When To Use a Bike Chain Lock | PedalChef

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Bike chain locks are a popular security accessory for protecting your bike against theft. So, what are bike chain locks and how do they protect your bike?

What is a bike chain lock? When should I use a bike chain lock? What are some of its features? How do I use it? What are some benefits of using a bike chain lock?  This article will help you answer these questions and help you decide whether a bike chain lock is ideal for your bike.

A bike chain lock is a security device that protects your bike against theft by locking several parts together and connecting the lock to a bike track or other surface. You should use a bike chain lock when you park your bike in a public area or store it in a garage or other storage space.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at bike chain locks, examine their features, determine how best to use them and expound on the situations you should always use your bike chain lock in.

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Overview

While the vast majority of bike theft cases go unreported, over 188,000 bikes are stolen in the US annually. There are several reasons why bikes make an easy mark for thieves. At the top of these is lax security. Leaving your bike outside without securing just makes it easier for you to steal your bike and ride away before you even notice.

Your bike can also be stolen if you do not take the time to camouflage it by placing stickers on brand names and removing any blingy items that can attract thieves. This is especially important if you own an expensive bike. Another reason why bikes get stolen is because you don’t take the time to properly secure them. Using a weak and cheap lock, not taking the time to check whether your bike is locked securely and using just one lock makes it easier for thieves to steal your bike.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of your bike getting stolen. These include: purchasing strong and durable bike chain locks, parking your bike in well lit areas where it is fully visible to other people, using designated bike parking areas and locking both your wheel and bike frame to an immovable object.

Features of bike chain locks

Bike chain locks are made from interlocking rings which are created from hardened steel alloys. They may also come inside a plastic casing in order to protect the chain and also prevent it from scratching and damaging other parts of your bike. They come have a lock that comes separately or is incorporated into the chain.

Most bike chain locks are quite long, which makes it easier to use them on a variety of surfaces. This type of bike lock is also harder to tamper with than other lock types due to the fact that it comes with hardened steel and a thickness of up to 16mm which is difficult to cut with power tools.

Bike chain locks are easily portable and different brands offer chains with different carrying options. You can swing them around your shoulder, carry them around your waist or simply roll them under the seat of your bike.

A major disadvantage of bike chain locks is that they can be quite heavy, making it difficult for bike riders to carry them around. To avoid this problem, you can choose to only carry lighter bike chain weights of 13mm and below and only use the larger options when your bike is in a stationery position

When to use a bike chain lock

Bike chain locks are versatile protection devices that can be used in a variety of situations. You can use a chain lock if you use your bike to commute to work. Since you will be parking your bikes in a public area, then you will need a lock that deters thieves from stealing your bike while at the same time, making it easier for you to carry it around. You will have to use a chain lock with thick links of up to 15mm if you want to prevent thieves from cutting through your lock and stealing your bike.

Another area where bike chain locks excel is in storage. If you need to store your bike for a while in order travel, then large bike chains with links of up to 16mm will work best. They are also great for use in stores, garages and even your backyard if you do not have a storage space.

Reasons to use a bike chain lock

Bike chain locks have several advantages to offer over other types of locks such as cable and D-locks. First of all, they come in long lengths that allow you to secure them to a variety of objects. Secondly, bike chain locks have links of up to 16mm which makes it more difficult for thieves to cut them with bolt cutter.

Another advantage of bike chain locks is that they are portable. While they tend to be on the heavier side compared to other types of bike locks, they come in a variety of designs that you can wrap around your waist, sling over your shoulder or carry around in a rucksack.

Bike chain locks are a great visual deterrent. Their thick links mean that even the most motivated of thieves will be less likely to attempt cutting through them. Further, their length means that they can be used on a variety of bikes and attached to different surfaces.

Bike chains are stronger, sturdier and tougher than both D and cable locks. Even if they are heavier to carry around than the other types of locks, they more than make up for it in terms of thief deterrence and the overall protection of your bike.