Locking your bike is simple enough, but it often causes difficulties when you start searching for the type of lock you need and how to best avoid the unfortunate experience of bike theft.

That’s why Bikmo, our specialist cycle insurance partner, have detailed everything you need to know about locking your bike, so you can make sure your bike is secure when you’re out and about.

What type of bike lock do I need?

There are hundreds of bike locks on the market, but don’t let this confuse you: finding the right lock for you and your bike is easier than you think. First of all, you’ll notice there are three main lock types - D-locks / U-locks, cable locks, and chain locks. #

It doesn’t matter what brand or type of lock you choose, just make sure you check that it has the correct Sold Secure rating for your bike’s value.

What is a Sold Secure rating?

Sold Secure is ‘the premier testing and certification house for security products’. They assess and approve bike locks and award them a rating from Diamond (the highest) to Bronze (the lowest). Look out for the icons below when you’re purchasing a lock - they should be pretty clear on the front of the packaging. If you can’t see the icons, then it’s likely the lock hasn’t been approved yet. 

It’s important to choose a lock with a Sold Secure rating that reflects your bike’s value. For example, at Bikmo cycle insurance, we ask our insured customers to follow the criteria below:

How can I avoid bike theft?

Alongside purchasing the correct Sold Secure approved lock, there are some simple tips that can help prevent thieves from attempting to steal your bike.

What to do

• Find a well-lit, busy location. Ideally with CCTV.
• Always lock the Sold Secure approved lock through the frame to an immovable object.
• Check out the condition of other bikes in the area. Any parts missing? If so, it’s probably a hot spot for thieves.
• Leave little space between the lock and the bike, this makes it hard for thieves to find a position to break the lock.

What to avoid

• An obvious one - don’t leave your bike unlocked.
• Don’t lock your bike to wire fencing or weak railings which could be easily cut.
• Don’t lock your bike to anything which can easily be removed.
• Don’t lock your bike through a wheel only, make sure the lock is secured around the frame.

If you’re still not sure how to lock your bike up, you can use the diagram below to help.

Do you have bike theft insurance?

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to stop bike theft even if you follow all of the advice above. That’s why we’re here, to give you peace of mind when you lock your bike. All Bikmo cycle insurance policies cover theft at home and away from home as standard.

When you buy a new bike through Cyclescheme, you’ll be able to activate 14 days of free insurance with Bikmo so you can ride worry-free: you’ll also benefit from exclusive savings after the 14 days are over. If you’re insuring an e-bike you’ll even benefit from an additional 25% reduction on your premium.

Bikmo’s original Ultimate Bike Lock Guide can be found here.