I think France is a great place with far better attitudes and freedom in a lot of cases than here, and they'll not lie down and accept some of the cr*p we put up with.
France, like virtually every other country has its fair share of theiving scum bags.
As for fully comp, i pay less than £500 for 3 bikes so don't think its too bad. My postcode is fairly highly rated being in a big city rather than out in the sticks.
As for security, i've tried to make my place very secure, but when out and about always try and keep the bike in sight, use a good disc lock, plus its alarmed and dataged.
There always will be times when the bike will be out of sight, but try and pick a parking place carefully, but also carry a shortened top qaulity ALMAX chain so we can lock 2 bikes together to stop them being lifted into a van.
ALMAX are the only people who make chains that can't be bolt cropped, i've seen them do it to 3 of my chains, supposed top of the range Abus granite stuff when testing.
I've also tested the ALMAX chain with the aid of the fire brigade, with their jaws of life hydraulic bolt croppers and the use of my mates engineering place so i know the stuff is GOOD. ALMAX chains are the best and that whats goes on my bikes.
I know there are ways of cutting anything, but i'm sure as hell not going to broadcast this info; but bolt croppers are the most used method because its quick and quiet. Villians do not want to take too long or attract attention to themselves. Always lock your bike to something secure so it can't just be lifted into a van.
I speak from bitter experience having had 2 bikes nicked in the past, but also had the very fortunate and incredibly rare pleasure of introducing the thief to hospital food, when he fell over by accident.
