We’ve all been there with the experience of worrying about our bike that’s locked up or expecting it to be locked up where we left it only to find some bits of a lock left on the floor.
Protection of your bike is something that you should never take lightly. Firstly you need to decide on what works with your bike and what you do. If you commute on your bike, you will most probably end up locking your bike with a rack, whereas where you take beach cruisers tend not to have racks, so you have to adhere to the old-school method of tying up the bike to a palm tree.
In both of these situations and many others, you need to work out what type of lock is going to work best for your general needs. Have a read through the following list for a better idea.
The tenacity, notoriety and innovation of New York’s bike thieves is legendary; as is their occasional use of power tools to cut through even the most rigid chains.
However, if you ask any Big Apple bike messenger for the lock that has they respect, the answer will most certainly be the ‘Kryptonite Fuhgeddaboudit’ chain. With its integrated chain and U-lock system, the chain is 39 inches long with a 14mm thickness which is six-sided and it has a 15mm steel shackle.
No amount of drilling and jacking by even the most hardened thieves could cut through this chain, which is effectively sheathed in a cover of extremely durable nylon cover.
The only downside is that you’ve got to carry it and at over 12lb it’s huge.
For a smaller price of $30, Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 is perhaps the most reliable bang for your buck. Its U-lock, on its own, is super secure with its 13mm shackle that can be deployed in a snap and can successfully hold up against some of the most advanced bolt cutters.
However, if you are in a high-theft zone and aim to lock your bike for an extended period of time, use the additional 4-foot KryptoFlex cable that secures your front wheel, and its improved FlexFrame-U transportation system allows you to secure multiple mount positions.
This little genius of a lock, has made quick lockups a cinch, with its beautifully designed TriRadius shackle which is sturdy and extremely tough; allowing multiple locking options at the same time.
Bike thieves absolutely despise the OnGuard Brute Mini; its X4P Quattro locking mechanism secures the bike with its four-sided protection against all kinds of drills, saws (yes some thieves do have enough time at their disposal to use a saw to cut through locks) and bolt cutters.
Brute Mini is easy to carry, simply throw it in your bag pack or simply carry it on you by mounting it on your bike with Snap Lock Quick Release bracket. A total of five keys come with the Brute Mini unit, one of which comes with an integrated micro-light for added security.
Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Disc Lock Premium Pack is effectively a thick, burly 14mm steel shackle that comes with a double deadbolt lock that can resist jacks, bolt cutters and pry bars. The disc-style lock cylinder is further reinforced with anti-drill steel which enhances its ability against a thief.
A nice carrying pouch comes with a disc lock reminder, and can easily fit in your bag pack or even under the saddle.
Kryptonite comes with yet another security system, this time taking into consideration the input from the New York City bike messengers. They needed a lock system that was tough, lightweight and had a quick release mechanism.
This Mini U-lock from Kryptonite is light with the 11mm shackle that has an additional 11mm wheel extender for extra protection for the front or rear wheel. The crossbar in Kryptonite Messenger Mini+ has reinforced cuff which is pry-resistant with DuoCore anti-drill cylinder.
This simple looking lock from Hiplock, a British firm, promises to merge security and fashion with their innovative chain lock system.
Messengers and bike commuters have long worn their light weight bike locks around their necks, however, it has never been an ideal option, until now.
Hiplok’s chain lock system integrate a sturdy chain into a belt which is not only adjustable but also allows the rider to wear it comfortably around their waist just like an ordinary belt. It comes in a variety of different colors, however, most bikers go for the black color, simply because it matches almost everything in your wardrobe.
If you have any comments then please drop us a message on our Outdoor Revival Facebook page
If you have a good story to tell or blog let us know about it on our FB page, we’re also happy for article or review submissions, we’d love to hear from you.
We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it.
Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoor
Few sites in nature inspire more awe and wonder than waterfalls. As a result, these…
For a large number of animals, it's clear they descended from dinosaurs - think of…
Located deep in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) is the world's…
Considering that the Earth is covered by more than 70% water there are plenty of…
Most major airports are tucked away far from the main thoroughfares of cities, meaning tourists…
Imagine swimming through the ocean, having a relaxing float in a creek or adventuring in…