Bike Locking Technique

Getting your bike stolen sucks, so lock everything, every time.

Opinions about locking technique vary greatly, but the following represent some well agreed upon guidelines for good locking technique:

• Use a high quality u-lock for the frame (such as the expensive but strong Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit (you can these cheaper by purchasing them on eBay).
• Try to "stuff" the shackle of the lock. Fit your front or rear wheel in with the u-lock if possible. Less space on the inside of the lock means less space for thieves' tools.
• Lock your front and rear wheels using a good cable lock, or even a second u-lock.
• Lock your saddle. This can be accomplished by using a thin cable lock designed for this purpose, or an old bike chain wrapped in an inner tube.
• Lock to a thick, strong, non-removable object. Good=a sturdy bike rack cemented into the ground; Bad=street sign, fence, tree, and so forth.

Even if you follow these guidelines, you might still become the victim of bicycle theft, but if you don't (and you live in a major metropolitan area) it is likely just a matter of time.

Ride safe,

Anthony P.

Have different ideas you'd like to add? I'd like to see them in the comments section!