Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about The Division.
Fit, security, padlock compatibility, ordering, payment, pickup, shipping, and availability.
Fit and Product
Is The Division right for my bike?
What is The Division?
The Division is a five-foot bicycle-security chain built from 9/32-inch Pewag square security chain.
It is covered with a black Cordura sleeve, finished with heat-shrink material at the ends, and hand assembled in East Portland.
Why is it five feet long?
Five feet is the general-purpose length: enough reach for many everyday locking situations without the extra weight and bulk of a much longer chain.
In many common setups, it can route around a secure object, through the rear triangle, and through the front wheel in one continuous path.
Will it fit every bike and locking situation?
No single chain length fits every bicycle, anchor, and parking layout.
The five-foot Division is intended to cover most conventional bicycles and common locking situations. Very large frames, cargo bikes, oversized posts, or awkward parking geometry may require more reach.
How much does it weigh?
The raw chain weighs about 0.75 pounds per foot, or roughly 3.75 pounds for five feet.
The finished chain weighs slightly more once the sleeve and end finishing are added. A padlock adds additional weight.
What does the Cordura sleeve do?
The sleeve helps protect bicycle finishes, reduces noise, and makes the chain easier to handle.
It is not intended to add meaningful cutting resistance.
Will other lengths be offered?
The five-foot version is the initial general-purpose model. Shorter and longer Division options may be offered later for riders with different bikes, carrying preferences, and locking habits.
Security and Use
What can the chain realistically do?
What kind of chain is used?
The Division uses Pewag 9/32-inch square security chain with an electro-galvanized finish.
The chain is case-hardened to a listed surface hardness of 62 HRC through approximately ten percent of the material depth, with a listed core hardness of 49 HRC.
The square profile is designed to make it harder for conventional bolt-cutter jaws to gain an effective bite than they would on a similarly sized round link.
Is it bolt-cutter proof?
No bicycle-security product should be treated as undefeatable.
The hardened square links are designed to resist conventional bolt-cutter attacks, but tool size, leverage, access, technique, and attack time all matter.
Is it angle-grinder proof?
No. The Division is not marketed as angle-grinder proof.
Powered cutting tools can defeat conventional steel security products given enough access and time.
Does it have an independent security rating?
No. The complete chain-and-padlock system has not been certified by an independent bicycle-lock rating organization.
East Portland Chains publishes the component specifications instead of assigning an unsupported security grade.
What is the best way to use it?
Secure the bicycle frame to a fixed object that cannot be easily removed or cut. When the geometry allows, route the chain through the rear triangle and front wheel as well.
Keep the chain reasonably snug, minimize open space, and avoid leaving large loops on the ground where an attacker may have more room to position tools.
Should I use a second lock?
That depends on the value of the bicycle, theft risk, parking location, and how long it will be left unattended.
A second lock can secure another component or require a thief to use more than one attack method.
Padlocks
Choosing compatible locking hardware
What padlocks fit The Division?
The Division is designed to accept compatible padlocks with a shackle diameter of 10 mm or smaller.
Diameter is not the only consideration. The shackle opening, shape, clearance, and lock-body geometry must also allow the chain links to close correctly.
What kind of padlock should I choose?
A hardened locking member, sturdy metal body, secure locking mechanism, and limited exposed shackle are useful features for a bicycle-security application.
Closed-shackle and short-exposed-shackle designs generally leave less room for cutting and leverage attacks, but the lock must still provide enough clearance for the chain links.
Can I use a padlock I already own?
Yes, provided it fits the chain correctly and is suitable for the level of security you need.
The chain-only configuration is intended for riders who already own compatible hardware or prefer to select their own lock.
Which padlock comes with the complete version?
The chain-and-padlock configuration includes a Squire MERC50CS closed-shackle padlock.
It was selected as a practical match for the 7 mm Pewag chain, with protected locking geometry and enough clearance to connect the chain links correctly.
Why is the padlock separate?
Keeping the lock separate lets riders replace or upgrade one component without replacing the entire system.
It also allows riders to choose a padlock that fits their budget, security needs, and carrying preferences.
Orders and Fulfillment
How availability, payment, pickup, and shipping work
Is The Division currently available?
Current availability is shown on the product page.
When inventory is unavailable, the site directs visitors to the waitlist instead of accepting order requests.
Does the waitlist reserve one?
No. The waitlist is for restock notifications only.
It does not create a reservation, require payment, or guarantee availability.
How does an order request work?
Submitting the form creates an order request, not an immediate final sale.
East Portland Chains reviews availability, configuration, fulfillment, shipping if applicable, and payment details before confirming the order.
How many can I order?
The initial launch is limited to one Division per order.
What payment methods are accepted?
Available payment methods may include cash for local pickup, Zelle, and credit or debit card payment through Square.
The available options depend on the fulfillment method and will be confirmed before payment.
When is payment due?
Payment is requested only after availability and the order details are confirmed.
Orders using advance payment may be held for up to 48 hours while payment is completed.
Is local pickup available?
Yes. Local pickup or handoff is available Downtown and in the East Portland area by arrangement.
The exact time and location will be coordinated after the order request is reviewed.
Do you ship?
Shipping is available within the contiguous United States.
Actual shipping cost is added after the destination and package details are confirmed.
Still Have a Question?
Get in touch directly.
Use the Contact page for questions about fit, compatibility, availability, pickup, or ordering.
Contact East Portland Chains