How to keep your bike seat from getting stolen.

 by fossilfool
3547103803_c6ee1d151d.jpg
3547912244_a3c04e8c77.jpg
3547911854_3d2bb91188.jpg
3547102581_4db0a5aa6a.jpg
3547102149_f8f99a2982.jpg
3547102149_f8f99a2982.jpg
Use an old chain and a trashed innertube to keep your seat by getting stolen. Most bike related theft is prevented if the act will take the theif longer than a few seconds. Even if they do have a bolt cutter on them, they're less likely to take your seat if they have to pull the bolt cutter out of their bag.

We learned this trick fromStreet Level Cycles at Aquatic Park in Berkeley. Support your local community bike program!

 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Take an old chain and measure a loop.

3547102149_f8f99a2982.jpg
Remember to set the seatpost at the high end of the range where you like it.
flavien008 says: May 2, 2012. 8:57 PM
I did exactly the same BUT with a plastic rope inside the tube!!
1) do a loop with a palstic rope (like 1m long)
2) attatch by a nail inside the top of the bike-seat-tube
3) evaluate if the length is ok but doing the same temporaty inside the bottom of the bike-tube
4) change the lenth if necessary
5) put the mail, cut it 3 mm away from the outside of the tube, hit it with a hammer
(no sound of metal, invisible, you can move and turn the seat, but not extract it while the rope is here, then you need a hammer or a saw, because the rope is ptotected by the tubes) !
enjoy!
jolshefsky says: May 20, 2009. 9:36 PM
That's a genius idea. Here I've been using vinyl-coated stainless steel cables with crimps all this time!
bangaaking in reply to jolshefskyApr 1, 2012. 12:53 AM
I vote for the steel cables!
Ubbo says: Jan 5, 2012. 1:58 PM
Couldn't you just break the chain with that same tool again?
SWV1787 says: May 21, 2009. 8:31 AM
I like this alot, but does the chain swaying behind you while riding drive you nuts? I think it might me...
JerryMopar in reply to SWV1787May 23, 2009. 11:23 AM
It shouldnt clang too much IMO with the innertube around it.
batvans46 in reply to JerryMoparAug 27, 2011. 4:17 AM
zap strap (zip tie) it to the seat tube.
Hallmar says: Mar 11, 2011. 1:48 PM
Wonderful idea, but when i leave me bike in a bad place, i just take the seat off and then i lock it along my front wheel and frame:]
shift_nismo says: Aug 25, 2009. 11:38 AM
cant you just run your chain through the saddle when locking up your bike?
SurferGeek says: May 24, 2009. 9:19 AM

Great idea but how about this:

Replace the quick release on the seat with a tamper resistant bolt that way the only thing you need to change the height of the seat would be the tamper resistant wrench which is usually quite small and easily pocketed.

Example:
http://www.brycefastener.com/about.htm

Either way, your's is a nice solution but I wouldn't like the added weight and the annoyance of the chain bouncing around.

Yambo says: May 21, 2009. 12:53 PM
If the problem is caused because you have a quick release seat, why don't you just take the seat with you?
jeff-o in reply to YamboMay 22, 2009. 6:55 AM
It's cumbersome, and sometimes you just don't have the room to carry it with you. Plus, there's a chance you'll forget it...
Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

PDF Downloads
As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format. You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.

Upgrade to Pro today!