Is the constant worry of your favorite bicycle keeping you engrossed all the time? Wouldn’t you want to ensure how you can secure your bike in a simpler and easiest manner? Well, you don’t have to worry at all! This is because today through our guide we are going to share our in-depth knowledge on bicycle locks. By following our guide you will be able to understand better about the best bike locks available and how effectively they can be used to suit your needs.
You must understand firstly that bicycle theft is not a new problem. And trust us it is something so common that it isn't going away so soon. So it is high time that you start considering the different options available for the bicycle locks and how you can utilize them in day to day life. Keeping your bicycle in the most secure location with a higher-quality lock is always the best protection because high-quality locks take more time and effort to destroy; the thief thinks twice about wanting to risk getting caught.
We are going to cover the nitty gritty details of the different bicycle locks in our guide today. Apart from this we will also share other important factors that you must take into consideration when choosing the bicycle locks. So, let's get ready to explore the various ways of keeping your ride safe and sound.
Different Types Of Bicycle locks
As you all know there are different types of bicycle locks in the market. So each lock comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. So it is important you carefully evaluate the locks by understanding their functionality before you get ready to buy one.
D-lock
D-lock is also known as U-lock and you will be surprised to learn that it has been in the market since the early 1970’s. These are the most common types of locks and it gets its name from its D/U shape and design. These have become the common go-to bike lock for most cyclists due to the simplicity of their design and ease of use. Some brands offer light in weight and compact D locks, whilst others offer a larger room for securing multiple bicycles. The locks have a mount shape with it that lets you easily attach it to your bike frame. If you compare it with other locks, trust us, you are going to find it better, secure and more usable.
Pros
● Resistant to different types of cutters.
● Proven design
● Super light as compared to the majority of chain locks in the market.
● Highly resistant to drilling and different types of attacks.
● Mounting is available in the locks that can be easily attached to the bicycle frames.
Cons
● Due to its heaviness, it is difficult to carry it around.
●
Chain Lock
Chain locks are another common type of lock used by several cyclists for securing their bikes. Typically, it consists of hard metal links that form a chain. It is because of its chain forming ability that the chain locks are heavy in weight as compared to other locks. It is important to understand that the chain and the links vary considerably in terms of their size, weight, and overall strength. These bike locks provide more locking options due to their locking area and are super suitable for securing multiple bikes.
Pros
● Used to secure a wide variety of bicycle objects.
● Thiefs cannot use the power cutting tools all because of the moveable nature of links of the lock.
Cons
● The locks are generally bulky and heavier.
Cable Lock
Cable locks are the lightest bicycle locks that can easily be carried around and are made from multiple strands of woven metal cable. One common similarity between the cable locks and chain locks is that they can also be used to secure multiple objects. They can easily be unlocked with a combination instead of a key. It is important to take note of the fact that cable locks provide minimal security. So if you are using them then make sure to use it for a short period only where you are not leaving your bike unattended for long. We would therefore advise you to use it in combination with another lock. For example- use a cable lock to secure the front wheel whilst using the D lock or folding lock to secure the frame and rear wheel.
Pros
● Very light in weight.
● Due to light weight they are easy to carry.
● High flexibility in nature.
● You can also use it as an extra lock to protect other bicycle parts.
Cons
● The only disadvantage with cable locks is that it looks tough and thick from its external appearance, but the internal cable is thinner and it can be easily cut.
Folding Lock
Folding lock, as the name suggests, has an in-built folding and comes in a compact design and a bracket. There isn't any huge range of folding locks in the market to choose from; however, a handful has been received with great security ratings. If you are already using a chain lock and want to increase the locking options, then using a folding bike lock could be a great idea. These are the most portable locks and fold away easily into a small package.
Pros
● When mounted on a bike frame it is very easy to carry.
● Lighter in weight as compared to other locks.
Cons
● Limited options are available in the market.
Factors to consider when choosing a bicycle lock
You need to take into consideration several factors before choosing a bicycle lock to ensure safety of your bike. A low-security lock can meet your needs only if you are looking to deter casual thieves. But if you are worried about a higher level of criminals, you should always invest in higher security options. Here are the considerations to keep in mind-
● Material
Always look for locks made of hardened materials such as steel or titanium. This is because high quality as well as hardened materials are difficult to cut or break.
● Length
You must definitely take into consideration the length of the lock. It is because the lock with the longer length will provide more flexibility and you would be easily able to lock your bike too.
● Pricing
As you are exploring different locks you will be surprised to learn of the pricing of each one of them. The higher security locks are more expensive as compared to other locks but believe us they are worth making an investment. While we truly understand you wouldn't want to make a compromise to the security so you should always take into consideration the pricing as an important factor.
● Locking Mechanism
You should always choose the lock that is easy to use and not complicated. In addition, some locks come with multiple locking mechanisms that can help you add an extra layer of security. So, do take the locking mechanism into consideration.
Popular bicycle lock brands
Abus
Abus products are known for being tough. You will be surprised to learn that Sold Secure has given the products a diamond rating for bicycle security. This clearly means the locks can easily withstand even the most rigorous test. Their bicycle locks tend to have a higher reliability level than other brands. It has been the best bicycle lock brand for several years because it is very secure despite being a practical size. Issues like failing keys, stuck shackles, and jammed mechanisms are almost unheard of regarding Abus bicycle locks. So, if you are looking for a high-security bike lock that doesn't weigh in tons but still gives protection, consider Abus locks. The company has been providing security products since 1942 and are easy to use, reliable, and have a long service life.
NBRATO
NBRATO is one of the leading manufacturers of electric bike locks in China. As a professional hardware manufacturer for over 20 years, it specializes in making one of the best bike locks including bicycle, electronic, combination, and more. The company has attained ROHS certification and follows a higher quality system of international standards and checkers on every process to deliver high-quality solutions. NBRATO offers its customers different types of bicycle locks. For example- security anti-theft four-digit combination locks, anti-theft ultra-strong folding combination locks, and many more.
The best thing about the NBRATO brand is its product service life is at least three years. All of the products handle surface corrosion resistance for up to 2 years. The high-quality products include original zinc alloy and no faulty return material. So you can be all assured of the quality being delivered to you.
Kryptonite
Kryptonite is the innovator of the bicycle U-lock. The brand sells its locks in more than 50 countries. Kryptonite Kryptolok is a new version of the very popular Kryptolok series 2. It is a great choice and provides a decent level of protection. The best thing about the lock is that it is so painless to use as it is light in weight. And because of its light weight feature you can easily carry it even while you are riding. Overall, you will find the quality to be decent and the customer services support to be excellent. It means many benefits, from reduced prices to free keys and more.
Best bicycle locks for maximum security
To help you make an informed decision, here are our insights in terms of the level of security for each type of lock.
Chain Locks
Chain locks are truly ideal for the safety of bicycles as they offer a higher level of security. As they are very strong, therefore, they are difficult to cut through. And at the same time, they are very heavy which makes it extremely difficult to carry them.
U-Locks
U-locks are highly popular amongst cyclists as they offer great security. The locks are very light compared to chain locks and are still very strong. However, these can often be a bit difficult to use in tight spaces but are generally considered more efficient and secure than cable locks.
Folding Locks
Folding bicycle locks are fairly new compared to other locks. They have been designed to solve many problems with more traditional u-locks and chain locks. They are made from a series of connected steel plates that easily gives you many locking options. It can be folded easily into a compact package making it easier to carry around. The way these locks have been shaped provides you with more locking opportunities and are slightly heavier as compared to the U-locks.
Choosing the right locks for your bicycle
As we have already discussed, that every bike lock comes with its unique features and benefits, so, when you are shopping for a new bicycle lock, you may look for the following features-
● Security level
When you consider the security level, the high-security level refers to the locks being compatible and suitable enough for locking high-quality bicycles.
● Weak lock cylinder
These days more and more professional thieves are carrying specialist tools for lock picking. And you must understand that the locks with round keys are quite easy to pick. So when investing in a bicycle make sure to check it comes with a high-quality lock cylinder.
● Certification
The product that comes with exceptional quality, only passes the rigorous tests that are performed by international testing institutes. You must therefore check for the certifications on the brand website or on its packaging to get an idea on its quality.
● Size of the lock
Always think about the size of the lock. It should be big enough to fit around the frame of your bicycle and wheels and, at the same time, it shouldn't be so heavy to carry.
Additional security measures for your bicycle
Bicycle thefts can occur at any time of the day. Therefore, to protect your vehicle, here are the additional security measures to consider.
● Make sure to park your bicycle in an area that is well-lit, has easy accessibility and can be easily seen.
● You should always lock both the wheels and frame of your bicycle stand or another immovable object. You should always use designated parking areas whenever possible.
● Make sure to check the lock doesn't touch the ground. This way, it will be easier for the thief to hammer it off.
● Consider installing a GPS tracker on your bicycle to monitor the location and receive notifications if it is moved.
● Try using multiple locks because even if the second lock is less secure as compared to the other one, the thief may ideally give up on stealing. And why not? It would be a time consuming process for them.
Common mistakes to avoid when using a bicycle lock.
Locking your bicycle can surely be a complex task that requires careful execution and attention. Here are the common mistakes you must avoid to secure them-
Cheaper locks
Don't invest in locks that come with cheaper quality; rather, invest in high-quality locks.
Locking only the wheel
Make sure both the wheels and frames are secured with a lock as thieves may be able to remove the wheel and steal the bike anyways.
Locking your bike in a secluded area
Never lock your bicycle in a secluded or isolated area. This way, the thieves can easily unlock the bike before anyone sees them. Therefore, you should always lock bikes in crowded areas with higher visibility.
Locking into flimsy objects
You may have one of the best quality locks, but if it is around a weak object, the thief may easily break the fence and take your bike. Therefore, make sure to choose a sturdy object that is firmly attached to the ground.
Leaving accessories
Never ever leave your accessories or the detachable items behind. It is because the thieves can easily target such valuable accessories on your bicycle. For example- the display, the phone mount, battery, or even saddle.
We now conclude our understanding on the best bicycle locks. The best advice we can offer to you is to consider buying locks as an investment rather than an additional expense. You should always understand in detail about the security features it offers. Once you have decided on the best bicycle lock, ensure to use it properly. For the same you can also visit the brand website to learn more about it. Only after following all these you are reassured your bike will still be there upon your return.
