Bicycle lock
Encyclopedia
Physical security
Physical security describes measures that are designed to deny access to unauthorized personnel from physically accessing a building, facility, resource, or stored information; and guidance on how to design structures to resist potentially hostile acts...
device used on a bicycle to prevent theft
Theft
In common usage, theft is the illegal taking of another person's property without that person's permission or consent. The word is also used as an informal shorthand term for some crimes against property, such as burglary, embezzlement, larceny, looting, robbery, shoplifting and fraud...
. It is generally used to fasten the bicycle to a bicycle stand
Bicycle stand
A bicycle stand,also called a bike rack, is a device to which bicycles may be securely attached. It may be free standing or securely attached to the ground or some stationary object such as a building. Indoor bike racks are commonly used for private bicycle parking, while outdoor bike racks are...
or other immovable object.
An important difficulty in preventing the theft of a bicycle is that the wheels
Bicycle wheel
A bicycle wheel is a wheel, most commonly a wire wheel, designed for bicycle. A pair is often called a wheelset, especially in the context of ready built "off the shelf" performance-oriented wheels....
are easily detachable from the frame
Bicycle frame
A bicycle frame is the main component of a bicycle, on to which wheels and other components are fitted. The modern and most common frame design for an upright bicycle is based on the safety bicycle, and consists of two triangles, a main triangle and a paired rear triangle...
, and that unless both wheels and frame are secured, wheels can easily be carried away after being detached. The most secure locking method therefore is to lock the wheels and frame to each other and to an immovable object.
Locking devices vary in size and security; the most secure tending to be the largest, heaviest and least portable. Lesser equipment is used to deter attempts by less skilled and determined thieves. Thus like other security equipment, bicycle locks must compromise between security, portability and cost. Some are made of particularly expensive materials chosen for their acceptable strength and low density.
An alternate defense is the provision of bicycle locker
Bicycle locker
A bicycle locker or bike box is a locker / box in which a single bicycle can be placed and locked in. They are usually provided at places where numerous cyclists need bike parking for extended times , yet where the bikes might otherwise get damaged or stolen .Bike boxes are considered the highest...
s in which the whole bicycle is locked. This also safeguards equipment such as lamps, tools, spare tubes etc, against all but the most industrious thief, or one equipped with heavy equipment or power tools. Bicycle lockers, however, generally take up much more space than exposed bicycle racks, limiting potential storage capacity in a given space. An alternative is a card-access bike cage such as is present at Alewife station
Alewife (MBTA station)
Alewife, located at the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Cambridgepark West in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a local intermodal transportation hub. It is the northern terminus of the MBTA's Red Line, and a bus terminal for several local routes and one intercity route. It opened in 1985.The...
in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. In addition to a bike lock, bike registry
Bike registry
Bike registry is available from a number of different agencies. Bicycles are routinely registered for use on school and university campuses for the purpose of campus security and as a deterrent to bike theft. Some states and municipalities require registration for bikes used within their...
can further assist in providing recovery in the event of theft.
Test standards that rate the effective security of bicycle locks are provided by Thatcham
Thatcham
Thatcham is a town in Berkshire, England 3 miles east of Newbury and 15 miles west of Reading. It covers about and has a population of 23,000 people . This number has grown rapidly over the last few decades from 5,000 in 1951 and 7,500 in 1961.It lies on the River Kennet, the Kennet and Avon...
and Sold Secure in the United Kingdom, ART in the Netherlands, SSF in Sweden, and VDS in Germany. Tests carried out by the Cyclists' Touring Club
Cyclists' Touring Club
CTC and the UK's national cyclists' organisation are the trading names of the Cyclists' Touring Club.CTC is the United Kingdom's largest cycling membership organisation. It also has member groups in the Republic of Ireland...
showed that all of the locks under test could be broken in less than 42 seconds using either bolt croppers for a cable/chain or a bottle jack for D-locks.
U-locks and D-locks
A U-lock is a rigid metal ring in the shape of the letter U. The U part of the lock attaches to a crossbar section, and for this reason they are also called D-locks. To lock the bicycle, one locks it physically to some other object, such as a bike rackBicycle stand
A bicycle stand,also called a bike rack, is a device to which bicycles may be securely attached. It may be free standing or securely attached to the ground or some stationary object such as a building. Indoor bike racks are commonly used for private bicycle parking, while outdoor bike racks are...
securely in the ground, parking meter or a flagpole. Merely locking the bike frame to the wheel is not recommended because, although it cannot be rolled away, the entire bicycle can still be lifted and carried away.
Bolt cutters
A bolt cutter, sometimes called bolt cropper, is a tool used for cutting chains, padlocks, bolts and wire mesh. The original use for bolt cutters was as the name suggests to cut bolt seals from shipping containers at the delivery point. It typically has long handles and short blades, with compound...
. However, they are still vulnerable to some types of exploit. For instance, if there is enough space for a thief to fit a jack into the U, the jack can produce enough leverage to break the lock. Another common brute force method to break open U-locks is to use a long length (perhaps 2 meter) of pipe to twist the lock open. Like all locks, U-Locks are vulnerable to power tools
Angle grinder
An angle grinder, also known as a side or disc grinder, is a handheld power tool used for cutting, grinding and polishing.Angle grinders can be powered by an electric motor, petrol engine or compressed air. The motor drives a geared head at a right-angle on which is mounted an abrasive disc or a...
. Certain Tubular pin tumbler lock
Tubular pin tumbler lock
A tubular pin tumbler lock, also known as Ace lock; axial pin tumbler lock; or radial lock, is a variety of pin tumbler lock in which 6-8 pins are arranged in a circular pattern, and the corresponding key is tubular or cylindrical in shape....
U-Locks can be easily picked by thieves using a common Bic pen, so cyclists should avoid these models.
A very similar type of lock, often referred to as an O-lock, or a "bike club," is a retracting shackle lock. This lock may be more protective as it does not leave space for thieves to insert tools like a car jack which would burst a normal u-lock.
Chain
A chain lock is a chain with a lock. It often has a key or a combination lock attached to it. A long enough chain can pass through both wheels, the frame and attach the bicycle to an immovable object.Chains vary widely in their security level. If the chain is bought from a hardware store, it is most likely made from basic iron or steel and can easily be cut with a relatively inexpensive pair of bolt cutters. Chains specifically designed for locking bicycles are available. These case hardened security chains have links shaped in a manner that deters bolt cutters, such as with a hexagonal or trapezoidal cross-section and are difficult to cut with hand tools, but easily defeated with power tools.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, which may be the lock. Although a cheap keyed or combination lock may be an appropriate match for a hardware store chain, a case-hardened security chain necessitates a specialized lock such as a monobloc padlock or mini u-lock.
Cable locks
Cable
A cable is two or more wires running side by side and bonded, twisted or braided together to form a single assembly. In mechanics cables, otherwise known as wire ropes, are used for lifting, hauling and towing or conveying force through tension. In electrical engineering cables are used to carry...
locks are in many ways similar to chain locks. Cable locks often come with the locking mechanism already permanently integrated. Otherwise, a length of cable with loops on both ends can also be used.
The main advantage of cable locks over chains is the ease of transporting them. Many cable locks are made of spring cable that automatically coils itself when released. Even a straight cable can be coiled by the user into a more manageable shape than a chain.
Simple cable locks, however, are only sufficient for use in low-risk areas. Even the largest diameter unprotected cable can be quickly cut with bolt cutters. Better cable locks such as the one shown on the right have overlapping steel jackets threaded over the cable. This can make it more difficult to cut the central cable.
Many cyclists use a long cable to secure bicycle components (such as the wheels or seat) in conjunction with a U-lock or padlock
Padlock
Padlocks are portable locks used to protect against theft, vandalism, sabotage, unauthorized use, and harm. They are designed to protect against some degree of forced and surreptitious entry.- History :...
to secure the frame. Special strong cables are available which are made with a loop at each end continuous with the cable, which enable linking with a locking device.
Also, a common defect with cables containing combination locks allows the combination to be deciphered. This is done by peering into the grooves between the disks whilst cycling through the individual numbers on each disk, one at a time.
Wheel lock
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
, the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
An O-lock prevents riding the bicycle but does not, by itself, secure the bicycle to a stationary object. This type of lock is effective and convenient for securing a bicycle against opportunistic theft, when the bike is left unattended momentarily. It forces the thief to carry the bicycle.
The O-lock also conveniently secures the rear wheel: only locking the frame is needed, to secure both the frame and the rear wheel. Some models have an optional cable or chain that plugs in to the body of the lock to enable the bicycle to be secured as well.
Locking skewers
Seatpost
A bicycle seatpost, seatpin, saddlepole, saddle pillar, or saddle pin is a tube that extends upwards from the bicycle frame to the saddle. The amount that it extends out of the frame can usually be adjusted, and there is usually a mark that indicates the minimum insertion...
clamp (quick release skewers enable removal without tools). This reduces the need to lock these parts of the bike since now their removal requires tools. One type of locking skewer uses the same design as a normal quick release skewer
Quick release skewer
A quick release skewer is a mechanism for attaching a wheel to a bicycle. It consists of a rod threaded on one end and with a lever operated cam assembly on the other. The rod is inserted into the hollow axle of the wheel, a nut is threaded on, and the lever is closed to tighten the cam and secure...
, except after clamping the skewer the (keyed
Key (lock)
A key is an instrument that is used to operate a lock. A typical key consists of two parts: the blade, which slides into the keyway of the lock and distinguishes between different keys, and the bow, which is left protruding so that torque can be applied by the user. The blade is usually intended to...
) handle may be removed.
Another type of locking skewer uses a uniquely-shaped nut that can only be turned using the matching socket/key, which is typically a wrench-like tool that is small enough to fit on a keychain. Though expensive, locking skewers provide additional security and convenience. Locking wheels with an additional U-Lock or removing the front wheel and locking it to the frame and rear wheel would provide the highest security. A disadvantage is that if the owner loses the special tool then they will not be able to undo the skewer, and will need to obtain a spare tool from the manufacturer. The same type of uniquely-shaped nut used for the locking skewer can also be found for suspension forks, V-brakes, and solid-axle wheels in addition to regular wheels and seatposts. Manufacturers such as Pitlock and Pinhead offer services to supply additional lock nuts to an existing key number registered by the owner.
Even though a determined thief could eventually defeat the skewer's lock nut by using a power tool, e.g. by grinding a screwdriver slot into it or simply cutting it off, locking skewers provide convenient protection against theft of bicycle parts in areas where locked bicycles should not be left unattended for long periods of time. The highest quality products currently found on the market use stainless steel to avoid a number of disadvantages presented by carbon steel and aluminum including corrosion (rust) and damage to the locking mechanism's unique key indentations caused by key slip-out.
Less expensive options include replacing standard quick release skewer
Quick release skewer
A quick release skewer is a mechanism for attaching a wheel to a bicycle. It consists of a rod threaded on one end and with a lever operated cam assembly on the other. The rod is inserted into the hollow axle of the wheel, a nut is threaded on, and the lever is closed to tighten the cam and secure...
s with skewers that need a standard hex key
Hex key
A hex key, Allen key, or Allen wrench is a tool of hexagonal cross-section used to drive bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket in the head .- Nomenclature :...
to be opened. Despite hex keys not being very rare, this method still guards the bicycle from casual opportunists, needing the less common tool and more time to be removed. Pentagonal key skewers exist which bring some of the benefit of a locking skewer at a lower cost. Quicker and cheaper yet, and only effective against thieves unequipped with even a screwdriver, quick-release levers can be tied down by a common hose clamp
Hose clamp
A hose clamp or hose clip is a device used to attach and seal a hose onto a fitting such as a barb or nipple.- Screw/band clamps :...
.
Another cost effective approach to wheel security is to replace the front and rear quick-release skewers with a long stud, such as manufactured by BikeRegistry. This approach secures one end of the stud with a permanently attached acorn nut; the other end is secured by double nylon-insert nuts and washers which allow the entire assembly to spin freely if wheel removal is attempted. (This can thwart someone carrying a single wrench, but is trivially defeated by using a wrench on each end.)
Wheels are also commonly secured by use of a wheel tether, basically a flexible steel cable with a noose swaged on either end. This type cable does not require its own lock. It is secured by the main security device, which may be a security chain, u-lock or even another cable device.
Standards and tests
Test standards that rate the effective security of bicycle locks are provided by Thatcham and Sold Secure in the United Kingdom, Stichting ART in the Netherlands, SSFSSF
-Computers:* Shortest seek first, a secondary storage scheduling algorithm to determine the motion of the disk's arm and head in servicing read and write requests-Concepts:*semi-solid forming, a casting method utilizing metal that is 50% liquid...
in Sweden, and VDS
VDS
VDS is a three-letter abbreviation which may mean:*The IATA airport code for Vadsø Airport*Vanderbilt Divinity School*Variable Depth Sonar*Vegas de Santiago, manufacture of Premium cigars in Puriscal, Costa Rica...
in Germany.
Sold Secure was set up by the Northumbria Police
Northumbria Police
Northumbria Police is the territorial police force responsible for policing the areas of Northumberland and Tyne and Wear in North East England. The service is the sixth largest police force in England and Wales. The current Chief Constable is Sue Sim who was appointed by Northumbria Police...
and Essex Police
Essex Police
Essex Police is a territorial police force responsible for policing the county of Essex in the east of England.It is one of the largest non-metropolitan police forces in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 3,600 police officers and operating across an area of over and with a population of...
in 1992 with the backing of the Home Office
Home Office
The Home Office is the United Kingdom government department responsible for immigration control, security, and order. As such it is responsible for the police, UK Border Agency, and the Security Service . It is also in charge of government policy on security-related issues such as drugs,...
. It is now a not-for-profit corporation owned by the Master Locksmiths Association
Master Locksmiths Association
Master Locksmiths Association is a not for profit trade association representing and approving Locksmiths in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1958 and now has 1400 members. In 2008 the MLA was referred to by the then Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, Maria Eagle, as the "principal...
. Each model of lock tested requires an initial test and ongoing annual audit. In the U.K., a Sold Secure or Thatcham certified lock is usually required in order to insure a bicycle or motorcycle against theft. Sold Secure certify locks with either a Bronze, Silver or Gold rating, corresponding to an attack resistance of 1, 3 and 5 minutes with various tools.
Tests carried out on behalf of Cycle magazine
Cyclists' Touring Club
CTC and the UK's national cyclists' organisation are the trading names of the Cyclists' Touring Club.CTC is the United Kingdom's largest cycling membership organisation. It also has member groups in the Republic of Ireland...
showed that all of the bicycle locks tested, which had a variety of certifications from Sold Secure, Thatcham, and ART, could be broken in less than 42 seconds. Cables and chains were breached using either small cable cutters or 36" bolt croppers, and D-locks were breached using a stubby bottle jack
Bottle jack
A bottle jack or whiskey jack is a hydraulic jack which resembles a bottle in shape, having a cylindrical body and a neck, from which the hydraulic ram emerges. They have a capacity of up to 50 tons and may be used to lift a variety of objects. Typical uses include the repair of automobiles and...
. Of the locks tested, five had a Sold Secure Gold rating, varying in price from £25 to £100. Two of these Gold rated locks withstood only 10 seconds of attack.
Tests carried out by Almax Security Chains Ltd. and supervised by Readers Digest have shown that most Thatcham and Sold Secure approved motorbike chains can be cut using ordinary bolt croppers. A video of the tests is available online. In similar tests carried out by Motor Cycle News magazine, Almax chains were the only ones to survive a bolt cropping attack. Almax produce a shorter 0.7m version of their chain for bicycles. The tests included chains from Squire Locks, Luma, ABUS
ABUS
ABUS is a German lock manufacturer founded in 1924, based in the town of Wetter in North Rhine-Westphalia. The name ABUS is an acronym for August Bremicker und Söhne KG....
, Oxford Products and Kryptonite
Kryptonite lock
The Kryptonite lock is an Ingersoll Rand-owned brand of bicycle lock for securing a bicycle to a pole or other fixture, when the owner wants to leave the bicycle in a public place...
.
The Dutch consumer news show Kassa 3
Kassa (television program)
Kassa is a consumer television program produced by VARA, which was created by and is hosted by Felix Meurders. The program focuses on consumer affairs, reviewing and testing products, and also doing investigative reporting on issues with products or services...
published a four-minute show in which a former bicycle thief removed eight consumer-grade locks from a bike in times ranging from 10 to a maximum of 84 seconds. The locks included those from manufacturers ABUS
ABUS
ABUS is a German lock manufacturer founded in 1924, based in the town of Wetter in North Rhine-Westphalia. The name ABUS is an acronym for August Bremicker und Söhne KG....
, Hema
Hema (store)
HEMA is a Dutch dimestore chain. It was part of the Maxeda company until June 2007, when it was bought by Lion Capital LLP...
and Halfords
Halfords
Halfords Group plc is a leading retailer of car parts, car enhancements and bicycles operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Czech Republic and more recently in Poland, although it is currently pulling out of the latter two countries...
.
See also
- Bicycle lockerBicycle lockerA bicycle locker or bike box is a locker / box in which a single bicycle can be placed and locked in. They are usually provided at places where numerous cyclists need bike parking for extended times , yet where the bikes might otherwise get damaged or stolen .Bike boxes are considered the highest...
- Bicycle parkingBicycle parkingBicycle parking involves the infrastructure and equipment to enable secure and convenient parking of bicycles...
- Bicycle standBicycle standA bicycle stand,also called a bike rack, is a device to which bicycles may be securely attached. It may be free standing or securely attached to the ground or some stationary object such as a building. Indoor bike racks are commonly used for private bicycle parking, while outdoor bike racks are...
- also known as bicycle rack - Bicycle treeBicycle treeA Bicycle tree or cycle tree or bike tree is an bicycle parking system that resembles a tree in shape. There are a few types that have been developed....
- Bicycle transportation engineeringBicycle transportation engineeringBicycle transportation engineering is the study of transportation engineering as it affects bicycles and cycling. It includes the design of dedicated transport facilities for cyclists, but also the study of how mixed-mode environments Bicycle transportation engineering is the study of...
- Bike registryBike registryBike registry is available from a number of different agencies. Bicycles are routinely registered for use on school and university campuses for the purpose of campus security and as a deterrent to bike theft. Some states and municipalities require registration for bikes used within their...