Find the right bike lock for your bike [Buyer's Guide]

To protect your bicycle against theft you need a good bicycle lock. But which lock is best for your bike? And what should you take into consideration when buying a lock? In this blog, we will list the different bike locks for you, with their corresponding pros and cons. In addition, we will provide some tips to help prevent your bike from being stolen.

Which bike lock should I get?

A bike lock can come in any shape or size.
But which bike lock is right for your bike? This depends on a few different factors. For example, if you are looking for a lock for your new, expensive e-bike and you do not have an indoor place to park it, you'll probably opt for a heavy bike lock that can't be cut through easily. If you are more of a fanatical cyclist who likes to stop for a coffee every now and then, you're better off choosing a small, lightweight lock. If you want to be certain of a good bike lock, choose one with an ART-label.

What does the ART-label on a bike lock mean?

The ART label is a cooperative effort of Dutch Bike and transport companies ANWB, BOVAG and RAI, and insurance companies. Their aim is to prevent bike theft as much as they can. Together, they've determined exactly which requirements a good bicycle lock must meet to receive the ART-label. Locks with the ART-label enable cyclists to see if a lock is safe enough. The degree of safety can be found in the number of stars that the lock receives from the ART certification.

If a lock meets the requirements it is then divided into different categories. Locks with an ART-label are divided into different categories, such as chain locks and frame locks. A lock is also given a star rating. The more stars a lock has, the more secure and safe your bike or moped will be. A bike lock with five stars has the highest level of security issued by the ART Foundation.

Star rating	ART security level
	Minimal security (transportation security)
	Suitable for bikes
	Suitable for mopeds and motor scooters
	Suitable for motorcycles (in transit)
	Suitable for motorcycles (parked at home)

The frame lock

The frame lock is the best-known and most widely used bike lock in our home country of The Netherlands.This is because most Dutch city bikes are fitted standard with a frame lock. As the name suggests, the frame lock is attached to the frame. This way, you always have the lock when you want to lock your bike. Also, this lock is easy to use and will last for years if you regularly lubricate it. As the bike lock is attached to the frame, it does not make rattling noises and it does not damage the paint of the bike.

However, there are also a number of disadvantages to the frame lock. The first is that a bike lock alone is often not sufficient protection against theft. A thief can easily lift a bike with a frame lock and put it in a van. Therefore, we recommend using an additional bike lock. Because frame locks have been around for such a long time, thieves have also had many years of experience in how to crack them. There is a solution for this. The housing of the more recent frame lock models is made of plastic instead of metal, which makes them more difficult to open or crack. A thief can open a metal case with only a pair of pliers, whereas a plastic case requires more tools and time to open.

Plug-in chains

Plug-in chains were especially designed as an additional lock to the frame lock. There are two types of plug-in chain locks; the plug-in chain and the plug-in cable. The lock can only be used in combination with the right frame lock. Thus, the plug-in chain lock is an extension of the frame lock and is not equipped with a lock itself.

The chain lock

The chain lock is widely considered the most secure bike lock.
This lock consists of a chain and a lock. The lock part can be separate from the chain, or fixed to the chain. The chain links are made of hardened steel. Chain locks are available in many different lengths. Because they are quite long, you can lock your bike to different fixed objects on the street. You can transport a chain lock by wrapping it around your handlebars, carrier or seat post. One downside to chain locks is that they are quite heavy. Nowadays you can get chain locks with a numerical code as well. The benefit of those is that you do not have to carry an extra key.

The cable lock

The cable lock is an alternative to the chain lock. This bicycle lock consists of loosely woven steel wire wrapped in plastic. The downside to cable locks is that they can be cut relatively easily compared to chain locks. A cable lock therefore typically has no ART-label. However, there are also cable locks made of hardened steel, which are a lot harder to cut. Compared to chain locks, cable locks are more flexible and less heavy and therefore easier to carry. You can also buy a cable lock that has a numerical code.

The foldable lock

A foldable lock is made of long links and can easily be folded and unfolded. An advantage of the foldable lock is that it is very lightweight and easy to carry around. Often the lock comes with a bracket so that you can attach it to your bicycle. If you have a foldable lock, you should make sure that it is placed in such a way that the bike frame can be secured to an object. This reduces the chance of the bike being stolen. You can also choose a slightly longer foldable lock. Keep in mind that this will add to the weight of the lock.

The U-lock

A U-lock is made of hardened steel and consists of two parts: the U-shaped and the rod-shaped part. Locking your bike with a U-lock is very easy and also offers strong protection against theft. Still, a U-lock is very big, heavy and inconvenient on the road. In some cases, the lock comes with a bracket to attach it to the bike frame. A downside to this lock is that it prevents you from locking it to wider objects, such as a tree.

5 tips to prevent bike theft

1. Prepare for possible theft at home!

When purchasing a bike, it is important to jot down the frame number and keep your receipt or invoice. It is wise to take some photos of your bike and its unique features, such as its accessories, damage or stickers. All this makes it easier to trace your bike if it is stolen.

2. Park your bike within sight

Make sure you park your bike where it is clearly visible, like in a public place. Many people walk along a bus or tram stop, for example. On the other hand, a place with many passers-by can also have the reverse effect, as passers-by are often not very observant and can even inadvertently conceal the thief. Always try to park your bike in a well-lit area, under a lamp for example, rather than in a dark alley.

3. Preferably, park your bike in secured bike parking facilities

If your bike needs to be parked for a long time, a secured bike parking facility is usually the safest solution. The risk of theft is by far the lowest there.

4. Use more than one bike lock

If there is no secured bike parking facility nearby, use two bike locks. Make sure that you attach the bicycle lock to the frame and not to the wheel. A bicycle thief can easily loosen a spoke or even leave the whole wheel behind. Secure your bicycle to a pole, for example, through the frame. Then attach your bicycle lock as high up on the frame as possible. This way, the thief cannot use their foot or the ground to apply extra force to the bolt cutters when trying to cut your lock. If the lock is up high and hanging loose, it is also more difficult to cut.

As for your frame lock, you should lock your bike with the valve near the lock. A bicycle thief often has to force the lock to open it. When the valve is against the lock, there is a greater chance that the tyre will be punctured by the forcing of the lock. A thief is more likely to leave your bike if this is the case.

5. Lock your bike to a fixed object

Always lock your bicycle to objects that are fixed to the ground. Tip 4 already mentioned that it is smart to use a loosely hanging lock to secure your bike to a lamppost, for example. If you don't do this, a thief can easily lift up your bike and put it in a van. Securing your bike to another bike with a lock is pointless. In fact, you're basically giving the thief the chance to steal two bicycles in one go.

Did your bike get stolen despite all this?

Is your bicycle not in the place where you left it? Then remember that a bike is not necessarily stolen when it is gone. Local municipalities sometimes remove bicycles that are parked in a way that might be dangerous, in a prohibited area, or that have been parked in the same spot for too long. So, always check your local municipality's bike depot first. Thieves sometimes also move bikes to see if it is a police bike. You should therefore always take a walk around the block to find out if your bike is really gone.

Has your bike been stolen? Then don't forget to report it. Thieves often steal several bicycles. The chance of finding your bike is greater if you report it stolen. Reports provide insight into the locations of regular bike theft and also into the persons involved in the theft. As a result, the municipality or police can then take the necessary measures.

You can also check your local police force's social media accounts. Some police forces post pictures of stolen vehicles online. Check to see if your bike is listed on classified advertisement websites, there’s a chance that someone tries to sell your bike online.