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Tööstuse 43, Tallinn, Estonia
Store: +372 508 3309
Workshop: +372 5301 8568
Tähesaju tee 31, Tallinn Estonia
Store: +372 5885 7752
Workshop: +372 5301 6938
Info: +372 508 3309
First of all, know that your concerns are justified. Statistics show that leaving a bicycle unattended on the street for more than an hour often gives thieves enough time to pick the lock and ride away. So how can we avoid this? Choosing the right buckle can seem like a complicated process, but once you know which factors to look at, it’s actually simple. In the following sections, we’ll find out which lock you need. We’ll decide how secure a lock you need based on your needs, review the tools thieves use to pick locks, and dive into the different types of locks.
Have you ever wondered how easy it would be to steal your bike? Two questions will help you answer this kind of question: firstly – How long is your bike locked unattended most of the time?
Second – How difficult is it to untwist the wheel?
There are two types of thieves – professional and opportunistic. The latter are the type of opportunists who, when they see a badly locked or, worse still, unlocked bike, take the opportunity to make a quick and convenient getaway. Professional thieves target more expensive bikes. Regardless of the lock on the bike, they keep a plan and educate themselves on how to unlock it. A professional thief may even be prepared to break into your garage or summer house to get your expensive bike. Such bikes should certainly not be left unattended for long.
There are a number of ways to open a loophole. Thieves’ tools can include hammers, pliers, knives, hacksaws and other sharp objects. It is also possible to unlock the lock with a key. It is quite easy to order different lock-picking kits online, and you can learn how to use them by googling. For code locks, the system is mostly similar, and these types of locks are fairly easy to pick, for example from YouTube videos. All of the above, however, still depends on the quality of the lock. Cheap and substandard locks are more likely to be picked by a thief than higher quality and more expensive bicycle locks. That’s why it’s important to choose a lock that will keep thieves’ itchy fingers at bay, rather than giving them the hope that it can be bent or broken.
Using a chain cutter to cut through sprockets and chain locks makes a lot of noise and takes time. It’s not very difficult to overcome a cheaper cable lock with pliers. So how secure a lock you need depends primarily on where you lock your bike and how long you leave it unattended.
If the answers to two or more questions are in the “High risk” column, you need a higher security lock. However, if the answers to two or more questions are in the “Lower risk” column, you can get by with a lower security lock.
The overwhelming majority of lock manufacturers label the packaging with a lock security rating. In some cases it is a ten-point system, in others more or less, Some manufacturers use bronze, silver and gold markings to describe the security of the product. These are good first indicators to look at when thinking about how long this lock will be able to give a thief a headache.
Another thing to look out for could be how thick or thin the lock is, and what material it is made of, as a good locking system alone is not enough. When choosing a bike lock, be sure to ask yourself how well the lock will hold up to the bars? The answer depends on several aspects (size of the pins, buckle material), but the rule of thumb is that the thickness of the buckle is the main factor. Of course, the material and the technical side of the buckle also counts a lot. For example, 15mm thick cable locks are easier to cut than 15mm chain locks. The strongest bicycle locks are made of hardened steel that cannot be cut with pliers.
AXA’s Newton U-lock is a highly rated lock with a security rating of 15. This lock is 14 cm long and it is not always possible to lock the wheel in the wheel holder. Keep in mind that with AXA Newton wheel locks it can be difficult to lock the wheel to a tree, post or bench. However, with the right endorsement, it is a valuable tool. The lock may seem big, but don’t be fooled by the fact that it is a very medium sized lock.
Having a short lock can waste valuable time searching for a post thin enough to lock the bike securely. On the other hand, a smaller lock is harder to break. If you have a fixed place where you can lock the wheel properly with a smaller lock, we recommend you use this option. The length of the hole should be about 20 cm. Then there is no problem of not being able to lock the wheel anywhere. But if you have a specific place where you want to keep your bike locked all the time, choose the smallest lock possible.
When you unlock your bike and have to ride it, you need to take the lock with you. Different locks can be stored in different ways during the journey. Some buckles can be wrapped around a lanyard, some can be fastened around your sleeve, some have to be carried in a backpack. In the case of padlocks, manufacturers provide a bag that simply attaches to the frame. It’s a very convenient way to store the lock while riding and won’t damage the frame in any way. The cable lock is lightweight and flexible, and can be easily wrapped around a lens, frame or deck frame. However, it should be borne in mind that wheels locked only with cable locks are easy prey for a thief with pliers.
Larger and heavier locks, such as chain locks and U-locks, which come without frame attachment, are inconvenient to attach to the lens or frame. For these, we recommend keeping the lock where you park the bike. However, if you need to get around and take the lock with you, you can put it in your backpack or bike basket. When doing sports, you can take extra small locks with you, which are handy to carry in your pocket. The AXA Roll 75, which will be arriving soon in our shop, is just one of those that can be pocketed, but the security level of these locks is relatively low.
The main rules for locking your bike correctly are:
Lock the bike to something solid. Choose a post that prevents the lock from slipping over and cannot be lifted off the ground.
Lock your bike in a well-lit area with high traffic. This is less appealing to thieves who do not want to risk being seen. In a crowded place, a thief cannot be 100% sure that the owner of the bike is not nearby.
Make sure the place where you lock the wheel is not easily cut or broken. Using a strong and secure lock will not make your bike inaccessible if it is locked to a smaller tree, a fence or a weak post. A thief can saw through or break in half these objects and steal the bike relatively quickly.
Always lock the bike around the frame. If possible, lock the front and rear wheels as well. The biggest mistake you can make is only locking the front or rear wheel. This type of locking gives thieves the opportunity to unlock the front or rear wheel and walk away with the rest of the bike. Investing in more than one lock is a worthwhile decision. Especially if your bike’s appearance attracts a lot of attention. If possible, we recommend locking the frame with one strong lock and the front and/or rear wheel with another.
The use of more than one lock makes the bicycle more difficult prey for thieves. The truth is that all locks can eventually be broken, which means that all bikes can be stolen. It is therefore necessary to make the bicycle as uninviting as possible for thieves.
Some of the most popular wheel locks in Estonia are cable locks. The cable locks are made of intertwined metal fibres coated with rubber or other material to protect the wheel from scratching. Such locks are available with both a key and a personal code combination. The rope bag is handy to keep attached to the frame while you’re on the move, and fits nicely in your backpack.
The best features of these locks are their weight and elasticity. This lock allows convenient locking of several wheels and, depending on the thickness of the tree, also around it. However, it should be noted that unfortunately, even if the rope has some kind of cover or fur around it, ordinary cutting pliers can usually overcome this. I’d recommend this lock if you’re really in such a hurry to get away, or if your two-wheeler isn’t too expensive. On the one hand, it’s a compromise, and on the other hand, you should be prepared to pay the price of a new bike. For greater security, use a cable lock in combination with another stronger lock.
The most popular type of lock among Velomarket’s customers last season was the switch lock. These locks are newer on the market, but so far they have served their purpose in the way that people have come to trust them. The padlock tends to be in the slightly more expensive price range, but it’s worth the price. Locks consist of steel plates and rivets that hold the plates together and make them move in opposite directions. It is a hybrid lock with features that fall between the chain and the U-lock. Most of them come complete with a handy frame-mounted lock-holder, so that the rider doesn’t have to carry the lock all the time. But it’s also very compact and fits nicely in a backpack or even a large pocket.
In Estonia, there is a widespread perception that a chain lock is safe. The chain locks are assembled from several chain links and covered, for example, with rubber or textile. Weaker chains can be cut in half with pliers and a lot of force, but an electric cutter should be used to break stronger chains. Another thing that makes the chain lock inconvenient for thieves is that if the thief should start sawing it with a chain cutter with a battery, for example, the chain tends to wobble and does not stay in place. It is quite awkward and difficult to hold the chain tight with one hand and saw with the other. In addition, this kind of activity in a public place is bound to attract attention. This lock comes with both a key and a personal code. Although the chain lock is very secure, it is the heaviest and difficult to keep attached to the frame while driving. Nevertheless, a wheel with a chain lock is easy to lock. The longer the chain, the easier it is to attach and the heavier the lock!
The name of the lock comes from the fact that the twisted steel part is in the shape of a “U” and attaches to a steel rod. It’s a good combination, because it provides quality anti-theft protection while being easy to use and not too heavy to carry around. Of course, it is also a fixed profile, which means that it cannot be twisted into a handbag or backpack. In case you want to attach something coarser to your expensive two-wheeler, it may not fit. This type of lock is generally opened using a key, which is also one of the most secure methods. In reality, the security of these locks varies. Rather, it depends on the quality of the steel, its melting and its stiffness. The mechanics of the lock, i.e. what materials are used, etc. also play a role. If you’re looking for a lock from a well-known brand that can be used in most situations, a U-lock is usually a good choice.
We often find different new solutions that we have not seen before. With these locks, we can consider that they are not classic locks and thieves may not be familiar with such systems. However, it may also indicate that the manufacturer of the lock does not yet have enough experience and simply wants to differentiate itself.
Avoid buying used locks online. You may receive a lock that has no key, or a lock that has been damaged. Keep your smartwatch in a safe place at home and make a separate set of keys for your smartwatches, for example. If you are planning to buy a bike bag that offers a warranty for a stolen bike, you should first take a close look at the terms of the warranty.
If you leave your bike unattended for more than an hour in a densely populated city, use at least two locks. Always lock your bike to something secure! Be sure to check that the security level is indicated on the lock’s packaging. This means that the product has been tested by the manufacturer. Also note the thickness of the lock and the material. If you have any further questions about choosing a lock, contact us and we’ll help you out! You’ll find a wide range of secure locks in Velomarket’s online shop. Get the E-POOD here!
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