Is Locking the Front Wheel of Your Bike Enough? 3 Essential Tips to Keep Thieves Away

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 drastically altered our work and lifestyle habits, and one of the most unexpected changes has been in transportation. Many people started biking for two main reasons.

First, concerns about crowded public transportation prompted people to switch to cycling, which allows them to avoid close contact with others and reduce the risk of infection. Second, with gyms and sports venues restricted, people needed alternative ways to stay healthy, leading them to choose cycling.

The surge in bicycle demand resulted in a supply shortage. Most stores ran out of affordable bikes, but this didn’t dampen the buying enthusiasm, and the number of purchasers continued to grow.

However, this spike in demand has led to a new problem: an increase in bike thefts...

How to Prevent Your Bike from Being Stolen?

Know the Thieves' Tactics: Understanding the motives and methods of bike thieves can help you effectively prevent theft.

• Opportunistic Theft: These thieves usually frequent traditional markets, night markets, or areas near schools, typically in crowded places. Their goal might just be to temporarily use a bike, targeting unlocked ones.
• Equipped with Tools: Experienced thieves often carry various tools, like wire cutters, pliers, or hydraulic cutters. They prefer operating in dark alleys or surveillance blind spots since breaking locks takes time, making hidden areas more suitable. They usually don’t steal the whole bike but dismantle parts to sell, so you might find bikes missing front wheels, rear wheels, or chains.
• Organized Theft:These thieves operate like tow trucks, using trucks to carry away rows of bikes. They might dismantle and sell parts or sell the whole bike.
• Reduced Risk of Damage: Strap Locks also help distribute pressure on your suitcase, reducing wear and tear caused by handling and stacking, thus extending its lifespan.

How to Properly Lock Your Bike?

• Lock in the Right Place: Prepare two types of locks. First, use a double loop lock to secure the front wheel, frame, rear wheel, and a fixed object together. Then, use a stronger lock to secure the rear wheel and frame. This method ensures that if a thief tries to break the lock, they must damage the frame, rendering the bike unusable. Even if stolen, it can’t be used, making this method the safest. If your budget is limited to one lock, secure the "rear wheel + frame + fixed object" instead. Rear wheels have more valuable parts, and thieves usually steal them first, then the front wheel. So, never lock only the front wheel.

• Group Outings: If you’re out with friends, lock multiple bikes together, reducing the chances of theft.
• Lock Position:Lock the lock on the inside, and secure the lock head tightly to the frame horizontally. This makes it more inconvenient for thieves to break the lock, thus reducing the likelihood of theft.

Certified Locks

Choose locks certified by the UK’s Sold Secure and the Netherlands’ ART, as these certifications require passing a series of rigorous tests to ensure they meet safety standards.

WL3002: This U-lock has received the G-grade certification from Sold Secure for four consecutive years. G-grade signifies the highest level of security, meaning the WL3002 is highly resistant to various attack methods, making it the top choice for safety.

WL2001: If you’re concerned that U-locks are too heavy or inconvenient to carry, the WL2001 folding lock is a great option! It comes with a mount that can be installed on the frame, eliminating the need to carry it by hand. It’s also certified by Sold Secure and ART, making it a high-strength certified lock!

WL6002: For those who prefer chain locks, we have certified chain locks too! The WL6002 uses a 9mm reinforced steel chain, resistant to cutting and sawing. It also features a Finnish-style lock core, making it resistant to prying and drilling, ensuring high strength!

Double Loop Locks

Using a double loop lock can secure the rear wheel and frame, then loop to the front wheel, solving the problem of needing two locks.

PL3001: The iron buckle provides excellent security strength, with a quick-lock feature using a 3-digit combination, making it fast and convenient to use. The steel cable uses a double flat wire, offering anti-cutting performance and high strength.

PL3002: Similar in appearance to the PL3001, the only difference is the steel cable. The PL3002 offers a coiled steel cable option, enhancing extension.

RL0649: Featuring an exclusive patent, it allows for free adjustment of the steel cable, moving the lock to the specified position to prevent easy unlocking by thieves. Depending on the situation, you can use a single loop or double loop to secure your bike. For group outings, you can use a single loop to lock all bikes together. For individual locking, use a double loop to secure the front and rear wheels with a fixed object, making it very convenient!

After reading these introductions, you might realize that choosing and locking a bike involves quite a bit of knowledge. Hopefully, these tips will help you protect your beloved bike, ensuring it stays safe and accompanies you for a long time.