How Do I Choose A Bike Lock?

Thickness and Material of the Bike Lock

The best bike lock will be made of

heavy-duty hardened steel

, which is extremely difficult to cut. The best chain lock will have hardened steel links of at least 15 mm. U-locks less than 13 mm thick can be cut with medium-sized bolt cutters.

What is the most secure type of bike lock?

U-locks are

regarded as the most secure, but chain locks can be just as secure—if the chain and lock shackle are both made from hardened steel. Using an old gym locker combo lock with a chain from the hardware store is a losing proposition, liable to be defeated by a pair of bolt cutters.

Which type of bike lock is best?

• Our pick. Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 With Double Loop Cable. The best bike lock. …
• Upgrade pick. Kryptonite New-U New York Fahgettaboudit Mini. An even stronger lock. …
• Also great. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain. Best chain for the money. …
• Also great. Kryptonite Keeper 585. A medium-security folding lock.

Is a key or combination bike lock better?

Key locks, in reality are less convenient than combinations because they require a certain amount of maintenance (lubrication) and people are prone to losing the keys! However,

key operated locks do tend to be more secure than combination locks

.

What are the different types of bike locks?

There are three main types of bike lock –

Cable, Chain and D-lock

.

How can I prevent my bike from being stolen?

1. Double up your security by using two high-quality locks. …
2. Use your locks to keep your wheels from being stolen, too. …
3. Swap quick-release seat and wheel skewers for ones that require keys. …
4. Make your bike unique. …
5. Try out a smart lock. …
6. Always bring your bike inside at night.

Which locks are most secure?

Deadbolts

.

Deadbolt

is often considered the most secure type of lock. What makes deadbolts unique is that they cannot be moved easily from the locked to unlock position.

Why are D locks better?

D locks are

more secure than portable chains

and often have better sold secure ratings. Normally D locks cost the same if not less than portable chains. D locks are highly practical and can easily be stored in a rucksack or through a belt loop.

How thick should a bike lock be?

And if you want to be absolutely sure your bike lock can’t be defeated by bolt cutters, you normally need a chain or a u-lock shackle that is

at least 16 mm thick

. Because at 16 mm, good quality, properly hardened steel is too thick to be cropped by any manual bolt cutters.

Which type of bicycle should I buy?

If you’ll stay on pavement and ride primarily for exercise, a

road bike or fitness bike

is a good choice. A comfort or cruiser bike is better for short, casual rides with family. If you’ll bike mostly for commuting, a city bike might be best; think about electric pedal-assist models as well.

Can U locks be broken?

U-locks are very difficult to open by hammering or using force, but they are

weakened and become brittle when cooled by air spray

, meaning that they can be smashed open.

How do you carry a bike lock?

1. Transport Your D Lock On a D Lock Mount. …
2. Keep Your D Lock In Your Rucksack/ Backpack. …
3. Put Your D Lock Over Your Handlebars. …
4. Put Your D Lock Through Your Belt Loop/ Belt Strap Holder. …
5. Put Your D Lock In a Pannier bag / Bike Basket When You Travel.

Do bike thieves pick locks?

A lot of people think bike or motorcycle thieves pick locks. … In most cases,

it’s faster and easier to cut directly through the surrounding mechanism while avoiding the actual lock

. Hand-held cable cutters will do the job quickly on cable locks, and hacksaws take care of chains, cheap U-locks, and cable locks.

Are Kryptonite locks easy to pick?

The Kryptonite New-U Evolution gives you some peace of mind while your bike rests safely, locked by the curb. This three-pound Kryptonite lock uses a disc-retainer core that makes the picking process difficult. The 13mm hardened steel U-bolt also makes it very hard to cut or break apart.