More and more bike thefts – how to secure your bike properly

Published 02/16/2021 · Updated 01/05/2022

Summertime is bicycle time, but unfortunately also bicycle theft time. More than 28,600 bicycle thefts occur every year in Baden-Württemberg alone – the number of unreported cases is much higher. The chance of getting your bike back is very small.

But what is the best way to secure my bicycle?

With such frightening figures, you are right to ask yourself: “What is the best way to secure my bicycle against theft? Let’s face it – there is no such thing as 100% protection. But you can make it unpleasantly difficult for the thieves, for example by using good bicycle locks. These are part of the basic equipment of every bicycle. One thing you should not do is save money. There are locks in all price categories, from cheap to expensive and from inferior to high-quality.

Tips

Always secure your bike to a fixed object. That way, your bike can’t simply be carried away.
If you are travelling in a group, secure your bikes together with several locks.
Don’t always lock your bike in the same place. This gives the thieves additional information about when they can strike undisturbed.
Always take off your accessories.(Computers, lights, bags, GPS systems, etc.)
Always secure your bike everywhere! Even if it’s only for a few minutes.
Write down all the important facts about your bike, such as brand, colour, frame number and special features. We also recommend that you take a photo of your bike. This will make it easier to identify your bike if it is stolen.

Where can I find the frame number on my bike?

Every bicycle has a frame number, consisting of numbers and letters. The bicycle manufacturer stamps or prints it directly into the frame. This number is only assigned once and is an important aid in identifying your bike.

Means: Write down the frame number and keep it safe.

Possible places where the frame number can be found:

Frame tube
Rear stay
Wheel suspension
Seat post
under the seat post
at the bottom bracket (below)

Extra tip: The ADFC offers a code for your bike. This code is engraved on the frame of your bike. This code can be used to identify the rightful owner of the bike. Bikes with a carbon frame are unsuitable for coding, as these have very thin-walled tubes.

With Winora, the frame number is printed at the bottom of the seat tube

Cube usually prints the frame number under the bottom bracket — With Winora, the frame number is printed at the bottom of the seat tube

Which bicycle locks are available?

The U-lock

The so-called U-lock is a U-shaped metal body that is fitted with a lock cylinder with two openings. The lock can be attached to the frame or wheel. For additional protection, a spiral cable lock is suitable, which can be easily attached to a fixed object.

Compared to a chain or folding lock, a U-lock is heavier and more stable, but its hard material makes it a valuable main lock.

Advantages

Very secure
Valuable main lock

The spiral cable lock

This is a lock that is ideal for cheaper bikes or children’s bikes. Due to its easy handling and low weight, the spiral cable lock is also recommended as a secondary lock.

Advantages

Flexible
Versatile length
Compact transport size

RAVE High Pro 5 – Spiral armour – combination lock

ABUS combination chain lock Tresor 1385/75

The chain lock

A chain lock is a flexible lock that makes it very easy to attach the bicycle to fixed objects.

The lock consists of a simple metal chain that is also covered with a textile tube. The textile tube protects the bike from damage to the paintwork. The quality of the chain plays a major role. High-quality chain links are very solid.

The following applies: The thicker the chain, the better the protection.

Advantages

Flexible
Very secure

The folding lock

The folding lock is ideal for everyday use. It is almost as flexible as a chain lock and has a similar security as a U-lock. In addition, the lock is easy to transport because it can be folded up without any further problems. A folding lock allows you to secure your bike to a railing or post. Compared to a U-lock or chain lock, the folding lock is much lighter.