Not a bike purchase but a lock purchase
Posted by Ok-Anything-9272@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 21 comments
Im looking into buy a ebike this weekend I have one in mind but im worried about not knowing what type of lock to buy. I plan to mainly store it in my garage but when I go out to the store I dont want a cheap lock to get broken and it get stolen. Does anyone have any suggestions for a lock for me mainly looking for security and not crazy expensive
SunnyBrookElbowz@reddit
You'll never get a lock that prevents someone from stealing your bike. But buy a good lock that will convince them to steal someone else's.
chrispark70@reddit
If you're getting a U-lock, make sure the U is wide enough to go through the seat tube and the rim. I now have to lock my bike through the seat stay and spokes because it is not wide enough.
hwwty4@reddit
This weekend I biked to a music fest and parked with dozens of other bikes. I parked my bike next to 2 Aventons locked together (and to the rack) with a decent chain lock and a cable lock. I locked by bike with a Litelok X1 and a Arbus 6000. When I left the fest, my bike was still there but there was a cut chain lock and cable lock on the ground next to it.
BodSmith54321@reddit
Read this.
https://thebestbikelock.com/security/angle-grinder-proof-bike-lock/
kimberlykamilian2@reddit
litelok x3, kryptonite 1090 and yohoolyo alarm disk lock. That makes me less anxious
ChuckFarkley@reddit
The thieves can get through any single lock, and expensive ones of a given type don't typically do that much better than some locks of the same type that aren't so expensive. What you want to do is make it a hassle, and a tune consuming one. Have one alarm system- you can buy lights that double as alarms cheap. They even have remotes for them. I like to use the horseshoe-shaped locks that mount to the frame and lock the back wheel. They can come with a cable or chain that then plug into the frame lock and can also secure the front wheel and you can then secure the bike with that around a pole. That's two things that hassle. Then maybe one higher end lock, maybe one with folding hardened steel bars. That will take a nice loud angle-grinder taking minutes to get through. If those three together won't get you through a night outside in an urban setting, nothing will. I suppose it depends on the neighborhood.
Natural-Champion7377@reddit
Even if you have the most expensive Undefeatable lock, it's only as good as what it's locked to. The hiplock is great, but bike rack steel is cheap and easily cut.
Suitable-Ad3475@reddit
I live in a bad area in a very crowded city i have two alarmed brake discs, two normal chain locks, a lever lock and a gps system. I dont even park outside. Buy a girthy chain motorbike lock if you are gonna use only one.
wukongaddict@reddit
If you want premium security you're looking at premium prices.
My suggestion would be to look on eBay for a discounted lock. I saved about $150 on the Hiplok dx1000.
yaboi_ahab@reddit
Can't believe I hadn't considered buying a used lock, the prices definitely look good. I have heard insurance (if you have it) sometimes will want to see proof of original purchase for a lock before paying out a theft claim, though. Anyone have experience with that?
etchlings@reddit
Hiplok d1000 or above. Litelok X1 or x3.
wukongaddict@reddit
Don't look anywhere else. This is the answer. I got the hiplok dx1000 and I've felt more confident since.
Only thing I'd add is a motion alarm & a tracker. Currently waiting on my monimoto to get delivered but I'm sure it'll live to to expectations.
Also maybe a skunk lock for giggles 🤣
etchlings@reddit
I’ve got an AirTag hidden deep in the frame, so yeah. I don’t want it to scream every time I or another person nudges my bike in a rack tho.
sharaharbinks@reddit
Hiplock but they aren’t cheap.
rshetts1@reddit
There is no such thing as an unbreakable lock. Any lock can be defeated given time so the purpose of a lock is to make it inconvenient enough for the thief that they pass your bike by and look for an easier target. That is what most people recommend a layered security system of multiple locks and and alarm. I use a large u-lock, a chain and a disc lock with an alarm. As far as cost, it's kind of a "you get what you pay for" thing. Not crazy expensive is not much help, if you want solid recommendations provide an actual dollar amount for your budget.
Ok-Anything-9272@reddit (OP)
Prolly in the range of 100 to 200 not much more
iH8MotherTeresa@reddit
Kryptonite evolution unlock or NYC lock minimum. I don't own a hiplok but that's the best you'll get. Close second is litelok. With your budget, go with one of the last two and a chain for flexibility. Make sure it's hardened chain. I have the krypto Evo U lock and the 5 ft heavy chain. I'm in Philly.
haoqiebike@reddit
It's best to lock it to a fixed object!
Famous_Attention5861@reddit
I use a Kryptonite chain lock.
Worldly-Number9465@reddit
U-locks like this are a pretty popular basic deterrent, with a bracket to mount the lock to the frame when you are traveling. You can easily spend $100 on one but at the end of the day a determined thief with a few minutes will be able to steal it.
https://a.co/d/07Z8fqpv
Electronic immobilizers to the e-bike electronics are also becoming more common, as well as incorporating GPS Trackers/air tags so you can find the bike after it's been taken.
ntech620@reddit
Depends on where you're at. in NYC you need the crazy expensive U-lock because the thieves are professionals at it. The most expensive u-lock in existence may buy you 20-30 minutes before it dissappears. Out in the country a cheap cable and a master lock may be enough.