As part of its recent review of the top bike locks, OutdoorGearLab offers tips for consumers.
PRLog - Jun. 8, 2014 - CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- After spending three months testing seven of the industry’s best bike locks, OutdoorGearLab has published a comprehensive review and buying advice article. Written by gear editor Rylee Sweeney, a dedicated bicycle commuter who has also bike toured throughout the US, this buying advice guide provides unique insights into how you should choose the bike lock that’s right for you. She begins the article by reminding readers that with rising rates of bicycle theft across the country, most readers need to purchase locks to protect their two-wheeled property; however, she also acknowledges that a bike lock only works if the user doesn’t mind transporting and using it. For example, if you never have your U-lock with you because it’s too heavy to carry in your backpack, then it doesn’t matter how secure it is.
The article continues by suggesting that readers first consider how they would like to transport their locks - on their frame or on their person. Many of the products tested came with frame mounts, or had after-market mounts, but not all the mounts were so secure that they resisted rattling. Additionally, some mounts don’t fit on bicycles with wider frame tubing (like mountain bikes). The other option is to carry the lock in a messenger bag or backpack, or to opt for a product like the Top Pick award winning Hiplok V1.50 Chain lock, which wraps around the waist like a belt while you’re riding.
Once you’ve chosen how you’d like to transport your lock, OutdoorGearLab tackles the question of security. In the review, Sweeney tested two high-security U-locks made by Kryptonite. Both the New York Fahgettaboudit Mini and the Editors’ Choice winning New York Standard U-Lock are fitted with a dual locking crossbar making them the only competitors truly suitable for overnight metropolitan lock-up. On the other end of the spectrum, bicycle owners who live in rural areas and just need a quick lock-up can get away with an easy-to-chop cable lock. The buying advice guide also explains the difference from a mid-level security and high-security.
The last major issue that OutdoorGearLab addresses is how much consumers should spend on a bike lock. Within the bicycle world, the general rule of thumb is that you should spend 10 percent of the value of your bike on a suitable lock. However, Sweeney recommends considering your security needs before blindly following this rule. Even if your bike only costs $300, if you’re on a college campus, you probably need a $40+ U-Lock or a chain lock with a sturdy padlock, not a sub-$30 cable. Even if your bike is relatively low-value, if it’s stolen, you’re out the cost of a new bicycle, a new lock, and maybe even a ride home, as well as the time it takes to replace everything. The article recommends factoring these considerations into your decision, and to think of your bike lock purchase as an investment.
Finally, the article wraps up with a brief discussion on which lock to choose if you’re out for a training ride and are conscious about weight. It also provides several critical tips to remember when securing your bicycle.
About OutdoorGearLab:
OutdoorGearLab LLC is a company headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dedicated to creating world’s best outdoor gear reviews, the company performs side-by-side testing of outdoor gear and publishes the results in comparative reviews. Each product is scored across a range of weighted categories, competing products are graded, and top performing products receive awards. The company’s web site http://www.outdoorgearlab.com, is a free resource for people who love the outdoors and participate in activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, and camping.
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Best Bike Lock Choice Made Easy with OutdoorGearLab Buying Advice
June 08, 2014 at 19:21 PM EDT
