5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Bicycle Lock

Locking up your bicycle securely starts with choosing the right bike lock. If you’re unsure how to keep your bike safe or overwhelmed by all the options out there, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through five essential things to consider before buying a bike lock. Keep reading to discover the key steps to protect your ride!

1. Choose the Right Type of Lock
2. Consider Your Locking Location
3. Match the Lock to Your Security Needs
4. Measure Your Bike’s Locking Points
5. Check Insurance Requirements

1. Choose the Right Type of Lock

Choosing the right type of lock is an important starting point when considering your bike lock purchase. There are several options to choose, including chain locks, D locks, cable locks, and more. Think about the type of lock that best suits your specific needs and situation.

Chain Locks usually have a long locking length, allowing you to secure multiple parts of your bike or even lock up several bicycles with one lock. However, chain locks can be bulky to carry around, so consider opting for a wearable chain lock, making it easier to take with you wherever you go.

D locks are a more compact and offer stronger option compared to chain locks. If you’re only locking up a single bike or leaving your bike in a high risk area, a D lock might be your best choice for both security and convenience.

Cable Locks offer the lowest level of security due to their thinner shackles compared to other types of locks. But their lightweight design makes them easier to carry with you. They are best suited for those who need to secure their bike for a short period of time or in a very low-risk area, as they provide only basic security.

Folding locks offer a compact and more secure option compared to cable locks. They can attach to your bike, or take up little space in your bag, making them a popular choice for commuters or city riders.

Security Ties provide lightweight protection for you bicycle against the opportunist thief. They offer convenient protection for short pit stops, on car racks, for accessories or with outdoor equipment.

For storage solutions, anchors are worth considering. They provide a secure fixing point to lock your bike to, and can be affixed to the wall or ground. A sturdy anchor, paired with a strong lock, offers peace of mind.

To find out more about the different types of lock, check out ‘Which Bike Locks are the Best? ‘ to help you find the best bicycle lock for you.

2. Consider your locking location

It’s always important to consider the risk of theft in the area you’re locking up.  A cable lock may be perfectly fine while you’re popping into a village café. Whereas if you’re in a high-theft area (such as a city), a more secure lock would be a worthwhile investment. Check out the tips below:

Locking your bike outside:

• Consider how busy the area is. A location with high traffic and footfall is often safer than a quiet alleyway, where a thief might have more time to work on a lock.  
• Also, make sure the area has sturdy, immovable objects like bike racks to secure your bike to. Stay clear of wire railings of fencing. Your lock is only as strong as what you lock it to.

Locking up in layers:

• The more locks you have, the more secure your bike will be. We always recommend a secondary security option, such as a security tie (e.g. Hiplok Z LOK COMBO), to secure your wheels or accessories.

Locking your bike at home:

• 60% of bike thefts occur at home. So, having a secure setup for your bike storage at home or garage provides peace of mind. For instance, use a ground or wall anchor with a D lock or chain lock.

3. Match the Lock to Your Security Needs

One of the best ways to determine if a lock is ideal for your needs is to consider the Sold Secure rating. Sold Secure put locks through a variety of attack tests to determine their strength and assign a security level. This makes it easier to compare different locks and brands. They categorise bicycles and e-bikes as ‘pedal cycles,’ and the ratings fall within four main categories:

• Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond (highest level security)
• Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold
• Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Silver
• Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Bronze (basic level security)

However, some bicycle locks are strong enough to be categorised for motorcycles (powered cycles). These locks offer higher security levels and are designed to withstand more intensive attacks, making them a great option if you’re looking for ultimate protection.

• Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond (ultimate level security)
• Sold Secure Powered Cycle Gold

There are recommended ratings for each level of risk in your area, as well as information on the types of tools a lock can resist. To learn more about Sold Secure, visit our Sold Secure Explained page.

However, while heavy-duty locks provide excellent security, they can be bulky and inconvenient to carry. Consider how often you’ll need to transport the lock and strike a balance between ease of use and security. If you’re still unsure, feel free to ask us for help in finding the right lock for your needs.

4. Measure Your Bike’s Locking Points

It’s also important to consider the size and shape of your bike frame, wheels, and any accessories. You don’t want to buy a lock and find out it doesn’t fit your bicycle properly.

Make sure the lock you choose can secure both the frame and at least one wheel to a fixed object. Check the specifications of the lock, such as locking length, shackle diameter, and other details. It’s a good idea to test the lock’s size by using a printed version and simulating how it will fit your bike, just like we do with the Hiplok D1000, anti-angle grinder D lock!

5. Check Insurance Requirements

Your insurance company may have specific requirements for the lock you use, such as a certain security rating. It’s crucial to check these details to ensure you’re fully covered in case of theft. They will typically specify the security rating they require, often Sold Secure Gold or higher. Make sure to confirm your insurer’s requirements before purchasing a lock to ensure you meet their conditions.

Remember, choosing the right lock is essential for both security and peace of mind. Hopefully these tips will  help you choose a lock that fits your needs.

Happy riding!

hiplok products in this blog post