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
Ideal for quick stops in low risk areas – Retractable Lock
Coiled Locks are portable and easy to use. They come in different cable thickness’ depending on your risk.
U-Lock with large internal space, portable and strong – best for high risk
Great with unusual shapes, E-Bike frames. Fold down so really easy to carry. Mid to high security ratings.
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.
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
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.
goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride
Women
Padded Bike Underwear
Pants for Biking
Tops for Biking
Jackets & Over Trousers for Biking
Riding Clothing for Larger Sizes
Warmth Accessories
Bike Saddles
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Bells
Hydration
Handlebar Grips
Kids & Youth
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Riding Clothing
Jackets for Biking/Outdoors
Protective Padding
Bike Gloves
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
Handlebar Grips
Bike Saddle
Bike Locks
Hydration
Family
Ride with a baby/ 1 year old
Ride with a 2-6 year old
Ride with a 4 + year old – on their own bike
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
Create a Family Biking Holiday
Ride More Places with Kids
Men
Padded Bike Underwear
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Bike Tops,Jackets & Over Trousers
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Handlebar Grips
Bike Bell
Be comfortable & confident
Successfully Ride an E-Bike
Beginner Rider
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Be Comfortable on your Bike Seat
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
Be Visible on the Bike
Enjoy a Biking Holiday
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Clothing & Bags
Padded Bike Pants & Underwear
Pants & Shorts for Biking
Bike Tops
Bike Jackets
Over Trousers for Biking
Headbands & Neck Warmers for Biking
Bags, Baskets & Panniers for Biking
Rider Safety & Protection
Bike Helmets
Mountain Bike Helmets
Bike Gloves
Protective Padding
Bike Lights
Bike Bells
First Aid & Personal Care
Hydration
Bike Tow Ropes
Bike Parts & Care
Bike Saddles
Handlebar Grips
Bike Locks
Bike Carriers
Bike & Chain Cleaning
Bike Tools & Tool Kits to Carry
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Towing Kids who ride their own Bike
Bike Trailers for Kids
Kids Balance Bikes
HIRE Kids Bike Seats
Be Comfortable & Confident
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Be Visible on the Bike
Beginner Riders
Get Started – Ride with a baby
Heavy Riders – Enjoy Biking
Riding in Cooler Weather
Riding in Wet Conditions
‘Fun Up’ the Kids Bike/Biking
Bike Path Riding
Beginner to Fitness
Multi-Day
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding Bikepaths
Multi-Day with Kids
Bike Path Riding Guide
Ride more Bikepaths
Mountain Biking
Women Beginner to Intermediate
Men Beginner to Intermediate
Multi-Day
With Kids of all ages
Kids Mountain Biking
Multi-Day with Kids
Mountain Biking Guide
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Riding in Traffic
Be Visible in Traffic
Commuting
With Kids of all Ages
Kids Riding in Traffic
E – Biking
E-Biking in Traffic
E-Biking on Bikepaths
E-Biking on MTB Trails
A Biking Holiday
E-Biking Guide
Multi-Day Riding
Multi-Day on Bike Paths
Multi-Day on MTB Trails
Multi-Day with Kids on Bike Paths
Multi-Day with Kids on MTB Trails
Multi-Day Guide
A Biking Holiday
Family Biking Holiday
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Family Riding
Full Range Kids Bike Seats – Attached or Towed
On Bikepaths with Kids
MTB with Kids
In Traffic with Kids
Family Biking Holiday
Family Riding Guide
Ride More Places with Kids
Kids Attached or Towed Buying Guides
Rear Kids Bike Seat
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seat
Front Kids Bike Seat
Towing Kids who ride their own bikes
Kids Bike Trailers
Kids & Youth Buying Guides
Kids Bike Helmets
Kids Riding Clothing
Kids Padded Bike Pants
Kids Padded Protection
Kids Handlebar Grips
Kids Balance Bike
Comfort on the Bike Buying Guides
Womens Bike Saddle
Mens Bike Saddle
Padded Bike Pants
Bike Jackets
Carrying Gear
Handlebar Grip
Hydration
Rider Safety Buying Guides
Bike Helmet
Mountain Bike Helmet
Protective Padding
Be Visible
Bike Glove
Bike Light
Mountain Bike Light
First Aid & Personal Care
Gear & Care for Bikes Buying Guides
Bike Carriers
Bike Cleaning
Bike Locks
Chain Cleaning and Lube
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.
Women & Families Learning
Comfort on your Bike Seat
Clothing for Biking
Family Biking
Improve your Riding
Carrying Gear
Care for ‘you’
Care for your Bike
Ride More Places
Ride more Bikepaths
Ride more NZ Cycle Trails
Ride more Mountain Bike Trails
Ride more Multi-Day Rides
Ride more Places with Kids
Riding Gear
Bike Helmets
Bike Saddles
Padded Bike Underwear & Pants
Bike Gloves
Bike Jackets
Protective Padding
Bike Locks
Bike Lights
Bike Tools to Carry
Handlebar Grips
Bike and Chain Cleaning
Kids Bike Seats & Bikes
Kids Bike Trailer
Towing kids who ride their own bike
Rear Kids Bike Seats
Mid Mount Kids Bike Seats
Front Kids Bike Seats
Balance Bike
Types of Riding
Bikepath Riding
Family Riding
E-Bike Riding
goUnders- Padded Bike Underwear
Women, Mens, Youth & Kids
SHOP goUnders.