With bike theft accounting for the majority of their claims, our official cycling insurance partner Bikmo knows a thing or two about how to lock your bike properly. Here they share three things you can do to keep your bike secure.
Tip 1. Use a Sold Secure rated lock
Most insurance companies, including Bikmo, require locks that are accredited as Sold Secure. Sold Secure is the premier testing and certification house for security products.
Bikmo uses their ratings system as a minimum requirement for a lock used to secure a cycle ‘away from home’.
Which Sold Secure rating lock do I need?
With Bikmo policies, and many insurers, this depends on the ‘as new’ replacement value of the bike:
- Bike value up to £250 – Bronze Rating
- Bike value £251- £1500 – Silver Rating
- Bike value over £1500 – Gold Rating
The rating is based on the amount of time and the tools required to try to break the lock, so it’s always worth buying the highest rating. The higher the rating, the longer it took to break into.
Recently, Diamond level locks have been introduced. Locks rated this level of security are tested against an angle grinder and are even more secure than Gold.
Tip 2. You don’t HAVE to use a ‘D’ lock but they are a popular choice
Overall, it doesn’t matter what brand or type of lock you choose, as long as it has the correct Sold Secure rating for your bike’s value, and your bike is locked correctly (see Tip 3 below).
However, ‘D’ locks (D-shaped when locked) often come out on top due to their strength, reliability and weight. D locks can fit easily into a backpack or clip onto the bike for commuting or getting to and from the clubhouse.
Tip 3. Lock your bike correctly
Always lock your bike to a solid and immovable object – think secure railings and of course bike hangers.
Lock your bike through its frame – never lock your bike by the wheel! Most bikes these days have quick release wheels, so always lock your bike through its frame.
Bike lock position – make sure you position the lock where it’s impossible for a thief to use leverage or force against another surface to smash/strike a lock open. Consider running an additional cable lock through the saddle rails to prevent saddle and wheel theft.
Check out Bikmo’s handy locking requirements video below, and their full locking requirements here.
Special offer on bike insurance for British Rowing members
British Rowing members can access an exclusive 12 months for the price of 11* on Bikmo’s hassle-free insurance. Just log in to the British Rowing Membership portal and go to My Profile-Member Details-Member Benefits, then click through from the Bikmo tile to get a quote in seconds!
You can find out more about why rowers and coaches should consider dedicated cycle insurance here.
