Bike Lock Reviews

He creeps around the corner, eyeing your shiny, impeccably cared-for bicycle. He edges closer, taking furtive glances at his surroundings to make sure no one is watching. His tiptoeing steps barely make a sound on the pavement as he cautiously slinks toward the bike rack. When he reaches out to grasp the handlebars, ZAP! A stunning 300 volts knock him backward - and away from your bike - and the police show up and haul him off to jail. In a perfect world, that would be the ideal theft-deterrent device for bikes.

Unfortunately, it's not quite legal to electrocute would-be bike thieves. Instead, there are several devices on the market to help you protect your bike - you take bike security seriously, and the following products will help you dissuade even the most professional bike thief.

Cable locks are the worst way (next to leaving it unlocked) to attempt to protect your bike. U-locks, which are a little safer than cables, provide solid security in fairly safe areas. If you're in a rough neighborhood, you'll need a chain lock - their size and difficulty to cut make bike thieves look for an easier target.

Kabletek Integra Flex RST Cable ($32): If you must use a cable, which basically just keeps the bike from rolling away on it's own, this is the one for you. It's made of steel wire and aircraft cable, which are hard to cut. The keyless, 4-digit combination lock attached is sturdy and durable, and the whole 10 feet of cable weigh only a pound and a half, making it perfect for the biker on the go.

Onguard Brute U-Lock ($62): This all-weather bike lock provides serious security - the adjustable bracket design virtually guarantees that it will fit on any bike or rack. It's made out of one solid piece of hardened steel, and has an integrated lock that makes picking almost impossible. The Brute weighs a little over 5 pounds, so it's above-average protection makes it worth toting around.

Onguard Beast Chain Lock ($89): Better than a typical cable lock because of it's thickness and size, the Beast's chain and locking mechanism can withstand up to ten tons of pull strength. It's covered by a fabric sleeve so you won't scratch that wicked paint job. The only down-side to the Beast is how heavy it is - at a whopping 9.5 pounds, it's not the ideal thing to be carrying around in a backpack for a long ride.

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain with Lock ($99): By far the most secure chain on the market, the Fahgettaboudit will make bike thieves think twice... and then Fahgettaboudit. Made of tempered steel and complete with a set of keys (including one with a built-in light for nighttime rides) for the double deadbolt lock, it weighs a little more than the Onguard Beast. This chain is long enough to wrap around your bike and the rack several times for the added impression of security.

Short of personally hovering in a nearby alleyway with a baseball bat and a can of Mace (which is time-consuming, dangerous, and illegal in most places), using these bike security products - separately or in a combination - will do the best job of keeping your ride safe from potential thieves.

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4. The armored bike: Products to deter even the most ardent thief – Part 5
5. The armored bike: Products to deter even the most ardent thief – Part 7