F00LZ asked:
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I'm here to present you with some of the BEST bike locks on the market so that you can choose the one that's right for you! I know first hand what it's like to get your bike stolen!'
That is really hard to say. There are actually lots of good ones out there now. If nothing else, buy your lock from a bike shop instead of a department store. Bike shops tend to know which end is up.
You need two locks, a cable and a u-lock, to safely lock up a bike and be certain nothing will be stolen. Usually bike thieves will go for cable locks, but they can also get through U-locks. They rarely carry the right equipment to get through both.
To lock up your bicycle:
1) Lock the U-Lock through your frame, front tire, and bike rack.
2) Send cable lock through back tire, frame, seat, and bike rack.
3) Remove all extraneous items, bike computer, lights, water bottle, bags, etc. and take with you. Also, if your seat has a quick release, you can just take the seat with you too.
Specific brands don’t really matter. Avoid cheap locks, U-locks with circular keys, and things from discount stores. Your local bike shop can recommend good bike locks in your price range that will prevent your bike from being stolen.
The best lock is the one you will carry and use every time you leave your bike!
Personally, I use a Kryptonite New York City “Fahgettaboudit” U-lock and a 6′ x 1/2″ braided cable w/keylock. Before you buy one of these u-locks, though, be advised – it’s SERIOUSLY heavy! Remember, the greatest lock in the world does no good sitting at home.
I recommend you read Sheldon Brown’s article at
Good luck!
Check the rankings by Soldsecure (link below), set up by UK police forces. Various UK cycle insurance policies require you use locks from these list and only the ones rated Gold for higher value bikes. Many of the locks they’ve tested are available in, even from, US.
Luckily in my 2 years spent riding my bike in UC Davis (last 2 years spent walking) I never had my bike stolen. Any sturdy U-Lock will do. Just make sure you lock it onto a designated bike rack or whatnot,other than that your bike should be safe. Most bikes are stolen only because they’re not locked properly, or they use those flimsy wired locks which are easy to cut through.
TIPS:
- don’t buy an overly expensive or fancy bike because those are easy targets and most thieves will go to great extent to steal them. My friend’s $500 bike got stolen. Buy one that’ll be sufficient to get you from point A to B.
- don’t leave bike light attached to bike when not in use, I got mine stolen because I left it attached to my bike over winter break.
- take your bike home over a long break
- park it alongside other bikes, don’t leave it alone by itself
- I know they “require” you to get it licensed for easy retrieval when stolen, but when it gets stolen it’s gone for good (lazy cops). Waste of money and time to get it licensed
I found it more convenient to walk because there are a lot of crazy bike riders (freshmens) who don’t know the rules of the roadway.