How Thick Should A Bike Cable Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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And if you want to be absolutely sure your bike lock can’t be defeated by bolt cutters, you normally need a chain or a u-lock shackle that is

at least 16 mm thick

. Because at 16 mm, good quality, properly hardened steel is too thick to be cropped by any manual bolt cutters.

Whats more secure chain or cable?

unless you find a chain that was used on a battleship anchor, that

cable

is gonna be the way to go. We use a relatively thin gauge and it takes much more time to cut it than it does to cut a chain. It frays really bad – so at least the potential thief might be detured knowing that cutting the cable will take some time.

Which is better chain or cable bike lock?


A decent chain is better than pretty much any cable lock

. Cable locks can be cut with hand tools that fit in your pocket. A decent (but portable) cable needs a long bolt cutter. Possible exception are Litelock Gold thick cable locks, but they weigh similar to a chain.

Is a cable lock good enough?

Perhaps you regularly find yourself in a location where a U-lock can’t fit around what you’re trying to lock your bike to, but a chain is much too heavy for you to carry, and

a cable lock isn’t secure enough

(for what it’s worth, we do not recommend cable locks used alone, ever, because they are so easily snipped).

What is the hardest bike lock to break?

  1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit: Strongest U Lock. …
  2. Abus Granit X-Plus 54 Mini: Strong and Light. …
  3. Kryptonite New York Standard: Strong and Big. …
  4. OnGuard Brute Mini: Strong and Cheap. …
  5. Pragmasis Protector: Strongest Stationary Chain Lock. …
  6. Kryptonite New York Noose: Strongest Portable Chain Lock.

Are all bike cables the same?


Shifter cable ends are the same

. Although nowadays many cables come with both ends, one on each end, and you can cut off the one you’re not using. There are two basic types of cables; brake and shifter. Brake cables are thicker, typically 1.5/1.6mm in diameter.

Are bike cables universal?


MTB/Road brake cables are interchangeable

and used for bikes with cable-activated brakes (rim brakes and non-hydraulic disc brakes).

Are all derailleur cables the same?


Shifter (derailleur) cables come in two standards, main difference being the end barrel

, though cable thickness also tends to differ: Campagnolo standard – 1.1 to 1.2 mm cable diameter, with a bit smaller diameter barrel at the end.

Is cable harder to cut than chain?

Cut Through Cheap Cable in 60 Seconds or Less

bolt cutter can cut through 5/8-in., vinyl-coated, flexible, braided, steel cable in 60 seconds.

The cable took a bit longer than solid chain

because it didn’t sever as cleanly.

Are cables the same as chains?

The Differences

As the name implies, snow chains are metal links that cover your car tires and dig into snow and ice to give you better traction as you drive.

Snow cables are steel cables encased in a protective material that also give you better traction in the snow

.

Are cable locks easy to cut?

Can bolt cutters cut Au lock?

The biggest bolt cutters (36 and 42′′) are usually only used by serious bike thieves. But

they can crop mid range u-locks and chains and sometimes even the higher end locks

.

Is there anything an angle grinder can’t cut?

The inspiration behind this creation is the natural defense mechanisms used by shells, grapefruit skins, and fish scales that makes them resistant from the attacks of various sea creatures.

The material, named Proteus, cannot be cut using either angle grinders, drills, or high-pressure water jets.

Can Kryptonite locks be cut?

How do you store bike cables?

  1. Keep The Chain In Your Rucksack When Cycling (If You Feel Strong!) Most good quality chain locks are going to be heavy. …
  2. Put Your Chain Around Your Waist/Shoulder When Riding. …
  3. Keep Your Chain In Your Pannier/Basket Whilst Riding. …
  4. Leave the Chain Lock at Your Destination When Riding.

Are bike locks easy to break?

Is There an Unbreakable Bike Lock? Technically speaking there isn’t a bike lock on the market that’s unbreakable.

With the right tools and enough time, any lock out there could be cut or broken

.

What can I use instead of a bike lock?

  1. Don’t let yours be their first choice. Let your bike get lost in the crowd. Park next to a nicer bike.
  2. Improvise a lock. Zip ties. Vines and twigs. Bungee cord. Helmet strap.
  3. Dismantle your bike. Remove a wheel. Loosen a wheel. Dislodge the chain. Take your seat post.

Is there a cable that can’t be cut?

Is there a chain that can’t be cut with bolt cutters? The short answer is

yes, you can get cut-resistant chain

. It’s hardened throughout its thickness, and its flat face distributes the force of the bolt cutter’s jaw over a wide area, thereby diffusing it.

Why do people steal bikes?

Acquisitive: These thieves steal bicycles

for financial gain

and usually trade them for cash or goods. The bikes may also be sold in pieces for drugs or money.

How can I make my bike less attractive to thieves?

If you must leave your bike locked in a public place, don’t make it look too perfect and shiny.

Some dirt or duct tape

can make it look less attractive to the crooks. For bicycle protection tape your seatpost, handlebars, and various places on your frame to make your bike parts look worn and shabby.

Are Shimano and SRAM cables the same?


the cable ends are the same, and they work

. sram pitstop cables are 1.1mm and shimano cables are 1.2mm. i like the sram pitstop cables for all shimano/sram bikes a bit better and use the all the time. but, either will work.

What is a bike cable?

They comprise

an inner cable made of twisted steel wire that runs through an outer sleeve from your bike’s control levers on the bar to the brakes or derailleurs

. Both gear and brake cables are made of tightly wound individual wires.

When should I change my gear cable?

When should I replace bike brake cables?

Do shifters come with cables?


The shifter will come with a new cable installed

. You can reuse the housing.

Can I use shifter cable for brakes?


The derailleur cables may work for a little while as brake cables, but they won’t last long

. Also, the smaller heads on the cables will likely tear up the cable stops inside your levers. xnavalav8r wrote: The derailleur cables may work for a little while as brake cables, but they won’t last long.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.