Buying a Lock : Buying Time and a Deterrant

Regretfully, buying a bicycle does not gaurantee that your bike will not get stolen. What a lock does mean is that you are buying time and a deterrant. Naturally, the more you spend, the better the lock and therefore the more time it will take to break and the greater the deterrent.

What type of Lock to Buy?

There are several types of locks; Chain locks, Cable Locks, D-Locks and Folding Locks. Each possesses different characteristics, some easy transportation, some are lighter in weight, others tougher resistance for the money. We offer three brands of lock; Abus, a German manufacturer with an excellent and growing reputation, Kryptonite, who traditionally have been the market leaders until recently, and Trek, who's locks are actually made by Kryptonite, but offer some good alternatives at good prices.

D-Locks are also known as U-Locks, these are the most popular type of lock and are provided with a bracket can be fitted to the frame allowing for easy transportation. Normally uses by locking through the frame and rear wheel. Quite often these are used in conjunction with a cable allowing the cable to loop through the front wheel and the D-Lock, so that the whole bike is protected and helps prevent the opportunist theft of a front wheel, especially useful if you have quick release wheels. Prices start at £19.99 for the Abus Buffo 34 D-Lock, and move steadily upwards in price with greater levels of protection accordingly. Trek offer the Steetwise D-Lock with Cable, which offers both a D-Lock and cable at a good price.

Cable Locks are light and easy to transport in a bag, or basket. Some cable locks come with a frame fitting bracket, aiding transportation. By buying a cable lock, you are able to choose whether you want a combination lock, or a key lock.

Chain Locks offer a tough, but heavy form of bike protection. Transportation needs to be done in a bag or basket, but chain locks do offer tough resistance and a good deterrant. As a result, chain locks do not offer a 'budget' option, but if security is your main priority they may be ideal.

Folding Locks main feature is their size and ease of transportation. Packing down to a very small size, folding locks are a good choice for commuters looking to keep luggage down.

Sold Secure Rating System

Sold Secure is a rating system used to determine the level of protection afforded by a lock. Many insurance companies will stipulate a certain Sold Secure level of protection, determined in accordance with the value of the bike. Sold Secure offers three level of ratings: Bronze, Silver and Gold. However not all locks qualify for even the bronze level, so if you are planning on insuring your bike it is worth checking with your insurance company before buying a lock.

How much to spend?

This is very subjective, depending on how much you value the bike, how much money you have at your disposal, the liklihood of theft etc. As a rule of thumb we recommend 10% of the value of the bike if you are leaving in public reguarly.