Bicycle Lock-up

Proper Lock-Up Bicycle

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCK. The level of security you need depends on where you are leaving your bike, and for how long.
ALWAYS LOCK YOUR BIKE to a solid object that it cannot be lifted over.
LOCK YOUR BIKE in a well lit area with high foot traffic.
MAKE SURE what you lock your bike to cannot be cut.
LOCK ACCORDING TO VALUE frame first, then back wheel, and finally front wheel.
GET A TIGHT FIT! The less room inside of the u-lock or chain, the more difficult it will be for thieves to use their tools.
POSITION YOUR LOCK off the ground with the keyhole facing down.

VIDEOs - PROPER LOCK-UP - U-LOCK & Chain:

Check out our videos on how to properly lock up your bike with either a U-Lock or a chain.

Frame only u-lock or chain:

There may be an instance where due to an oddly shaped locking structure, the size of your lock, or the size of your bike, you are limited in what you are able to capture in your lock-up. In this case the frame should be the priority of the lock-up.

Frame AND REAR WHEEL u-lock OR CHAIN:

Much better than the Frame-Only Lock-Up, in this scenario you are able to capture the frame, rear wheel, and the immovable object all within the lock.

FRAME, REAR, AND FRONT WHEEL U-LOCK AND CABLE:

This is a very popoular locking method which uses the u-lock to capture the frame, rear wheel, and immovable object, and the u-lock shackel also acts as an anchor for the double looped cable that captures the front wheel.

FRAME REAR AND FRONT WHEEL TWO U-LOCK METHOD:

This method is highly effective and uses two, typically primary locks, either chains, u-locks, or a combination of the two. One of the locks secures the rear wheel and the frame to the immovable object, while the other lock secures the front wheel to the frame.

PRACTICE PROPER LOCKING TECHNIQUES! WHILE A FOLDING BIKE HAS MANY UNIQUE FEATURES, THE FOUNDATION OF PROPER LOCK-UP STILL APPLY. PLEASE LOOK TO OUR STANDARD BICYCLE LOCK-UP TAB FOR TIPS ON LOCKING PROCEDURE, AS WELL AS LINKS TO HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT LOCK.

BELOW ARE SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN LOCKING FOLDING BIKES SPECIFICALLY.

THE LOCK

When locking a folding bike that has been folded, we typically recommend using a chain, long shackle u-lock, or a folding lock. This will allow you to capture more components of the bike, often times the frame, rear, and front wheel along with the immovable object.

ACCESSORIES

Remember to remove any accessories like GPS units or lights before leaving your bike.

PRACTICE PROPER LOCKING TECHNIQUES! WHILE AN E-BIKE HAS MANY UNIQUE FEATURES, THE FOUNDATION OF PROPER LOCK-UPS STILL APPLY. PLEASE LOOK TO OUR STANDARD BICYCLE LOCK-UP TAB FOR TIPS ON LOCKING PROCEDURE, AS WELL AS LINKS TO HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT LOCK.

BELOW ARE SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN LOCKING E-BIKES SPECIFICALLY.

PRE-INSTALLED LOCKS

E-Bikes vary drastically by model. When locking your bike, make sure to lock any installed locking mechanism like a pre-installed battery lock

MONITORS

Many E-Bikes have a monitor, or cyclometer. Make sure to remove these if possible, and any other easily removable accessories before locking your bike.

BATTERY

If convenient and possible, remove your battery and take it with you.

CHAINS

Often times a chain can be preferable when locking an E-Bike. A chain provides flexibility to ensure you will be able to capture your frame and a wheel, especially when a wheel contains your electric motor.

PRACTICE PROPER LOCKING TECHNIQUES! WHILE A MOUNTAIN BIKE IS A UNIQUE STYLE OF BIKE, THE FOUNDATION OF PROPER LOCK-UPS STILL APPLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN USING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE TO COMMUTE. PLEASE LOOK TO OUR STANDARD BICYCLE LOCK-UP TAB FOR TIPS ON LOCKING PROCEDURE, AS WELL AS LINKS TO HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT LOCK.

BELOW ARE SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN LOCKING MOUNTAIN BIKES SPECIFICALLY.

ON THE TRAIL

When on a ride, carrying a heavier lock isn’t always an option. It’s best to keep your bike in sight, and near you at all times when not riding. Carrying a cable can be helpful, to attach your bike to an immovable object, or another mountain bike, to prevent grab and dash theft, but is only a deterrent.

ON THE TRAILER, BIKE RACK OR TRUCK BED

It is important to lock your bikes while in transport. With some variation based on travel location, and duration of stop, we recommend using Ultimate Security products when possible. Make sure to lock to the most immovable object available. Installing a ground anchor, like the Stronghold, in the bed of a truck or trailer can work as a great immovable object.

AT HOME

Locking your bike at home is crucial, especially with high value mountain bikes. Garage doors are not as secure as you may believe and are easily violated. We recommend an ultimate security lock to an immovable object. A ground anchor like the Stronghold can work great as an immovable object.

SOCIAL

Be careful about sharing your riding schedule and bike on public social networks. Thieves may use social riding apps to watch where a rider with an expensive bike, starts and ends their rides to pinpoint the location of where the bike is stored. If possible, start and end your rides from varying locations.

PRACTICE PROPER LOCKING TECHNIQUES! WHILE A ROAD BIKE IS A UNIQUE STYLE OF BIKE, THE FOUNDATION OF PROPER LOCK-UPS STILL APPLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN USING YOUR ROAD BIKE TO COMMUTE. PLEASE LOOK TO OUR STANDARD BICYCLE LOCK-UP TAB FOR TIPS ON LOCKING PROCEDURE, AS WELL AS LINKS TO HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT LOCK.

BELOW ARE SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN LOCKING ROAD BIKES SPECIFICALLY.

ON THE ROAD

When on a ride, carrying a heavier lock isn’t always an option. It’s best to keep your bike in sight, and near you at all times when not riding. Carrying a cable can be helpful, to attach your bike to an immovable object, or another road bike, to prevent grab and dash theft, but is only a deterrent.

ON THE TRAILER, BIKE RACK OR TRUCK BED

AT HOME

Locking your bike at home is crucial, especially with high value road bikes. Garage doors are not as secure as you may believe and are easily violated. We recommend an ultimate security lock to an immovable object. A ground anchor like the Stronghold can work great as an immovable object.

SOCIAL