How to lock your bike securely

Locks come in all shapes and sizes, all with different features. Each of these different designs has its advantages and disadvantages, so you should think carefully about which lock is best for your needs. Don’t simply opt for the first lock you find. And remember, when it comes to bike locks, bigger isn’t always better!

A good point to start is understanding how bike locks are grated and rated.

These ratings indicate how secure a lock is. For example, Kryptonite’s locks are graded from one through to ten. One is the lowest form of deterrent, while locks rated ten offer the highest level of security. A lock with a lower grading should only be used to secure a bike for short periods of time, like a quick coffee stop. Anything higher on the scale can be used when leaving your bike for longer periods of time in urban areas.

Consider where you’ll be leaving your bike most often and use this to determine what level of security is required. Then it’s time to decide which type of lock you need…

D-locks (also called U-locks in the US) are the most common type of lock you tend to see. A D-lock consists of a strong steel shackle which locks into a retaining bar, securing it in place.

These range from basic D-locks which are perfect for use in rural areas, to heavy-duty locks that are designed to stop the most determined thieves. They also vary in length, weight and durability, which is reflected in the price.

A D-lock can be used to lock a frame to a non-moveable object or to secure wheels or panniers to the frame. It’s best to use one in combination with a cable lock which can be used to secure the wheels.

Cable locks are generally lighter than D-locks and are therefore more portable, making them great for cafe stops. They usually have in-built key and combination locks although some have loops at each end which can be attached and secured with other locks.

While they’re more portable, cable locks are less secure than D-locks as they can be cut by bolt cutters pretty quickly by thieves who know what they are doing. That’s why they’re best used in combination with another lock.

Next up is a chain lock. These are (you guessed it!) a chain with locking mechanisms at either end. Chain locks are typically more secure than a cable, but less secure than D-locks.

Again, these come in different strengths and thicknesses, and use various locking mechanisms. A big advantage: they can bend and snake around your bike, helping to secure various components.

Taking up less space in a bag than a D-lock, folding locks are a practical option as they can be folded down. They can also be folded around objects and parts of your bike too.

Folding locks are more secure than a cable lock but less secure than the trusted D-lock. While they’re typically pretty resistant to bolt cutters, an angle grinder or tungsten-tipped saw can make short work of them.

At the higher end, you’ll see features like thicker, hardened steel shackles, double deadlocks and more pick-resistant lock barrels. All of these things make it harder for someone to break the lock using brute force.

On the flip side, less secure locks will have fewer of these features. That’s not to say that the locks don’t work, but they will be less resistant to a skilled thief or brute force.

Hopefully you’ve now got an idea of which type of lock you need for your bike. We’re not done yet though! A lock alone isn’t always enough to prevent a determined thief so there are other factors to consider, starting with location.

Picking the right place to lock up your bike is important and will add another level of deterrence. Here are a few tips:

• Location is a key factor when deciding which lock you need. Think about where you choose to lock your bike, at what time of day or night, and for how long you. All of these factors contribute to the amount of risk associated with leaving your treasured bicycle unattended.
• Certain locations are notorious hotspots for bike theft - train stations spring to mind. Quiet side streets are another. It’s tempting to avoid busy areas but these are usually safer as there’s more chance of a thief being caught. A quiet side street could provide more time for a thief to hack away at your lock.
• Is there CCTV anywhere? Try to pick somewhere with cameras as they're a great deterrent to thieves.
• Lock your bike to something that is solid and immovable. Double-check to make sure that the lock can’t simply be lifted over the object. It sounds obvious but it’s an incredibly easy mistake to make, especially when you’re in a rush. Some objects like wooden posts may seem safe but can easily be cut with a saw, so think about whether a thief could damage the object to get to your bike.

Unfortunately, no matter how many steps we take to protect our bikes, they can still be stolen. While it’s a nightmare situation, it will be made slightly easier if you have insurance.

You might notice that some locks come with a Sold Secure rating, separate to the manufacturer’s own strength rating. Sold Secure is a third-party testing and certification body that rates all locks against their own standards. That’s why it’s often the only rating recognised by insurers, as it doesn’t vary by manufacturer. Most insurers will only consider a claim if you’ve used a lock rated at Sold Secure’s ‘gold’ level.

If you insure your bike (which you definitely should), make sure you have a lock which meets the minimum security level required to make a claim. The last thing you want is to pay for the insurance but then have your claim rejected.

Follow the tips and advice in this article and you’ll reduce the chance of your pride and joy becoming the victim of theft. It’s no guarantee, but doing what you can should help to give you some peace of mind.