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Bike theft is a serious problem. Whether your ride costs a lot or a little, you’re going to need to protect it. You could be cycling for fun, exercise, or just going to work, but it’s important you bring a bike lock with you.
Your bike lock needs to be strong and secure. But you also need to be able to carry it when not in use. A bicycle doesn’t have a lot of storage. It’s meant to be lightweight. Anything that you bring has to be stored efficiently. So how do you carry a bike lock?
Where to Put a Bike Lock While Riding
There are many different types of bike locks. They can be large and heavy. They can be small and folding. There are even locks that you can wear. Whatever type you have, you have to put it somewhere when it’s not in use.
Your hands are busy when you’re cycling. So where can you put a bike lock while riding?
- Backpack – worn easily on the back and can securely hold your lock
- Front/back/side carrier – the lock can be placed inside or locked to carrier as you ride
- Worn by rider – certain kinds of locks are designed to be worn by the rider when cycling
- Frame mount – a bracket attaches to the bike frame that fits the specific lock
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Best Bike Locks That Attach to Your Bike [Top 3]
- Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock [REVIEW]
- Abus Granit X-Plus 540 [REVIEW]
- OnGuard Brute STD [REVIEW]
1. Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock
Weight: 2.02kg
Safety Rating: Sold Secure Gold
Price (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £70
- 🇺🇸 $113
- 🇪🇺 €114
Kryptonite is a household name for a reason. Their New York Standard U-Lock adds to the renown. The bike lock is a fantastic overall choice. It ticks a lot of boxes.
A top priority when buying a lock is security. The New York Standard is made of 16mm thick steel. The double deadbolt lock is a patent pending design for extra protection. Would-be thieves would have to get through the extra lock. The inner disc style cylinder fights against lock picks and drills. The size of the lock is great. You can easily lock it around the frame, tyre, and rack.
Because it’s so thick, it is a bit heavy. There is a mount included. The u-lock fits easily and securely into place while you ride. Heavy duty, versatile, functional. The New York Standard isn’t the cheapest lock, but you wouldn’t want it to be. You get quality. And a lot of it.
2. Abus Granit X-Plus 540
Weight: 1.65kg
Safety Rating: Sold Secure Diamond
Price (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £69
- 🇺🇸 $103
- 🇪🇺 €79
Abus is a German company. Their products are of the highest quality material and design. The Granit X-Plus 540 is no exception. It is a u-lock. The shackle is 13 mm of hardened steel. It’s a bit smaller compared to other locks. Don’t worry, though. It’s still incredibly secure.
The Granit X-Plus boasts a special patented design. Most u-locks have a cylinder shaped crossbar. The Granit X-Plus has a curved square shaped crossbar. Bolt cutters can’t get a hold on it.
Abus’s patented Power Cell technology is used in the locking mechanism. The lock is also double bolted. Smashing, pulling, and picking is near impossible.
The Granit X-Plus is very lightweight for how secure it is. There are two different frame mounts available. One small and simple. One large and burly. Both are well regarded. This is one of the more expensive bike locks out there. You do get a lot of bang for your buck.
3. OnGuard Brute STD
Weight: 2.3kg
Safety Rating: Sold Secure Diamond
Price (approximate):
- 🇬🇧 £33
- 🇺🇸 $45
- 🇪🇺 €40
One mean lock. That’s OnGuard’s motto. And it’s quite accurate. The OnGuard Brute STD is a hefty lock. The shackle is an impressive 16.8 mm of hardened steel. Bolt cutters and hacksaws don’t stand much of a chance.
The Z-Cylinder defends against picking and drilling attempts. The locking system itself is impressive. Brute’s X4P Quattro Bolt Locking Mechanism secures the lock in four places. A mounting bracket is also included. All in all, a top tier bike lock.
What makes the Brute STD stand out, though, is the price. The shackle is incredibly strong. The cylinder is specially designed for more precise attacks. The locking mechanism has twice as many lock points as other u-locks. This level of security is usually found in higher-end options. The Brute STD costs about half as much. It’s a high quality lock at a budget price.
