OK we don't claim to be experts at testing locking systems but we do have some criteria that we think should be considered when deciding on what sort of anti-theft protection you should be providing for your bike. With so many locking systems on the market it's hard to say what is the best but we'll assess some of them and see what comes out in the wash. Here's what we'll test on:
1: Ease of use
If it takes me an hour to lock up the bike that might be OK if I only use it a couple of times per year, but if I use it weekly then I want to be able to unlock it and ride within minutes.
2: Strength
Absolutely no point if the thing can be broken or has a weak point
3: Installation and permanence
How difficult is it to install? How permanent a fixture does it become once installed. Can I move it easily?
4: Cost
What proportion of the bikes cost am I prepared to pay? Does it fit more than one bike at a time?
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There's a hundred and one ways of locking up your home and bike but the first thing to consider is that if the crims want your bike, they are going to get it! All you can do is to try and make it harder for them so that they give up. So let's look at this from a risk management perpective:
Your bike's identity
If the bike is registered then you have registration papers which contain information about the bike's engine, frame and rego number. But what it the bike is unregistered? Then it's up to you to keep records. Here's what you need:
- Engine number
- Chassis number (VIN)
- List of accessories or modifications
- A recent photo!
And keep this up-to-date. In fact it doesn't matter if the bike is registered or not, you should have this info anyway.
How secure is the storage space?
Access is the key and any door or window provides an easy route for entry. Easy entry means the crim has more time to determine how to get the bike out and it may be via the same route they came in.
External Doors:
Put at least 2 locks on the external door (and it should be a solid door as well) at least one being a deadlock so it can't be unlatched from the inside without a key.
Windows:
These should have locks as well but glass breaks easily. You can increase the strength of glass by putting window film over it - like window tinting on your car windows, but it may be better to put some security bars on the inside. And use curtains so that curious eyes can get a look at the contents.
Garage door:
If it's an electric roll or panel door then is the manual lift catch easy to reach? It is possible to unlock it from the outside with a length of wire so why not tie the latch in the locked position. More serious? Then drill into the floor and loxin a bolt and hasp. Then you can lock the door in the down position. Even if the crims break through the panels they have to break the lock away to lift the door.
Moving the bike
Most bikes are bulky and heavy and must be rolled or carried so consider where your bike is parked and what is in the way of getting it out. For example, a garage door is the best way out if there is a direct route to it with nothing in the way. Put a locked car is in the way and then the effort required to get the bike out is increased dramatically.
Store you bike at the back of the garage if you can and cover it as well. Make it not look like a bike. Put boxes and rags on top.
Locking the bike
Whew. There are so many different ways....
Locks through wheels so the crims have to lift it
Bolts into the floor and the bike locked down with chain
Remove the wheels and hide them elsewhere
Big dogs
Electrified everything (now thats risky!)
Use a specialty locking device.
Prevention
- Don't let them see you bring the bike home! The crims wait on the local roads on Saturday and Sunday afternoons watching for when you return from a ride. Then they follow you and find out where you live. Then sooner or later they pay a call. Take the extra few minutes and drive around a few blocks before turning down your street. If you suspect you're being followed take a description of the vehicle and driver and keep driving right to the police station.
- Don't wash your bike out the front of the house where every passer-by can see it. That's how one of the guys lost his bike.
- If you advertise your bike for sale make sure the buyer is legit.
Maybe, just maybe these tips will keep you bike where it should be. If you have any other tips, end them to info@stolenroadbikes.com.au and I'll put them up.
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