We are limited in terms of what activities we can do with Covid-19 restrictions in place, but cycling is a popular choice for many of us. With this in mind, we’ve put together our best bike security tips to give you peace of mind on your ride.

Choosing the right bike lock

Identifying the best bike lock can depend on where you’ll be leaving your bike, but it’s always about making it as difficult as possible for a thief to be successful. Thieves want to move quickly, so the more of a deterrent you can put in place then the less likely your bike is to be a target.

It’s also worth checking the requirements on your insurance policy. You’ll find that many insurers will stipulate a Sold Secure rating. Sold Secure is an independent accreditor that works with companies worldwide, testing and assessing security products for their performance and standard levels. They work closely with the Home Office, police and insurers that provide an industry-standard accreditation that gives an indication of the quality of the security product.

Sold Secure have a comprehensive testing procedure and different possible classifications for which a product can gain the coveted Sold Secure Approved quality mark. Look out for the Sold Secure Diamond, Gold, Silver or Bronze approval ratings when you’re checking out locks.

Use two types of bike lock for extra security

While this might take an extra minute out of your day, using two different bike locks will make it trickier for thieves who want to get away fast. Cable locks will secure your accessories and quick release front wheels. D-locks or chain locks secure the main structure of the bike. The two together will really stop a thief in their tracks and then hopefully lead them to walk on by.

The Halfords Advanced 23cm D-Lock is also an excellent choice as it features a D-lock and the option of a 120cm cable. The hardened steel casing protects against drill attacks and has anti pick locking mechanisms, whilst the cable offers added security for any accessories and quick release wheels.

Designed to fight against prying, jacking and cutting attacks, this is one of our first 10/10 rated, Diamond Sold Secure approved locks. That’s the highest certification granted to bike locks on the market in the UK, so if you invest in this system then you can rely on the fact that you’re locking up with the best of the best.

Secure your bike correctly

Even if you pick the best bike lock on the market, it’s useless if you don’t secure it correctly. Thieves will steal components if they can’t take the whole bike, with the wheels usually being the most desirable. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you secure both the frame of the bike with a strong, high security lock and the wheels using something like the Halfords 120cm Cable Lock -Combi. It’s designed to work in combination with other locks you have and doubles up your security.

Don’t forget to check out how secure bike racks are if you’re using them. They’re not always in great shape whether they’re at the train station or at work. Make sure the rack can’t be cut and your bike can’t be lifted over it before you consider leaving your bike there.

Be secure at home

Have you thought about how secure your bike is where you’re currently storing it at home? You’d be surprised how cheeky thieves will be once they’ve spotted an easy target, as more than half of all bike thefts take place at home. Always keep your bicycle out of view in a shed or garage.

The Halfords Advanced Ground Anchor is perfect for keeping your bike secure whilst at home. The anchor acts as a fixed object for you to secure your bike to with the use of a chain or D-lock. The large, weather-treated shackle ring folds flat when not in use to help avoid any annoying toe-stubbing. This is another product in our range that has been awarded the Gold Sold Secure accreditation so if you combine this with a Gold Sold Secure bike lock, your insurance company should be pretty happy.

Lost your bike lock key or forgotten your combination lock code?

Don’t fret. We’ve got your back. Register your Halfords lock when you first buy it with our online Bike Lock Registration database, and we’ll be able to send you a new key or code should you lose them. We’ve all been there and registering your lock means you won’t find yourself in a situation where you’re having to incur extra expense to replace the lock because you can’t find the bloomin’ key!

The process is quite simple:

  1. Register your lock with the code that’s provided with it at purchase.
  2. We store all your details on our Bike Lock Registration database.
  3. If you lose your key or code, visit our Bike Lock Registration website page and submit a replacement key request or a code reminder request.
  4. We’ll send you out a new key within 30 days or send you a code reminder email.

Photograph your bike

Whether your bike is new or old, use a camera to capture any unique features or things specific to yours – especially the frame number. This will help the police to identify your bike if it’s ever stolen.

 

We really want you to stay safe. If you’ve got any concerns about bike security, visit Halfords.com to view the many options.