Town riders are locking bikes up in busy urban environments during the day, that generally translate to medium to high crime areas at night time.  Town riders will have a good choice of ‘fixed’ objects to choose from.  There are usually a good selection of bike racks in most down town areas, along with sign posts and power poles.  Avoid locking your bike to a wire fence that can be easily cut.

Portability is an important element for town riders as is ease of use.  Choose a lock that can be quickly pulled out of a bag/pocket or off your bike.  Most town riders will be making relatively quick stops, the exception here is commute riders spending a part or full day at work.  The main thing guiding your choice will be the risk in your environment.  Match the security level of the lock to your risk.

A small, lightweight, retractable lock will give you the ultimate in portability.  These types of locks fit into pockets (75mm x 75mm x 20mm). Extending in length up to 0.9m which will be more than you need for most town ‘fixed’ objects.  Ideal for quick stops to deter a grab it and ride it across town kind of thief.

Be aware that these locks have a low security rating and although they are made from braided steel this is not very thick so can be easily cut with a tool.  Not recommended for medium to high crime areas or long stops.

Coiled locks will give you a slightly higher security rating – usually low to mid – and they are generally 1 to 1.2m long.  Great for carrying on your bike as they easily coil around the frame or seat post.  They give you good flexibility when choosing your ‘fixed’ object and can lock more than one bike at a time.

Be aware that coiled locks can be a challenge to pull out straight – anything over 10mm in diameter – and thread through and around a lot of things.

U-Locks will give you the greatest security rating (read more about security ratings here) and they are generally small and portable but not always lightweight.  U-Locks are designed for one bike, one small ‘fixed’ object locking.  See The Best Way to Use a Bike Lock.

Be aware that because they are so small you need to understand the best way to use them and you will be challenged if the bike racks are full to find a ‘fixed’ object that it will fit around.

Folding Locks are the newest development.  They are very unique in design and have some great features.  They fold down to small and portable sizes.  They unfold to flex and move around and through any sort of shape. 

Be aware that because they have multiple joins, they have multiple points of weakness at these joins so it is important in high risk areas that you have a good quality lock – we recommend ABUS.