Bike Locks

Consider where you lock up your bike and how long you'll leave it:

• High-theft areas (major cities, college campuses, high-density areas): Choose a heavy duty, high-security lock
• Overnight or long lockups: Consider a bike lock with the highest security
• Low-theft areas or quick stops: A lighter, less expensive lock may suffice

Weigh the pros and cons of four bike types:

• Chain locks: Great for high-theft areas, easy to wrap around large objects; heavy and bulky
• U-Locks: Good for high-theft areas; rigid shape so can't stretch around wider objects; may rattle while riding
• Folding locks: Good for high-theft areas; easy to mount and carry; limited reach
• Cable locks: Best for low-theft areas or secondary security; least secure option

Weight and portability:

• Consider how you plan to carry the lock: backpack, on-bike bag or frame mount
• Some U-locks and folding locks include mounting hardware
• A few locks are designed to be worn like a belt