bike - Bicycle lock
Photograph by Velo Steveon Flickr.
This type cable does not require its bike own lock. Although a cheap keyed or combination lock may be an appropriate match for a hardware store chain, a case-hardened security chain necessitates a specialized lock such as a monobloc padlock or mini u-lock. Cable locks are in many ways bike Tampines Bike Park similar to chain locks.
Chains specifically designed for locking bicycles are available. If the chain is bought from a hardware store, it is most likely made from basic iron or steel and can easily be cut with a relatively inexpensive pair of bolt cutters.
It is generally used to fasten the bicycle to a bicycle stand or other immovable object. An important difficulty in preventing the theft of a bicycle is that the wheels are easily detachable from the frame, and that unless both wheels and frame are secured, the parts not locked can easily be carried away after being detached. This can make it more difficult to cut the central cable. Many cyclists use a long cable to secure bicycle components (such as the wheels or seat) in conjunction with a U-lock or padlock to secure the frame.
A disadvantage is that if the owner loses the special tool then they will not be able to undo the skewer, and will need to obtain a spare tool from the manufacturer. Tests carried out by the Cyclists Touring Club showed that all of the locks under test could be broken in less than 42 seconds using either bolt croppers for a cable/chain or a bottle jack for D-locks A U-lock is a rigid metal ring in the shape of the letter U.
Even though a determined thief could eventually defeat the skewer s lock nut by using a power tool, e.g. Like all locks, U-Locks are vulnerable to power tools.
These case hardened security chains have links shaped in a manner that deters bolt cutters, such as with a hexagonal cross-section and are extremely difficult to cut with hand or power tools. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, which may be the lock. Special strong cables are available which are made with a loop at each end continuous with the cable, which enable linking with a locking device. Also, a common defect with cables containing combination locks allows the combination to be deciphered.
Lesser equipment is used to deter attempts by less skilled and determined thieves. Even a straight cable can be coiled by the user into a more manageable shape than a chain. Simple cable locks, however, are only sufficient for use in low-risk areas.
Despite hex keys not being very rare, this method still guards the bicycle from casual opportunists, needing the less common tool and more time to be removed. This also safeguards equipment such as lamps, tools, spare tubes etc, against all but the most industrious thief, or one equipped with heavy equipment or power tools.
Even the largest diameter unprotected cable can be quickly cut with bolt cutters. The locks included those from manufacturers ABUS, Hema and Halfords. .
This is done by peering into the grooves between the disks whilst cycling through the individual numbers on each disk, one at a time. Also called an O-lock or ring-lock, this is a low security mechanism mounted on the frame that immobilizes the rear wheel by moving a steel bolt through the spokes to prevent motion. This lock may be more protective as it does not leave space for thieves to insert tools like a car jack which would burst a normal u-lock. A chain lock is a chain with a lock.
Quicker and cheaper yet, and only effective against thieves unequipped with even a screwdriver, quick-release levers can be tied down by a common hose clamp. Another cost effective approach to wheel security is to replace the front and rear quick-release skewers with a long stud, such as manufactured by BikeRegistry. A long enough chain can pass through both wheels, the frame and attach the bicycle to an immovable object. Chains vary widely in their security level.
An alternative is a card-access bike cage such as is present at Alewife station in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Merely locking the bike frame to the wheel is not recommended because, although it cannot be rolled away, the entire bicycle can still be lifted and carried away. U-locks are more secure than most other kinds of locking mechanism because they are more resistant to cutting with high-leverage hand tools such as bolt cutters.
One type of locking skewer uses the same design as a normal quick release skewer, except after clamping the skewer the (keyed) handle may be removed. Another type of locking skewer uses a uniquely-shaped nut that can only be turned using the matching socket/key, which is typically a wrench-like tool that is small enough to fit on a keychain. Some are made of particularly expensive materials chosen for their acceptable strength and low density. An alternate defense is the provision of bicycle lockers in which the whole bicycle is locked.
It is secured by the main security device, which may be a security chain, u-lock or even another cable device. Test standards that rate the effective security of bicycle locks are provided by Thatcham and Sold Secure in the United Kingdom, ART in the Netherlands, SSF in Sweden, and VDS in Germany. Sold Secure was set up by the Northumbria Police and Essex Police in 1992 with the backing of the Home Office. Tests carried out on behalf of Cycle magazine showed that all of the bicycle locks tested, which had a variety of certifications from Sold Secure, Thatcham, and ART, could be broken in less than 42 seconds. Tests carried out by Almax Security Chains Ltd. The same type of uniquely-shaped nut used for the locking skewer can also be found for suspension forks, V-brakes, and solid-axle wheels in addition to regular wheels and seatposts.
The U part of the lock attaches to a crossbar section, and for this reason they are also called D-locks. Manufacturers such as Pitlock and Pinhead offer services to supply additional lock nuts to an existing key number registered by the owner.
Pentagonal key skewers exist which bring some of the benefit of a locking skewer at a lower cost. Otherwise, a length of cable with loops on both ends can also be used. The main advantage of cable locks over chains is the ease of transporting them.
Some models have an optional cable or chain that plugs in to the body of the lock to enable the bicycle to be secured as well. Locking skewers replace the existing quick release skewers on a bicycle s wheels and seatpost clamp (quick release skewers enable removal without tools). The most secure locking method therefore is to lock the wheels and frame to each other and to an immovable object. Locking devices vary in size and security; the most secure tending to be the largest, heaviest and least portable.
However, they are still vulnerable to some types of exploit. by grinding a screwdriver slot into it or simply cutting it off, locking skewers provide convenient protection against theft of bicycle parts in areas where locked bicycles should not be left unattended for long periods of time. Less expensive options include replacing standard quick release skewers with skewers that need a standard hex key to be opened.
A bicycle lock is a physical security device used on a bicycle to prevent theft. Locking wheels with an additional U-Lock or removing the front wheel and locking it to the frame and rear wheel would provide the highest security.
Certain Tubular pin tumbler lock U-Locks can be easily picked by thieves using a common Bic pen, so cyclists should avoid these models. A very similar type of lock, often referred to as an O-lock, or a bike club, is a retracting shackle lock. The tests included chains from Squire Locks, Luma, ABUS, Oxford Products and Kryptonite. The Dutch consumer news show Kassa 3 published a four-minute show in which a former bicycle thief removed eight consumer-grade locks from a bike in times ranging from 10 to a maximum of 84 seconds.
It uses a straight or circular bolt which extends from the housing. Cable locks often come with the locking mechanism already permanently integrated.
Though expensive, locking skewers provide additional security and convenience. In addition to a bike lock, bike registry can further assist in providing recovery in the event of theft. Test standards that rate the effective security of bicycle locks are provided by Thatcham and Sold Secure in the United Kingdom, ART in the Netherlands, SSF in Sweden, and VDS in Germany.
Another common brute force method to break open U-locks is to use a long length (perhaps 2 meter) of pipe to twist the lock open. Better cable locks such as the one shown on the right have overlapping steel jackets threaded over the cable.
and supervised by Readers Digest have shown that most Thatcham and Sold Secure approved motorbike chains can be cut using ordinary bolt croppers. A video of the tests is available online.
To lock the bicycle, one locks it physically to some other object, such as a bike rack securely in the ground, parking meter or a flagpole. Thus like other security equipment, bicycle locks must compromise between security, portability and cost.
It often has a key or a combination lock attached to it. Bicycle lockers, however, generally take up much more space than exposed bicycle racks, limiting potential storage capacity in a given space.
This type of lock is common in Scandinavia, the Netherlands, China, India and Japan. An O-lock prevents riding the bicycle but does not, by itself, secure the bicycle to a stationary object. It forces the thief to carry the bicycle. The O-lock also conveniently secures the rear wheel: only locking the frame is needed, to secure both the frame and the rear wheel.
This type of lock is effective and convenient for securing a bicycle against opportunistic theft, when the bike is left unattended momentarily. This approach secures one end of the stud with a permanently attached acorn nut; the other end is secured by double nylon-insert nuts and washers which allow the entire assembly to spin freely if wheel removal is attempted. Wheels are also commonly secured by use of a wheel tether, basically a flexible steel cable with a noose swaged on either end.
For instance, if there is enough space for a thief to fit a jack into the U, the jack can produce enough leverage to break the lock.
