Protect your bike with the right lock
26.6.2017
Translation: machine translated
Once you have found your dream bike, you should also protect it against theft - after all, around 130 bikes are stolen every day in Switzerland alone. We recommend that you spend around 10% of the new price of the bike on a bike lock and present the most important types of lock and their advantages and disadvantages here.
Cable and spiral locks
Cable locks consist of a steel cable encased in plastic and can usually be opened with a key or a numerical code. Spiral cable locks are very similar to cable locks, but can be stored in a more space-saving manner thanks to their spiral shape.
Pro
- Flexible and easy to handle
- Large reach, e.g. for attaching to trees, railings or bike racks
- Low weight
- Rather favourable
Contra
- Mostly only offers basic protection
The Abus Tresor is the classic cable bike lock. The FLX from HipLok is a simple combination lock with an integrated rear light. The knog. Party Combo looks cool and is available in a further 7 colours - so it is guaranteed to match the colour of your bike.
To all cable locks //
To all spiral cable locks
Chain locks
Chain locks consist of a metal chain and are available in different lengths. They are often protected by a textile or plastic coating so as not to scratch the bike frame. Chain locks are relatively secure and offer a slightly higher level of standard protection. They are practical for securing several bikes at the same time or for locking the bike to a railing. However, they are somewhat unwieldy and are usually supplied without a bracket.
Pro
- Relatively safe
- Flexible
- Large range
Contra
- Heavy (usually more than 1.5kg)
- Without bracket
The Abus Tresor 1385 is 85cm long and has enough reach to wrap around a railing or a lamppost. The Superbright model from HipLok can be worn comfortably as a belt. Thanks to the integrated reflective material, the lock ensures high visibility in city traffic. The New York Fahgettaboutdit 1410 from Kryptonite combines a U-lock with a chain and ensures maximum security.
Folding locks
Folding locks are constructed from fixed steel hinges that can be folded.
Pro
- Compact
- Safe
- More flexible than U-locks
- Good compromise between flexibility and security
Contra
- Rigid and fixed
- Rather heavy
The Abus Bordo has already been crowned test winner several times in lock tests. The Big 6000 model is also available with a 120cm locking range. Unlike the Bordo locks, the Trelock is not unlocked with a key but via a numerical code.
Hook locks
Folding padlocks consist of a metal ring encased in plastic and are similar in design to the classic padlock.
Pro
- Very secure due to solid and heavy material
Con
- Inflexible and rather unwieldy, as there are no moving parts
- Often rather heavy
The U-lock specialist Kryptonite impresses with products of the highest quality, stability and security, which have already won several awards. The U-locks are also available as a mini version - individually or in combination with a cable. The overworked Kassensturz test winner Evolution 5 Mini now has a double locking mechanism. The Fahgettaboudit from Kryptonite is extremely strong and secure, yet not too big. The DX model from HipLok offers maximum security and can be easily worn on a belt or strap.
Fancy bike locks
In addition to the classic locks and lock types mentioned above, you will also find a few more "exotic" models here. The Noke model is opened via Bluetooth, which also allows you to locate the bike. The knog. Milkman is particularly impressive with its unusual design and is just the size of a packet of cigarettes. The Interlock lock is hidden in the seat post and is therefore always within easy reach and well stowed away. The unusual, extremely high-quality models from Dalman Supply made from leather and Manila hemp are handcrafted in the USA and also look great.
Theresa Schieder
Leader Portfolio Development Do-It, Garden & Household
Theresa.Schieder@digitecgalaxus.chSport
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