Bike Locks
Any decent bike deserves a bike lock, and if you live in a city, having one is not even debatable. In fact, you might even need two or more. So which do you buy and why? This is a matter of a few things.- Where do you live? Urban communities have professional thieves that can crack any lock around. Only the best locks can attempt to baffle these experienced locksmiths who have all the tools to pick, break, or pry apart whatever you think will keep your ride safe. College campuses are a breeding ground for lifting bikes because people suspect they can leave their bike unattended without a lock on it. Nonetheless, with some basic protection, your bike should be safe from the wrong hands. Small towns and rural areas aren't high crime zones. However, if someone wants something bad enough, they'll find a reason to take your bike.
- Where do you leave your bike? In urban areas, ten blocks can take you from Disneyland into well... somewhere you'd rather not leave your bike alone for extended periods of time. If you know that there are high traffic areas with a serious potential for things being stolen, be extra careful and arm your bike with as many good locks as you need to secure it.
- How long do you leave your bike? Running into Blockbuster to get a movie takes just a minute, but so does stealing a bike. Basic locks with a quick release for ease of use are fine for doing errands around town. If you live in a city, a higher grade lock is in order. Small towns are probably safe for leaving a bike without a lock for five minutes. What if you leave a bike all day long? Or all week long for that matter? This calls for better protection. Mid-range to high-end locks are best.
- How much is your bike worth? A cheap bike is still a bike. Nobody wants to get stranded without their ride. However, old, beat up bikes are less likely to be stolen, simply because they aren't worth as much. As for a $500, $1000, $2000 bike, there is no lock too expensive when the safety of such an expensive piece of equipment is at risk. The bottom line is spend as much as you can when you have an invaluable bike. Otherwise, if you could care less if you had to buy a new bike tomorrow, well, go ahead and get a cheap lock.
- How often do you ride? A bike for commuting or a bike that you use every weekend or more are valuable and warrant strong locks. The money spent on a quality lock will pay for itself in the long run.
- Where do you ride? Do you have a need for speed? Do you battle it out on jarring mountain trails? You might need something lightweight or something that doesn't jiggle around. There are different sizes, strengths, and weights available to suit your needs.
Basic Lock Types
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U-Lock
Very popular lock type that employs a detering combo lock or a key lock. Even so, these locks can be dismantled with a crowbar if someone has time to plan the heist. |
Cable
These can use either a combo or key lock. They're lightweight, flexible, and also easier to clip. Only good for rural areas to act as a deterrent. Not worthy of urban zones at all. |
Key and Chain
Heavy duty chains are hard to cut through and quality locks are hard to bust, but keys are easy to lose. Keep in mind that heavy chains make riding more difficult and noisy. |
Combination
No keys to lose, small, lightweight, and they deter would-be thieves. They can be clipped, but mostly their strength depends on the chain you use with them. |
Cuff Locks
These are relatively new to the lock market. The key advantage to having a lock system like this is being able to quickly slap on the cuffs for basic theft protection. |
Recommendations- Avoid single bolt designs on U-locks.
- Get the smallest lock possible so that it is harder to get tools around it. There should be no space between the lock and the bike itself.
- No lock is infallible. Between power tools and manual ones, any crook can kill a lock if he or she has enough time.
- More locks are always better.
Here are some good models to try:
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