How to Properly Lock Your Bike using Chain and U Locks 

I love how your video is right to the point. GCN has a great video about locking up your bike but they make you watch a 1/2 hour documentary about the history of locks. Once again Ryan you prove your skill with a quick, informative, tightly edited video. Excellent work.

I remembered in my teen day, I was in a cafe drinking chocolate milk shake with my friend and I noticed a two lad who were looking funny around bicycle stand, they were wearing bike helmet but checking every bike then one of the guy take out bot cutter and trying to cut the wire lock so I immediately grabbed the broom stick and ran next to them and hit the lad with bot cutter as hard as I can on his leg. Broomstick broke in to two pieces and that made him screamed the shit out of it. Then his friend punched me right on my eye. I couldn’t see anything for 10 seconds tbh. By that time, my friend came out as well and he grabbed the other lad. Then someone called the police. My eye gone black but I was so proud of myself that my quick action saved someone’s cycle from robbing. But my advice to people is that don’t take it in your hand but call the police or raise alarm so may be thief’s will run away.

I love how you explain things so clearly.

Get a O-Lock for the backwheel and then a chain lock for the frame+front wheel. The objective of the locks aren't to make your bike impossible to steal, because if someone wanted to steal it they could, it's to make your bike less appealing than your neighbors bike.

I've had two bikes stolen, one stolen from under my kitchen window! It really sucks.To any bike thieves reading this, I wouldn't kick you in the balls as Ryan suggests - I WOULD SAW THEM OFF:)

You like are totally reading my mind, I got on RU-vid looking for bike locking vids, and BAM! There you are Duzer!

That Pee-Wee Herman cut scene was hilarious : D

Thanks for another good video. Yes, I've had bikes stolen. I'm thinking about getting a folding bike that I can easily take with me whenever I go inside a store, theater, museum, office, library, gallery, etc. There is one folding bike that rides like a full-sized bike, has standard (not proprietary) components, and is reasonably priced (the Swift). Still looking and weighing pros and cons of different folders. One huge advantage of this approach is the ending of the anxiety I feel when leaving a good bike out in a vulnerable area. I can't fully enjoy life when the bike is in danger of being stolen, even if there is a good lock(s) on the bike. It's a great relief not to have to worry or think about it, or rush to get back to it. I feel like I'm leaving a child or a pet, kind of abandoning it and leaving it vulnerable. Better to have it with me....

I never lock my bike up because I use it to ride and I never lose sight of it. I even have my bike in my bedroom. When I need to do errands, I use my son's bike. LOL. I own a 33 year old Colnago Masterlight, Gilco steel frame. It is my love and it's priceless to me. Nice video on how to lock your bike up. Thanks for sharing.

Awesome it's to the point that even lock my bikes in the house. 📸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻📸🙏

Thank you for the ideas on bike lock out! I m always afraid that some one will want to take my bike, like you I have worked hard to get my bikes and they are not cheep!

At the 4:00 min mark they show the guy locking up the bike with a cable lock only. Never do this. Almost all cable locks can be cut extremely easily with cheap tools or broken simply using a kick stand to to twist it open. Cable locks are only good to prevent an opportunist who might want to take your tire(s). ALWAYS use a quality U-lock around the frame of the bike and the thing you are locking it to.

😂 It’s the running to the chair for me.

simple solution put a high voltage terminal with a flat top that sits inline with your cycle seat and the body of it runs along the seat post pipe connected to a controller that senses your presence either through bluerooth, geo fencing or whatever, to the point that when soemone who is not you tries to rob your bike and sits on it he or she will feel a strong electric jolt hopefully frying the guys butt off the cycle. the high voltage terminal can also b replaced with a short explosive that is triggered, a drill maybe a saw as well. if thats a little too violent than maybe stick a speaker welded to the bike that make a noise that "this bike is being stolen" loudly until the one with the controller(you) does not come and switch it off.

To secure the frame and rear wheel you only need to put a U lock or chain around the back wheel in the rear triangle and not the frame as well (attached to bike rack etc). Its impossible to get the wheel out because of the lock and they would literally have to break the rim in half to steal the bike. Then add a smaller, lighter lock/cable for the front wheel.

Good combo: AXA Victory/Defender rear frame-lock, with plug-in chain permanently going through seat and rear-carrier (this is also worth 80NZD!). You can either get a 5.5mm or 9mm chain depending on how expensive these two bike components are. Chain/u-lock, with thickness relative to cost of cycle, that goes through front wheel and frame. Keep main-lock high of ground. For ebikes, go for 12mm. Shove some tough glue into the bolts of the handle-bars, frame-lock (if you attach it with bolts. don't worry the frame lock is stuck between the two triangle stays! The Victory especially!), and rear-rack. And lights if you have those ones attached with bolts. If you get the 140cm plug-in chain you can also loop it around the same pole as the main lock XD

My Dad used to say " A lock only stops an honest person." But these are some great tips! Thanks for the video!!

I use 2 fold locks, 1 u-lock, 1 chain lock, alarm and a air tag....I'm know it's still can be stolen and a bit overkill, BUT the key is... it will take more time to take it. Great video!

You slammed your ass in that chair and I hit subscribe. It was that easy. Love your energy. Wish more bikey channels had that..

Great stuff!! Especially the kick them in the balls part lol

I refer people to this video every day at work. My locking system is overkill chain lock and U lock on the ebike in a locked shed with a camera small price to pay for an expensive bike. Chain lock in a different locked shed behind a locked gate for the city and gravel bike. I’ve had my locks tampered with but nothing stollen…yet. Funny thing is my grandmas trike sits in the carport, never been messed with.

With the insane cost of bicycles these days, you would think some kind of tracking device would be standard.

Harder to steal when you just take it in with you, only had fast food restaurants tell me to take it outside. I dont need to be there anyway haha

Very informative and helpful and I like the pragmatism that any bike can be stolen and any lock can be defeated, nevertheless, this was good video with good advice. Thanks

Get a U-lock that is at least 18mm thick like the Kryptonite fahgettaboudit mini, this lock cannot be removed with a bolt cutter, but the other most important thing is an alarm that can TEXT you when the bike is disturbed so that you can get to it before anything can happen, time is the most critical factor!

If you catch a bike thief stealing your bike kindly leave him your U-lock where the sun don't shine. It's worth the cost of a new one! Was worth every penny ;-)

My rule of thumb is spend at least 10% the cost of the bike on a bike lock(s). The minimum lock for me is one that resists bolt cutters. RU-vid videos will show you the best bolt cutter resistant locks to buy. I use two locks, Kryptonite New York Ulock and 3 ft of grade 100 ( bolt cutters can cut but special jaws are needed) 3/8 inch chain with a shrouded American Lock . I am working on sewing a camo waterproof cover for the chain to protect the frame and to match the bike. Ryan has motivated me to start touring and that brings new challenges of securing the bags to the bike. This winter I plan to sew bags that have Kevlar to make it cut resistant and also some type of lock system. The plan is to use all American locks that let me use one key to open all the locks. Abus says they can also key all the locks the same so that one key opens all the locks. The cost can be lowered by buying used locks online, My New York lock was $30 used and grade 100 chain new was $4.50 ft and a shrouded lock was $25 used. Great video keep up the good work!

I wouldn't get a key combo lock. Absolutely no thief will pick any lock that costs 20 USD or more, they will always break it. However, some combo locks are totally possible to pick and nobody will question someone hunched over one of those things even for a longer period of time.

It seems a lot of bikes sold today don’t have quick releases. Wheels with quick releases may be easier to steal but it’s also so much easier to remove the front wheel and lock it up with the frame and rear wheel using the 1 u lock. Maybe the only advantage of a quick release

Never had a bike stolen since riding them for more than 35 years. Locking both quick release wheels with high security ratings Ulocks and a cable has protected my investment. I’ve learned from others 😊!

I could marvel at your facial structure for hours, regardless informative video! Thanks!

Highly educational

Congrats on getting both bikes back!!

Howdy folks! I hope this video is helpful on your quest to keep your bike safe. How many of you have had bikes stolen? What are some of your tips?

Awesome. I'll definitely go to the bicycle cafe when I go Colorado

All great information but it's worth talking about on your channel every 2 or 3 months its sort or a public service for cyclist... thank you for this video... look forward to the next one

Once the seat height is adjusted to your liking, mark the post and get rid of the quick release lever and replace it with a hex head bolt and lock nut. I've had 2 seats & posts stolen due to quick release!

Saw a bicycle touring guy on RU-vid lock his bike to something sturdy with a D lock. Then he took a plastic coated wire with loops on each end, and ran it thru both wheels, the seat, the frame, and included his helmet, then D locked both loops. Btw, record your bike's serial number; sorta like a bike VIN number. It's unique, and will help you prove it's your bike in the event of a recovery.

That's a nice bike shop! Definitely a go to place when I visit Boulder. Also you have to watch out for your accessories. Someone stole my water bottle.

After watching the lockpickinglawyer youtube channel, no lock is safe. Take your bike with you where ever you go. No store has ever told me to take my bike outside. If they do I'd argue its no different than a wheelchair being rolled in the store.

Before you spend too much on a U Lock, look up 22cal bike thief and how fast they can break your lock using a 22 cal nail gun/Ramset, (thieves are always evolving and most U Locks are easier to pop) It may be better to get a quality chain set combo that’s not as rigid w/alarm and phone notification. The sad truth is there is no 100% way to stop these thieves as you said. Thanks for the info. I’ve had 2 bikes and 1 motorcycle stolen, it suuucccks!!!!!

Thanks

Good video Ryan. Especially like your idea on what to do with a thief. Doubt I'd stop there.

I use multiple, I make them work for it😊

I have a cable lock that is long enough to weave through the frame, both tires and what I'm locking it to and my bike is only worth about $400. I would deffinatly get a badass lock when I upgrade to a $1000 bike.

Wow , I lock my bike , but Your Video has given me fresh ideas !

Attach a tracker on the bike or inside of an electric bike

Thanks Ryan.

I have a Ulock, and a cable lock that has a key. I use both whenever I lock it up, if I can find a good place for the ulock. If I can't, I use the ulock to lock the front wheel to the frame. I also have an alarm on my bike that goes crazy if people mess with it. The alarm will chirp if you touch the bike lightly, and then if you continue touching it, it will go off like a banshee wail. Lol, it might be a bit of overkill where I live, but better safe than sorry. It's a pretty fancy looking cargo bike (2 wheeler) and I tend to have stuff on it that can entice people to come check it out. As for tips, I'd add to lock your bikes up in a really public place, to really secure stuff. Thieves like private places to work. I store my bike in the basement not the garage or shed. My garage is attached to the basement so I'm fortunate that way. I can wheel it out through the garage door and up the driveway to the road.

Make sure the post or sign is actually screwed down. Be careful you don't chain your bike to a post that isn't actually bolted to the earth and they just need to lift it out and ride off.

Or carry more locks and add a bike alarm. Now they have those tracking devices as well.

Been watching a few bike lock adverts and it seems that theives are using cordless grinders to cut through locks. And it does not take long to cut through D Locks. It got me thinking. Why don't lock manufactureres come up with the idea of incorporating fibres or thin wires inside the D lock like the fibres inside chainsaw trousers. If you are not familiar with chainsaw trousers, should you slip with a chainsaw onto your leg, fibres come out of the trousers instantly snarling up and stopping the chainsaw. Stupid idea?

I have a U lock fpr the frame of my bike and 2 cable locks. 1 cable lock goes through both wheels, the other cable lock goes through the seat rails so they won't try and steal the seat and seat post. Theives will also steal expensive seats. I also habe my bike registered through a national registry and I have it insured (about $8 a month with a $200 deductable) so if it's ever stolen I get most of the money back to buy another one. Learned my lesson, had a nive Specialized 29er stolen. They also have GPS trackers that go in the seat post and some in the handlebar. I've been thinking of getting one of those as well.

I see a lot of bikes that got locked up and the rear wheel was stolen because they can sell the cassette. Nobody steals a front wheel. There's no money in it. If you're only carrying one lock, and it's long enough, run it through the rear wheel and the frame in one swoop.

2016 felt 760 blew 800 bucks which was a lot for me back then and still is. Got stolen in 3 months from inside my apt😤

Now that was a strange way to start a video 😂

Excellent video about bicycle protection 👍!

Great video! I watched it twice lol!

Ryan.. WNBR 2019 is coming up on the last Saturday in June. They will announce the route just one week before. I hope you can make it to Portland this year. If you need a place, let me know. Warm shower, good food, your own bed, and friends. (an estimated 14k cyclist for this years ride)

I mostly use a combo ONGUARD u lock.

great informative video, maybe do an updated one featuring new locks on the market?

Great video, have you ever seen a "Yerka"? Its a bike with a lock system on its frame, its a cool concept to not get a bike stolen

did you help the person with locked seat post ??

Best protection for your bike is a BIG dog. Here where I live, I can park my bike - unlocked and with Garmin, etc. attached - outside the local newsagent's while I get a paper but I wouldn't do the same, if I want to go into the local supermarket.

Which style do you carry on bike tours? It sure is a lot of extra weight.

At 4:00 Spencer states he prefers to lock the frame and rear wheel, but demonstrates by locking frame and front wheel.

Great article by NYTimes (thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-bike-lock/) covering all types of locks including the ones covered by Ryan's videos. In the end, the best locks only take 1-2 minutes to cut, mediocre locks take 30-45 seconds to cut, and the cheap $30-50 locks take around 15 seconds to cut off using a bolt cutter or $150 portable angle grinder. I also heard that you spend 10% of your bike's cost on a lock.

one theif cut my cable lock but i was lucky to have a U lock on my bike too

Love this video... You made it so much fun to watch it 😍

Had a Trek Marlin 6 stolen from me. 600 bucks down the drain. It was totally my fault though.

Always buy cheap bikes and use 3 locks for your bikes and get a concealed permit. Personally id get a heavy chain lock from homedepot. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 7 thumbs up RVD

I spent many years in the bike THEFT capital of the galaxy, Portland, Oregon. The police planted a tracking device on a bike and attempted to catch the thief as he rode away. They were unable to keep up with him and eventually found the tracking device (but not the bike) in a homeless camp.

With bike thieves, there are a brains war you against 'em. I have two keys U locks (One is gold, and one is bronze) and two cables. With the gold U lock, I lock my rear wheel and my frame to the pole. And put the core end on my wheel. Because in case of a hammering attack the thief will destroy the rear wheel. And who wants to destroy his "goods"? Plus. It's much harder to hammering attack this way. There is no resistant to the hammering attack. But if you put your lock core on the frame side. It'll be much easier for him to hammering attack it. And I wrap the front wheel to the frame with the gold cable. On the front wheel, I do the same with the bronze lock. and wrap the other cable the rare wheel to the frame. It'll take the thieves a lot of time to crack it. So I end up like this: I have two U locks to protect my frame. One U lock + one cable, to protect my front wheel. And One U lock + one cable, to protect my rear wheel.

any reason to buy a 150 dollar ulock when for the same price you can get multiple heavy duty chains, decent padlocks and some sort of cover for the chains at a decent hardware store?

Good stuff. I am going with the abus linkkng lock and a small u lock for the front tire on my new Ebike. Have you done a video on tires ? Man I wore out a set of continental plus tires and I put some bigger ones on and hated them. They felt like I was riding in mud. But I bought even fatter tires from specialized that have a little flat surface and all that rubber die trails. Pull them up and the feel like cushy road bike tires. What a difference. I love them.

All that is missing now is a cooking show! :-)

What do you guys think is the best chain lock? Was looking at the Kryptonite New York Faggettaboudit chain

I live in the bike theft capital of the world - New York City. And yes, it is the WORST feeling to have a bike stolen. I have had too many bikes stolen to count, and have used every lock out there. If a thief wants your bike, they will get it. A few years ago, a friend of mine who is a psychologist gave me a great suggestion that has worked better than any lock. Her underlying theory was that deep down even thieves have a conscience. She told me to appeal to their buried humanity by making a small sign with a simple handwritten message that says “Please don’t steal my bike. I am handicapped & need it. Thanks!” I took her advice, and made such a sign on a laminated index card. I keep it in my bike bag, and put it on my bike whenever i lock it up outside somewhere. It may sound silly, but It’s been a few years now, and ever since i started using the sign/lock combo, i have never had another bike stolen again. 🚲 👍🏼

Have I been doing it wrong this whole time? I put my u-lock through the (straight bar connecting wheel to bike) frame-spoke-frame of the back wheel.

What a about the integrated frame and wheel locks on Dutch bikes?

Lock picking lawyer has some great videos about bike locks.

Hey Ryan! Enjoy your videos! Was just wondering what type of security you use on your tours since weight is a concern.

You are very lucky to live where you do despite the theft issues. I live in a small city where there is no such thing as a cyclist culture. People who ride bicycles are cyclists unto themselves. There is no support network. Furthermore, we will never have a fancy well stocked bike shop with a coffee bar like you have. I'd probably have to travel all the way to Columbus (Ohio) for something like that. That's not going to happen anytime soon.

Hey Duzer. Like the video,but. What lock situation do take on a long tour? Any tips for using the bathroom/shopping etc while on tour and all your bags are attached? In small towns I don’t worry much but it’s not always easy to avoid bigger spots. Cheers!

I would happily take that Brook's saddle off of that bike for them XD

Hey Ryan do more of these videos, there are so many bike thefts sometimes it happens from ignorance, sometimes is even rude, like entering your own place and steal it, it has happened to me too. Visit more of these experts to give you more helpful tips. Quite a few times.

Don’t forget your seat when there is a quick release.on the post.

I want to replace my car with my bike full time (in Reno NV) but seems like there is nowhere to park/lock my bike. So is parking at a pole, Im thinking light pole or stop sign legal ? Anyone know ?

That’s honestly my biggest fear. I aspire to cycle to do errands etc but am terrified I’ll be across town and have it stolen

so far all locks I have seen are very easy to pick, takes few seconds with the right tools. if you check out the LockPickingLawyer , unless they changed all their locks for 2019 and channels like that you will see. 3:40 if it was not for the alarm this is a lock that is easily defeated by getting the rivets out, but this is done with a special tool of course, but most thieves don't have it.

Great video.

Unfortunately kicking someone in the balls is a crime called Assault - if you use anything but your hands or feet it is called Aggravated Assault. A few years back I caught a young man attempting to steal my bike from Union Station here in Denver and I used my $100+ helmet to knock him the !@#$ out; witnesses called the cops and as soon as Denver PD heard that I had "assaulted" the would be thief I was placed in handcuffs and threatened with Aggravated Assault charges. The thief and I were both given the choice of pressing charges or walking away. We choose to walk away. Lesson ? If you catch someone stealing your bike in Denver, drag them into your home before you assault them. #makemydaylaw

Hey Bryan i like your video an your T-shirt, btw where is Ally?

You explained eloquently what you suggest we do if we catch someone attempting to steal our bike What if it's a female? 😁

This viws very goods,whit inportatant information. I like very.👍👏

Awesome informative video!

Hi Ryan. Since you have been ripped off several times, can you please tell us honestly how you lock your bike when on a tour? Weight is a big issue on a tour and sometimes you just need to leave your bike in so you can enjoy your location. No right or wrong answer just a little honest feedback is appreciated. I am planning a long tour.

Hi Ryan. Very informative. I'd also be interested in a video on how you secure your bike packs when touring. In particular, what do you do when you want to leave your bike somewhere to do some sightseeing? Assuming you keep your most valuable items (wallet, phone, camera, passport etc) with you when leaving the bike, but what do you do with the rest of your gear?

I gave you a thumbs up simply because you said to kick thieves in the balls. :) There's another youtube channel called "LockPickingLawyer". In his videos he picks locks and dissects them. It's depressing how fast he can pick most locks - including many of the locks shown in this video.

Disfigure the bike with reflective tape covering the special decals which is very hard to remove though I have not tried mineral spirits. Without the decals the bike is worthless than with decals. Who made the bike and what is it?