Under lock and key: Which bike lock is right for me?

Bicycles are popular stolen goods.

And: According to statistics, it doesn't even make it particularly difficult for the perpetrators to steal the bike. Accordingly, one in four stolen bicycles was left without security.
So if you don't want to immediately put a sticker on your bike saying "Take me with you" but want to keep it for a while, you should secure it with a bike lock to protect it from thieves. But which variants are there on the market and which of them is the safest?
You will find out in this article.

What types of bicycle locks are there?
Not all bike locks are the same. Depending on the design and type of closure, a distinction is made between 5 main types.

Cable locks
The cable lock is the classic among bicycle locks. This is a steel mesh covered in a plastic cover and equipped with a locking cylinder with a key or combination lock. Cable locks come in many different lengths, thicknesses and colors. The advantage of this form of security is that it is very light and flexible and can therefore be used to connect to almost any object.

Chain locks
Chain locks, as the name suggests, consist of solid chain links that are either exposed or surrounded by a durable coating.
Depending on the length, they have a more flexible handle than the rigid U-locks. This makes them easier to use for connecting to various objects such as street lights.
However, with a weight of between two and five kilograms, they are not exactly lightweight among bicycle locks.

folding locks
The folding lock is also called a hinge lock, folding lock or link lock. It looks a bit like a ruler. The folding lock consists of rigid links that fold down to a manageable size. Thanks to their foldable structure, they are easy to transport and require little space, but usually carry a little more weight.

U-locks
They consist of a rigid bracket made of hardened metal that is connected to a locking cylinder. Compared to other locks, U-locks have no moving parts. Due to their rigid design, they are not quite as flexible to fix as other bicycle locks, but they are particularly robust and difficult to crack. They are considered to be resistant to drilling and cutting and are therefore particularly safe. However, these locks are also relatively heavy.

Frame locks
Basic only: These are locks that are already pre-installed on the bike and are only intended to prevent the bike from being driven away. They don’t offer any real protection.

How much should you invest in a lock?
To get a feel for how secure a bike lock is, the number of security levels provides information. The following applies here: the higher the security level, the more secure the lock. The value of the lock also plays a role. It is recommended to invest between 5 and 10 percent of the bike's value on a bike lock. This also makes sense if you think about securing your 2,000 euro bike with a 10 euro bike lock. Sounds strange, right?

Which bike locks are the safest?
But which type of lock tends to be the best for protecting your two-wheeler from theft? The U-lock takes first place on the winners' podium. It is by far one of the most secure bicycle locks on the market because it is resistant to drilling and cutting.
Next are the chain locks, as they also offer a high level of security and good cut resistance. Next in line are the folding locks - they combine the flexibility of a chain lock with the security of a U-lock. Cable locks are flexible and light, but due to their weaker structure they are also much easier to crack than, for example, a U-lock or chain lock. A pair of pliers is often enough to cut them up.
Frame locks bring up the rear. They should only serve as basic protection and should definitely be expanded with additional protection.
The level of security required for your own bike ultimately depends on the location and duration of storage. If a bicycle is usually parked indoors, it certainly requires less protection than a two-wheeler that has to sit outside on the street for days.

Our conclusion
To reduce the risk of bicycle theft, you should definitely secure your bicycles with a lock. It is recommended to invest between 5 and 10 percent of the bike's value for protection.
Depending on the storage location, you should consider which lock is the most suitable. If your bike is primarily located indoors, in a garage or in the basement, a simple cable lock should be sufficient. If the bike is primarily left outdoors for a longer period of time, secure lock alternatives such as a U-lock, chain lock or folding lock should be chosen.