Bicycle lock tips from a bicycle locksmith
July 29, 2025
Pros and cons of different bicycle locks and tips on securing your bike
As locksmiths we come across a lot of situations where bikes have been torn apart for parts, had the wheel removed, or even managed to steal the whole bike except the wheel.A bicycle lock is an essential item if you plan to leave your pride and joy unattended at any time - here’s a few tips and a few guide lines to both securing your prized mode of transportation and ensuring you use the best type of lock.
Types of bicycle/ bike locks
- Cable locks - These are the weakest locks of the list. Provided you value your bicycle you will avoid using this as your main means of security. These are easily cut with bolt cutters or even with a heavy duty set of pliers, it's done quickly and quietly and no one will even notice it's being stolen. Cable locks may be used in conjunction with a stronger type of lock in order to secure the second wheel, it may even work as a deterrent provided it's not used on it's own.
- Chain locks - Chain locks can come in many shapes and forms, common sense dictates that the thicker the chain the better your chances of avoiding an uncomfortable loss of property. It also depends on the kind of lock attached to or used in combination with the chain. Provided the lock/ padlock is of a good quality material or a good brand the chain will suffice in securing the chain thus securing your bicycle.
- D lock / U lock - D locks are in our opinion the best types of locks currently on the market. They are commonly called names such as "D-Locks" "U-Locks" "Kryptonite locks" "Abus locks" & many more. They are normally fairly heavy, fairly easy to carry on your person or attached to your bike while you ride and will do the best job in securing your bicycle when left alone.
Recognisable bike lock brands will have their devices rated by independent testers, Sold Secure. Locks are given a rating of Gold, Silver or Bronze – this is based on the tools required to defeat them, and time taken. Gold locks are ranked as the safest, whilst Bronze is the lowest rating – but in most cases those locks with a Gold stamp of approval will be the heaviest.
All of this fuss over which lock is being used but we think its also best to go through what to secure it to and how to secure your bike to the object it's being secured to.
Bike racks and immovable metal objects that are secured to the ground and cannot be removed by lifting are the best. For securing at home you can purchase an anchor to which you can secure your bike in an unobtrusive way, this anchor will generally bolt to the floor with anchors that cannot be removed once installed. We advise having a professional locksmith come out to your property to install these anchors as they require special tools and knowledge.
Always secure your bike through the frame and rear wheel. The frame is the body of your bike and you don't want to lose that, it's generally the most expensive part and it's the part that most of the others are connected to, meaning if secured properly this will deter would be thieves as well. The rear wheel is also very important. this is where the gears are and most of the brake components and possible even some suspension, if secured along with the frame it leaves very little to steal.
If you secure your bicycle with a good quality D/U lock through both the frame and the rear wheel, and then run a cheaper cable lock or chain through the front wheel and over the bars, this will certainly stop most thieves and do a very good job at deterring would be thieves. Other advice includes always securing your bicycle in a busy area with lots of light during the night as well. If this means installing a small light that will turn on when movement is deteced by your bike outside your house, this will servve well in dettering would be thieves.
We know it seems like a lot of information, but that's just about all you will ever need to know to keep your prized possession from being stolen. If needed read twice or even contact us and a bicycle locksmith will be happy to help or give advice on how to secure your bicycle. Provided it's been secured correctly, if you have any issues releasing it you will be best served using a local bicycle locksmith , we are at your service and happy to help.
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