How to choose a bike lock. And the bike won't be stolen?
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All about bicycle bags
First of all, let's figure out the little things. A bicycle lock is a mechanical device that attaches a bicycle to a fence, pipe, or other indestructible objects, or blocks bicycle components, preventing it from rolling. Often bicycle bags are made of steel, sometimes of brass or aluminium. But the last two are extremely rare, so we will not consider them in this article. Of the main parameters of a bicycle lock, it is possible to distinguish: thickness, length, type and its reliability.
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The most popular and well-known type is the so-called cable bicycle lock. This is a metal knitted or twisted cable, at the end of which there is a protective lock. The cable itself consists of interlacing a lot of wire.
The thickness of the cable is responsible for reliability and durability, because the thicker it is, the more difficult it is to bite or break it. The standard thickness starts from 6-8 mm, the average is around 10-12 mm. But there are more advanced models with a thickness of 22 mm or more. The length of the rope affects how many parts of the bike can be protected from theft and what diameter of an unbreakable obstacle it can cover. If the length of the cable is less than 20 cm, then you are unlikely to be able to secure both the frame and the wheel. A special silicone film is often stretched on the cable (however, as well as on the frame). Since steel tends to rust, a cable without a protective film can quickly lose its presentation and begin to crumble from rust. It is worth noting here that no matter how thick the cable is, the wire of which it consists has a thickness of less than 1 mm, which means that the entire wire is subject to rust equally.
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An equally important parameter is the type of lock. It can be embedded or coded. The built-in one opens with a key, and the code one has a combination with movable digits, as in travel suitcases. There are combinations of 2, 3, 4 and 5 digits. Keep in mind that store models in most cases are set to a combination of 0000 or 1111, which is important to change yourself after purchase.
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The reliability of a cable bicycle lock directly depends on its thickness and the strength of the castle itself. Models with a thickness of up to 8 mm can be snacked on with ordinary wire cutters in just a dozen seconds. Everything that is in the range from 8 to 12 mm will be able to last a minute or two, but models with a thickness of 18-22 mm will be able to overcome only special bolt cutters with a long shoulder. As for the reliability of the lock itself, models with a weak larva or in a plastic case can be hacked even with an ordinary screwdriver. The combination lock is either picked up or cracked if the core is not protected by metal — it is simply broken with a hammer.
The next type is a chain bike lock. These are similar in everything to the cable ones described above, but they are not made of woven wire, but in fact are an ordinary chain. Like the cable, the chain is made of metal, in the vast majority of cases steel is used. The chain is more reliable, but at the same time it takes up more space, can rattle, and is not so convenient to transport. Firstly, it is heavier, and secondly, if the links are thick enough, then the chain can have an impressive width, which means it is difficult to wind it on the frame or seatpost. Solutions of this type can be equipped with a padlock.
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A chain bike lock is more reliable than a cable one and you can no longer bite it with ordinary wire cutters. But if the robber has in his arsenal bolt cutters with a long shoulder, then he will be able to crack one steel link up to 4 mm thick in about 30 seconds or even faster. Therefore, the chain is considered a very effective protection against an unprepared robber, but it will not be able to save from a prepared one.
The third and most reliable type of bicycle lock is the horseshoe-shaped U-lock. It is a U-shaped arc made of cast steel. As already mentioned, this is the most reliable type. However, the lock itself is not as convenient and pleasant to transport as the previous two. You can't hang it on the frame, you can only transport it in a backpack or on a seatpost if a special attachment is included with the lock.
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An important disadvantage will be the weight, because some models can weigh up to two kilograms. When purchasing such a lock, do not be lazy to measure the thickness of the frame in the place where you plan to hook it. Some models may have a cable included. They are more versatile and reliable, but they add a lot of weight. There are only two ways to crack a U-shaped lock:
- Large bolt cutters with a huge shoulder. The snacking process can take up to 5 minutes.
- Using liquid nitrogen. Nitrogen is sprayed onto an arc or lock until the place freezes, and then with one very strong and precise hammer blow, the freezing place is broken. Depending on the thickness of the lock and the amount of nitrogen, it can take up to two minutes.
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Next on our list is a bicycle bag made of plates, or as it is also called — a segment bicycle bag. This is considered a fairly reliable type of bicycle lock, but is somewhat inferior in reliability to the U-shaped one. It consists of sliding plates, each of which extends the entire lock when disassembled. Ordinary wire cutters are not a snack, but more powerful ones will quite cope with the task. Unlike other locks, these are very compact when folded and easily fit in a pocket or backpack.
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Everything else and not only
There are also other bicycle locks on the market, such as a wheel lock. It is attached directly to the rim itself, without removing it, the wheel cannot be turned. Or a lock on the seatpost, which does not allow unscrewing the seatpost pipe together with the seat.
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In principle, there are enough various devices, both mechanical and electronic. But you need to understand that no lock can protect your bike if you leave it unattended for a long time. By and large, even manufacturers indicate in the instructions that if you leave the bike for more than 5 minutes, they cannot guarantee its safety. Therefore, full control over transport is considered the best and most reliable means. But this does not mean that there is no need for a bicycle bag. On the contrary! The bike lock will give you time and an opportunity to correct the situation. On that, we wish you a pleasant, safe and healthy ride, and in addition — long and trouble-free years of friendship with your iron friend!
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