Who is a town rider? Anyone that commutes to work by bike, people who use their bikes around town for errands/as transport, kids who ride to school/activities… This covers a big chunk of the bike riding population. Read on to discover what the best kind of bike locks for town riding are.
Town/Urban Environment
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.
Best Locks for Town/Urban
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.
Locks We Recommend
Coiled Locks are portable and easy to use. They come in different cable thickness’ depending on your risk.
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Bike Lock Buying Guide
What is the best bike lock solution for you? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our Buying Guide to get the right solution.
The Best way to Lock a Bike
Learn the best way to lock your bike so you get the best security from your lock
Bike Locks for Family/ Group Riding
How to lock a group of bikes … how to keep them safe
Ride More Places
Read stories about NZ trails, tracks and parks. find out what other families and riders are doing. Be inspired! Is this ride an option for you or your family?
Types of Bike Locks
There are a range of choices in the bike lock market. Do you understand what you are buying, is it the best choice for you?
Security Ratings for Bike Locks
Learn about the ratings of bike locks and match the level of lock you need to where you leave your bike and the value of the bike
Bike Gear Stories
A collection of stories that will help you learn about bike gear. goRide supports you to get the right bike gear so you can smile when you ride.
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Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
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