What is the best way to use a bike lock? If you have taken the time to get a bike lock you obviously think that your bike is worth protecting from theft. So now take the time to get the best out of that lock by knowing the best way to lock a bike.
One Bike, One Lock – The Rear Triangle Method
Sheldon Brown – bike guru – recommends a small U-Lock through your back tire within the triangle of your rear frame as the “ideal” way to lock a bike
This is the simplest of bike locking situations and the ideal is to use a small U-Lock creating the hardest situation for a thief. Best practice in mid to high risk environments. Put that U-Lock through the back wheel within the rear frame triangle (see photo), locking it to a fixed object. This makes removing your back wheel impossible. If small U-Locks don’t work for you or you don’t need this level of security (tyres too fat, frame too big, fixed objects vary too much in width) use a larger U-Lock, a Folding lock or a Cable lock in the same way but include part of your frame.
Using this rear triangle method the thief’s choices are to break the lock or cut through your rear wheel. If you think your thieves have angle grinders to cut through wheels then buy a slightly larger U-lock or use a Chain Lock and include the frame. If you need to include your front wheel because it has a quick release or you live in a high crime area, choose the next method (one bike, multiple locks).
When you are locking your bike up at home to prevent theft, use a chain lock (best security rating). If you can leave your lock at work then use a chain lock (remember these are heavy to carry one can be challenging – so choose a wearable chain lock).
The Rear Triangle Method
One Bike, Multiple Locks
If you are leaving your bike in a known bike theft area you may feel better using the two lock method – one U-lock/Chain lock and a supporting U-lock/Folding or Cable lock. The first lock is secured as above through the rear frame triangle. The second lock secures the frame and front wheel.
Multiple Bikes, Multiple Locks
For this group riding situation it is best to have a cable lock and preferably a long one – 1.5m plus. We like the 1.8m or 2.2m ones. If you don’t have one long cable use 2 or 3 shorter ones. Thread the cable through the rear wheel within the triangle made by the frame of all your bikes and then around your fixed object.
Leaving bikes on a car rack will require cable or folding locks that can thread through and around your bikes. Again a long cable lock is ideal for this situation.
Using two locks – one at the rear, one at the front. The Cable Lock is secured into the U-Lock.
Car racks will require multiple locks or one long cable lock
A long cable lock and small D-Lock are ideal for multiple bikes
U Lock and a cable lock (or a folding lock – if you want a more portable option)
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