Lock up your bike!

It’s not like we live in the bike theft capital of the world. You can say NYC, London, Toronto, etc. But recently, 2 friends were victims of bike theft; one of whom has lost multiple bikes. Whether it’s you or someone you know, we all have or heard a familiar story. It’s the path of least resistance. The least secure bike on a rack is the better target. So lock up your bike, so you can keep on riding.

First, lock up your frame; don’t just run the lock through a wheel, seatpost, or anything else that is removable on your bike. Have you ever seen a bike wheel locked up and the rest of the bike is gone? Next, lock up to something secure; a tree, a loose unbolted bike rack, wooden fences, are examples of what not to lock up to; they can be broken. Choose the sturdy option that you can’t shake.

U-locks are a great primary lock. If the lock is large enough, you can lock up your frame and a wheel. A chain lock is only as strong as the lock used. Flat links have a better defense than round links. A chain lock may be long enough to secure both wheels and the frame. Cable locks are great secondary locks to secure your wheels. There are some cable locks that are very thick or protected by a metal casing. The ‘Path of Least Resistance’ rule applies.

Remember locks can be defeated; using some common sense will help you keep your bike. Here are some more easy methods to secure your bike components.

Seat and seatpost; take a bicycle chain and run it around your seat rails and your frames seat stays. You can cover the chain with a bicycle tube.

Handlebars, stem, rack, anything attached with an allen bolt; place a ball bearing into the bolt head and cover with hot glue or wax. It keeps unwanted allen wrenches from unbolting your stuff. If you need to, you can dig out the ball bearing to use your allen wrench.

Wheels; bolt on wheels are great or even special skewers for quick release wheels that need a ‘key’. But when in need, use hose clamps on the quick release skewer handles. Tighten them on as tight as possible. You can also use the same trick for your seatpost quick release.

Do a little internet research and you’ll find more ideas on how to keep your bike secure. Ride and lock-up safe!  If you have a tip of your own, post a comment and share it with the community.

Posted by Faceman On: Monday February, 2010 18:14

Post Comment