Bike lock tips: Everything under lock and key? - Dos and don'ts of bike security

The bike lock: dos and don'ts

• Main rule: If at all possible, connect the bike to a suitable immobile object, threading it through at least one frame triangle.
• Secure as many add-on parts as possible to the bike in order of value and or better an object, see belowor use several locks.
• If possible, look for a well-lit and visible location. Visibility is a deterrent.
• If possible, attach U-locks, but especially chain and cable locks without large gaps; this makes it more difficult to handle heavy tools.
• Always transport combination locks with a continuously adjustable code and cover the code pad with your body or hand when putting it on the bike.
• Do not forget plug-in lights, speedometer or similar attachments that are only temporarily attached to the bike, secure mudguards with thick cable ties if necessary.
• Position bike locks with the keyhole facing downwards and fit them in such a way that it is uncomfortable to fiddle with them for long periods of time.
• Attention: The object to which the wheel is "anchored" should not be able to be cut through, wire mesh fences or young trees are not sufficient.
• If you ride a pedelec, you should remember to lock the battery compartment if necessary. If this is not possible or if the bike is stationary for a long time, take it with you.
• Few habits: If possible, don't always park your bike in the same place at exactly the same time. This is because professionals scout out the times when they can trade undisturbed.

>> Read now: 16 bike locks put to the test

Protect all bike components

Wheels, saddle, seat post, light: If you want to consistently secure all components with a lock, you'll be lugging a lot of material around with you. For decades, specialist Pitlock has been offering locking axles that make additional locks unnecessary. Their range has now grown considerably.

When you consider the value of a high-quality front light alone, it's scary to leave your bike alone outside your own four walls. Two screws only prevent quick theft. But not if they are screws from Pitlock.

Their screw heads (image 1) are designed in such a way that you need precisely corresponding tools to open them. The quick-release axles (Fig. 2) from Berlin have been working on the same principle for many years. They are simply exchanged for the OEM versions on the bike, from then on you need the small spanner in the picture or a lot of time and special equipment.

Additional bike locks for the wheels are then no longer required. Similar products are also available from other manufacturers. Kryptonite also offers a lock nut for the solid axles of hub gears (3) or front wheels with hub dynamos, but we have not found any other supplier offering anti-theft alternatives for thru axles (4).

Pitlock products could be used to secure almost any component of value on the bike, A bike lock is then only needed to secure the frame to an object. Depending on the bike's equipment, this type of security can not only save money, but also weight and keys.