All About Bike Locks
By Joseph Devine
With the increase in gas prices, many commuters who have already short commutes are turning to bikes to get them from their homes to their offices. While this is good, it also is provided bike thieves everywhere with increased opportunities to steal bikes. No one wants to have their bike stolen. As such, it is important to know all about bike locks as a theft deterrent.
Bike locks are physical security devices that are used on bicycles to prevent theft. They fasten bikes to a bike rack, bike stand, or other immovable object. Unfortunately, for all of the innovations in bike locks over the years, there is still difficulty in securing a bike adequately. The biggest problem is that wheels and other parts like the seat or handlebars are easily detached from the bike frame.
Whenever locking a bike, in an effort to prevent being left with a unicycle when you started the day with a bicycle, it is important to secure both the wheels and the frames. Anything left unsecured will be carted off by a thief who doesn't even have to employ his lock breaking abilities. The most secure method of locking a bike involves locking the wheels and frame together and then to an immovable object. It's important to check that the immovable object to which the bike is locked is not short enough that the bike can be simply lifted over the top.
Locks vary in size and security. The most secure locks are also the largest, heaviest, and least portable. As such is the case, just as in all security equipment, bike locks must strike a balance or equilibrium between security, portability, and cost. One common compromise is to choose an extremely expensive but light material that is also dense to construct the lock. While it may be expensive, it is durable and portable. So far, no one has figured out how to get all three elements into one super lock.
An alternate defense is a lockable box into which the entire bike goes. This protects not only the bike from theft but also anything else that might be on the bike. Some people have been known to carry a small tool set, extra tire tubes, and a lamp on their bike. These items are ripped off easily as well. While this box may sound great, it's essentially a bike garage that cannot be moved. Only a few of the most industrious thieves with power tools will get in.
If you would like more information concerning bike locks of all shapes and sizes, please visit http://www.bike-locks.com
Joseph Devine
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