Lock on the bike, or how to protect your bike from theft

It may seem very strange, but bicycle theft is one of the most common crimes related to private property. Moreover, prosperous European countries, in which the criminal situation is relatively calm, are also no exception in this regard. Therefore, it can be argued that a bicycle lock is an extremely necessary thing for any biker, regardless of the region in which he lives. And what can we say about post-Soviet countries, where everything that is bad literally disappears in a matter of hours. In 2009, a survey was conducted on one of the sites, from which it became known that 44% of bikers had their bike stolen, while 12% of them had it happen several times.

What is the anti-theft lock for a bicycle

If you have a bike, but this small but important device is still missing, it's time to get acquainted with its various types. This will allow you to choose the lock on the bike of the model most suitable for your conditions and in the future stop worrying about the safety of the bike in cases when it has to be left on the street. Note that the most important parameters of this device are the thickness of the chain or cable, the material and type of the lock itself. Depending on the type of locking mechanism, two main groups of this device can be distinguished: a combination lock for a bicycle and a device with a key. In terms of reliability, they are approximately equal, and the final choice depends on what is better for the biker: to keep the key with you at all times or to remember the code. As for the main types of this device, the following models can be distinguished below.

1. D- or U-shaped lock

This type is definitely the most reliable option. It is almost impossible to have a snack or saw it, and it is very difficult to open it with a master key. However, it has one disadvantage – the small size of the girth, and if there is no fence post of small diameter nearby, then there may be a problem in finding an object to which you can fasten the vehicle.

2. A device with a chain

In this case, reliability directly depends on the properties of the material from which the links are made. It is not recommended to use devices with an iron chain, as they are easy to crack with a special tool. If you buy such a device, then only with links made of a very strong alloy. Of course, it will cost more, but you will be sure of its reliability, not to mention that a good chain due to its coating will not scratch the paint on the frame.

3. Bicycle lock with cable

It is very similar to the previous version, but at the same time it has a number of differences. Firstly, such a device has less weight, and secondly, it is more compact, especially if the cable is made in the form of a stretchable spiral. The disadvantage of such a lock is that it can be removed with the help of reinforcing scissors, and therefore, in addition to it, it is desirable to use other means of protection against theft.

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4. Bicycle lock made of plates

It is made of steel plates and is used only for fixing the frame. Unfortunately, it is weakly opposed to a special tool, and besides, it is fixed only in one plane.

5. Wheel locking device

On the one hand, one is very convenient to use, and on the other, it is completely useless as the only means of protection. It is impossible to fasten a bike to a fence or other object with it. The only real thing to do is not to let the hijacker leave. This, of course, will not prevent the attacker from carrying the bike on his back.

Which bike lock should I choose?

Since each of the options has its drawbacks, the best solution would be to purchase two devices at once. With the help of the first, you can fasten the bike to the support, and the second is suitable for wrapping the wheels and frame. In addition, it does not hurt to take a picture of your bike in advance and write down the frame number in order to provide the guards with the order in case of anything. And the last trick is to put a piece of paper with your data inside the steering wheel. It will be the decisive argument in case of detection of the bike and will help to prove that you are the owner of it.