Bicycle lock guide
Bicycles under lock and key
Safety prevention for your beloved two-wheeler: Buy yourself a good lock. Locking your bike properly means you can feel free to leave your travelling companion alone now and then.
Keeping everything under lock and key
The selection of locks available is enormous, some costing a small fortune. We have already taken a careful look at what is on offer. Conclusion: there is no such thing as 100% security. With the right tools, professional thieves will crack any lock, even the most expensive ones.
However, don't just be tempted to go for the cheapest lock on the market. They are often made of low-quality steel and the locking mechanism can be sprung by a seasoned pilferer in seconds.
The best solution is to leave your bike in a locked facility. If this is not possible, you should at least make sure it is locked to some kind of object.
- Give thieves a hard time: A U-lock is made of a U-shaped steel frame whose open ends are connected with a crossbar section. The type of steel used here can even resist bolt-cutters. The one drawback is that they are often so narrow that it is impossible to secure the bike to a tree or any fixed objects.
- Flexible friends: Specially reinforced cable locks are between 80 and 100 cm in length, enabling you to secure your bike to a tree or lamppost easily. Thick steel wire rope makes it difficult for thieves. A steel casing around the inner steel rope will put paid to any bolt-cutter.
- Reputable lock manufacturers allocate various safety classifications to their locks. As a rule, the more protective the lock is, the higher the cost.
- A guideline for lock prices: The lock should cost at least 10% of the original purchase price of the bike when new.
Secure your valuable bike parts
Many crafty crooks will steal bike parts, for example, rims. Lock your quick-release wheels to the bike. If your saddle is expensive, it is advisable to take it with you.
