What are your thoughts about bike locks? Are all bike locks universal? Probably not, since there are many different types of bike locks available. However, most bike locks are designed to work with various bicycles, and locksmiths aren’t always familiar with all the different types. That’s why getting your bike lock from a trusted source is essential. To help you make the right choice, I’ve put together a list of the different types of bike locks and what makes them unique.
Also, in this article, you’ll find out the benefits of each type of bike lock and what security ratings you should look for. Thus I hope this article will help you find the lock that will work best for your sweetie.
Bike Lock
Bike locks are security devices used to secure bicycles. It is an embedded cylinder or padlocks embedded in a metal frame with nylon straps. And, using the provided strap, you can lock the rack to something sturdy, such as a post or railing. Moreover, after riding your bike, you can release the lock and take your bike home without worrying about it being stolen.
- A quick-release lever makes it easier for thieves to steal bicycles because it allows the wheel and saddle to be easily removed.
- A bicycle’s easily removable components are vulnerable to theft unless secured while unattended.
- In a sensible locking strategy, these components are locked along with the frame, or the vulnerable parts, such as quick-release front wheels, are removed.
Necessity Of A Sophisticated Lock For Our Cycle
As it is crucial to protect your bicycle if you store it anywhere, also a good idea to lock your bike up when you are not using it.
- You can keep your bike clean and free of debris by locking your bike up as well as deterring would-be thieves from stealing it.
- You should lock up your bike if you live in a densely populated area or if you tend to leave your bike unattended if you live in a densely populated area.
- Locking your bike can also help prevent accidents by preventing others from gaining access to it while you are not paying attention.
So, investing in a quality lock is the best way to protect your bike and keep it safe.
- A lock provides an essential layer of protection against theft and vandalism, regardless of quality or price.
- Furthermore, high-quality locks will also deter would-be thieves who see your bike as empty or unimportant.
But Are All Bike Locks Universal?
In a word, there is no universal bike lock.
Due to their design, sure bike locks may not work on other types of bikes or frames. That means you can use them with various cycles and lock types. So, bike lock manufacturers produce several keys and lock combinations to save time and money.
Random combinations are used to prevent all locks in a country, city, or even store from being unlocked by the same key. Using this method, lock producers can sell locks with a limited number of unique keys in every batch while still ensuring that your bike is protected. The chances of someone finding your cycle and motorcycle with the same lock key are meager.
Well, the next portion of my writing will make your view clear about the universality of bike locks.
Types Of Bike Lock And Their Ins-Outs
Various types of bike locks exist, each with its own advantages. The following are some of the most common types:
D-locks
The most common type of bicycle lock is the D-lock. As they are commonly referred to as U-locks because of the distinctive shape of one part when unlocked, their strength and reliability make them like a big padlock. Yeah, D-Locks are great for everyday use.
A D-lock consists of two parts where a barrel-shaped locking device and a U-shaped steel shackle make up the locking device. And its shapes are formed when they are joined. The big plus is- thieves consider them an effective form of deterrence.
- Various sizes and materials are available for D-locks, as well as a range of prices. All bicycles can use them, and they work in most locations.
In addition to being able to secure wheels, quick-release components, and even parts you carry with you, solid mechanisms have fixed boundaries.
Advantages:
- An established design
- (Depending on the quality) Generally resistant to bolt cutters
- Chain locks are usually heavier than most others
- Picking, drilling, and leverage attacks are generally difficult
- In general, Sold Secure chain locks are cheaper than comparable quality locks
- Sold Secure is available at all levels of rating (bronze, silver, gold, and diamond)
- Bicycle frames are usually mounted with brackets
Disadvantages:
- They are heavy and difficult to transport.
- Due to their size (if small) and flexibility can sometimes be awkward to loop around non-standard or larger stands/objects.
Digest:
D-locks need to be tight to prevent thieves from using leverage-style attacks (reduce the space). Listed below are some U-locks you may want to consider Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock, Hiplok D1000, and Ottolock Sidekick.
Chain Locks
It is common for motorbike riders to use chain locks, and they are also perfectly acceptable for locking bicycles. The most expensive chain link is made of toughened metal bound with Kevlar, which is used for flak jackets to resist cutting.
The padlock connecting the chain loop must not compromise the quality and strength of the chain. Padlocks that are made to resist damage caused by impact or lock-pickers are the best.
Due to their flexibility, chain locks are generally more expensive than D-Locks and cable locks. Despite being heavy, they can be easily strapped around your waist or chest and are adaptable.
The severity of your injuries may be considerably worse if you are hit by such dense, immovable objects close to your body during an accident. If dropped from a height, some weigh over 4kg, which can damage a frame.
Benefits:
- Deterrent to visual perception
- Because of its size and flexibility, can quickly secure it to a wide range of objects/stands
- Since the links are moveable, it can be difficult for thieves to use power cutting tools
- Each Sold Secure rating level is available (bronze, silver, gold, diamond).
Drawbacks:
- Bulky and heavy in general
- In most cases (not all), bolt cutters are suitable for cutting them (depending on their quality and size).
- The lock can be loosely fitted between the bike and the object/stand, exposing gaps for leverage or cutting attacks if not careful.
- There is a risk of damaging the bike paint if the chain lock has exposed chain links (no protective or worn plastic sleeve)
Digest:
It is possible to purchase bike chain locks that are highly secure and portable simultaneously. From my choice, you can take a look at some chain locks that you might be interested in Kryptonite Keeper 785, Hiplok Gold Chain Lock, and Abus Ivera 7210.
Cable Locks
Cable locks are an excellent option for many cyclists because they are flexible and adaptable. Using them around various immovable objects is convenient since they extend and secure themselves. Due to their lightweight nature, you can ride them to and from safe areas. And, many deterrents are offered at the higher end of the price spectrum where some are only effective as visual deterrents.
Conveniences:
- Easy to carry and lightweight
- A flexible solution
- Providing a visual/basic deterrent in low-risk areas
- Protects bike parts by acting as an extra lock
Shortfalls:
- Use as a secondary lock only
- Should not use Medium and high-risk areas
- Weak, susceptible to all types of attacks
- Bolt croppers can cut it in seconds
- Bronze is the only Sold Secure rating level that offers this feature
- Cable locks may look tough and thick, but their internal cables are fragile and easy to cut
Digest:
As a primary lock, I wouldn’t recommend using a cable lock like the 8143D bike lock cable with combination or self coiling combination lock cable; instead, use it for securing your bike’s accessories.
Folding Lock
Steel plates are riveted together to construct a folding lock that can bind around all objects and in many situations because the leaves can rotate. Folding locks have many sides, making them very compact and easy to handle.
It appears that folding locks are more effective than cable locks in deterring burglars than D-locks because they are less secure than D-locks. Thus there will be a wider variety of immovable objects to lock your bicycle, and locking two bikes is not impossible.
Advantages:
- When mounted on a bike frame, it is easy to carry
- As a result of its size, it can be used to attach to a wide variety of objects/stands securely
- They are usually lighter than chain locks and D-locks
- The Sold Secure gold rating is the highest available.
Inconveniences:
- Only a few manufacturers offer folding locks, so the choices are limited (however, there are many new start-ups developing in the bicycle security industry all the time).
- Compared to D-locks, they’re newer.
Digest:
Generally, they are rated at the lower end of recognized security ratings and aren’t suitable for situations when your bicycle is not always in your line of sight.
Now you can check out these folding bike locks if you want to carry minimal weight while cycling and secure your bike to almost anything. The Abus Bordo Granit 6500 Folding Lock, the Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X, or the Kryptonite KryptoLok 610 S.
Final Words On Bike Locks
Bike theft happens more often than you think. That’s why keeping your bike safe is essential, especially when you’re using a public bike share or parking on an open lot with no security measures in place. Fortunately, plenty of different types of locks to choose from will ensure your safety and comfort while cycling around town.
Nonetheless, there’s no universal way to secure your bike but a well-designed lock can keep your bike safe when you leave it behind for a few too long – but if you’ve got an extra one lying around, try using it.
After reading through the article, hopefully, you will get the correct type of lock compatible with all your bikes. And, before goodbye, I like to recommend you that please regularly check the bike locks whether any changes have been made to the waves in your area – as new types always come out. That’s all for now, see you very soon with some new innovative cycling issues.
