the un-swipable saddle!

nobody likes standing the entire ride home, so tonight (and since a friend asked), I'm sharing (4) methods to secure your saddle so you can worry a little less about it being [easily] swiped:

#1) The 5 and Dime Cable Lock Method
this might be one of the few instances when a cable lock is well, useful. most swipers are out to swipe a quick release saddle. by using a cable lock, it deters them enough to, most of the time, pass it up for another unsuspecting, unprotected saddle.

the saddle (seen below) "appears" to be secured down, but the owner clearly neglected to actually secure the saddle by looping it through the bike frame. I wouldn't mind setting my ass on that saddle one bit, but maybe that's cause Im a sucker for a type-free saddle.

this is an example of how NOT to use a cable lock (seen below).

this cyclist is thinking in the right vain by securing down both wheels and the frame by using the cable to keep their entire bike locked down. however, one quick snip and the entire bike is totally swipable. what should this biker do? at least secure that u-lock to the rear wheel and the street sign so only part of their bike is swipeable.

#2) The Chain+Tube Trick
you can also use an old chain in an old tube trick to lock it into place. while this is just as "attractive" as the cable, it is both a) harder to cut through and b) being green in that you are recycling old, used materials.


#3) My Father's Method: The Good Ol' Plastic Bag!
he is the cheapest of the cheap but is one of the sharpest tools in the shed. recycle an ugly recycled old plastic bag and do what most of the delivery guys in the city do, cover your saddle w/ that ugly old recycled plastic bag. I just always assume it's a crab-infested saddle and steer clear ;)

just as a sidenote... it is always a "good" idea to physically lock down your bike, unlike what this delivery man did to secure his bike; although he did make an attempt by chaining his wheel to his frame.

#4) The Pull-out Method
not to be confused w/ the pull-out method used while romping in the hay, BUT very similar in concept if you ask me. after you lock up your bike, "pull-out" your saddle and take it w/ you. a no-brainer if you ask me and this is what I do even though mine isn't a quick-release.

remember, when locking down your saddle, be sure to remove saddle bags and lights that aren't already secured down. while I might not have all of the answers posted right here, I hope that what I've learned will help you next time you take your 2-wheeler to the streets. feel free to share you tips as well. NEXT!