If you’ve managed to get your hands on a bike, chances are you’d like to keep hold of it. So, while you’re busy snapping up a stylish helmet and other gear, don’t forget to invest in a decent lock. It’s not the most exciting purchase but it certainly is a vital one. Roughly one bike is stolen every 90 seconds, with London being top for the number of thefts.
“Cyclists should ask themselves where they plan to secure their bike and decide on the type of lock accordingly,” says Halfords’ bike security expert, Julia Williams. There are a wide range of locks out there but there are three main types: D-lock, cable and chain.
“The best thing you can do is buy a lock with an appropriate security level,” explains Williams. She advises buyers to look out for a Sold Secure accreditation on the lock, which means they have been independently tested on their strength and rated bronze, silver or gold depending on their durability.
How much should I spend on a lock?
Be aware that for insurance on your bike to be valid, you usually need to have a lock with a sufficient level of security accreditation to match the value of the bike. For a bicycle with an insured level of below £250 a Sold Secure Bronze lock will suffice, whilst for those worth below £999 a Sold Secure Silver lock is needed. For any bike worth £1,000 or more you need to be reaching for the top level Sold Secure Gold locks. As a rule of thumb, says Georgina Taylor of Brixton Cycles, you want to be spending at least 10% of the value of your bike on its lock. As Williams points out: “Keep in mind that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to cycle security.”
What’s the difference between the types of lock?
D-locks are one of the best locks to use against cycle theft, says Williams: “not only are they generally the strongest form of lock, but they also act as a visual deterrent.” Cable locks on the other hand are generally cheaper, lighter and easier to carry around but are best used in combination with either a D-lock or a chain. “Chain locks offer the best of both worlds as they are easier to travel with, and offer some strong security, but can become heavy as you go up the security rankings,” explains Williams.
She also stresses the importance of security for bikes stored at home, where 63% of all bike thefts occur. “Ground anchors are a good investment if leaving yours in a shed or garage.”
How should I lock my bike?
“Make bike thieves' lives as difficult as possible by using as many locks as you can,” advises Williams. “Use a strong chain or D-lock to secure your frame to a firm, fixed object. It will need to be a tall object, like a lamppost or a closed loop, like a bike rack. Don’t secure your bike to a tree or anything thin as it can be cut through.” She also recommends using cable locks and extension cables to secure accessories and any quick release wheels. “The key thing is to make it as difficult as possible for a thief to be successful.” If you’re locking your bike in an area where you won’t be able to keep an eye on it then make sure it is at least well-lit and covered by CCTV, says Williams.
Hiplok Original
Security level: Sold Secure Silver
With an easy-to-adjust velcro strap, this wearable chain belt will be a great fit for many. It is heavier than the Litelok below, coming in at 1.8kg, but is not as rigid and would be easier to store when not in use. This model, selected by Cycling Weekly as an Editor’s Choice, is Sold Secure Silver but an award-winning Gold option is also available. They both also come in a reflective option too for enhanced visibility. If you don’t mind the heavier weight, then this is a great option which is simple to use and easily transportable.
Litelok Gold Wearable
Security level: Sold Secure Gold
This stylish unisex lock, which comes in black, a bright boa green or a hip herringbone pattern, is designed to sit around a cyclist’s hips (sized as small, medium or large). Simply wrap it around you and click it shut - there’s no need to lock it whilst riding - and at a weight of 1.3-1.5kg it’s fairly lightweight for such a product. It’s got the security of a D-lock (it can withstand attacks using bolt cutters, crowbars and hacksaws) but is flexible enough to bend through wheels and frame as well as round poles, racks and fences. It’s a popular choice with great reviews and it’s easy to see why - although it’s also possible to see that its rigidity, when worn, might not appeal to everybody.
Hiplok ANKR
Security level: Sold Secure Gold
Given that such a high proportion of bike thefts occur in the home, including from sheds and garages, it might well be a smart move to invest in extra security there. Hiplok’s popular wall ANKR is an anchor made of premium hardened steel that can be drilled into the ground or a wall. Simply wrap a chain lock or slip a D-lock through the bike to attach it to the anchor.
Kryptonite New York M18
Security level: Sold Secure Gold
You can’t browse a bike retailers’ security collection without coming across a Kryptonite lock. They’re a market leader and, as such, have a wide variety of products on offer. This heavy duty D-lock is as sturdy as they come. It’s hefty at 2.7kgs but is a great option for securing a bike at home or in the office - basically somewhere you can store the lock easily rather than have to transport it back and forth. It’s passed an impressive number of security tests and has an 18mm hardened steel shackle that can resist bolt cutters. It also has a protective vinyl coating and sliding dustcover to keep any dust and grit out of its locking mechanism.
Trelock U5 Mini Flex
Security level: Sold Secure Gold
A smart, classic combination of a D-lock and cable offers you just what you need to secure your bike but in a compact format, making it easier to transport. Covered in protective vinyl and coming complete with a mounting bracket, this brand is relatively new to the UK, despite manufacturing bike accessories in Germany for 160 years.
Halfords Advanced 23cm D-Lock
Security level: Sold Secure Gold
This is Halfords’ first own-brand Gold Sold Secure lock and the offering ticks a lot of boxes. For £60 you get a D-lock with a hardened steel casing and an ultra hardened steel shackle, plus a 120cm cable for securing quick release wheels and any other accessories. Its rubber coating also means it won’t scratch your frame. A bike mount bracket is also included.
Abus Ultra 410 D-lock and Cable
Security level: Sold Secure Silver
You can easily see why this lock is one of Evans Cycles’ bestsellers. The D-lock and cable duo from German brand Abus has a Sold Secure Silver rating and comes in at under £40. It’s another classic combo, this time with a vivid splash of colour.
Rolson Long Coil Bike Lock
Security level: None
Now, it’s not recommended to use just a coil bike lock on its own - a thief can cut through it pretty easily. However, using one in addition to a D-lock or chain lock can help secure items such as quick release wheels, or come in handy if you’re locking the bike up within view, say at your café stop. This extra long 2-metre braided cable with PVC coating can easily be wrapped around the bike, or even a couple if you’re out with others, without any fear of scuffing any paintwork.
Verdict:
For its ease of use, flexibility and practicality, the Hiplok Original gets our vote. Not only does it deliver on security but it’s great value too. If you have a pricier bike go for the Gold version. We also loved the stylish Litelok Gold Wearable in herringbone, whilst the Kryptonite New York M18 is a trusty heavy-duty option to stash in the office or at home for added security.
