A bicycle is much more than just a lump of metal to us - it is our transport, it is our escape, it is our clear headspace. When we have a bike stolen, we lose a lot more than the physical item. Protecting our pride and joy is especially important these days as, unfortunately, instances of bike theft are increasing as the prices of bikes rise and with the increasing popularity of electric bikes. A good lock and some knowhow is the best way to protect yourself.
Not all locks are made equal - the best way to tell the strength and quality of a lock is by the ‘Sold Secure’ rating which will be either bronze, silver or gold. Some of the locks we stock also have a handy rating system such as Kryptonite, which ranges from one to ten with ten being the most secure.
How to choose a lock?
Quick Stop | Couple of Hours | All Day | Overnight | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Major Metropolitan Area |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
Metropolitan Area |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
7 - 8 High security |
7 - 8 High security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
College Campus |
7 - 8 High security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
Suburbs |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
7 - 8 High security |
7 - 8 High security |
Rural Area |
1 - 3 Deterrent security |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
Car Rack On The Road |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
4 - 6 Moderate Security |
7 - 8 High security |
9 - 10 Ultimate Security |
Which lock would be best for you would depend on where you are leaving your bike and the value of your bike - generally, the more expensive the bike, the more secure the lock needs to be. Any of our colleagues in store or online will be happy to help you find the best lock for your needs. So, having chosen the best lock for you (and your two-wheeled chum) there are some added ways that you can protect yourself from theft.
A lot of the stories we hear of theft are from flat stairwells - these provide would-be thieves plenty of time away from the sight of passers by to get at your bike and please beware - many insurers will not cover theft from stairwells so our recommendation is to store them somewhere else more secure if possible.
We realise it is not always possible to store your bike indoors so keep an eye out for the on-street secure bike stores that are springing up in most cities. If you cycle to work, places such as Universities and Hospitals attract thieves so a good lock is essential. If you want to give the thieves absolutely no chance then a folding bike is a great choice as these can be compacted down and store nicely in your car boot, cupboard or under your desk at work.
If another bike is not an option then another tip is how you actually position the lock when locking your bike. If you have a d-lock and a cable, the d-lock portion should be through the frame and also through something immovable and the cable part should only be used to secure the wheels.
We love our bikes and sometimes we only realise this when they are gone (or when you have to spend a few weeks in a car/bus in rush hour traffic). In store we hear too many stories from people absolutely distraught at having their bike taken so please don't let this happen to you by investing in a good lock and being mindful about how and where you are leaving your trusty companion.