vado is far, far lighter (smaller battery, lighter motor, no suspension forks etc) but the upshot is that it is far easier to cycle without power. In fact I do 90% of my riding unassisted now, which actually means despite a smaller battery (320wh agains the Bosch 400wh) it gives an enormous range. Also means charging less often when off grid. Very pleased with it....

I know ask myself whether I should have just gone back to a very light road bike.....

Some interesting and good posts. We are keen cyclists as well, so always like to hear from others. 

Heads up for anyone who might visit Clumber Park Site…..we visited for first time ever a couple of months ago (it’s our nearest Site to home). We were rather apprehensive about taking our bikes with us, but have to say found the Club provided lock up storage very good. Two big secure cabins, access electronically controlled via cards, racks inside to store, you just use your own security chains/locks. There’s even a “tool & repair station” just outside cabins for pre ride checks. Site was busy (mid week) when we were there, lots of bikes in storage, in use. Wouldn’t want to say what it’s like at weekends, but mid week it was fine. Clumber is nice for cycling, and beyond.

Ferry Meadows would benefit from similar storage, bike thefts can be an issue there as well.

A-ha, just trawled through and realised your former username and associated avatar showing your MH. Trust you are keeping well.

There wasn't a C-Compactline in Brum last week, disappointingly. Offputting was the packs cost to get what we were looking for, so went elsewhere.

You got there in the end, KS 😀

We regularly tour with our E-bikes on the back of our small MH. Key issue is good insurance. They are only bikes (albeit quite expensive ones, my OH has an E-road bike) so it’s inconvenience rather than emotional/sentimental issues.
Having had bikes stolen from home, my top tip is to make sure you have photographs of your cycles, keep every receipt for your bikes/cycling as aside from the actual bikes themselves, ours have a lot of extras/modifications such as clip in cleat pedals, bottle racks, computers and mounts (unclipped when not in use) saddle bags, racks, mudguards, lights, cameras, contents of saddlebags, etc…..OH’s cycle is custom built for him, so extras like handlebars, stems are over and above the initial purchase price. When our bikes were stolen from our garage at home, we were able to list each extra with a dated receipt, and the insurance assessor who came out to help us, took copies of everything and we were paid in full for everything taken, as well as the damage to our property. The whole process was quick and as it should be, value of stolen goods paid in full. 
Another tip when travelling. We have some serious locks for on our rack, but we carry a motorcycle quality security chain as well, if we take our bikes off the rack and store locked to something else immoveable. We also use a couple of personal siren alarms, tied out of sight on bikes, with the barely visible lines coming in through our rear window. One tug on a bike and all hell breaks loose. We used the motorcycle chain at Clumber, inside the security sheds.

Thankfully, we haven’t had any problems touring with our bikes, bar a very funny one. We left our bikes on a CL, well hidden with the owners help, locked securely to an immoveable object, covered and out of general sight. Went out for day, came back, checked on bikes, all fine. Got up next morning for a ride, got bikes out……..blasted squirrels had had a feast on our cycle seats, ruddy great chunks missing🤨🤭