Which bicycle lock to choose: expert advises

There are several types of locks, and the choice of one or more of them is influenced by two factors: the cost of a bicycle and the level of risk of theft in its parking area. The popular rule says: the price of the castle should be 10% of the value of your vehicle.

When choosing, you should be guided rating Sold Sec is the most respected British organization in the field of testing and certification of security products.

The most secure locks are rated Sold Secure Diamond, Gold, Silver or Bronze. Such devices should be used for expensive bicycles and in places with a high probability of theft - for example, in a busy square in the city center.

Locks with an average level of protection are suitable for inexpensive and medium-priced bicycles when you briefly leave the vehicle in a safe place. It makes no sense to use the cheapest devices, as experienced thieves easily break them.

But also the choice of the type of lock depends on the personal preferences of the user: it is more convenient for one to wind the chain around a bicycle seat tube, others carry a U-lock bracket behind the belt, and a folding option is more suitable for others in a case. Let's talk about the main types of locks in more detail.

1. U-lock staples

This is the most secure type: U-locks receive the highest Sold Secure ratings. At the heart of such a device is a metal bracket, the ends of which are fixed in the lock body. Its size usually allows you to fasten the bike by the seat tube of the frame and the rear wheel to a post or similar obstacle.

The main advantage of the lock is that the thick hardened steel bracket cannot be sawn with a hand tool. Moreover, models with two shutter mechanisms require two opening cuts.

Of the minuses of U-lock, it is worth noting the relatively small length of the bracket. The small lock only allows the bike to be fastened to a thin pole or fence, and large models are inconvenient to carry with you.

U-shaped locks weigh from 700 g to 2 kg. The most compact models are carried right in your pocket or behind your belt, and some devices have a special mount on the bike frame.

High-quality U-lock locks are not cheap - from 5 to 20 thousand rubles. But at the same time, they are the most reliable and will scare away most thieves with their very appearance.

One of the most reliable locks of this type is the legendary Kryptonite New York Lock. And, for example, Seatylock Mason 140 provides a high level of protection at a much lower weight.

2. Folding locks

These locks consist of segments of hardened steel riveted together. They have a high level of protection and fold into a special compact case that can be mounted on a bicycle frame. This makes them very convenient to transport.

However, the thickness of the plates in folding locks is less than that of the U-lock bracket. The rivets connecting the segments are also a weak point, so such devices on average have a slightly lower security rating than the options from the first paragraph.

However, the best models on the market have specially designed anti-drill rivets. With sufficient thickness of the plates, they are not inferior to staples.

At the same time, folding locks provide much more freedom compared to U-lock. When unfolded, they work like a chain and allow you to fasten the bike to a tree. Or, for example, link 2-3 vehicles together.

Folding locks weigh from 900 g to 2 kg. And thanks to the optimal combination of weight, reliability and ergonomics they are the most popular option by far. The prices for them are the same as for staples: about 5-20 thousand rubles.

For a long time, the leading brand for the production of folding locks was Abus, which even has an alarm device in its assortment - Abus Bordo 6000A. And now the Israeli company Seatylock with the Seatylock Folder Lock Compact model is the leader in sales on Amazon.

3. Classic chain locks

They are the most flexible in terms of sizing. There are both thinner and shorter options with low weight, as well as long thick chains suitable for stationary use. With their help, you can even fasten motorbike.

Lightweight chains have a lower security rating than folding locks and shackles, but are easier to use and transport. They can easily be wound around the seatpost or the top tube of the frame. Thick chains are comparable in reliability to U-locks. They weigh from 650 g (children's woom LOKKI chain lock) up to 7 kg.

Such locks can cost from 3 to 12 thousand rubles. An example of a medium-sized model suitable for everyday use is the Seatylock Viking 90.

4. Thin cable locks

The most convenient are locks based on a metal cable. They are useful for traveling light - for example, during sports training. With such a lock, you may well leave the bike for a short time and under supervision.

The main advantage of such a device is its low weight. It is only 200-300 g. Even on a light sports carbon bike, such a lock will not create a noticeable loads, but it will save you the worry if you decide to stop at a coffee shop.

An interesting solution is offered by the Hiplock brand: minimalistic steel-core clamps fit in your pocket and will not just let your bike roll away.

However, you cannot leave it unattended for a long time, since such a model can be eaten with large wire cutters or a bolt cutter - that is, even without the use of a power tool. An example of a lightweight cable lock is Kryptonite Kryptoflex 1265.

The cost of such locks varies from 3 to 5 thousand rubles.