Bike Locksmith - Bicycle Lock Out Service

How many bicycle locks do you know? Typically, there are six major types of locks used for securing your bicycles and we are sharing their features, pros, and cons below. With that, you have a deeper understanding of which type best suits your needs and finances.

D-Locks

It has an awkward D or U-shape shackle which you need to lock on your bike’s frame and the post. Likewise, it is a popular choice among beginners and professional cyclists.

Pros

• Great resistance against bolt cutters and garden scissors
• Lighter than chain locks
• Have a Sold Secure rating (Bronze, Silver, and Gold)
• Reasonable cost

Cons

• Challenging to carry around because of its awkward shape
• Not flexible than chain and cable locks

Chain Locks

It is made of metal chain links intertwined with each other, and it has a rigid appearance that scares off bike thieves. To have a higher security level, the chain links must be thicker and the padlocks used are Sold Secure.

Pros

• Firm and rugged appearance which deters thieves
• Flexible to secure varied objects
• Excellent hardness against mechanical and arm strong actions to break the chain locks
• Sold Secure rating

Cons

• Heavy and occupies large space
• Can scratch your bike frame if the chains have no insulation

Folding Lock

It functions the same way as chain locks, where its flexibility is dependent on the number of joints present.

Pros

• Quick and easy to wrap around your bicycle frame
• Can secure varied objects
• Fairly lighter than D-locks and chains
• Most have a Sold Secure rating (Silver and Gold)

Cons

• Scarce supply

Ground Anchor

We usually install this lock type to your garage, balcony, bike parking spaces, or any stationary place where your bicycles can be parked.

Pros

• Highly resilient against bolt croppers, drilling, hammering, and lock picking
• Sold Secure rating
• Great for a stationary locking mechanism

Cons

• Location dependent
• Requires technical skills for its installation process

Cable Locks

It is a lightweight lock that you can use to supplement your primary bicycle locks. It is usually used to secure the small and moveable parts of your bike (e.g. wheels).

Pros

• Affordable price
• Simple to use
• Good for low crime rate areas
• Lightweight

Cons

• Can be easily cut by bolt cutters or garden scissors
• Low-security level when it comes to areas with medium to high-level cases of bike theft

Combination Locks

This lock type uses codes for unlocking, and to enhance security, be sure to choose those which use four to five figures for the password.

Pros

• Sold Secure rating (Bronze, Silver, and Gold)
• Simple to use and lightweight
• No more hassle with keys

Cons

• Usually no override key in case you forget the passcode