Questions tagged [lock]

Locks are used to secure bikes. Common varieties are cable/chain locks and U-locks (D-locks).

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53 votes
17 answers
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Locking your bike in public areas

I recently saw a small clip about how to securely lock your bike. I was wondering what are your tips for minimizing the chances of getting your bike stolen. Here ...
Gabriel Solomon's user avatar
50 votes
9 answers
7k views

Best type of bike lock (materials, style, etc.)

I recently lost the keys to my lock and had to borrow a bolt cutter to free my bike. It was a bit of an eye opener to realise a) just how easy it was for the bolt cutters to cut through my D Lock (<...
Kevin's user avatar
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42 votes
5 answers
11k views

Leaving lock on the parking rack - is this rude?

We have a bicycle parking rack near the office building. It's rather large: for about 30-35 bikes. Someone has left their lock (chain or whatever) locked around one part of the rack. So, I've got ...
k102's user avatar
  • 2,288
28 votes
20 answers
11k views

How can I prevent bicycle theft while bikepacking?

I’m planning a multi-day gravel ride with a few friends. We would have to sleep in public campgrounds, which are also full of people because of the camping season. What is the best way to secure our ...
MaplePanda's user avatar
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27 votes
4 answers
11k views

Someone else's lock on my bike

Earlier today, I had to leave my bike in the street to run some errands. Just after I was done attaching it to a barrier, a person came to me and asked me about my kryptonite lock as he was locking ...
Dorian's user avatar
  • 373
21 votes
6 answers
6k views

Deterrents against partial (component) theft

Big question: Is there any way to increase the security of bolted on portions of a bicycle? Specifics: I cycle as my primary mode of transport (in East London) on a early 90s steel road bike with ...
alsothings's user avatar
20 votes
10 answers
42k views

How can I keep my bike safe in my garage?

I just got a brand new bike. I keep it in the garage, but my wife has a habit of leaving the garage door up. Right now, there's nothing in my garage that I can really lock the bike to. How can I ...
braveterry's user avatar
20 votes
5 answers
7k views

How to keep a huge cargo bike safe in the city?

I have been biking for transportation and pleasure the whole time I've lived in Chicago, and I'm familiar with the basics of locking up and storing my commuter bike. Yesterday I added a Yuba Mundo to ...
beth's user avatar
  • 411
19 votes
7 answers
2k views

Lock my bicycle on busy or quiet places?

When I lock my bicycle I try to lock it on quiet spots, usually on street racks situated on secondary streets. I think it will be less visible so it will attract less looks. On the other hand, if a ...
yeforriak's user avatar
  • 363
19 votes
7 answers
20k views

How do you lock up your bike trailer?

Many of us pull bike trailers - whether one-wheeled or two-wheeled -- cargo or kids. What is the best way to lock up trailers - especially when you're commuting? Most trailers come with a quick-...
RoboKaren's user avatar
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18 votes
10 answers
11k views

Silencing a rattling u-lock

I'm not sure if they're all like this, but my u-lock is a bit loose between the two pieces, the U and the bar. The provided mount snaps very very tightly onto the U, leaving the bar to fend for itself,...
Cascabel's user avatar
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18 votes
13 answers
65k views

How to deal with lock that keeps jamming?

I have a kryptonite U lock and lately it's been sticking a lot while trying to turn the key. Usually I can eventually get the key turned. It was getting worse though and a few days ago I (unable to ...
Damon's user avatar
  • 515
16 votes
7 answers
6k views

What is the best bicycle lock on the market?

What is the best bicycle lock on the market, defined by: Best security Easiest usability when securing your bike Easiest method of transport Lightest without other compromises Edit: In addition, ...
zenbike's user avatar
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16 votes
2 answers
10k views

Can a chain-lock be better against cutting than a U-lock?

I'm looking for a bike lock and, in 2013, Kryptonite have a new lock, the Evolution Series 4 Mini Chain: The chain is quoted as being only 55 cm long, and 10 mm thick. Is the blue mark below a ...
Baumr's user avatar
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15 votes
3 answers
2k views

How can I paint a kryptonite key?

I now have 4 kryptonite keys on my key ring that I carry around for my family. These are the ones with a black plastic bulb on the key's bow. In order to make my life easier, I would like to paint ...
BPugh's user avatar
  • 2,351
15 votes
10 answers
23k views

Ever seen a locking bag that could be locked to the bike?

This might take a little explaining. I've got stuff on my bike that removes easily and could be stolen: head light, tail light, cyclometer. If I'm riding to a concert or something, I don't want to ...
Brock Boland's user avatar
  • 1,099
14 votes
6 answers
5k views

How do you lock your recumbent?

I have a pair of recumbents and I have difficulties locking them safely when I have to park them in the street for long period of time. The conventional wisdom is to use a U-lock to attach the frame ...
kmkaplan's user avatar
  • 325
14 votes
7 answers
88k views

My key jammed in my U-lock. How can I unlock/break it?

I've been biking for 2 months now with my U-lock still on my bike, it sort of gets in the way of pedaling sometimes and I'm kinda tired of it. Does anyone know of any ways to get the remnants of the ...
meder omuraliev's user avatar
13 votes
3 answers
3k views

New D-lock failed locked up

This doesn't appear to be a dupe of any of the stuck lock issues -- I've only been using the lock for 3 days and the key turns fine. It's an Abus Ultra 410 which locks at both ends and only one end ...
Chris H's user avatar
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13 votes
5 answers
773 views

Lock for extremely frequent use

Are there lock products out there specifically designed for easy handling when locked unlocked dozens of times a day? I'm using a normal, chain-based lock at the moment and I'm annoyed because I'm ...
Pekka's user avatar
  • 231
12 votes
7 answers
3k views

How should I lock my bike in a public front wheel bike stand

In front of my gym there is front wheel bike stand that means a regular D lock will not be able to reach from the stand to the frame. Around the corner is some Sheffield style locks but they are out ...
vaughan's user avatar
  • 229
11 votes
6 answers
4k views

Warranty on lock damaged during attempted theft

Someone attempted to steal my girlfriend's bike tonight and they damaged the lock. Do you guys know if we can use the warranty to get it exchanged? The lock has a 2 year warranty and I'm planning to ...
Yujin Kim's user avatar
  • 129
11 votes
10 answers
8k views

If you can only secure one wheel when locking bike which wheel is better

When I lock my bike I always lock the front wheel with my bike to the rack since front wheel is easier to remove. Is this the right choice? I have only one U-lock so can only secure one wheel, not ...
Lightsout's user avatar
  • 1,597
10 votes
3 answers
9k views

Where are stolen bikes sold?

I live in a city on the east coast. I recently had my bike stolen. The frame was locked to a bike rack using a u-lock. They either picked or cut the u-lock. My simple question is: where do thieves ...
sam's user avatar
  • 759
10 votes
3 answers
23k views

Can I copy my u-lock key?

I have an OnGuard u-lock with only one key. I contacted OnGuard about getting a backup, but it requires a serial number which was included with the original packaging. The number is not on the lock ...
Michael Bishop's user avatar
9 votes
6 answers
10k views

Kick-stand on a commuter bike?

If I get this commuter bike, should it have a kick-stand? One LBS said "no": they explained that stands are difficult to attach, weigh a bit, don't stay on well, and/or scratch the frame. I've never ...
ChrisW's user avatar
  • 11.9k
8 votes
6 answers
3k views

Is my bike safer when parked in crowded places?

Is it safer to leave a bike somewhere where there are a lot of people like Walmart parking lot or somewhere with less people like at a park? Locked in both cases but which case is more likely to get ...
Lightsout's user avatar
  • 1,597
8 votes
4 answers
16k views

what is the most secure bicycle combination lock?

Which bicycle lock that is a combination lock (with a code instead of keys) is the most secure device available on the market? Of course everything can be broken, and its only a matter of time, but ...
ria's user avatar
  • 328
8 votes
3 answers
2k views

Commuting daily with an Expensive Bike, tips?

I have been commuting to work daily for years now. Sadly I just switched jobs and there is no bike parking, so I have to leave it in the street. My main problem is that I'm riding a Colnago Single ...
MattR's user avatar
  • 83
8 votes
2 answers
8k views

Onguard U-lock jammed

I'm currently trying to unlock my bike that has been sitting on my porch for a while, the key works and turns, and I can hear the lock engaging/disengaging, however I cannot get the shackle to come ...
george's user avatar
  • 81
8 votes
2 answers
4k views

Installing a lock mount on a carbon fiber frame

Let's ignore the question, for a moment, of should I install a lock mount on my new TCR Advanced. But assume that I want to. Given that the frame is carbon fiber, should I be worried about the ...
zigdon's user avatar
  • 2,376
7 votes
5 answers
16k views

U-lock stuck on a bike

Some time ago, I stuck a U-lock on my bicycle for safe keeping, on the top tube below the seat. It's annoying when riding, and I'd like a way to remove it. I've lost the key some time ago, or I would ...
PearsonArtPhoto's user avatar
7 votes
5 answers
18k views

What's the most secure type of bike lock that costs less than $30?

I already have the cable cable kind with the combination lock. It just seems cheap and easy to break into. Is that sufficient or are the U shaped ones better?
user1211's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
679 views

Lighter bicycle locks not made of steel

Nowadays there are so many different high-tech materials, so I wonder if there is a suitable material for bicycle locks that would be much less heavy than hardened steel. If there isn't one, can ...
Stephan Matthiesen's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

How do I obtain a duplicate bike key for my kryptonite U lock?

I want a duplicate key for my Kryptonite U-lock. I have the key number. Where can I order an additional key that will work?
Robert Tellander's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
404 views

Does Abus print blind bitting codes on their D-Lock bikes (or do thieves go through the trouble to

I've got several YourPlus Abus locks (all keyed the same) so that I can have one key for basically all the family bikes. The other day I noticed that one of my D-Locks had a plastic part missing, ...
begs-the-hessian's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
6k views

Is there a ulock mount that uses the bottle cage openings?

I found one that a guy made I think with 3d printers or something but seems like an excellent solution. I have a carbon frame bike and I don't want to use traditional ulock mount at the top because ...
nolawi's user avatar
  • 1,280
6 votes
4 answers
3k views

Chain lock vs U lock harder to break?

I watched a video from youtube where lockpicking lawyer recommended a Kryptonite chain lock due to being harder to break into with an angle grinder because it's not stable versus an U-lock. Does this ...
Lightsout's user avatar
  • 1,597
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

Where to park a bike during a year for free ? (in the Netherlands?)

We are two French in love with the Dutch people and culture. Each time we have the time we rush there. Rather than hitchhiking (as we used to), we plan to travel across the Netherlands by bike as it ...
MagTun's user avatar
  • 250
6 votes
2 answers
15k views

When registering keys, which number is the Kryptonite key#?

I've just bought a new Kryptonite lock and am about to register the keys at www.kryptonitelock.com, but which number do I enter in the Key# box? Both? The keys each have two numbers, one LXXXX and one ...
Hugo's user avatar
  • 1,329
6 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is a good bike-to-lock ratio in price?

What is a good ratio, in prices, between your bike and your lock so that it would be reasonable. Say if your bike is 200 GBP, a lock of 20 GBP might be too cheap (or just right!). So where do people ...
Quang Thinh Ha's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
19k views

Is frame number the same thing as serial number?

I'm registering my bike with Kryptonite anti-theft scheme and it asks for the serial number. My local dealer wrote down the frame number for me, saying I might need this for insurance purposes. Are ...
Tom's user avatar
  • 163
6 votes
4 answers
692 views

Are there electronic/active theft deterrents for bicycles?

In addition to mechanical/passive deterrents (locks, chains, etc.), what electronic/active bicycle theft deterrents exist? * My dear bicycle was stolen two weeks ago and I then vowed to dedicate my ...
Saar Drimer's user avatar
5 votes
6 answers
4k views

Is it normal that the Abus Bordo folding lock rattles?

I have the latest Abus Bordo Granite X-Plus 6500 folding lock: It is cased inside a rubberized pouch that attaches to one of the bottle-cage locations: Very convenient, but sadly, it rattles while ...
Baumr's user avatar
  • 1,535
5 votes
2 answers
5k views

U-lock mount bracket on carbon frame?

I took my bike to the bike shop to get remove the quick release wheel things, so that I can use only one U-lock, anyways they changed it for me but the bike mechanic really got mad at me and said 'you ...
nolawi's user avatar
  • 1,280
5 votes
3 answers
405 views

Zip ties to hold smart-lock on frame

I've recently bought a smart lock for my bike that can be mounted directly on the frame. Problem is that my frame has no hole for screwing it on the frame. So I improvised with with 3 zip ties on each ...
Luca Matteis's user avatar
  • 1,005
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

Kryptonite lock falling apart?

Just a quick question but should the Kryptonite lock fall apart like this when it's open without they key in? To me it feels too loose but I'm not sure. Guess it locks anyways?
Ola's user avatar
  • 1,017
5 votes
1 answer
852 views

Jammed lock (shackle stuck in crossbar)

Yesterday evening, my Kryptonite U-Lock was pretty stiff when I unlocked it after work. The key turned fine, but removing the shackle from the crossbar took a few minutes of pulling and jiggling. I ...
Mr Bobinski's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
8k views

Can a double loop cable stand up to cable cutters?

I am curious about this, and I don't see this question anywhere on here, nor via Google. I want to know if a double loop cable can stand up to wire cutters, because they don't seem like something a ...
Braden Best's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

How to remove this skewer? A security feature?

I have this skewer but it seems to have, what looks like some sort of security feature and I can't figure out how to remove. Can anyone identify this or have any suggestions on how to remove it?
Chris Cooke's user avatar