How to choose a bicycle cable lock?

Today, the bicycle is considered one of the most popular modes of transport, regardless of the status of a person. This two-wheeled vehicle is convenient, comfortable and, very importantly, it does not need fuel.

But, despite all of the above, there is one problem that owners of this vehicle often face - this is theft. Unfortunately, it is bicycles that are most often the target of thieves. However, there is an effective method that will help protect your "iron horse" - this is a cable lock. We will figure out what types of such a device exist, and how to choose it correctly.

A cable lock is one of the most reliable, popular and frequently used mechanisms to protect your bike from theft.

There is a wide range of similar products that differ among themselves according to different criteria.

• The material from which it is made. Most often, cable lock manufacturers use polymer rubber, which is durable and thick. This material is quite flexible and easy to use. Thanks to these characteristics, it will be difficult for the hijacker, for example, to cut the lock with a knife.
• Cable thickness. This is of great importance, because the thicker it is, the more reliable. If you choose a thin instance, be prepared for the fact that it does not protect the transport in full.
• Cable length, which in most cases is small. In the modern market of bicycle protection devices, short and long cable locks are available. Short is used to fasten directly to the wheel or to any support.In the case of using this type of lock, it is advisable not to leave the bicycle unattended for a long time. But a long cable is already more stable and reliable protection. Its length can reach two meters, which makes it possible to install the mechanism not only on the wheel, but also on the frame, which will provide more reliable protection.
• Type of device closing the cable. Can be installed level, code or cylinder lock. Suvaldny opens with a special flat key and is considered quite tamper-resistant. Using a combination lock, you need to come up with and remember a combination of four digits.

Experienced thieves learned to open locking devices of any complexity in a very short time.

A cable lock, like any other anti-theft device, has its pros and cons.

So, the advantages of the device include:

• ease and convenience in use;
• flexibility;
• high level of security;
• Using a cable lock, it is possible to protect individual elements of the bicycle.

Speaking about the shortcomings, I would like to note a number of factors.

• Cannot be used as the main mechanism for protection.
• If you live or drive in areas with a high level of danger, it is not recommended to use this castle. The cable mechanism can be easily cracked - it is opened in a matter of seconds using a bolt cutter.
• It does not guarantee maximum protection.
• Visually, the cable lock is quite strong and thick, but very often manufacturers do not think about its inner part, which is presented in the form of a conventional cable. The latter is very thin and easy to bite with a special tool.

As you can see, cable locks have many positive and negative qualities. To buy or not this mechanism is a matter of the user's choice, but it is necessary to take into account both the pros and cons.

To date, the alarm system is used not only in cars or apartments, but also mounted on a bicycle.

Such a model is in demand among the consumer, because the presence of an alarm system gives many advantages:

• her loud and unpleasant ear sound will scare away any thief;
• the locking device is made more efficiently and reliably;
• guarantees safety.

It’s easy to set up an alarm, you only need to:

• Set password;
• adjust accuracy;
• adjust the sound level.

The market presents both expensive alarm models, which have a wider range of capabilities, and budget options. The latter react only to sound and movement, but there is no way to adjust the sensitivity. And also the cheap option in most cases cannot be controlled remotely.

An entirely different matter is an expensive and high-quality alarm. Such a device is characterized by:

• anti-vandal design;
• exact settings;
• remote control;
• response when trying to break the lock or mechanical intervention.

The choice of a bicycle cable lock for protection against theft must be approached very responsibly and seriously, realizing that it depends on it whether the robber can steal your vehicle. Some important criteria should be considered.

• The cost of the device. Specialists and professionals argue that the price of the castle should be at least 5-10% of the cost of the bike itself.
• Manufacturer. Consider who made the castle. It is best to choose a well-known, high-quality and reliable company whose activities are directly related to the production of not only locks, but also the most bicycles.
• Functionality mechanism.
• Visual characteristics.
• Availability additional functions for example, alarms.
• Type of closing device. Experts say that it is better to give preference to the mechanism with a combination lock.

It is advisable to be guided by the fact in which area of ​​the city you live and, if possible, get acquainted with the statistics of thefts in your village.

You can understand the mechanism and its characteristics in detail by looking at the factory box. It is on it that all the detailed information about the device should be indicated and, necessarily, the degree of security that it guarantees.

See below for how to choose a bike lock.