In 2016, about half a million bicycles were stolen in the United States. Therefore, it is no surprise that bike owners, especially those who use their bikes daily, are seeking the most secure bike lock to protect their ride. However, with so many lock models available, it can be challenging to choose the right one.
To assist you in your decision-making process, I propose an article that provides comprehensive information on this topic.
For those who park their bike outside in the city, lack a secure garage, or prioritize safety, it’s necessary to have one or more locks. Bikes are not only fashionable and easily sellable but can also be expensive, making them a target for theft.
In urban areas, almost half of all cyclists have experienced bike theft. To avoid such a situation, it’s crucial to take precautions and use the most effective means of protection. Regardless of where you park, whether there is suitable street furniture or not, a suitable lock can secure your bike. However, to make the right choice, it’s essential to know about the different types of locks available on the market.
For those who are new to the cycling community, it can be challenging to distinguish between the various lock models available. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that there are multiple options to safeguard your bike against theft.
If you’re new to cycling and looking for a bike lock, it can be overwhelming to choose from the many different types available. Two popular options are the U-lock and the foldable lock.
The U-lock is a strong and secure lock made of a curved steel bar shaped like a U. However, be sure to get one with a long enough handle to fit around any street furniture. There are also U-locks that can be locked with a customizable code, making them more convenient for those prone to losing their keys.
The foldable lock is another great option. It’s made of flattened steel arms that can articulate between each other, making it easier to attach your bike to street furniture. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport compared to a U-lock.
One recommended lock is the Abus Bordo Alarm 6000. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and has an alarm that activates for 20 seconds if someone tries to move the bike. It’s also strong enough to secure your bike during the day. Plus, Abus offers the option of having the same key for all their locks, making it easier to manage multiple locks.
Choose a lock that fits your needs and preferences, and remember to always secure your bike properly to prevent theft.
To secure your bike, you have different options available, such as the U-lock, which is made of a curved steel bar in the shape of a U. It is the best bike lock since it is challenging to break. However, if the handle is too short, it may not be practical to use on certain street furniture.
It is best to get a U-lock that is large enough to avoid having an unusable lock. There are also U-shaped bike locks that lock with a customizable code, making it convenient for those who tend to misplace their keys.
Articulated U-locks are less common, but they are equally effective. The folding bike lock comes in the form of steel arms that have been flattened and mounted to articulate effectively between them. It is easier to hang your bike on street furniture with its articulated arms, and it is more practical to transport than a rigid U-lock.
For those who need to leave their bikes outside for a long period, the Abus Bordo Alarm 6000 folding lock is a robust option. It is lighter and easy to transport with its clip-on bag that can be mounted on the vertical tube using a black plastic band supplied.
An anti-theft chain for bikes is also a good option. With large links of at least 8 mm, it offers good protection and cannot be cut without attracting attention. However, a chain weighs around 2 kg or more, depending on the size and thickness of the links, making it more suitable for securing your bike for a long period in the same place, in addition to a U-lock.
When choosing a bike lock, it is crucial to consider the level of security required and the practicality of the lock for your specific needs.
To put it simply, we do not recommend using flexible bike locks.
While they may be convenient and easy to use, they are also the easiest to cut through. A pair of pliers is all a thief needs to break through the thin steel cables.
Flexible anti-theft devices can be somewhat of a deterrent, potentially discouraging a thief from taking a bike that is left out in the open. However, they should only be used in conjunction with a higher quality lock, such as a U-lock or articulated U-lock. The flexible cables can be used to secure your bike wheels to a fixed point while the other lock secures the frame.
If you do choose to use a flexible lock, opt for cables with a diameter of at least 10mm for added security.
Overall, we recommend using flexible locks only when your bike is constantly within sight or if you feel that your bike is not worth protecting.
Alarm locks are a great option for safeguarding your bike as they emit a loud noise when there is any impact. This noise can act as a strong deterrent, potentially thwarting any attempts to steal your bike.
A frame or fixed lock is a useful complement to a U-lock, and it resembles a horseshoe. It is popular in northern European nations and is simple to use for securing the rear wheel.
To unlock it, you only need to turn the key. Thieves would have to apply a lot of pressure to break this type of lock, which could damage the bike. As a result, a frame or fixed lock is an effective way to discourage theft.
It is unfortunately common for bike parts to be stolen individually and resold, often for more than the bike itself. This includes items such as leather Brooks saddles, shiny wheels, vintage-looking doorbells, and lamps. However, there are ways to limit theft and protect your equipment.
One simple tip is to replace quick couplers with anti-theft bicycle nuts. While quick couplers are convenient for adjusting parts, they are also easy targets for thieves. Anti-theft nuts require an Allen key to unscrew, making it more difficult for opportunistic thieves to take your belongings.
For more protection, consider using high-end locks that lock with gravity and can only be opened by turning the bike upside down. This makes theft much more time-consuming and complicated.
While it’s important to take precautions against theft, don’t let it ruin your cycling experience. Try to use a versatile bike for daily trips and enjoy the ride.
When it comes to bicycle locks, there are many brands to choose from that offer cyclists a range of products to keep their bikes secure. Two of the top brands in the market are Kryptonite and Abus.
Kryptonite has quickly become a popular brand among cyclists and is often considered the best option for bike locks. The brand offers a variety of models to suit different needs and preferences.
Abus is another brand that has established itself in the market and offers a wide range of high-quality products to effectively protect your bike using various methods.
In addition to brand reputation, the price of a bike lock is also a crucial factor for many buyers. After spending a significant amount on the bike and accessories, there might not be much left in the budget for a lock. However, it’s crucial not to compromise on the lock’s quality to avoid losing the bike to a thief easily. It’s recommended to invest at least forty dollars in a good quality lock.
To make an informed choice, you can refer to different platforms that have conducted bicycle anti-theft tests to determine the most durable and effective locks. This will give you an idea of what to look for when choosing a lock.
Choosing the right bike lock can be a daunting task. However, owning a U-lock, whether fixed or folding, is the minimum required. You can then complement it with additional systems to secure your wheels, like a frame lock or a chain.