Bicycle lock

A bicycle lock is a special lock for security against bicycle theft. Various types and their different versions offer this good protection against different types of external attacks. When choosing a compromise between weight and handling, price, even in relation to the bike, as well as the desired protection must be taken so always.

• 5.1 lock types
• 5.2 points of attack

Categories

U-lock

A U-lock is similar to a padlock, a large plastic-coated metal ring and the actual castle, a metal body with two openings.

U-locks offer the best protection against theft comparatively, they are sometimes but also very difficult. The brackets are up to 18 mm thick. The Temple of quality padlocks are outside hardened to be protected to disconnect in the middle but a little softer to withstand cold spray attacks.

U-locks are similar in their use of the cable and chain locks. The lock can be passed through the spokes or the wheel frame, but also to solid objects ( lights, bike racks, fence pickets, etc.) are placed, which in contrast to the spokes of the wheel lock is secured against these, carrying.

Folding

Folding or joint locks are since 2005 in trade. This type of lock is made of rigid members which can be folded together by means of joints such as the folding rule. Through this joint construction, it is much more flexible than a U-lock, but to achieve similar strength values ​​according to the manufacturer. This is due to the fact that the movable members make it difficult for the mixture of saws, the slim profile also for the mixture of bolt cutters.

Depending on the model are different lengths and safety classes available, including both numbers as well as cylinder locks are available. The available sizes range from 70 cm to 120 cm and weights range from 590 g - 1625 g

Chain locks

A heavy metal chain is analogous to the cable and U-lock anti-theft device. The castle here is often a regular padlock. Links are often only up to 10 mm thick, with correspondingly large bolt cutters, they are sever so. The chain links of high-quality chain locks are outside hardened and slightly softer in the middle than at the padlocks.

The term chain lock also referred to a special link in the bicycle chain, which is instead of being riveted closed on one side with a snap ring.

Cable lock

A cable lock is a sheathed with plastic steel cable which is provided with a generally integrated lock. Cable locks are very flexible and easy to handle. Smaller diameters of a few millimeters, however, offer little protection before cutting. Armored cable locks offer here a significant increase in protection, since they have a steel jacket which is too thick for bolt cutters. The castle loses its elasticity so, however.

Cable locks are also used like in order to protect other easily transportable objects as the furniture in garden clubs, from theft.

Steckschloss

A key lock is a bike lock or wheel lock, which consists of a sealable, one side inserted into the Speichenweg sheet metal pen or pencil. Key locks are by their very nature often relatively easy to remove with a little violence.

Plug - like spokes locks prevent the locked, a turning of the wheel, but can not prevent theft by carrying off the bike.

Frame lock

A frame lock prevents a closed bolt in the most stable Speichenweg turning the wheel. Compared to the previously often simple, one-sided mounted safety locks the bolt is designed as a ring or mounted on both sides pivot bolt with today's frame locks. A frame lock alone offers little protection against theft, because you can easily carry away the wheel.

Security levels

Some vendors define security levels for its castles. The higher the number, the more secure will be the castle. The more expensive and lighter a bike is, the more difficult and more expensive also an adequate lock should be. In addition, it is recommended to pay attention to the certification by VdS.

Tests of bicycle locks

Among others also tests the Stiftung Warentest at irregular intervals bicycle locks. Were published the last 4 tests April 2013, July 2007, June 2003 and February 2002. They are available for less money online. In view of the very many poor quality locks on the market at any prospective buyers should previously inform.

The summary of the current test of Stiftung Warentest: " The test results are alarming. " "Even expensive bike locks often provide no security. Few keep thieves stood. " In total there is good only 5 of 37 locks. 17 locks, however, are deficient. [ ... ] Sad: " The bottom line is, most castles were without too much effort to open within three minutes. " In the total of 18 armored cable and chain locks in the test were only three a satisfactory, the remaining 15 sections with grades sufficient or deficient from.

Alarm system

Another way to hedge is an alarm system. This reacts if the bike is moved, usually with a warning signal. If this is ignored, you will hear a very loud alarm signal until the bike is no longer moved. There is also cable locks that respond to a severing of the cable and a combination of both techniques.

Pictures

Lock types

Cheap and expensive bike lock

Folding

Frame lock

Combination lock

Simple chain lock

Chain lock with jacket

Targets

A by separate cable lock: steel cable with plastic sheath

A cut-off wheel cuts a U-lock