Please recommend a lock for a station bike.

I think a Kryptonite Evolution (orange) should be stronger than most locks used at the Maplewood station, and that's what you need. You want a would-be thief to prefer another lock to break over yours.

The Kryptonite chains are arguably more secure and easier to use, but they are heavier.

Their New York (yellow) series are supposed to be stronger than Evolution but are probably overkill.

It's possible that even an OnGuard U-lock is adequate.

I recommend using a cable to secure one or both wheels to the bike frame, since it's hard to lock the frame and both wheels with one lock. This is a good way to balance security and convenience. Even in New York where bike theft is rampant, I have never had a thief break my cable just to get one of my wheels, and I have valuable wheels.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/content/kryt-us/en/products/product-information/current-key/000952.html

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/content/kryt-us/en/products/product-information/current-key/001669.html

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/content/kryt-us/en/products/product-information/current-key/001010.html

You also want to use a bike that isn't much more desirable than the other bikes at the station. It should be as old and ugly as you can manage.

Tom_Reingold said:

You also want to use a bike that isn't much more desirable than the other bikes at the station. It should be as old and ugly as you can manage.

 Sucks that you have to jump through hoops so someone doesn't steal from you. I use the Kryptonite NY'er with an accessory cable for my motorcycle. It would probably be easier to cut through the bike rack than that lock. 

Thanks, I went with the Kryptonite chain lock and will keep my fingers crossed. I just picked up my old hybrid from the shop where they serviced it and shined it up. Guess I'll need to ride through a few puddles to ugly it up a bit! 

I started saving for a bike when I was 12, and have had that one and three others stolen, all but one of them locked. I now keep my road bike in the dining room.

Make sure that you loop the chain through the wheels and the frame.  I've learned the hard way that if the theif can't take your bike he'll take you wheels.  They'll even cut the $45 locking skewers that you thought would keep the wheels on the bike :{

Had my bike stolen using a regular chain combination lock.  I would go with something solid if it is a bike that is worth anything.

Here's a deal on one of the Kryptonite Kryptoloks that my son just directed me to yesterday (sorry--just saw this thread now):

http://slickdeals.net/f/7797859-kryptonite-kryptolok-series-2-bicycle-u-lock-w-4-foot-flex-cable-30-free-shipping

Maybe the link will prove useful for someone.

The cable that goes along with that lock will only deter the most casual of theives, but the u-lock that goes with it will keep at least the frame safe.

I have returned to a wheel-less frame before, late at night, after an office party. It's bizarre how violated I felt.