| A bicycle lock is a physical security device used | | | | * Consider a key lock. Key locks are generally |
| on bicycles to prevent theft. They are generally | | | | harder to break than combination locks. |
| used to fasten the bicycle to a bicycle rack or | | | | * O-Locks offer the best protection for your bike. |
| any immovable object. Bike locks are a safe and | | | | A few manufacturers are marketing them; Bike |
| inexpensive solution to the safety and security of | | | | Club and Masterlock are two that come to mind, |
| your bike when you ride to work or school. Even | | | | but not all bicycle shops carry them. Ask around. |
| if you don't commute a bike lock can be handy | | | | The adjustability makes them great for snugly |
| for stops while taking rides. | | | | securing the frame and a front wheel to a bike |
| One important thing to consider when choosing a | | | | rack. This helps prevent thieves from getting a |
| bike lock is who will most likely steal your bike. On | | | | prying device into the lock. Their locking |
| a busy university campus, for example, thefts are | | | | mechanisms are also difficult to pick. |
| often crimes of convenience when someone | | | | The bike lock mechanism is composed of two |
| spots a bike that hasn't been locked at all. | | | | different parts: a structure that fastens your bike |
| However, if you ride your bike around an urban | | | | to itself or to a stationary railing and the lock |
| centre for commuting, people might have | | | | itself, both of which have strengths and |
| specialised equipment such as crowbars, lock-picks | | | | weaknesses. Some bike locks use combinations, |
| and hacksaws that are no match for weaker | | | | like lockers. While combinations seem secure |
| locks. Leaving your bike in the same public place | | | | because they aren't easy to guess, these kinds of |
| for hours at a time, as opposed to a few minutes | | | | locks are usually strapped to a thin metal chain |
| while you rent a DVD, gives someone even more | | | | that is easy to clip apart with bolt cutters. Then |
| time to take advantage of your lock's particular | | | | again, you don't have to worry about losing a key |
| weakness. | | | | if you are prone to forgetfulness, and they are |
| You'll want the best possible bike lock you can | | | | lightweight enough to carry everywhere. |
| afford, since its cost is always less than that of | | | | Combination locks will work as a visual deterrent |
| replacing a stolen bicycle. Most people recommend | | | | against people looking for an easy theft. |
| spending about 10% of the value of your bike on | | | | Warranty |
| its lock. If your bicycle is very precious or | | | | Good locks will guarantee your bike against theft |
| expensive, try a combination of several locks | | | | up to a specified value. As home insurance policies |
| when leaving your bike in an unfamiliar area or for | | | | generally does not apply to stolen bikes worth |
| an extended period of time. | | | | more than INR 23000 or so, this is an important |
| Materials | | | | feature. Ensure you have adequate bike insurance. |
| Buy a lock or chain of tool-hardened steel. This | | | | For many people, weight is an important |
| means that cutting, sawing and drilling tools will be | | | | consideration when selecting a bike lock. Whether |
| meeting metal of the same hardness, and will not | | | | you're training in mountain biking, cross-country |
| penetrate it as they would ordinary steels. Cheap | | | | marathons, or just visiting a friend, the last thing |
| locks use a brittle steel that can be broken by a | | | | you want is a twenty-pound weight strapped |
| car jack. Look for a flexible, shatterproof steel | | | | around your frame slowing you down. There isn't |
| which will yield, rather than break, under stress. | | | | a precise correlation between weight and |
| * Consider a U-lock. These are the most popular. | | | | strength, however. A special steel, called |
| However, not all U-locks are created equal. Be | | | | tool-hardened steel, will at least be as strong as |
| sure to read the guarantee that comes with the | | | | many saws and cutters without being overly |
| lock. Also, buy the smallest possible U-lock for | | | | heavy. |
| your needs - this will allow less room for a thief | | | | Some manufacturers offer a warranty along with |
| to some leverage for his or her crowbar or other | | | | their lock that may partially reimburse you should |
| tools. | | | | your bike disappear. Of course, nothing is absolute. |
| * Consider a cable lock. These are the easiest for | | | | Recently, it came to the attention of concerned |
| a thief to cut but are also the most flexible and | | | | bike riders that some types of very secure locks |
| inexpensive. | | | | can in fact be opened with the plastic shaft from |
| * Consider a motorcycle lock. These are very | | | | an ordinary pen. Keep in mind that while every |
| sturdy chain-link-type locks that are nearly | | | | bike lock has its weakness, there are many issues |
| impossible to cut through. However, they are | | | | to consider when buying the right one for your |
| extremely heavy. | | | | bike. |