Bike Locks - Why You Need Them and How To Use Them

Bike locks - are they for the tame, the weak, the boring; the ones afraid of getting their beloved cycle stolen? NO. Bike locks are for everyone and are absolutely vital for any biker (no matter how or how much you use your cycle). Every single cycle owner needs a lock.

And no, cycle locks aren't just for the nerds and the faint of heart. Being a brave guy isn't going to keep your cycle away from bad people with large vans. Park your bike unlocked next to the grocery shop, take five minutes to buy groceries for Mommy, come back out and BAM! It's gone.

Most people don't realize the importance of bike locks until: A. They experience it firsthand and have to go through a loss of a bicycle (which can be a very, very expensive loss) or B. They read an article like this, wise up and buy themselves a lock immediately.

Most potential cycle thieves will not even consider approaching a locked cycle, especially if it's parked in a public area. That's why you should have a bike lock that is prominent and visible from far.

Tips for choosing the right lock:

    Do NOT choose the $1 or 50 cent products. Believe me, this is gonna be next to nothing protection-wise. Find it in your heart to dig out an extra twenty to thirty bucks, and protect the hundreds of dollars you spent on your bicycle.
    As already stated, make sure to choose one that is prominent and easy to see from far. This helps to discourage potential thieves.
    Not all bike locks will fit all bikes (especially when the lock in question is a U-lock). Make sure that the product you consider is long enough to fit over your tire and your frame

Types of bike locks:

    cable locks (flexible)
    u-locks (metal, inflexible)

How to lock your bike:

    Find something sturdy (preferably iron or some sort of metal) like an iron railing
    If you have a cable lock, wrap the lock around the tire, the wheel and the metal frame (locking just your wheel to the railing can result in somebody loosening the wheel and walking away with the valuable frame. Locking just the frame can result in somebody loosening the wheel and walking off with that).
    If you have a u-lock, fit the U over the back tire and the bike frame and lock. Easy as pie.

Occasionally, you might see advices to buy two locks and lock your front and back. Although this is not particularly necessary, it's a good idea for those who live in areas with high crime rates.

Bike locks are a vital accessory for your cycle. Without purchasing a bike lock, you will soon find yourself without a cycle. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.