Do you always have your bike securely locked when you're not riding it? If not, you should! Not only is it your responsibility to keep your bike safe, but theft is also a major problem in the cycling community. In this article, we'll discuss the different types of innovative bike locks available on the market, and recommend the best one for you. We'll also explain how to use a folding lock to protect your bike when it's not in use.

How to Choose the Best Bike Locks

Before we get started, you'll need to think about where your bike is most vulnerable. According to the website Bikelocate.com, 26% of all bicycle thefts in Greater London take place around train stations and central business districts. To safeguard against theft when possible locking is usually the best method of protection as only a few people know how often they lock their bikes at home or in communal parking spaces like car parks and sheds (just 13%). But if you don't want to worry about locking and unlocking your bike often, a cable lock may be the best method for keeping unwanted hands away from it. Keep in mind that most cities have laws governing how long different types of locks can be used for (usually anywhere up to 1 hour) before being deemed illegal. In New York, if no legal alarms are present on an object then only means of protection can include tire-puncture devices or

Best Bike Lock Types

If you're unsure about which types of locks are available, then let alone how to type them, we've worked through some popular ones below. Firstly there's the U-Lock – often referred to as a 'Locking Loop' because they come with an attaching loop (the part that is fed through your bike frame). As these straps come in all different lengths and styles it means the U-lock is incredibly versatile meaning one size doesn't always fit all. The U-lock has a number of styles too – they're available in different colors, finishes, and thicknesses depending on how secure you want to keep your bike and which lock product will be most effective for the location where it's used (a Thin Point usually seems less likely to stick with much force).

If you mix up over 6 locks or skip more than one potential locking point then a setup check is essential for security patrols

Conclusion

Bike locks have come a long way in the last few years, with more and more innovative designs being introduced to the market. Whether you're looking for a basic bike lock to keep your bike safe while you're not using it or something more specialized that can protect it in a variety of situations, we've got you covered. In addition, our list of the best bike lock includes both folding and non-folding designs that are easy to carry and store. Is there any bike lock that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!