Riding a bike has recently become very popular. And not only among young people. By purchasing a bike, you get a free, environmentally friendly vehicle. And surely every owner of such a vehicle is thinking about how to save it and protect it from thieves. Yes, yes, criminals, as it turns out, are not only interested in cars. In a situation when you came to the store by bicycle, you have to leave your “iron friend” on the street, unattended. The likelihood that he will be stolen is quite high. And help here may not be calls for decency, but bicycle locks. They are of several types, each has its own disadvantages and advantages.
In Russia, there are practically no bicycle parking lots, as in the West. Therefore, we have to fasten the "iron horses" to the trees, lanterns, columns. That is why the length of the lock loop becomes one of the main, but far from the only criterion for its selection. It is also important to take into account the thickness of the chain, and the diameter of the cable, and the material from which the product is made. So bicycle locks, what are they?
- U-shaped. This is the standard of strength and reliability. It is difficult to pick a master key for it, a snack with reinforcing scissors too. This is definitely an advantage. But the main drawback is the relatively small grip. You will be able to fasten the bike to a thick post, and it will need to be almost pressed. Such bicycle locks are very heavy and bulky. They should be made of a burglar-resistant alloy, and not of ordinary steel.
- Chain locks are represented by a large number of models. How reliable one or another usually depends on the price. The iron chain is cut without problems with a hacksaw. But another thing, if it is made of a resistant alloy. The weak point in this case will be the castle itself. If it is not too cheap, it will please usability and reliability.
- Bicycle locks with a cable - an analog of the above. Their advantage is less weight and ease of handling. Experienced cyclists recommend models with coiled cables. But it is best to use them in order to connect the frame to the wheels.
- Bicycle padlocks are lightweight and compact. They are attached to the frame and consist of hardened steel plates . They also have disadvantages. In places of fastening plates such locks often break. Their design is such that they bend only in one plane, and this is not too convenient.
- Locks that lock the wheels are mounted on the frame; they close around the rim when closed. As a result, the wheels do not spin. Such locks do not fasten a bicycle. That is, the thief may well carry him away in his arms or throw him into the back of a truck.
We should also consider a bicycle
code lock. It is not much more reliable than a conventional design. But the convenience of a combination lock is that you do not have to carry a key with you.
There are models that are mounted on a bicycle. They are convenient in that you do not need to think about how to transport them with you. Not so long ago there was an opportunity to buy a bicycle lock with an alarm.
Unfortunately, there are no completely reliable castles. Therefore, it is still not worth leaving bicycles in uninhabited places unattended. And even if you need to move away for only 30 seconds, always fasten them.