Bike Locks Buying Guide

Any decent bike  deserves a bike lock,  and if you live in a city, having one is definitely a necessity. In fact, you might even need two or more. So which do you buy and why? Be sure to purchase a model that will give you valid protection and a durable guarantee. Consider a few of the points below.

Considerations

1. Where do you live? Urban communities have professional thieves that can crack any lock around. Only the best locks can baffle these experienced locksmiths  who have all the tools to pick, break, or pry apart whatever you think will keep your ride safe. College campuses are a breeding ground for lifting bikes because people suspect they can leave their bike unattended without a lock on it, even though they are in high traffic areas. With some basic protection, your bike should be safe from the wrong hands. While small towns and rural areas aren't high crime zones, bike protection is still advised.
2. How long do you leave your bike? Running into the store to get a carton of milk  takes just a minute, but so does stealing a bike. Basic locks  with a quick release for ease of use are fine for doing errands around town, but if you live in a city, a higher grade lock is in order. If you plan on leaving a bike all day long, or even all week long, you may need better protection; mid-range to high-end locks are best.
3. How much is your bike worth? A cheap bike is still a bike. Nobody wants to get stranded without their ride. However, old, beat up bikes are less likely to be stolen, simply because they aren't worth as much. As for a $500, $1000, $2000 bike, there is no lock too pricey when the safety of such an expensive piece of equipment is at risk. The bottom line is to spend as much as you can when you have an invaluable bike.
4. How often do you ride? A bike for commuting or a bike that you use every weekend may be more valuable and warrant strong locks. The money spent on a quality lock will pay for itself in the long run.
5. Where do you ride? Do you have a need for speed? Do you battle it out on jarring mountain trails? You might need something lightweight or something that doesn't jiggle around. There are different sizes, strengths, and weights available to suit your needs.

Basic Lock Types

U-Lock  Very popular lock type that employs a deterring combo lock or a key. Even so, these locks can be dismantled with a crowbar if someone has time to plan it out.	Cable  These can use either a combo or key. They're lightweight, flexible, and also easier to clip. Only good for rural areas to act as a deterrent. Not worthy of urban zones at all.	Key and Chain  Heavy duty chains are hard to cut through and quality locks are hard to bust, but keys are easy to lose. Keep in mind that heavy chains make riding more difficult and noisy.	Combination  With this model, there are no keys to lose, and it is also small and lightweight. While they can be clipped, their strength mostly depends on the chain you use.	Cuff Locks  The key advantage with these is the ability to quickly slap on the cuffs for basic theft protection.

Tips

• Avoid single bolt designs on U-locks.
• Get the smallest lock possible so that it is harder to get tools around it. There should be no space between the lock and the bike itself.
• No lock is infallible. Between power tools  and manual ones, any crook can bust a lock if he or she has enough time.
• More locks are always better.

Recommendations

Here are some good models to look at when considering bike safety.

Master Lock Street Cuff Motorcycle/Utility Lock  This lock is good for bikes or motorcycles  and does not have a fixed anchor point, thereby preventing lock cutting or breaking. Despite its size, this key-less lock is actually quite compact and lightweight enough to carry around easily.	Master Lock 4 Digit Resettable Combination Padlock  If you opt for a padlock, Master Lock is a top brand choice. This 4-digit resettable lock is made out of hardened steel for extra cut resistance and can be used on any item that needs to be secured, not just bikes.

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