How to Buy a Bike Lock

The best way to make sure your bike isn't stolen is to never let it out of your sight. However, when you can't avoid leaving your bike out in the open, you'll want to use a good lock.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bike Shorts
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Jerseys
• Bike Locks And Cables
• Bike Shoes
• Bikes

1. Consider a U-lock. These are the most popular. However, not all U-locks are created equal. Be sure to read the guarantee that comes with the lock. Also, buy the smallest possible U-lock for your needs - this will allow less room for a thief to some leverage for his or her crowbar or other tools.
2. Consider a cable lock. These are the easiest for a thief to cut but are also the most flexible and inexpensive.
3. Consider a motorcycle lock. These are very sturdy chain-link-type locks that are nearly impossible to cut through. However, they are extremely heavy.
4. Consider a key lock. Key locks are generally harder to break than combination locks.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideally, your lock should be large enough to fit through both wheels, the frame, and an anchoring object such as a pole.
• You can get away with a smaller lock for a road bike than for a mountain bike because of the road bike's narrower tire width.