always going to be dependent on your needs. Are you bothered about a huge heavy chain? do you want/need something flexible?

I have one, yup they're damn heavy! I use a big chain at work, but that stays there. I have the folding one for out and about because it's compact, but sure adds to the weight. Tempted to buy a few of these for the old bikes we leave at the caravan though, need something light weight.

On reading this thread today, I browsed a few videos (as you do) and some inventors realised that very problem that the weight of a bike has become less over the years but the weight of security locks has remained the same or got heavier. That's why I referenced one of many products on the market such as http://www.litelok.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXiUg0L5VBk that help keep the overall riding weight down to a minimum, yet offer good security. I don't own that particular lock but like many other new creative solutions, it's interesting. Pricey though at £85 each but it really depends upon how much we value our bikes and the cost of replacement...

If a bike is used for commuting, I've seen some videos that suggest not carrying your lock at all but storing it at work etc, especially the heavy duty motorcycle locks. I think I also saw the metal folding type of lock that was made of carbon fibre weighing in at less than 1/2kg.

Having written all that and like AlanClarke above, I've used a simple cable lock before (my nine year old daughter's lock; similar to this listing) for convenience to tie two bikes together whilst having a picnic than go to the lengths of threading various cables and locks through wheels/seat/frame. The bikes close by and within sight, simply used as a means to stop someone jumping on and riding away in the blink of an eye. The cable locks have their uses, which is why I voted hot but would use a "proper" solution at all other times when out of sight (even when just nipping into a local store) combining two different gold-standard locks.

I paid £60 for my bike (off ebay) - so two of these would be ideal.
It's insured for about £500 (that's the list price) - assuming I actually want to keep it. What would you recommend?

I think there are OK for that, if you look at the D locks then the sell a similar cable to these to do precisely that. Honestly I don't think they are any worse than a D lock, there is no guarantee with any lock. I know people that have had bikes nicked from their garage with D locks attached to cemeted in fittings. Angle grinder thru the garage door like cheese and the D lock wasn't much better.

You are right about the d-locks, reminds me of a time 10 years ago in my student days, I went to a cafe for a £2.99 latte with a friend, and left my bike on a rack with a kryptonite d-lock. 2 blokes tried to use tools to open the lock, I had my coffee and laughed, my friend was shocked and could not understand until I told him the bike probably cost less than the lock, if they can open the lock they can have the bike - as they need it more than I do. We went out and asked them if we could help, they told us they lost the key and were trying to undo the bike rack, another friend came over (having been to the gym) and had a friendly word with them whilst I decided to put their tools in the bin, then rode off with the bike.

^ this. I use a cheap lock like this on my front wheel in combination with my 'SoldSecure Gold' D Lock (which locks the back wheel and frame).

Bike locking is like running away from a bear. You only need to make your bike less nickable than the bike you're parked next to. A good quality D lock on the rear and a cheapy cable lock on the front and I figure they won't bother and'll move on to the next bike.

In part, I agree that voting should likely be about the best price available for that item over it's pricing history but inevitably many other variables come into the equation for astute buyers (which many Hukkers are) when deciding which way to vote. Everyone's opinion on how they vote will naturally differ.

For example: availability. Why would an item get 1000' heat if there's only 1 item left on a local shelf and not a national deal? There's also the issue of whether the item is fit for purpose, not to be confused with best in class. If I buy a bike lock, I want some degree of certainty that it's going to keep my bike locked or make it a deterrent against a would-be thief or opportunist. For that reason, cheap items (locks in this case) are essentially high-risk worthless items. I feel that one of the purposes of this site is also to advise other buyers who may not be as knowledgeable. I just watched a YouTube video where 3 similar locks were cut off in less than 15 seconds. In my neighbourhood, there's a refuge for drug/alcohol abusers...literally opposite a row of shops and you can pretty much guarantee some [insert relevant adjective here] person is lurking about or watching who's coming and going, thinking it'll be okay to use a £1 lock on their bike.

I actually voted HOT for the price, although I wouldn't touch this item with a barge pole so the GET DEAL becomes pretty pointless. I dislike voting cold but there are a growing number of listings on HUKD that I now vote cold for the reason that GET DEAL isn't an option, although credit to any OP for finding a great deal for themselves. Without GET DEAL being clicked, HUKD's referral revenue plummets.

But don't let me prevent anyone from putting a £1 lock on their £1,000 bike or 3 separate £1 locks...

Leaving a lock at a location where it could be compromised is the worst advice anyone could give.

maybe if you just had to nip into a shop for half a minute as the op suggests

anything longer and agreed