Combination bike locks are convenient but generally less secure than key locks, especially cable versions, as they're vulnerable to "code guessing" or "shimming" by thieves, though a quality combo lock on a heavy-duty U-lock or chain provides better security for low-to-moderate risk areas, acting as a deterrent rather than impenetrable defense. For high-risk areas or expensive bikes, a keyed U-lock is preferred, while combo cable locks should be used with caution for quick errands only.
In terms of key design, you'll want to go with a keyed lock and avoid combo locks. While combo locks are convenient, and the 9999 possible combos sound difficult to defeat, there's techniques that allow thieves to unlock these quickly (have a browse around YouTube if you need more convincing).
Beyond convenience, combination locks offer impressive resilience. They are less susceptible to picking since there's no keyhole. You can change passcodes easily, adapting over time.
There are four different ratings: bronze, silver, gold and diamond. Diamond offers the highest level of protection (we would only recommend using gold, or diamond, standard bike locks in London).
Most importantly, use a u-lock or a high-quality chain lock for the frame. Lock the front wheel with a cable, chain, or u-lock. If you're leaving your bike for a while, lock the rear wheel too. Locking a wheel with your u-lock is great when possible.
Less desirable bikes are less quick to be bought and therefore less likely to be stolen. A bad colour brown or bright pink or luminous green and purple bike might be deterrents!
Police don't always name brands but recommend meeting security standards like Secured by Design (SBD) in the UK or installing BS 3621 certified locks, which are tested against burglary, especially for exterior doors, emphasizing deadlocks and high-security cylinders, along with physical barriers like strong doors and window locks for comprehensive protection. For cars, they suggest OBD port locks, steering wheel locks, and alarms, focusing on deterring thieves through tougher entry methods.
The "best" bike lock for Australia depends on your needs, but top-rated options for high security include the Litelok X1/X3, Hiplok D1000, and Onguard Rockolid, all offering excellent angle grinder resistance with Diamond ratings; for portability, consider Abus Bordo Granit or Ottolock; while Kryptonite and Abus U-locks are strong all-around choices for medium-to-high risk areas in Australia.
Tip 3: Prioritize protecting the rear wheel
If you have two locks, use the primary (more secure) lock on the rear wheel and frame, and the secondary (less secure lock) on the front wheel and frame.
Portable Angle Grinders
These battery-powered angle grinders can cut quality locks in well under a minute. This is a huge leg up for dedicated bike thieves who are able to quickly break locks with compact and portable tools.
The combination is made up of three numbers - When entering your combination, you must enter the numbers in the order shown on the combination tag. stop when the first number lines up with the indicator. the first number, and stop when the second number lines up with the indicator.
Cons of Keyless Door Locks
What is the hardest lock to cut?
Double lock it
Using two locks slows thieves down and makes your bike less of a target. Use two quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock. Thieves are less likely to carry multiple tools, so use two different types of lock if possible.
The SKUNKLOCK Carbon is crafted using the innovative CARBON patented multi-material technology. This technology not only resists grinder blades but effectively destroys them, making it nearly impossible for thieves to cut through.
Since the key is not required, users only need to rotate the dials to unlock it. However, most combination locks operate on a system where the dials range from 0 to 9, and even with common 3- or 4-dial combinations, there are enough possible combinations to be cracked by systematic trial and error.
The bike wheel 105% rule is an aerodynamic guideline stating the external rim width should be at least 105% of the tire's actual inflated width for optimal airflow, preventing aerodynamic drag and instability, especially with modern wider tires. Formulated from early wind tunnel tests (circa 2001), it suggests the rim needs to be wider than the tire to "recapture" and smooth airflow, though modern rim shapes and tire sizes (28mm+) mean it's more a reference point than a strict law, with matching rim/tire widths often performing well.
The correct number of bikes to own is n+1. While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. The idea behind n+1 is that you should own one more bike than the amount you currently own.
Litelok X3: Strongest Bike Lock
In many ways, the Litelok X3 is just like any other high security u-lock. A 16 mm, hardened steel shackle makes it impossible to cut with manual bolt cutters.
How to lock your bike
Never place your u-lock close to the ground, because a thief can use the ground as an excellent leverage point to attack your lock with a large, heavy-duty bolt cutter. The ground also makes an excellent anvil for any thief who wants to smash your lock with a heavy hammer.
Electromagnetic locks have features that become magnetic when electricity is detected, attaching it to the door frame – causing the door to stay locked. During power outages, electricity stops flowing, causing the magnets to demagnetize. All electromagnetic locks are thus considered fail safe.
Rated as one of the most challenging locks, the ABUS 37/80 Granit Padlock boasts advanced security features that frustrate even experienced lock pickers. Its design includes security pins and construction, making it resistant to traditional lock picking techniques.