When you’re not using your bike, it’s crucial to take some extra precautions to ensure its safety, whether it’s at home or on the go. Proper security measures can make a significant difference in deterring potential thieves.
What is Sold Secure?
First off let’s talk insurance. When selecting a bike lock, it’s essential to consider its insurance rating, as this can influence both the security of your bike and your eligibility for insurance coverage. The Sold Secure rating system, widely recognised in the industry, categorises locks based on their resistance to theft attempts. When purchasing a lock, verify the Sold Secure rating to ensure it meets your insurance provider’s requirements. Using a lock with an appropriate rating not only enhances security but may also be necessary for validating insurance claims in the event of theft.
Bronze
Basic security
Best for low-risk areas or short-term use.
- For bicycles with an original cost of less than £500.
Silver
good security
Suitable for low risk environments or as a secondary lock.
- For bicycles with an original cost of less than £1000.
Gold
excellent security
Recommended for securing bikes in high-risk areas.
- For bicycles with an original cost of less than £3000.
Diamond
highest security
Suitable for high-value bicycles and e-bikes.
- For bicycles with an original cost of more than £3000.
Ratings may change at any time with no notice. Price ratings are simply suggestions, your insurance may have different requirements
What different locks are there?
When it comes to keeping your bike safe, choosing the right lock is an equally important decision. There are several types available, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. Understanding how these different locks work—and how secure they really are—can help you make a more informed choice. From sturdy U-locks to lightweight cable locks, and from flexible chains to compact folding designs, each option serves a different purpose depending on where and how you’re locking up. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of bike locks and what level of protection they actually offer.
U-Locks (D-Locks)
- Very secure due to rigid, hardened steel design
- Difficult to cut with bolt cutters or leverage tools
- Lightweight compared to heavy-duty chains
- Ideal for locking to fixed objects like bike racks
- Limited locking area – may not fit around larger objects
- Awkward shape can make storage and transport less convenient
- Can be vulnerable to angle grinder attacks (though all locks are, to a degree)
Chain Locks
- Flexible and versatile for locking to a wide variety of objects
- Very strong if made from thick, hardened steel
- Often long enough to secure both frame and wheels
- Heavy and bulky – not ideal for carrying long distances
- Lower-quality chains can be easily cut with bolt cutters
- Needs a strong padlock – the chain is only as secure as the lock you pair with it
Cable Locks
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Highly flexible – can thread through wheels and tricky frame areas
- Great as a secondary lock for accessories or quick stops
- Offers low security – easily cut with basic tools
- Not recommended as a primary lock in high-theft areas
- Often falsely trusted due to their size or thickness
Folding Locks
- Compact and easy to transport – folds into a neat shape
- More versatile than U-locks in terms of what you can lock to
- Offers moderate security – better than cable, lighter than chain
- Not as secure as high-end U-locks or chain locks
- Hinges can be a point of weakness in cheaper models
- Can be more expensive for the same level of security