Every year, bicycle as an urban transport is becoming increasingly popular. This is especially felt in the warm season, when those wishing to ride on 2 wheels are found literally at every step. Modern bicycles have become much more comfortable, more modern, moreover, they are often equipped with various devices. This leads to an increase in their value, which is of interest to various attackers. According to official statistics, 2.3 million bicycles are stolen annually in the world. If we add to this data 1.5 million victims who do not submit applications for theft, then the figures will be very impressive.
It is believed that the lock-bracket for a bicycle is one of the most reliable devices that will help protect your iron horse from all kinds of crooks. What is it, and what is the best way to use it? This will be discussed in this article.
The advantages of a security U-device
The range in which the bicycle lock is currently being produced is quite large. It can be equipped with a cable, chain, plates, and also have the shape of a ring made of durable metal, curved in the shape of the Latin letter "U". The lock for the bike of the last version looks like a bracket, therefore it is often called just that, a lock-bracket. This device was invented relatively recently, in 1971. It was then that the European company "ABUS", which since 1957 specialized in the manufacture of locks, released the first model of this security device. A year later, in the United States, the Kryptonite company began to produce a bicycle lock of this type. Despite jokes about its weight and shape, this device has quickly gained popularity. In 1972, in one of the first tests of this company, a bicycle with a U-lock for a month was attached to a signpost in Greenwich Village (New York).
Attackers removed all possible details that they could from the two-wheeled horse. But the bike lock itself was too tough for them, and, despite all the hacking attempts, it remained hanging in place. After this incident, often in places with a large flow of people one could meet the following picture: the frame of an iron horse was securely fastened to a post, but at the same time there were no wheels, carriages, a seat and a steering wheel.
How to install a bike lock
It is best to have two security devices at hand. The first U-lock for a bicycle is needed in order to clasp a frame (if possible with a rear wheel) and fasten it to a post or other object. It is desirable that he was bigger. And the second lock is useful in order to securely lock the front wheel. In principle, other options are possible. For example, you can use a cable that is passed through all the parts that can be removed (steering wheel, pedals, wheels).
Selection recommendations
In many countries there are special firms ("ART" (NL), "NF" (FRA), "SSF" (Sweden), "SSF" (Sweden), "Sold Secure" (UK)) lock tests. Every year they publish the results of their research. When choosing the main lock, it is advisable to make sure that the modification you selected is assigned the maximum score.