Lock on a bicycle, or How to protect your bike from theft

This may seem very strange, but bicycle theft is one of the most common crimes related to private property. And the 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 lies badly literally disappears in a matter of hours. In 2009, a poll was conducted on one of the sites, from which it became known that 44% of bikers had been stolen, while 12% of them had happened several times.

What is the anti-theft lock for a bicycle

If you have a bike, but this small but important device is not yet available, it's time to get acquainted with its various types. This will allow you to choose the lock on the bike the most suitable model for your conditions and in the future to stop worrying about the safety of the bike 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 the type of the lock itself. Depending on the type of locking mechanism, there are two main groups of this device: a combination lock for a bicycle and a device with a key. They are approximately equal in reliability, and the final choice depends on what is better for a biker: keep the key to yourself or remember the code. As for the main types of this device, the following models can be distinguished.

1. D- or U-shaped lock

This type is definitely the most reliable option. A snack or sawing it is almost impossible, and it is very difficult to open it with a master key. However, it has one minus - a small amount of girth, and if there is not a small diameter fence nearby, then there may be a problem in finding an object to which the vehicle can be fastened.

2. A device with a chain

In this case, reliability directly depends on the properties of the material from which the links are made. Use devices with an iron chain is not recommended, because they are easily cracked with a special tool. If you buy such a device, then only with links from 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 thanks to its coverage will not scratch the paint on the frame.

3. A lock on a bicycle with a rope

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

4. Bicycle lock from plates

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

5. Tool for fixing wheels

On the one hand, one is very convenient to use, and on the other, completely useless as the only means of protection. To fasten with his help a bike to the fence or other object is impossible. The only thing to really do is not let the hijacker leave. This, of course, does not prevent the intruder from carrying the bicycle on his back.

What kind of lock for a bicycle to choose?

Since each of the variants has its drawbacks, the best way is to purchase two devices at once. With the help of the first you can fasten the bike to the support, and the second one is suitable for grasping the wheels and frame. In addition, it does not hurt to photograph your bike in advance and write down the frame number in order to provide the guards with order. And the last trick is to put a piece of paper in your rudder with your data. It will be the decisive argument in case of detection of a bike and help to prove that it is you who own it.