With bike thievery on the rise in London we’ve been checking out the latest in anti-theft gadgets. Like any bike owner, we’re wanting to make sure our babies stay safe and avoid them being nicked by those very pesky bike thieves.
As some of the unfortunate few will know, when a bike’s stolen it’s not just the cost of replacement that hits you hard. For many of us, our bikes hold plenty of sentimental value, imbued with the places and experiences we’ve had whilst riding them.
It was only a few weeks ago that our CEO, Jeyda had her custom bike stolen, pinched from the bike cage in her building after someone cut through. Even in places that you would think your bike is most safe, people are willing to go to any length to get it.
That’s why, as part of this pre-post disclaimer (!) we’re saying that no device is ever thief-proof, but there are some great little gadgets on the market to dissuade would be thieves.
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Nulock Bluetooth - £35
Although no lock can ever be substituted for the trusty D-lock, Nulock offers a companion for our faithful friend. When used in conjunction with a D-lock, this alarmed lock can be a strong deterrent.
Its 111 decibel alarm will ensure plenty of heads turn if anyone tries to mess with your steed. Connected to your phone on bluetooth, the device uses an app to be both locked and unlocked. The deafening alarm sounds when the lock is either cut, moved or fiddled with, waking sleeping neighbours and arousing passers-by.
If you’re storing your bike outside of your house or flat, using a D-lock and the Nulock would minimise the possibility of theft. The chances are a bike thief would run off into the night, rather than try to cut through two locks whilst the alarm sounds.
Mengshen Bicycle Alarm -£13
If you’re wanting to scare away thieves with the wail of an alarm, but don’t want the bulk of a second lock, then the Mengshen Bicycle Alarm could be the solution. Operated by a remote control, the 113 decibel alarm kicks into action when it senses vibrations, continuing its siren until turned off.
Skewer Keys - £10
We’ve all walked past those sad bicycles in the street, left to rot after one or both of their wheels have been pinched. Easy to grab and easy to sell, it’s unfortunately all too effortless to steal a bike wheel.
However, despair not as the bike buffs have given us an answer - skewer keys! Costing about £10 a pair, the skewers unlock with a hex key. Halo Hex Skewers are a particularly popular brand, with a choice of 130mm for road bikes or 135mm for tourers and mountain bikes.
Although nothing can completely keep your wheel safe, when it comes to anti-theft it’s all about deterrents. Needing a hex key to open a skewer, rather than lifting the catch of a quick-release can be enough to protect your wheel.
Hexlox Seat Locks - £33
When Mr. Campagnolo invented the quick release, he likely didn’t predict the extent to which it would be used. And, that 100 years later, thieves the world over would be using it to their advantage.
Hexlox’s seat locks are a nifty way to stop thieves making use of your seat post’s quick release. For £33 you get two Hexlox locks which can be used to secure your seat post and the bolt under your saddle. Unless you want to carry around a clunky seat post and saddle, we reckon they’re worth the investment.
Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini 7 - £50
The D-lock’s status as the most reliable bike lock has long been established. However, with so many brands on the market, how do you know which to choose? The Kryptonite New-U is a firm favourite, owing to its handy 7inch size making it easy to lock your wheel and frame, without offering too much space for a bike thief’s cutters to wangle their way in. The lock also comes with a cable attachment to link your front wheel in.
When Wirecutter butchered, bashed and broke into several bike locks, the Kryptonite New-U came up trumps. In fact Kryptonite are so confident in the New-U that they offer anti-theft protection cover. Once registered, customers will be reimbursed a specific amount in the event their bike is stolen after the lock is broken.
As pessimistic as it might sound, never leave a bicycle unattended unless you’re willing to accept it may be stolen. Bike thieves are becoming more cunning than ever, now equipped with battery-powered angle grinders.
Although bike insurance can replace the monetary value, if your bike has an extraordinary amount of sentimental value, then as difficult as it might be, try to make sure it never leaves your sight.
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