Regardless of what you ride, if a bike thief stole it, you’d be pissed off. For this reason, if you plan on riding your bike and leaving it parked just about anywhere, owning the best bicycle lock is essential. After all, bike theft is a problem that isn’t going away anytime soon.
But you should always keep in mind some locks take more time and effort to destroy, which makes thieves think twice about taking the right of getting caught. Having said that, below are some of the things you need to know before buying a bicycle lock.
Cable
Not most people recommend a cable lock for anyone who cares about their bike. And this is easy to see considering these types of lock offers very little security and can be easily compromised using commonly used hand tools in mere seconds.
The only difference is that you have only the most basic needs, or you want a separate cable lock to secure your front wheel or bike saddle in addition to a stronger lock securing your frame and back wheel.
Folding
Folding locks are undeniably the most unique bicycle lock design you can opt for. They are made up of multiple steel bars connected by rivets allowing them to pivot independently of each other. This offers much more flexibility than rigid U-locks, which is most useful when the structure you’re securing your bike to is abnormally shaped.
A folding lock is excellent for easy transportation since it weights much less than U-locks and chains. Moreover, it folds up into a compact size. Better, they a folding lock won’t weigh you down or take up tons of space in your messenger bag.
U-Locks
U-locks are constructed of hardened steel molded in a ‘U’ shape, and they are mostly covered in rubber or plastic to help protect the paint on your bike while also reducing rattling while riding. This type of lock requires a committed or professional bike thief fully equipped with power tools to crack open, making the theft more difficult but not impossible.
However, you need to remember that U-locks are heavier than other bicycle lock types. And due to their rigid shape, they’re more problematic to carry. Moreover, depending on the size of your frame and tires, the u-lock’s size and lack of flexibility might sometimes limit how and where you lock up your bike.
