Locking bicycles in bed

Just got my new 2014 taco DCSB, and until i install a cap, i need to be able to lock and secure multiple bikes in the bed that can be left untended. I've purchased two of the rocky mount clutch SDs to mount in in the channels in the front of the bed. These lock, and i suppose i could run a cable between the d-rings on the side of the bed. But since these are attached to the bed with torx, it seems that they can be unscrewed pretty simply.

Any suggestions?

 

I mountain bike. One of your best defenses against theft out of the truck would be not leaving them in the truck in the first place. I know it sounds strange, but it's true.

Next, see if your auto or renters or homeowners insurance will cover your bike if it's stolen from your truck.

Park in a good visible spot for quick trips away from bikes & truck if you must, and use a good lock/chain combo like a "kryptonite new york fahgettaboudit" or a "onguard rottweiler."

Again, if you can, avoid leaving them in the bed where they could turn into an easy grab with the help of bolt cutters. A thick cable can eventually be chewed through with a pair of side cutters or wire cutters as people call them.

 

This doesn't sound strange at all. I raced road, mtb and track bikes for years and lived in a large metropolitan area (very high crime rate). The advice I'd give people buying high priced bikes is don't bother buying any lock. If your bike is out of your hands and sight long enough to require a lock, it will get stolen in very short order.

I find it a little different while traveling. You do need to stop from time to time and leave the bikes on the roof rack, in the truck, etc.

I bought the Tacoma with the thought I'd buy a cap to protect my bikes from theft and weather. But until i get a cap, I'm trying to make due.

I'll use the rocky mounts clutch fork mounts that lock for the time being, and i bought a 20 ft python cable lock to add a little extra security but not much). That should hold me over until I can spring for the cap.

 

I use the dring to run a cable through. It is just a deterent. If for short periods of time that will suffice for me. For longer periods, you could run it through the bumper hitch points. If you have a hitch

My suggestion if you do is to also wrap the cable around the fork bridge. This will deter people from trying to disassemble your fork and steing just that. It's happened to me before. But if ur using rocky mounts that should help. I usually am hanging mthe bikes off my tailgate.

 

I use a tailgate pad when we head into the hills, the only time I leave my bike in the back is when we stop to get fish tacos and beer afterwards...I run a cable lock through the frames and lock it to the d rings in the back of the bed...I also park it where I can see it from the window of the brewery/restaurant. I personally don't take any chances when I have multiple 5k mountain bikes in plain sight

 

http://www.gizmag.com/bikespike-gps-bicycle-anti-theft/26691/

Dont lock it, just install this!

 

Know this is probably not what you're looking for but I get to whore out some pictures

My bikes rarely come off the truck unless I'm riding them or putting them up when I get back home. I work 24hr shifts and they stay on the back with no issues (yet).

Yakima BedRock rack with 66" cross bars and 2 Viper bike trays. Bikes stay locked on the truck and I've got a 7' rubberized steel cable running through the front wheels in the bed. I suppose if someone really wanted them they could get them off but like DD said, they want a quick score. They would have to mess around with this for quite a while and you would have to know what you were doing to get the bikes off. Not saying it can't be done but I make it very hard for them.

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I am in the exact situation you are in. I have 2 Rocky Mount clutch SD's installed right now, and use a cable/-ulock as well. I ordered a shell last week and to be honest that is the one negative about having the shell will be...I won't be able to use those Rocky Mount's anymore, the handlebars go above cab-height. So with it being a DCSB, Ill have to take the front wheel off most likely and just load the bike in on it's side. Kind of a drag, but the benefits of having the shell will far outweigh that.

 

If you decide to sell those rocky mounts, holla.

 

I run a land scaping business and often leave blowers and weed wackers in the back when i go into stores... I always back the truck in and try to be by a security camera andif possible do it by a window so i can sometimes watch... never had a problem but i tend to think bikes or more valuable.... id just run a lock through em

 

Auto won't cover it. A bicycle is considered Personal Property. A Homeowners(HO3), Renters(HO4), or Condos/Cooperatives(HO6) will cover it. 10% of the Personal Property shown on policy is covered worldwide. This goes for any personal property, ie, luggage, camping gear, etc. Deductible on policy applies. Keep your receipts!

 

When you do get your shell. Tint the windows 100% and don't apply decals that literally advertise the contents of the truck. Even then keep your goods in sight. Notice the "secondary security" cable in lower left of the picture. LOL Some thieves love a challenge so think like one to prevent it from happening

 

Yakima has some nice locking options:
http://www.yakima.com/shop/bike/truck-bed/bikerbar-md

Plus fork adapters for what ever style of bike you have. Ex:
http://www.yakima.com/shop/bike/bike-accessories/15mm-fork-adapter

 

I had planned on taking the rocky mounts out of the channel, removing the mounting hardware, and bolting the mounts to a piece of 2 x 6 to use in the back of the bed. The only issue is that my wife hates mid-rise caps, and my bikes won't fit into a cab-high cap when on a fork mount unless the seat posts are removed.

 

I agree with your wife. I understand your problem and I would have the same issue with my bikes but the look of a mid rise cap is hideous.

 

Thanks for the further info Jerry.

 

OP, I went to my local hardware store and bought tamper resistant screws and a matching bit to make it more difficult for someone to take my bike. I went local cause if i ever lose the bit, a replacement is right in town. Cost less that $7.

 

With the bikes locked its next to impossible to get a torx bit or any tool to make correct contact with the bolts so I'm not sure what your worried about.

 

I guess I must just be trusting, lucky, or stupid. Maybe all three. Maybe my cheap ass bikes just aren't a target?

I never lock my bike/s, never had an issue in years of hauling them on the back of my old Honda, and I don't anticipate an issue hauling them in the back of the Tacoma in the same areas.

That said, I always park with them in sight or have other options for maintaining some degree of visual contact every so often.

I suppose if I were inclined to lock them, I'd run a cable through the D-rings as noted by others. Most thieves around my area aren't professional, but opportunists, so any lock will cause them to move on; and doubt any of them have a Torx socket to fit (I don't even have a Torx socket to fit...).

I guess YMMV depending on where you live, the value of your shit, and the level of criminal enterprise around you.

 

Think you hit it right there


Just messing with ya