Hang on to your bike
Bike theft is a reality, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. Even if you do become a victim, you can improve your chances of getting your bike back by taking some simple steps.
1 Get a good lock
Choose a recognized manufacturer like Abus or Kryptonite. Then choose a good security level that reflects the value of your bike. Expect to spend around £30. Even if your bike isn’t worth much, consider how much the inconvenience of getting another one would cost you.
2 Lock it well
Secure your bike by locking the frame – NOT JUST THE WHEEL – to a permanent object. In fact, lock the frame and the front wheel, especially if you have quick-release wheels. Quality cable locks can be better than D-locks in this respect since they are more flexible for securing both wheel and frame. Always prioritize the front wheel since it’s the easier of the two for thieves to remove.
3 Get another lock!
Get a cheaper, lighter second lock to secure the frame again and the back wheel. This is where well-designed Sheffield racks (the big n-shaped ones) are really valuable. If you’re worried about your wheels but can’t be bothered with two locks, consider replacing the skewers with Pitlock or Tranz X anti-theft skewers. The same goes for quick-release saddles: consider replacing the clamp with a fixed one.
4 Leave your bike in busy, well-lit places
These provide a deterrent against the thief. That’s the theory at least, but Cardiff’s cycle parking facilities are patchy and sometimes ill-considered, so there’s often not much choice. As a rule though, the well-lit racks in Queen Street, for instance, are preferable to the dimly-lit racks in the Hayes.
5 Total paranoia
If that doesn’t seem like enough security, there are alarms too. Unfortunately, we don’t know of anyone who has tested these in the field, so we hesitate to recommend them. But if you have tolerant neighbours, check out the alarm options.
6 Make your bike undesirable
Bright pink enamel, multi-coloured electrical tape, random paint daubings … You might find it hard to bring yourself to add these adornments to your bike, but if you do it’s unlikely anyone will touch it!
7 Home security
Bikes left in a shed or garage can be easy to lift. One option is to fit an anchor point for a lock. These are available from Abus. Since sheds are particularly vulnerable, consider fitting a simple alarm on shed windows and doors. These are available from outlets like B&Q.
8 Register your bike
Even if your bike does get stolen, you can improve your chances of getting it back. One option is to set up an account with the police-approved database (www.immobilise.com) and register the serial number of your bike. On most bikes, this can be found underneath the bottom bracket shell: turn your bike upside-down, then look at the frame between the pedals near where the gear cables run.
9 Mark your bike
Cycle Cardiff can make visible and invisible UV marker pens available to you at one of our meetings. Contact us in advance to request one. An alternative is to take out your seatpost and drop a small piece of paper into the frame containing personal details. The police normally suggest postcodes as key information.
10 Insure your bike
Your household insurance might include cover. More specialized insurance is available from CTC and Wheelies. Always check the small print of your policy: bikes might not be covered away from home, especially at night, and certain lock grades might be stipulated.
Useful links
- Abus: www.abus.com
- Kryptonite: www.kryptonitelock.com
- Immobilise: www.immobilise.com
- CTC Insurance: www.ctc.org.uk
- Wheelies: www.wheelies.co.uk
- Sheldon’s tips: www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html
Posted 14 October 2007 by Nick Canham