Locks

Locks

If you’re cycling to the shops or anywhere where you’ll leave your bike unattended, it is well worth investing in a lock. We’ll look at the different lock types and some best practice techniques when it comes to locking your bike up. You can read more here.

Bike locked to bike rack

Lock types

Locks come in all shapes and sizes. Which is best for you?

D-Lock

These are normally solid steel locks which are the most heavy duty lock type. They can be paired with a steel cable to lock through the wheels of your bike.

Chain

Often taking the form of a heavy chain with an outer material casing and a chunky lock, this type of lock is great for putting off thieves. You can loop the chain through wheels and the frame so it’s very user friendly.

Cable

This is the most lightweight locking option and is more used as a deterrent from opportunist thieves. Useful if you’re just popping into the shops and need to lock your bike outside for a few minutes.

Folding

These offer a balance of flexibility and strength. They have a series of steel plates connected with rivets and enable a greater degree of flexibility when locking your bike.

How to lock your bike?

Make sure you lock your bike through the frame to an immovable object, and that it isn’t blocking any access areas. If you’re locking your bike beside a narrow pavement consider whether a wheelchair user could pass by. If you can, choose a well lit area with other bikes in that is covered by CCTV.

If you are leaving your bike overnight, or in a higher risk location, it is worth considering locking both wheels as well as the bike frame.

Sold secure bike lock

Sold Secure

Sold secure offer a graded system for locks which is handy for deciding which lock to buy. Here’s what each rating means:

  • Diamond rated locks “provide the highest level of security ... aimed at very high value bicycles and e-bikes.” These offer the highest level protection, but are heavy and can be hard to carry.

  • Gold rated locks “offer the next highest level of security, aimed at mid-to-high value bicycles.” Often these are D-locks, which can be mounted either on your bike frame or carried in a rucksack.

  • Silver rated locks “offer a compromise between security and cost.”

  • Bronze rated locks “typically offer defense against the opportunist thief” and can be useful as a lighter weight option for short stops in low risk areas.

Some insurance policies specify using a sold secure lock so investing in a well rated lock is a necessity if you’re locking your bike up outside.