What is the best way to secure my bike?
Let's be honest - there is no such thing as 100% protection. But you can make it unpleasantly difficult for the thieves, for example by using good bicycle locks. These are part of the basic equipment of every bicycle. One thing you should not do is save money. There are locks in all price ranges, from cheap to expensive and from inferior to high-quality.
Tips
- Always secure your bike to a fixed object. This way, your bike cannot simply be carried away.
- If you are travelling in a group, secure your bikes together with several locks.
- Do not always lock your bike in the same place. This gives the thieves additional information about when they can strike undisturbed.
- Always remove your accessories. (Computers, lights, bags, GPS systems, etc.)
- Secure your bike always and everywhere! Even if it's only for a few minutes.
- Write down all the important facts about your bike, such as brand, colour, frame number and special features. We also recommend that you take a photo of your bike. This will make it easier to identify your bike in case of theft.
Bicycle frame number
Every bicycle has one, the so-called frame number - consisting of numbers and letters. The bicycle manufacturer stamps it directly into the frame. This number is assigned only once and is an important aid in identifying your bike.
Means: Write down the frame number and keep it safe.
Possible places where the frame number can be found:
- Frame tube
- Rear strut
- Wheel suspension
- Seatpost
- under the seat post
- at the bottom bracket
Which bicycle locks are available?
The U-lock
The so-called U-lock is a U-shaped metal body that is fitted with a lock cylinder with two openings. The lock can be attached to the frame or wheel. For additional protection, a spiral cable lock is suitable, which can simply be attached to a fixed object.
Compared to the chain or folding lock, the U-lock proves to be heavier and more stable, but stands out as a valuable main lock due to its hard material.
Advantages
- Very secure
- Valuable main lock
The spiral cable lock
This is a lock that is ideal for cheaper bikes or children's bikes. Due to its easy handling and low weight, the spiral cable lock is also recommended as a secondary lock.
Advantages
- Flexible
- Versatile length
- Compact transport size
The chain lock
A chain lock is a flexible lock that makes it very easy to connect the bicycle to fixed objects. The lock consists of a simple metal chain that is also covered with a textile tube. The textile tube protects the bike from damage to the paintwork. The quality of the chain plays a major role. High-quality chain links are very solid.
The rule here is: the thicker the chain, the better the protection.
Advantages
- Flexible
- Very safe
The folding lock
The folding lock is ideal for everyday use. It is almost as flexible as a chain lock and has a similar security as a U-lock. In addition, the lock is easy to transport because it can be folded up without any further problems. A folding lock allows you to secure your bike to a railing or post. Compared to a U-lock and chain lock, the folding lock is much lighter.
Advantages
- Flexible
- Very safe
- Space saving during transport
