Family (Biking) Matters is a monthly column that addresses questions and issues you may have as a person or family biking in the city. Don’t forget–– families come in all different shapes and sizes! If you have a question, write to hillfamilybiking@gmail.com.–– María Helena Carey
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THIS MONTH’S QUESTION
Dear Family (Biking) Matters,
We just got our family bike. While we love the freedom it gives us, we are a bit overwhelmed with how to keep it secure, especially for long periods of time like at work after school drop off. Do you have any lock recommendations or tips to keep our bike safe? –– Good Lock Babe
Dear Good Lock Babe,
Hello, and thank you for the great question! So many of us get so caught up in finding the right bike that locks and security can sometimes take a, ahem, back saddle. We hope to provide you with the lock information you need to help you feel secure in your choice! (Yuk, Yuk!)
Before getting to the bike locks themselves, here a few facts about bike theft and what it is you are trying to counter. A modern bike thief’s tool is an angle grinder, a small handheld power tool that is able to cut through metal. And most bike thefts tend to be crimes of opportunity: there is little planning and just an innocent bike deemed an “easy” target.
To avoid getting targeted,
- Ensure that what you lock your bike to is secure to the ground: Give the rack a shake before locking up to make sure it hasn’t come unbolted
- Use bike parking when available, a great options in office buildings, at Nationals Games, and sometimes within parking garages
- If bike parking isn’t available, park in a visible, public space. Dark corners and alleys give thieves time to work through even the strongest of lock defenses
- Consider using multiple locks. You can combine several of the lock types we’ll mention next to further deter thievery
- Remember to remove your valuable accessories!
- And teach your kid how to lock up their bike, too, so they are ready to roll once they start biking on their own
On to the locks! Unfortunately, good locks are not cheap, but they are cheaper than replacing your family bike! There are three types of primary locks, or the main lock you will use to secure your bike: 1) U-locks, 2) chain locks, and 3) folding locks. They each have their strengths and downsides, so what you choose is up to your preference and set-up.
We discuss them below based on the following:
- Deterrence: Locks that are able to withstand angle grinders are the most sophisticated (e.g., new anti-grinder u-locks), whereas options that can be more easily cut through are rated lower (e.g., classic u-locks)
- Portability: Some locks are lightweight and can be easily stored on the bike (e.g., u-locks) while others are bulkier, heavier, and less convenient to carry unless the bike itself has storage (e.g., chain locks)
- Flexibility: Some locks are rigid and small, requiring a bike to line up flush with the rack to lock effectively (e.g., u-locks). Others are longer and enable riders to park farther from bike racks or attach to non-bike rack objects (e.g., chains and folding locks)
A primer on primary lock types:
- U-locks (Abus, Hiplock): A great, lightweight and highly portable option for bikes that can easily lock-up flush to a bike rack. The new anti-grinder u-lock technology offers some of the highest deterrence. Unfortunately, u-locks are small/rigid, and not practical for cargo bikes with accessories. Traditional u-lock models are easy to cut through with an angle grinder.
- Chain locks (Abus, Kryptonite): A very secure and flexible option for riders whose bikes have sufficient bike storage to carry it. We recommend a 10mm or larger chain link: this is very difficult to cut through for all but the most skilled angle grinder users. The long chain is great for bulkier bikes that need more space for locking up, but the heavier chain is clunkier to travel with.
- Folding locks (Abus): A popular option for both high portability and flexibility. These locks can easily fold into a frame mount which is great for carrying. The locks themselves come in varying sizes of thickness and length, providing ample flexibility in parking. However, they are not angle grinder resistant, and since they are rigid, they are easier to cut through than a chain lock.
Once you’ve selected your primary lock, you can consider whether you want to level up by using multiple locks. You can use two of the types from above or you can use a secondary option called a frame lock (also known as “cafe” lock). These are installed to the bike frame itself and enable you to lock the front or rear wheel to stop the bike from being able to roll.
And a frame lock can also be used alone in situations where you remain near your bike. For example, you can use it if you join a Hill Family Bike ride and need to secure your bike while grabbing some post-ride ice cream. Speaking of, we hope to see you on our next ride, Tiny Streets 2. The ice cream is on us!