How to find the right lock
Choosing a lock can be difficult, especially with all the various types out there. Read on to find out the differences between the models.
With all the different types of locks out there, it can be hard to decide which one fits your needs. To solve this problem, and to give you some advice, we have put together this post. Below you will find more information about U-, chain, folding and cable locks as well as what they are good for.
How to correctly lock your bike
First, this is one of the most important parts of keeping your bike secure. You don’t want to just lock your bike, you want to lock your bike to something. This ensures that no one can just come by and pick it up, throw it in a truck and drive away.
Remember, always lock your bike to something.
What kind of locks are there?
There are many different type of locks available. You can choose between a U-, folding, cable and chain locks, but the question is, which will work best for you?
U-locks
U-locks are pretty practical. You can easily mount them to your frame, but be sure to measure everything to make sure it will fit. If mounted to the frame, you have the benefit of always having your lock with you no matter where you ride. The majority of U-locks are also very safe due to their thick shackles. The only problem with them is their lack of flexibility. Their rigid design only allows you to lock to certain things that are not too large.
U-locks
Chain locks
Chain locks are some of the most flexible locks available. The only thing keeping your from locking to everything is the length, which normally ranges from 55-170 cm. The different security ratings are determined by the material and thickness of the chain. The longer and thicker the chain, the heaver it is, making it hard to transport. However, for people who always have a backpack or pannier with them, chain locks are great for keeping your bike locked up.
Chain locks
Folding locks
Folding locks are interesting because they combine the pros of both U- and chain locks. Their movable bars are almost as flexible as a chain and they pack down small and are easy to transport like a U-lock. With a frame mount, they are easy to leave on your bike, so you never forget your lock. They are also just as secure as both U- and chain locks.
Folding locks
Cable locks
Most cable locks aren’t very secure and are made more for quick trips into the store. However, they are very lightweight and easy to transport because they either come as a spiral or can folded and packed easily. This makes them extremely versatile.
Cable locks
Lock comparisions
The table below can be helpful for you to compare some of the top locks that we offer.
| Product Number | Manufacturer | Lock | Size | Security Rating | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37817 | ABUS | Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock | 300 mm | 15 (out of 15) | U-Lock | 1656 g |
| 37824 | ABUS | Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock with USH540 Holder | 230 mm | 15 (out of 15) | U-Lock | 1580 g |
| 29731 | Kryptonite | Evolution™ Mini 7 U-Lock with Kryptoflex® Cable | 8.3x17.8 cm | 7 (out of10) | U-Lock | 1430 g |
| 19622 | Kryptonite | Evolution™ Mini U-Lock | 140 mm | 7 (von 10) | U-Lock | 980 g |
| 31285 | ABUS | Bordo Granit X-Plus 6500 Folding Lock | 85 cm | 15 (out of 15) | Folding Lock | 1580 g |
| 26924 | ABUS | Bordo 6000 ST Folding Lock | 90 cm | 10 (out of 15) | Folding Lock | 1220 g |
| 26929 | ABUS | Bordo Lite 6050 Folding Lock | 85 cm | 6 (out of 15) | Folding Lock | 650 g |
| 44655 | Axa | Foldable 600 Folding Lock | 95 cm | 7 (out of 15) | Folding Lock | 770 g |
| 44656 | Axa | Foldable 800 Folding Lock | 100 cm | 9 (ou tof 15) | Folding Lock | 950 g |
| 16065 | ABUS | Granit Steel-O-Flex X-Plus 1025 Cable Lock | 120 cm | 11 (out of 15) | Cable Lock | 2250 g |
| 33466 | ABUS | Ivera Steel-O-Flex 7200 Cable Lock with Ivera RBU Holder | 110 cm | 8 (out of 15) | Cable Lock | 1160 g |
| 37944 | BBB | MiniSafe BBL-52 Cable Lock | 120 cm | 2 (out of 12) | Cable Lock | - |
| 21499 | ABUS | Granit CityChain X-Plus 1060 Cable Lock | 170 cm | 15 (out of 15) | Cable Long | 3750 g |
| 28018 | ABUS | Tresor 1385 Chain Lock | 110 cm | 7 (out of 15) | Chain Lock | 1380 g |
| 28022 | ABUS | Steel-O-Chain 880 Chain Lock | 110 cm | 8 (out of 15) | Chain Lock | 1900 g |
| 25862 | Kryptonite | New York Fahgettaboudit® Chain Lock | 100 cm | 10 (out of 10) | Chain Lock | 4900 g |
| 43404 | Kryptonite | Messenger Chain & Moly Chain Lock | 100 cm | 7 (out of 10) | Chain Lock | 2840 g |
Time to lock it up
Deciding on what type of lock you want is the first step to finding the right one for you. Make sure to choose one with a security rating that will keep your bike secure based on where you live and how long you leave it unattended.
Once you have the right lock, you can go out and leave your bike without worrying about if you’ll find it when you get back.
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