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 as 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 saddlebags, and lights can easily be slipped off and carried with you.
- It’s 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. It 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 every day.
- 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 it’s 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 that is paranoid about locking its bikes.
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
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CYCLING
I love riding my bike. Whether it’s a simple commute, a high-intensity road race, a jaw-grinding brevet, fixie rides thru packed Indian city or a kick-ass technical single track – I love it all. Apart from riding bicycles, I love being all geeky and know everything there is to know about bicycles, technology, bike fit, and service.
I started BUMSONTHESADDLE to share this passion for cycling.
DISCIPLINE: Partial towards MOUNTAIN BIKING but love it all
CURRENT BIKE(S): Specialized Rockhopper, Specialized Tarmac, Pure Cycles Original
DREAM BIKE: S-Works Epic HT & S-Work Roubaix
OTHER PASSIONS: Technology, Photography, Baking, Travel, and Reading
