Bikes are stolen every hour all over the world. In some places like London a bike might be stolen every 16 minutes. It’s good to buy a bike lock and have one on you when you’re out riding. Even if you don’t think you’re going to stop, there is a possibility that you may need to use the restroom unexpectedly or need to get food for a certain blood sugar drop. These aren’t implausible events and eventually led me to buy a small bike lock that I can keep in my bag.
On the other hand if you are going to leave your bike unattended where it can be accessed by strangers then you definitely need a good bike lock. I personally have never had my full bike stolen. But during university my bike was locked in the local bike park just outside the dorms. So my bike didn’t get stolen but I had a very comfy aftermarket seat that was stolen. At least the thief left me his old broken seat that I found at the crime scene. In short I spent a week on a very uncomfortable seat until I was able to afford another one.
Keep in mind there are no guarantees even if you do buy a lock. There is always a way to steal a bike if someone is ambitious enough but hopefully these locks will dissuade the common thief. Regardless, here are a great list of bike locks that will assist you in keeping your bike safe.
If you just want a budget lock that gives you all the features you want and keeps your bike safe then Titanker lock will get the job done. The lock is a 4 feet long coiled cable that is made with braided steel to resist cutting. The cable is half an inch in diameter. The lock has a 4 number combination lock that is easy to reset to a combination of your choosing. The lock comes with a mount that is meant to be attached to your seat post of 1-1.3 inch diameter.
Customers like how simple and easy to use this lock is. For a great price you’re getting a bike lock that works and will make your bike safer. It comes in 10 colors for extra personalization as well.
Kryptonite makes many locks that are highly reviewed. The Keeper 785 comes at a great price and according to Kryptonites own grading is good for moderate security. If you want the highest security you will have to pay higher price tag for the New York Series. The Keeper is a 33.5 inch cable made of 7mm four sided chain links made up of 3T Manganese Steel. Kryptonite claims the chain has no weak points by design and is hardened at the dead bolt for extra holding power. You receive two keys as well as a key safe program where Kryptonite will send you two pairs of keys for free if you lose yours. The program requires first registering to Kryptonite.
People that have bought this lock agree that this seems like a good theft deterrent but many have complained of the longevity of this device. It comes in 4 colors and is a great option that is simple to use and comes from a reputable brand.
If you just want a lock that will “keep honest people honest” then the Schwinn bike lock will do that. It comes at a great price for a 5 ft cable of 8mm braided steel and two keys. This is not the strongest lock and may not perform as well as other locks but if you just want something that will make you think twice then this will do that just fine.
Here is another combination lock that is a good alternative to the Titanker. The Sportneer comes with a 5 combination lock for keyless convenience. The cable is made of extra thick manganese steel with a protective zinc coating. It is .24 inches in diameter and 3.2 ft long of flexible cable. A solid zinc alloy cylinder lock component keeps all parts of the product safe.
This is a good choice for those looking for a good lock for a good price.
Conclusion
No bike is 100% even with these locks or bike locks that cost thousands. What this does do is reduce the probability of your bike being stolen or at the very least reduce the likelihood it is targeted. It is absolutely worth it to get yourself a bike lock for these reasons. Stay safe and have fun riding.