How To Lock Your Bike

Knowing how to lock up a bike correctly is one of the most important things you should know when it comes to stopping bike theft. While having a strong lock is important, knowing how to use it can be the difference between protecting your bike, and losing it forever. Even the strongest padlock in the world will have trouble defending your bike if it’s not being used effectively. In fact, the Office of National Statistics says that 49% of bikes stolen from the home were actually locked in the year ending March 2020. If anything, this says how important it is to lock your bike correctly. This guide will let you know the best ways to lock a bike, helping to keep you safe from theft.

What Is The Best Way To Lock A Bike?

Whether you’re at home or out and about, there are many methods you can use to keep your bike from being stolen. Depending on the type of locks you have available, following this guide will strengthen your knowledge on how best to use them, elevating your chances of preventing your bike from being stolen, and helping you achieve peace of mind that your bike is guarded to the highest possible standard.

So where do we begin? Firstly, here are some of the most common methods for securing your bike, along with the pros and cons of each. Depending on the type of bike you own, where you lock it, and what you lock it with, you may want to adopt any one of these methods. Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll be able to make an informed decision based on your situation. If you want some more information about security on the go, check out our articles on how to prevent bikes from being stolen, and how to protect your e-bike from theft.

1. The Double Lock Method

In many situations, two is better than one! Using two strong bike locks can allow you to secure both wheels (rather than just the front or back wheel) and your bike frame to a piece of street furniture such as a bike rack, lamp post or metal fence. Make sure both locks are attached so that they loop through the wheels, into the frame of the bike, around the rack, and back.

We also recommend using two different types of locks, for example, locking your bike with a chain and a d-lock. This means the thief will have to use two different methods and tools to break the locks. This will take more time, escalating the risk to them of being caught in the act. Chances are, this method will deter the vast majority of bike thieves from even trying to steal your bike.

The main downside of this method is the weight aspect and the fact that it can be expensive. The highest security locks are often quite heavy, so having two of them may weigh you down a bit more than you’d like. On top of this, the most secure, diamond rated locks can cost upwards of £100, but if your bike is valuable and you want to go the extra mile with your security, using this method to lock up your bike could be worth the added weight and price.

Pros	Cons
Having two separate locks will mean more work for the thief, putting them more at risk of being caught.	Carrying two strong locks can mean added weight, which you may not want to have to carry. Of course, there are lighter options available for your secondary lock, such as a compact folding lock, or our wearable Straplok™ 35.
This method will stop thieves from simply removing one of your wheels to sell online.	High-security locks – while worth the investment – can be expensive, so investing in two may be pushing the boundaries of how much you want to spend. We usually recommend investing at least 10% of the value of your bike in locks, but of course, there is no harm in spending more than that to ensure security.
Not only will this method double your protection, it comes with the added benefit of stopping thieves who only come prepared to deal with one type of lock. In this case, 2+2=5.

2. The Lock and Cable Method

Many cyclists prefer the Lock and Cable method as the best way to lock a bike in lower risk environments, and it is clear to see why. For this method, use either a D-lock or lock your bike with a padlock and chain, securing the rear wheel and frame of your bike to an immovable object. Then, use that lock as an anchor for a tough but portable security cable. Wrap the cable around the front wheel and bike frame, securing every major part of the bike. The main benefit of the lock and cable is that it provides extra security for all parts of your bike, while remaining portable; a cable won’t add much more weight to your ride, and can fit alongside your D-lock in a small bag or pannier. We recommend the Matterhorn 230/10c for diamond level security for this method.

While this method is more affordable than using two locks, it is less secure, since cables can be cut more easily than a solid lock by a well-equipped thief. Essentially, the lock and cable method is great for securing your bike against the opportunist thief, and should be used for added protection in lower risk areas like busy high streets.

If you like the sound of combining a D-lock or chain with a lighter, portable cable lock, there are tougher options available. Squire offers a range of Sold Secure cable locks, such as the Bronze rated Mako Plus, and the Silver rated Mako AD, both available in keyed and combination models.

Pros	Cons
Offers added security for your front wheel while remaining portable.	Doesn’t offer the absolute highest level of security against well-prepared thieves.
More affordable than using two high-security locks.	Great in low-risk environments like busy high streets, but not recommended for high-risk areas.
Quick and easy to apply, with only one key or code needed.

3. Detached Front Wheel

This method is great for improvised security when you only have one secure lock available. If your bike has a quick release front wheel, simply remove the wheel at your destination, lay it beside the back wheel, then use your lock to attach both wheels and the frame to your chosen immovable object.

Essentially, this method secures both wheels and your bike frame without the need for a secondary lock or cable. The benefits are clear, it allows all of your bike to be protected by a sturdy lock, without the need for investing in two locks, or having to carry around added weight.

If you do choose this method to lock up your bike, be aware that it does come with its risks. Using this method means thieves only have to get through one lock to steal your bike, so it’s best to make sure the lock you do use is as sturdy as possible, with a high Sold Secure rating.

Pros	Cons
One lock means less to carry, this method is great if you don’t have a lot of storage available on the go.	By reducing the number of locks, you give the thief less to cut through before they’re able to steal your bike.
Having one lock is more affordable than two!	If you lean your front fork on the ground with this method, it could get scratched.
If you have a quick release front wheel, it can be very quick and easy to use this method.

How To Attach Your Locks

Once you’ve found your preferred method for locking your bike, follow these tips when attaching your locks. Remembering these points will give you the best chance of protecting your bike from thieves.

1. Secure at Mid Height

When locking your bike, you’ll want to make it as hard as possible for the thief to cut through your chosen lock, one of the best ways to do this is by positioning your lock smartly, making sure their tools can’t get a solid grip on it. Keep your lock away from the ground, but avoid resting it on the top tube. Instead, try to lock the back wheel together with the rear triangle or the middle of the frame. This will minimise the surface areas a thief can use as support when twisting or cutting your lock.

2. Fill The Space!

Leaving too much space within the shackle of your D-lock gives thieves room to manoeuvre. If they see a gap large enough, some thieves will insert a metal pole into the gap and try to twist the lock open. Make sure they don’t get the chance. Try to position your lock around your bike and rack so that it fits tightly, with as little wiggle room as possible.

The best way to ensure you don’t leave too much space is to choose the right size lock for your bike. D-locks come in a range of shackle lengths, so if you have the opportunity, try some out before you make your purchase to find the right size for your bike. Fill the space within the shackle with as much of the bike as possible. Use the frame, wheel and bike rack, and if you still have room to fill, you can try to get the pedal in there as well.

3. Face the lock down

When locking up your bike, you want to make a thief’s job as difficult as possible. It’s always a good idea to face your keyhole down. Not only does this make it harder for a thief to pick the lock, but some bike thieves have been known to fill keyholes with glue, forcing the owner to leave the bike there overnight, when they can come back and cut the lock without risk of being caught. Facing the keyhole down makes it harder for thieves to use either of these methods.

How To Secure Your Bike At Home

According to a recent study from TheBestBikeLock, around 42% of bikes stolen were taken from outside the owner’s property, whether that’s in a garden, yard or shed. This figure drops dramatically when bikes are locked inside the home – just 3% of bike thefts in this study were stolen from inside the owner’s property. Taking into account bikes stolen from inside and outside the home, 63% were locked in some way. 

If this data says anything, it’s that your bike is not as safe at home as you might’ve thought. That’s why it’s so important to use the best possible methods when locking up your bike at home. While it’s easy enough to recommend storing your bike inside your house or flat, many people don’t have room for a large bike, especially if it’s covered in mud from a recent offroad ride! If that’s the case, these steps will help you protect your bike in a garage or shed, hopefully stopping you from becoming part of that 42%.

Garage & Shed Door Security

The first step is to stop the thief from entering the place where your bike is being kept. For up and over garage doors, a garage defender could be your best option. These highly visible locks act as a deterrent to thieves, and their Sold Secure Domestic Bronze rating means they’re tough enough to withstand dedicated attacks. This makes garage defenders a solid defence option, keeping not only your bikes, but your other belongings safe behind your garage door.

For shed doors, a hasp and shackle paired with a strong padlock could be a solid option. Squire has a 240 year history of building strong locks, so for the toughest padlocks, we have you covered. Whether you prefer closed or open shackle, keyed or combination padlocks, check out our range to see what’s right for you.

If you want to take your shed security one step further, take a look at the STH1 Stronghold Padbar. With a thick, hardened steel casing, the closed body of this sturdy shackle prevents thieves from prying open your lock from the shed door. If you keep multiple expensive bikes in your shed, investing in this extra layer of security could be the difference between enjoying your bikes for years to come, and becoming a victim of home bike theft. 

Think Outside The Box With Your Garage & Shed Security

If a thief wants to get into your property and steal your bike, they will use outside-the-box methods which you may not have even considered. Not to worry – we have you covered, following these tips will help you cover your bases and stay one step ahead of thieves.

Once your garage or shed door is secure, turn your attention to any windows which might be accessible. If they’re in a visible location, try using privacy film to cover them up. This will ensure people can’t look inside and see your bikes or any other valuables; if a thief doesn’t know for certain that you have something worth taking, they likely won’t try to break in. On top of this, make sure that your windows are locked, or at least closed so that they can’t be pried open from the outside.

You should also make sure your roof is secure. If you’re using a shed, you can add extra nails or screws to secure the roof as much as possible. For garage protection, you can reinforce your roof with plastic-coated steel sheets. For added protection, anti-climb paint can be used on your garage walls. This is thick and oily, making it very difficult for thieves to climb.

You can use other methods to make your property more secure, such as planting a thorny hedge near a climbable location which thieves may try to access. Not only can this be a great addition to the aesthetics of your property, but it will deter potential thieves from climbing over fences and gaining access to your bikes. Systems like ring doorbells, floodlights, and security cameras also act as a great deterrent, as well as providing evidence for insurance and the police in the event that the thief is successful.

Utilising Anchor Points To Lock Up Your Bike

Once your shed or garage is secured externally, it’s time to make sure your internal security is top notch. Locking your precious bikes to an immovable object such as a Sold Secure approved Ground Anchor is a great idea. Our anchor points are specially designed to be installed into brick or concrete with anti-tamper security bolts. Once fixed in place, the supplied steel ball inserts ensure that your anchor sits sturdily in your wall or floor.

It is recommended that you lay a concrete foundation on your shed floor to enable the correct installation of the ground anchor, but if this isn’t possible, don’t worry – you can attach a wall anchor to a solid shed frame, or for more improvised security, secure your bike to a heavy kettlebell which will weigh your bike down and make it much more difficult to steal.

Now that the anchor is sorted, you’ll need a sturdy chain to use with it. For the toughest bike security at home, we recommend a heavy-duty padlock and chain set. Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond rated locks like our Immense or Juggernaut offer the best defence in combination with a ground or wall anchor. When locking up your bikes with a chain, leave some slack in the chain, and try to avoid contact with the floor. This will make the chain hard for a thief to grip and cut through.

Summary

The strongest bike lock is only as good as the methods you use to secure it. By reading our guide, we hope you come away with newfound knowledge on securing your bike effectively, giving you the absolute best shot at keeping your bike safe from theft. Whether you’re at home or on the go, remember these tips, together we can put a stop to bike theft.