What To Look For In Bike Locks http://bikecycles.org/ What To Look For In Bike Locks For those of you that ride seriously (not the weekends-with-the-family kid of riding, but whose bike is worth as much as a small car, and has all the bells and whistles and accessories that a person spending hours on a bike needs), a bicycle is so much more than just two wheels and a frame. For some, it is a place where they can be alone with their thoughts, challenge themselves, push their body to the limits and prove something (if only to themselves). For some it is a means of transport to and from work, and as such they treat their machines with respect, lovingly servicing them, washing them and storing them away from the elements. For others it is a sport they take seriously. They have the lycra, the shoes, the fancy water bottles and the streamlined helmets. Their bikes are lightweight, strong and very, very expensive. And those that do only use their bikes on the weekends, cycling around the park with the kids, still value their bicycles. They’re the ones with the trailers on the back, towing toddlers, or with child seats above the rear wheel, or riding surrounded by miniature bikes and people with helmets dotted with superheroes and flowers. So how does one protect the security of their investment, their method of transport, their hobby, their form of relaxation or their assurance of sanity? Good quality bike locks are essential to anyone that owns and appreciates their machine. They need to not only prevent the bike from being stolen, but be enough of a deterrent that the bad guys don’t want to try and steal it. Further, they need to be designed so that any attempts don’t damage the bike. A chain wound tightly around the frame might say “secure”, but anyone with a pair of bolt cutters will attempt to relieve the owner of their prized possession, and in the attempt will more than likely damage the frame or even just the paintwork. A bike lock needs to prevent attempts, be a good deterrent and, in the unfortunate event of someone seriously trying to steal your bike, not damage the bike in the process. It need not be expensive, but it needs to work. You can purchase a bike lock that is basically a chain wrapped in rubber (to protect the bike from scratches), and they usually come with a variety of locks (combination locks, padlocks and the like). You can also purchase bike locks that are a solid “U” shape and won’t easily be cut with bolt cutters. If price is not an issue, there are some chains that are constructed of steel coating a steel cable, and are almost impossible to break or cut. Others are foldable, and when in use are extremely tough and durable. A bike lock should prevent attempts on the security of your bicycle, and also potential damage sustained during an attempt. They need not be expensive, but obviously the more you spend
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