How to Choose Bike Locks HOVSCO

How to Choose Bike Locks

Now there are more and more cyclists of electric bicycles, of course, the probability of someone's electric bicycle being stolen is also increasing. A sturdy lock and a savvy lock strategy will greatly reduce the risk of your bike being targeted by thieves.

U-Locks

The widely used style of bike lock is an excellent deterrent. The bulky locking mechanism resists hammers, chisels, etc. As long as the horseshoe shape isn't oversized for the bike, it can limit leveraging. We aim to reduce the amount of space in which a thief can insert a crowbar and leverage enough force to break it.

U-locks come in a variety of sizes. The goal is to size the lock so that it goes around whatever you're locking with as little gap as possible. Some models lock one wheel and your frame to a fixed object. Some models lock both wheels and your frame to a fixed object.

Cable Locks

These are versatile and adaptable, but tend to offer less theft deterrence than U-locks. Bolt cutters can cut through most cable locks. By themselves, they may be suitable for low-crime areas. Additionally, they are a good choice to use in conjunction with a U-lock to secure easily removed parts (e.g., seats). Some come with integral combination or key locks; others require a separate padlock. Some have sliding sizing or armor coatings. Newer models feature stylish designs.

Chain Locks

In high-crime areas, these bike locks use a specially designed chain link that resists hacksaws and chisels and makes the chain extremely difficult to leverage. Invest in a padlock that is just as strong - thieves can easily cut through thin locks, no matter how sturdy the chain may be. What's the downside? Chains are heavy and bulky, so they should be used for stationary purposes.

Locking Wheel/Seat Skewers

Sadly, quick-release wheels and seatposts are as convenient for thieves as they are for bike owners. In high-crime areas, locking skewers disable the quick-release feature and make it harder to steal. They're easy to install, but some require a special wrench that comes with the skewer.

Bike Lock Keys and Combinations

A keyed lock uses either flat keys or cylindrical keys. In the past, cylindrical keys got a bad reputation when it was discovered some locks of this type could be picked with a ballpoint pen. With newer models, this is no longer an issue.

The majority of keyed bike locks come with at least two keys, so you'll have a backup. If you lose your keys, most bike lock manufacturers offer a key replacement service.

Most U-locks and some cable and chain locks come with keyed locking mechanisms.

Combination locks are convenient because you don't need to carry a key with you or worry about losing keys, but you will need to remember a 4-digit code.

Cable locks typically use combination locks.


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