U-Locks
This broadly used bike lock model is a superb deterrent. The cumbersome locking mechanism resists hammers, chisels and the like. Its horseshoe form can restrict leveraging—offered it isn’t approach outsized for the bike. The aim is to cut back the quantity of area wherein a thief can insert a crowbar and leverage sufficient oomph to pop it aside.
U-locks are available varied sizes. Your aim is to measurement the lock in order that it goes across the stuff you’re locking with as little hole left as potential. Small to medium fashions lock one wheel and your body to a set object. Giant fashions lock each wheels and your body to a set object.
Cable Locks
These are versatile and adaptable however typically provide much less theft deterrence than U-locks. Bolt cutters are in a position to lower by most cable locks. On their very own, they might be appropriate for low-crime areas. Elsewhere, they’re a good selection to make use of together with a U-lock to safe simply eliminated components (e.g., seat). Many have integral mixture or key locks; others require a separate padlock. Some characteristic sliding sizing or an armored coating. A couple of newer fashions characteristic fashionable designs.
Chain Locks
Powerful sufficient for high-crime areas, these bike locks use a specifically designed chain hyperlink that resists hacksaws or chisels and makes the chain powerful to leverage. Make sure you put money into a padlock that is simply as sturdy—thieves can simply lower by skinny locks, regardless of how sturdy the chain. The draw back? Chains are heavy and ponderous, so they’re greatest for stationary makes use of.
Locking Wheel/Seat Skewers
Fast-release wheels and seatposts are, sadly, as handy for thieves as they’re for bike house owners. Nice for high-crime areas, locking skewers disable the quick-release characteristic and make it rather a lot more durable to steal. They’re simple to put in however many require a particular wrench that comes with the skewer.
Bike Lock Keys and Combos
Keyed locks use both flat keys or cylindrical keys. Cylindrical keys acquired a foul popularity in years previous when it was found some locks of this model might be picked by a ballpoint pen. Newer fashions have solved that drawback so now both model is equally efficient.
Keyed bike locks often include no less than 2 keys so that you’ll have a backup. Most bike lock makers have a key alternative program in the event you lose your keys.
Keyed locking mechanisms are discovered on most U-locks and a few cable and chain locks.
Mixture locks are handy since you don’t have to recollect to hold a key with you or fear about dropping keys, however you do have to recollect a 4-digit code.
Cable locks usually use a mixture locking mechanism.