Bicycle theft is easily one of the biggest fears for any cyclist. If you want to stop yourself from becoming a target, then it is so important that you take the right steps in protecting your bike.
Buy a Quality Bike Lock
The first thing that you need to do is buy a reliable bike lock. Securing your bike with a quality lock doesn’t mean that your bike won’t be stolen, but it will help to make the job much harder. If you want to help yourself here, then you need to stay away from cable locks. The main reason for this is because they can usually be snipped with something as simple as garden shears. Heavy-duty chains or even U locks tend to be a much better option and they can offer you a near-impenetrable option. You should also make sure that you never just lock the wheel either. If you do then you will soon find that someone can come along and remove the wheel in less than a minute. With the frame being the most expensive part of the bike, you need to make sure that you secure this as well as the wheel. Ideally you would have two U locks, one which secures the back part of the frame while the other locks the front.
Never Park in a Crowded or Isolated Place
Believe it or not, an isolated place will pose just as much risk to you as a crowded place. If you want to secure your bike, then you need to park it in a well-exposed place. You need to put it so that people can see it without it being absolutely crowded. If you do then you will limit the chances of it being stolen while also stopping opportunistic thieves. If you want to take things to that next level, then you should certainly think about insuring your bike. A quality policy from Lemonade will give you all of the cover you need.
Register your Bike
Bike registration is inexpensive, and you may even find that it offers you an extra level of security. If your bike is stolen, then you will drastically increase your chances of finding it again if you do this. There will usually be an authority in your city who will do this. You will need to give them the model of bike, the manufacturer and the unique serial number that will usually be found somewhere on your frame.
Store your Bike Indoors
Bring your bike indoors whenever you can. Never leave it in a hallway or even outside because you feel as though it brings dirt in. If you do, then you could be increasing the chances of your bike being stolen and this is the last thing you want. You also need to remember that there are tons of bike storage solutions for you to choose from and when you do invest in them, you will soon find that they keep your bike secure and your home clean.
Use a GPS Tracker
If you are a true cycling fan, then there is a chance that your bike will be one of your biggest and most valuable possessions. If this is the case, then you may want to invest in a quality GPS tracker. These are usually very small and they can help you to take that next step in protecting your possessions. There are so many GPS systems for you to choose from and when you do make your selection you will soon find that you can feel at ease knowing that if your bike does get stolen, you’ll be able to find it at all times.
Cover your Bike
If you leave your bike on a car rack or even in the trunk with the wheels exposed then you may find that you make yourself a target for thieves. When you transport your bike, use a cover as this will hide your bike. It also protects it from dirt, sand and scratches too. There are so many bike covers for you to choose from and when you do have one, you will make yourself way less appealing. If you are having a hard time finding one that will fit your bike, then your local cycle shop should be able to help you out. They may even be able to custom-fit one as well and if they do, you can at least rest assured knowing that it’s up to the task.