Security for Bicycles

More people are using their bicycles to get them around so that they can save money that would otherwise be spent filling up the gas tanks of their cars. Because of this growing popularity it is more important than ever that we learn how to properly secure our bicycles when we park them somewhere.

When you leave your bicycle unattended, you must make sure that you lock the frame and both wheels for optimal security. To ensure that your bicycle is truly secure, you will need to use a strong lock that can't be easily broken (or cut through!).

Many people who ride their bicycles on a regular basis tend to feel a bit frustrated with having to lock them up everywhere they go, particularly when they need to lock both wheels and the frame in order to keep their bicycles completely secure. The fact of the matter is, however, that if you don't take the time to securely lock your bicycle you are very likely to have it stolen.

Choosing a Lock (or Locks)

You will want to take the time to read some reviews about bicycle locks before choosing which type to buy. In fact, you should read as many reviews as you can stand so that you can be sure you're choosing the most secure lock within your budget.

When looking for the proper locking system you need to study a variety of different factors, which is why reading reviews of different types of locks is so important.

The first thing you should do is determine how the lock might hold up on the street. As you read through reviews, see how the locks held up when the reviewer tried to break into them using a variety of different tools. If a lock doesn't break even after some punishment, then you can add that to your list of possibilities.

The next thing you will want to look at is how easy the lock is to carry around. If it's so heavy and/or bulky that it isn't portable, then it's probably not going to be a very practical lock for you.

In addition to the two features mentioned above, you also need to examine the overall quality of the locks. Keep in mind that just because something is expensive it doesn't mean that it's going to be the best quality or the most reliable. Don't get too wrapped up in how much the different locks cost because it certainly can be misleading. Stick to the reliable information that you read in reviews so that you can make the smartest decision.

Evaluate your Budget

Lastly, you need to critically and honestly examine your own budget. If you really can't afford the top-ranked bicycle lock then don't put yourself in debt in order to buy a few of them (remember, you will most likely need multiple locks in order to completely secure your bicycle each time you park it).

On the other hand, if you have a particularly valuable bicycle it might be well worth it to spend the money up front so that you can be sure that you have the most secure locking system to protect your investment. Remember that bicycle thefts usually happen very quickly and often at times when you are only planning to be away from it for "just a few minutes".

If you take the time to investigate your bicycle security options before making that investment, you will be able to park your bicycle with greater peace of mind knowing that you have purchased a quality locking system that will withstand the efforts of even the most determined thief.

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