How to lock a bike: The best locks to buy and the most secure ways to use them
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- Having your bike stolen is not only upsetting, but can leave you out of pocket if you're not adequately insured. Thankfully locks have been getting better and better. But, sadly, so have thieves.
Choosing the best bike lock is a key part of keeping your bike safe and secure when you're out and about, especially if you use the bike for commuting as well as weekend rides.
More important than that, though, is locking a bike in the most secure way - protecting all the valuable components.
Check out our guide to the best types of locks, and the best way to lock a bike (starting at 04:50 ), and give yourself the best chance against thieves.
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![[1242] NYT Wirecutter Says These Are The Best Bike Locks](/img/n.gif)
After all my research on buying an ebike, I've figured out why more people don't ride bikes. This is way more difficult than just pressing a button on a fob. I wish bikes weren't such easy targets.
Correct...I'm spending as much time researching locks and alarms as I did the ebike.
Freakn ridiculous.
@@Johnwillbegone always use 2 locks, and let one of them be the litelok X1
I don't know why they don't have security keypads to turn on your e-bike. So there's a sort of coded electronics maybe link to Wi-Fi the can totally disable the bike permanently if necessary
Never considered thieves may have previously loosened or cut through the bike rack. Good point about having two locks.
Get a U-lock that is at least 18mm thick like the Kryptonite fahgettaboudit mini, this lock cannot be removed with a bolt cutter, but the other most important thing is an alarm that can TEXT you when the bike is disturbed so that you can get to it before anything can happen, time is the most critical factor.
Very sensible and good advice, ignore the negatives as you say if someone wants your bike they will find a way of taking it. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻
At some point it'll be better to cut the frame or the bike stand
Always remove the saddle after you’ve locked up your bike as this will make it awkward for a potential thief.
Thats a great idea. I have a well marked sticker on my bike stating POLICE TRACKED BIKE!
What if i have a dropper?
You know, I never thought of that.
And the battery, if it is an eBike.
You can make a noose with the cable passing one end through an end loop and then attach the other loop to the U lock. It's easier and gives you more length to work with.
Thank you. This will no doubt save hundreds, if not thousands of bikes
Great reviews. I was really considering a Kryptonite lock as they guarantee thefts with money compensation but I did a bit of digging and they are said to have terrible customer support and the lock has to be returned to them when your bike is stolen, and everyone (including them) knows that the locks are taken with the bikes most of the time so it's pointless and basically not worth the paper it's written on.
I'm considering buying a couple of U-locks for security & doing away with cable locks as they can be cut, unless the lock (s) I buy come with a cable in order for me to properly secure my bike.
@@qewfsdsd65445 I've read complaints about that brand. Mostly involving the lock jamming and they can't unlock it anymore.
Actually you are the most honest person i have ever seen on youtube because you say what i have in my mind, all you mentioned is makes sense,, unfortunately the most ad on social media deceive people and other individuals people they just want to collect views by making themselves nice people by saying good things about any product additional to have commission from companies or free stuff, basically alll lies lies lies,, but i use my logic to decide, logically this type of lock less secure then U lock
Nice video! I am using the d lock but here in the US bike stands aren't common, so using a hardened chain and a shielded lock to go around a tree or sign post. I have a bike stand like the one in your video installed near my home. I can lock up my Ebike outside.
The folding lock I have seen very easily cracked - believe it was using a nut splitter. What one has to try for is to force the thief to go to noisy power tools - you and other can hear and it takes at least some time.
see LockPickingLawyer to watch how easy it is!
@@stankell3629 I wouldn’t consider that easy. I’ve followed LPL and that probably took him the most mount of time to break through. Also, remember you don’t have a vice break and the ideal angle just lying around for you to use on the street.
@@stankell3629 LPL makes any lock look easy, but realistically speaking very few thieves use lockpicks, most of them just brute force their way through the lock
LPL uses a chain lock on his own bike. I think that is the best type.
Very informative and articulate 👌🏼
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
It' works when you lock the bike for a long period of time but people like me who do deliveries or just wanna stop for a coffee, nobody gonna spend 15mins locking up every part of the bike.. Lol I would lose a lot of trips with UberEats spending half of my time locking up the bike.. I think I just gonna use the folding lock it a chain, I hate ulocks cause I can't lock the bike in thicker posts or trees
I use the hiplok dxc and also the hiplok zlock aswell with a cable lock to lock my bike up when I'm at college as I use my bike to get to college
Locks are always an after thought. We spend thousands on bike yet quibble over £100 lock.
At home ive got a ground anchor. A motorbike chain and d-lock.
In the wilds i use a lightweight cable lock.
Best security you can have is not leaving your bike anywhere, and second best is locking it up for a short time in a good neighborhood where you can still peep it while gone.
Many people actually use bikes for transportation (especially outside the US) and for them, your suggestion unfortunately isn't really feasible.
I love the front rack of your bike. Name or model?
Brilliant video. Really helpful. Thank you. 👍🏻
Thank you! Very helpful video :)
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
the police should "plant" some bikes with hidden GPS in order to catch these thiefs.
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
They do in the DFW area.
Just watched a guy use a nut spliter (small tool to remove seized nuts from bolts) to get past the abus granit 6500 in 30 seconds.
Best way to use cable locks is to use them on reinforced concrete poles (which is under power lines, over sidewalks and next to public roads, duh!). Get antitheft nuts and bolts for your bike wheels.
The best way to use a cable lock is to only use it on cheap components like locking the saddle to the bike. Cable locks are way too easy to cut to be worth using to secure the bike itself. Cable locks can be cut with any decent bolt cutter or a good cable cutter.
if you are willing to spend 130 quid - go that 20 quid more and get the Litelok X1. Most theives will take one look and move along. Its about 3 minutes to get through with an angle grinder, plus 2 or more disk changes
Up to 70,000 bikes stolen per year in one city?! I know bike theft is high there, but what on earth do they do with those bikes? You'd think reselling them locally would make it easier to actually recover the bike.
Ebay, Craigslist, swapmeats, pawn shops...
What about the bicycle alarm system, where you get notification on your phone while it also makes some noise?
I think its big attention dragger, people start looking at that noise and also scares the thief. They are cheap, some more expensive ones have even GPS to track it down and call the cops if its already off and away.. Might do even 2 cheaper alarms so the thief cant find them and destroy on time.
Not sure how sensitive the GPS is, but I bet it's possible to remove an alarm without moving it too much. A 2nd GPS could help, but then you're paying monthly for 2 different GPS systems.
I call my lock the 10 minute lock. I get 10 minutes in the store. I also leave the bike in a super low gear so the thief has to atleast shift when he rides off.
I love that mindset. I never timed myself but that seems around the time I give myself in stores too 👍
@@JohnDoe-zw8vx I'll stop at WaWa and get an ice cream as a treat/reward. It's a shame we can't trust others.
I leave my ebike maximum 1 hour locked outside with a chain lock. Have had no problems so far. The guy in the video is talking absolute rubbish about chain locks and recommending rubbish that can be opened in 10 seconds with a nut splitter.
In town yesterday I saw a Specialized bike locked to a 2ft high metal post (can just be lifted over it). Bet it was still there when he returned lol
Maybe the bike rider was super short so a 2ft high metal post is super tall for him so he thought it was secure.
@@hybrid902000 ha ha yeah
If you remove the wheel skewers, the thief will get a nasty surprise when they ride away.
A lot of thieves put them in a van. Done. Skewers on or off, it doesn't matter.
@@chriss2595 True but then you would never leave your bike alone. You can do that if you want but that's not what I want to do. My bike is 12 years old. If you really want it, you can have it.
2 things you can't skimp on and that's your locks and helmet
They sell sell locking axles called locking skewers that make it so people can’t take your wheels and you’ll never have to use and carry a cable again
Good video. Just a tip for your wheels and you saddle. Use hexlox
Calliope Georgousi yes - great suggestion!
It’s too blood dear (££££) £50 , rip off
There are alternatives, the problem I have found with hexlox is someone defeated them just using two screwdrivers. Pitlock is quite a good alternative for your wheels and saddle post at least.
@@zaccowie4862 Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
@@zaccowie4862 Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
All you are buying is time. Virtually any lock can be cut, picked, or disabled with simple, inexpensive tools. Always park you bike in full view of as many people as possible and employ a locking "system." This may include several cables/locks depending on your bike. As the officer said, make your bike the one that thieves will walk away from at the bike rack.
Yes. For me, that goes for most things stored outside for any length of time, like my travel trailer. I just like to make it unattractive to casual thieves at the minimum.
The only thing that actually works, is a Bike that isn't worth stealing, protected by a lock, that is way to beefy for that piece of Shit Bike.
My Bike is worth 200€. It is protected by a lock, that is pretty much impossible to get open with anything less then an Angle Grinder. That alone is enough to drive away 99% of thiefs. If it then is surrounded by other bikes, both more valuable and easier to steal - your bike will be there tomorrow and the day after as well. It's just not worth stealing.
If one wants to ride a *nice* bike, he can't have it in the City. Or if, only for VERY short periods. You'll use that on your nice bike trips, not the daily commutes. And you'll NEVER leave that thing outside over night. Not in the City, not in rural regions, not in public spaces, NEVER.
Because if a Thief sees your 2000€ bike outside, he will take it and no Lock will be able to prevent that.
The more locks, the better sad but true😮
Folding bike is agood solution.
I guess we only have dress guards on our bikes in the Netherlands. Makes locking the bike a bit different than the way I see on videos on UA-cam. I wonder if that is also the reason dutch more often use chain locks instead of a u or d lock.
I have a lock like the Red headed lock.
Talking crap about the chain lock do your research you'll have to cut the chain twice to get it out.
This.
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
@@Sam5cott Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
@@louislye007able after working in the iron mongers for a few years I know witch locks work and witch ones don't
You want either a sold secure silver or gold rated lock
@@louislye007able That's not hardened steel.
So you need a bag to carry your every day stuff,and another bag to carry your bike lock/s
The Bordo Granit is fairly small when folded and can be attached to the bike 👍
An extra D-lock would be great, but you can always leave this at your place of work so you don’t have to carry it between places.
Hope that helps!
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
Better than having your bike stolen. I use five locks of different variety.
I wonder how quickly someone can dig through a light braided chain with a high quality toenail clipper.
Get a gold rated lock and pay for cycle insurance is the best way to prevent having to pay for a complete new bike if stolen. If they want your bike they will take it, having three locks won't stop that.
One other peach of a piece of advice is to leave your bike where better more desirable bikes are. They ain't gonna go for your bike if another one next to it is more desirable.
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
Yeah when you have your front tire off..you have your forks on the ground
except with this nice front rack. 😂
Same applies for e-scooters? I lock my e-scooter with a kryptonite but i'm scared they might stole it.
What is the model of that abus lock?
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
I'm happy to share these 2 cool bike gadgets or accessories.
I have owned them too. Super happy with them! Check out the both links from
Amazon.com(USA).
1) www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z2ZG18V (Bike Taillight with laser, 7 modes)USD6.98
2) www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC (Large size Bike U Lock combi with 4ft cable lock)USD 25.98
Yeah was wondering the same, pity he overlooked it.
Best way is not to live in London
Strangeways prison in Manchester UK had steel bars in the Window.When I worked there and I was told that the bars were hollow but inside there was another bar that would roll around inside if you tried to cut it with a hacksaw. If that idea could be incorporated in a bike lock I think battery angle grinders would fail. The rollers could be small and connected with a ball and socket so they could be used in a U shape like the Kryptonite design also maybe a softer metal like lead to gum up the grinding disc just a thought👍
I haven't had any HUGE issues with this lock yet! ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxfyHDlEqk6hqu9acdvK5NGzZsGKSokSbv It seems sturdy and like it will get the job done. I really like that it has a twisting lock feature to keep out dirt and debris. However, the mounting system is much too light for the lock, and continues to get loose/move around. It's mostly made of plastic parts, and I've had to tighten it a few times in the past week or so that I've had it. I'm worried that it's going to break off at some point while I'm riding. I'm considering just scrapping that part, but that would mean having to carry the heavy lock i my backpack and adding more weight. I wish I could have given this more stars, but without the mounting system, it's just another heavy lock that I have to cart around. UPDATE: Increased rating to 5 stars because the seller offered to provide a new lock and mounting system. Really appreciate the attention to customer service!!
Sad that we even have to go through all this just to go for ride.
A bit surprised that one must invest about $450 to fully lock a bicycle. (1) $300 anti-grinder lick (2) 2nd u-lock or extendable lock (3) wire to secure seat.
Commute on a cheap bike
Try not to park outside
Whether you commute on a cheap bike or not, if someone seriously needs a bike for transportation, they will still want to steal. In my opinion, instead of getting a very expensive Bike U Lock, you may consider getting a cheap and good quality Bike U Lock and this way, your pocket wont have a big hole and you still can prevent your bike from being stolen. I can share this Bike U lock which i bought which is super strong ,sturdy and made of extremely tough material . Check it out at this link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0936TQ8MC . Hope it helps. :-)
When in England, get a D Lock.
I Airtag all my bikes
Instead of dismounting a bike wheel you can use a 2 meter cable extender in place of a 1.2 meter cable extender... I mean. Isn't that obvious?
If it is an expensive wheel on an expensive bike then a cable extender is way to insecure to use to lock the wheel. Much better to use a heavy duty folding lock or chain lock to secure the front wheel if you don’t want to dismount the wheel to lock it.
Hope they reconise bike theft as are more punishable crime ie jail
You forgot the big one: Insurance!
10:55 What the hell is "Repording"?
Bike theft is practically unheard of in China,
Because no one likes to steal things that are Made in China.
But someone could take the breaks so remember to lock them too
It is simply ridiculous to talk how easy is to cut and "twist" ABUS chain link 😂
I dare you to post a video showing us how easy is to deal with ABUS chain by cutting the chain once 😂
bruh why are some of these more then the bike it self
everything is clear, but it's not worth it, given the weight of the locks, and the time spent; just don't leave an expensive bike
Detaching the front wheel in order to lock it? Who does that? Come on, I lock my bike 3-6 times a day.
True. A pain
So, rather than 'The best locks to buy', it's an ABUS ad. Come on...
Gotta wonder why AFAIK no bike mfgs use steering locks, like on motorcycles. Bike that only does circles makes it hard to poach. Thieves should be tattooed, facially. And microchipped.
Your arguments on the folding locks are VERY UNTRUE! They can easily be cut with good bolt cutters and its not even that hard! And no, it will not take long to cut this with an angle grinder, because 5 mm of hardened steel is nothing compared to a u lock with 16 mm of steel or a chain with for example 10 mm of steel. Not a huge difference, but still way less material to go through.
another option is to get a ugly looking bike that has good parts inside and is fast but looks like shit. I use a rat-bike that is fast but ugly.
So I have two options. I Either buy a bike with the risk of thieves stealing it OR buy an electric scooter with the risk of it being stolen by the police. This country is fucked.
They use a cordless angle grinder that cuts any of them ! Fact ! Like butter ! You only buy time !
Busy area , noise and sparks flying from an angle Grinder, no one is going to notice?
@@Hintonbro. I've personally seen it done they did not care 4 of them and a van ! under 2 minutes 1 Yes people looked called police and nothing !
No shit.