You’ll want to make sure you can ride your bicycle around town without fear of it being stolen after spending money on a custom mountain bike or finding a good deal at a garage sale. When purchasing a bike lock, you should prioritize various features such as strength, weight, ease of use, shape, and overall design. There are a variety of locks to meet your needs, depending on the size and value of your bike, as well as where you’ll be leaving it.
When choosing a bike lock, it’s important to think about who is most likely to steal your bike. When someone spots a bike that hasn’t been locked at all on a busy college campus, for example, thefts are frequently crimes of convenience. People may have specialized equipment such as crowbars, lock-picks, and hacksaws that are no match for weaker locks if you ride your bike around an urban center for commuting. Leaving your bike in the same public place for hours at a time, rather than a few minutes while you rent a DVD, gives someone more time to exploit your lock’s specific flaw.
Because the cost of a bike lock is always less than the cost of replacing a stolen bicycle, you’ll want the best bike lock you can afford. The majority of people advise spending about 10% of the value of your bike on a lock. When leaving your bike in an unfamiliar area or for an extended period of time, use a combination of locks if it is valuable or expensive.
The bike lock mechanism is made up of two parts: a structure that secures your bike to itself or to a stationary railing, and the lock itself, which has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some bike locks, like lockers, use combinations. While the combination may appear secure because it is difficult to guess, these locks are usually attached to a thin metal chain that can be easily cut apart with bolt cutters. However, if you are prone to forgetfulness, you won’t have to worry about losing a key, and they are small enough to carry around with you. Combination locks will act as a visual deterrent to those looking for a quick buck.
When it comes to choosing a bike lock, weight is a major factor for many people. The last thing you want is a twenty-pound weight strapped around your frame slowing you down, whether you’re training for mountain biking, cross-country marathons, or simply visiting a friend. However, there isn’t a direct link between weight and strength. Tool-hardened steel is a special steel that can be as strong as many saws and cutters without being as heavy.
Bicyclists who have been riding for a long time may want to save up for a heavier-duty bike lock, such as a U-lock or an O-lock. These locks are designed to fit your frame, wheel, and stand or pole. It’s more difficult to pry them apart with crowbars or saw through them because of their unique shape. You should choose one that fits snugly around the bar of your frame, which comes in a variety of sizes.
Some manufacturers include a warranty with their lock that will reimburse you in part if your bike is stolen. Of course, there are no absolutes. Concerned bike riders recently discovered that some types of extremely secure locks can be opened with the plastic shaft from a regular pen. Keep in mind that, while every bike lock has its flaws, there are numerous factors to consider when selecting the best bike lock for your needs.