THE RIGHT BIKE LOCK
THE RIGHT BIKE LOCK
There is a huge selection of locks to protect your bike from theft. This tip from Veloplus provides an overview of the most important types of lock.
Before buying a lock, it is advisable to think about what kind of bike you want to lock and also to know in what environment and for how long the lock should provide protection. Every lock is always a compromise.
Because every manufacturer uses different security levels for their locks, they cannot be compared with competitor products. Veloplus therefore classifies each lock in a standardised way: the V-Level from 1 to 10 indicates how good the protection is. Even different types of locks can be categorised according to their security.
U-LOCK: V-LEVEL 7-10
U-LOCK: V-LEVEL 7-10
A U-lock offers the highest stability and most solid construction among locks - and therefore also the highest deterrent effect. Due to their shape and construction, however, these locks are heavy and bulky and not very flexible to handle. Brackets are available to attach the locks to the bike frame.
In terms of security, it generally performs best in comparison with other lock types.
FOLDING LOCK: V-LEVEL 5-10
FOLDING LOCK: V-LEVEL 5-10
A folding lock has a solid construction that has a high deterrent effect. It consists of several links that are connected with joints. Their folding system makes them easier to handle than U-locks and easier to stow in rucksacks and bags. Folding locks are heavy, but like U-locks, there are also holders for carrying them around.
Like U-locks, the high-priced folding locks with links made of hardened steel throughout offer the highest level of protection. Somewhat less secure: cheaper versions, for example, only have two metal bars encased in a plastic sheath
CHAIN LOCK: V-LEVEL 4-9
CHAIN LOCK: V-LEVEL 4-9
A good chain lock has a solid construction, but still offers a high degree of flexibility with simple operation and can be used practically anywhere and on any fastening object. The thicker the chain link, the greater the security, especially if the chain links are made of hardened steel. The locks generally offer good value for money and, regardless of their length, can always be conveniently wrapped around the seat post and carried, even if a solid chain lock weighs quite a bit.
Although chain locks are not quite as robust as the best folding and U-locks, they are very resistant to external influences due to their sometimes solid construction.
ARMOURED CABLE LOCK: V-LEVEL 5-7
ARMOURED CABLE LOCK: V-LEVEL 5-7
An armoured cable lock looks similar to a conventional cable lock, but is many times more resistant. This is because, in addition to a wire cable in the core, the armoured cable is also covered with overlapping steel rings and a textile or plastic layer. They are somewhat stiffer than cable locks, but still offer more flexibility than folding and U-locks.
In terms of security, armoured cable locks are in the middle of the field. Depending on the thickness of the armoured cable lock, the level can be increased, but then the manageability also decreases.
CABLE LOCK: V-LEVEL 1-5
CABLE LOCK: V-LEVEL 1-5
A cable lock, the most common form of which is the spiral cable lock, offers favourable basic protection for every bike. No matter where, no matter how: Due to its extremely easy handling, flexibility and range, the spiral cable lock can actually be used anywhere and at any time. It is also lightweight and can be attached to any bike for transport.
A cable lock does not offer a high deterrent effect, is easy to crack and can hardly be loaded. However, the budget locks always provide protection against simply taking them with you.
A tip in collaboration with Veloplus
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