A Bicycle Owner’s Guide To Locking Bikes

By Author: Blackburn Design
Total Articles: 11
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It isn’t rare to have someone come home and narrate an unhappy story of how they lost a seat, wheel or the entire bicycle to theft. In most cases, these thefts are due to carelessness in locking the bike.
While simply using a bike U-lockis an adequate option, you could take some additional measures when parking your bikes in a public location. Here is a list of methods to employ,alongwith using a robust bike lock,to ensure maximum protection.
How to lock your bike
First and foremost – always lock your bike! It only takes the thief a few seconds to ride off on an unlocked bike.
In addition to investing in a sophisticated combination bike lock,make sure you are not locking your ride by one wheel only. Always make it a point to secure both wheels every single time. Either lock the front wheel together with the rear one or use two separate bike locks ...
... to secure your cycle.Investing in an extra bike U-lockis worthwhile when you weigh it against the risk of losing your ride home.
Also remember that a small U-lock is recommended over a large one, which is typically easier to pry open with the help of a crowbar.
Especially if you own a mountain bike that comes with a quick-release seat post, make sure you have taken necessary measures to secure your seat as well. Also make sure you remove all the clip-off items and accessories such as water bottles, saddlebags and lights.
Where to park
Most public places in your city will have parking spots for bicycles. Use them.
Never chain your cycle with a signpost that has no sign on the top. It is not very difficult to lift it over the sign post. Also remember to ensure that the signpost you use is cemented strongly into the sidewalk.
Also avoid leaving your bicycle in the care of security guards or doormen who will not be in the position to leave their post in case someone chooses to take off with your bike.
While you may assume that picking up your mail, or delivering a package will take you only a few minutes; those few minutes are enough for a well practiced bicycle thief to do his job.
It is best to rely on good quality combination bike locks and your common sense when it comes to securing your ride back home.