There are several types of locks, and the choice of one or more of them is influenced by two factors: the cost of the bike and the level of risk of theft in the area where it is parked. The popular rule is that the price of the lock should be 10% of the value of your vehicle.
When choosing, you should be guided rating Sold Sec is the most authoritative English organization in the field of testing and certification of security products.
The most secure locks are rated Sold Secure Diamond, Gold, Silver or Bronze. Such devices should be used for expensive bicycles and in places with a high probability of theft – for example, in a busy square in the city center.
Medium security locks are suitable for inexpensive to mid-priced bikes when you leave the vehicle in a secure location for a short period of time. There is no point in using the cheapest devices, since experienced thieves easily break them.
But the choice of the type of lock also depends on the personal preferences of the user: for some it is more convenient to wrap a chain around the seat tube of a bicycle, for others it is more convenient to carry a U-lock bracket in their belt, and for others, a folding version in a case is more suitable. Let’s talk about the main types of locks in more detail.
1. U-lock staples
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This is the most reliable type: U-locks receive the highest Sold Secure ratings. This device is based on a metal bracket, the ends of which are fixed in the lock body. Its size usually allows you to fasten the bike by the seat tube of the frame and the rear wheel to a pole or similar obstacle.
The main advantage of the lock is that the thick hardened steel shackle cannot be cut with hand tools. Moreover, models with two shutter mechanisms require two cuts to open.
One of the disadvantages of U-lock is the relatively short length of the bracket. A small lock allows you to fasten your bike only to a thin pole or fence, and large models are inconvenient to carry with you.
U-locks weigh from 700 g to 2 kg. The most compact models can be carried directly in your pocket or in your belt, and some devices have a special mount for the bicycle frame.
High-quality U-lock locks are not cheap – from 5 to 20 thousand rubles. But at the same time, they are the most reliable and will scare off most thieves with just their appearance.
One of the most reliable locks of this type is the legendary Kryptonite New York Lock. And, for example, Seatylock Mason 140 provides a high level of protection with much less weight.
2. Folding locks
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Such locks consist of segments of hardened steel riveted together. They have a high level of protection and fold into a special compact case that can be mounted on the bicycle frame. This makes them very convenient to transport.
However, the plate thickness of folding locks is thinner than that of a U-lock shackle. Also, the weak point is the riveting connecting the segments, so such devices on average have a slightly lower safety rating than the options from the first point.
However, the best models on the market have specially designed rivets with drill protection. If the plates are thick enough, they are not inferior to staples.
At the same time, folding locks provide much more freedom compared to U-lock. When unfolded, they work like a chain and allow you to fasten your bike to a tree. Or, for example, link 2-3 vehicles together.
Folding locks weigh from 900 g to 2 kg. And thanks to the optimal combination of weight, reliability and ergonomics, they are the most popular option today. The prices for them are the same as for staples: approximately 5–20 thousand rubles.
For a long time, the leading brand in the production of folding locks was Abus, whose product range even includes a device with an alarm – Abus Bordo 6000A. And the leader in sales on Amazon is now the Israeli company Seatylock with the Seatylock Folder Lock Compact model.
3. Classic chain locks
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They offer the most flexibility in terms of size selection. There are both thinner and shorter options with low weight, as well as long thick chains suitable for stationary use. With their help you can even fasten a motorcycle.
Light chains have a lower security rating than folding locks and shackles, but they are easier to use and transport. They can easily be wrapped around the seatpost or top tube of the frame. Thick chains are comparable in reliability to U-lock locks. They weigh from 650 g (woom LOKKI children’s chain lock) to 7 kg.
Such locks can cost from 3 to 12 thousand rubles. An example of an average model suitable for everyday use is the Seatylock Viking 90.
4. Thin cable locks
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The most convenient are locks based on a metal cable. They are useful for traveling lightly, for example, during sports training. With such a lock, you can easily leave your bike for a short time and under supervision.
The main advantage of such a device is its low weight. It weighs only 200–300 g. Even on a light sports carbon bike, such a lock will not create a noticeable load, but at the same time it will save you from worry if you decide to stop at a coffee shop.
The Hiplock brand offers an interesting solution: minimalist clamps with a steel core fit in your pocket and won’t let your bike just roll away.
However, you cannot leave it unattended for a long time, since such a model can be cut with large wire cutters or a bolt cutter – that is, even without the use of power tools. An example of a lightweight cable lock is Kryptonite Kryptoflex 1265.
The cost of such locks varies from 3 to 5 thousand rubles.
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