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Bike Security 101

Bike security is a common question and like picking up a good helmet is mandatory, a good lock is a must.

At the moment, the best that we have come across is a simple solid link-chain which can be picked up at any hardware store for around 300 bucks and a really good strong lock. Better than all the jazzy so-called locks that some companies try and push onto unsuspecting customers.

Locking your bike does not guarantee 100% security, its just to make it harder to foil a theft.

Some simple thumb rules can preventing some heart ache

• Always ALWAYS lock your bike. Be Paranoid.
• Always make sure the frame and the wheels are locked like shown below.
• Always lock the bike to something stationary. Check the stationary object, it might not be as strong as you think.
• Remove movable parts – cyclo-computers, expensive saddle bags and lights can easily be slipped off and carried with you.
• Its amazing how many folks have lost their bikes at home. Always lock your bike, even at home
• Don’t keep the bike locked in dark dingy places. Makes it much easier for thieves to work on the lock and steal the bike. Lock the bike in a fairly visible place.
• Try and change the place you lock the bike everyday.
• Keep your Name and contact info on the bike – inside the seat post for example. If you lose your bike, it becomes much easier to prove that its yours.

Bike theft is still not a huge problem in India like some of the Western countries for example. Kryptonite, which manufactures some fantastic locks, has named quite a few of its Chain locks after New York, a city which is paranoid about locking its bikes.

[Update] Gautam had made a very sensible comment on this post asking for more India specific info. Where do folks lock their bikes in India ?

At the moment we dont have many bicycle parking in the country so it basically boils down to finding a strong stationary object like a lamp post or railing and securing your bicycle using a lock. At work I lock up my bike to a huge generator.
As long as you are not causing anyone any inconvenience it should be ok to secure your bike to some public property/item.

We do have groups in the country who are lobbying for bike amenities to get stuff like this to make life easier.
Interested ? join us.