4 golden rules to avoid bike theft
1 - Buy a good anti-theft device
What type of anti-theft device?
Equip yourself withat least one U-shaped lock. Even a bad U is better than a good cable. A good U-lock is the best protection against theft. It's an investment that pays for itself the first time it's stolen!
Choose an anti-theft device rated at least :
- "2 wheels" ❂❂ in FUB anti-theft tests
- or "* *" in ART tests (Netherlands)
- or "Gold" in Sold Secure tests (United Kingdom)
- A fixed anti-theft device (or frame lock) in addition to a U is recommended, as it is very practical for a "minute stop" or for locking the rear wheel. In critical cases (big cities, at night, etc.) two U locks are a useful precaution. Typical dimensions for this type of padlock are as follows: Shackle 10 cm wide, 25 cm long. In particular, check the clearance between the front wheel and the down tube of the frame.
What weight?
An anti-theft device can't be both strong and light: the recommended anti-theft devices weigh between 1 kg and 1.5 kg. Unless you're on a sporty hike or a long-distance trek, you're only a kilogram away.
What price?
It is advisable to invest at least 15% of the price of the bike, with a minimum of €30.
Lock side
When purchasing, check that no key is missing from the packaging.
Beware of light alloys, such as "zamac", recognizable by its matte gray appearance.
If you want to be very demanding: some locks can be closed without using the key, but are more vulnerable to manipulation to open it without the key.
2 - Always lock
your bike
We often hear: "Don't leave your bike parked in a place where there's little traffic". But this criterion is too simplistic: many thefts are committed in broad daylight on a busy street, the thief uses a discreet tool or simply claims to have lost the key to the lock. All bikes can be stolen: neither the appearance nor the age of the bike is a criterion for deterring thieves.
Locking your bike, even for a short time
Some thieves are on the lookout for bikes left outside a store "just for 2 minutes". With a frame lock, you can lock the rear wheel without wasting time.
Locking your bike, evenindoors
Did you know that one in two bicycle thefts takes place at home? Whether in your cellar, garage, courtyard or building lobby, your bike is never safe. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, locking your bike, even indoors, is an essential precaution. Protect your property where you think it's safest.
3 - Lock the bicycle frame
to a fixed point
- Attach the frame and, if possible, the front wheel (easier to steal) to a fixed point.
- It's best to hang your lock high up (50 cm minimum) to reduce the risk of burglary. If possible, tilt the lock downwards to make it easier to pick.
- Make sure the frame cannot rotate freely, for example by securing it to two points or preventing it from being lifted.
- If your U is too small to attach the frame and front wheel, it's often possible to attach the frame and rear wheel to the fixed point by passing the U through the rear triangle tubes.
4 - Make your
his bike
BicyCode marking is an identification system for bicycles, designed to combat theft and facilitate the return of recovered stolen bikes. If your bike is stolen and is one of the 40% of stolen bikes that are usually recovered, it can be returned to you.
It's a unique number, tagged or engraved on the bike's frame, which is registered in a national database (FNUCI) accessible to law enforcement agencies.
BicyCode marking makes it more difficult to resell stolen bikes, as buyers can easily check whether a bike is stolen by consulting the database.
The identification system also encourages greater responsibility on the part of bike owners.
Our practical tips
to avoid bike theft
Replace quick-release fasteners with nuts
If you often park in town and rarely use your bike for long distances off-road, replace quick-releases with nuts, especially for the saddle, which is often stolen.
Remove easily detachable parts
Avoid leaving easily removable "clip-on" accessories, especially lighting, on your parked bike.
Combine a U lock with a cable for your accessories
You can also opt for a U lock with a cable. This can be used to secure accessories (e.g. saddle), or to wrap it around a fixed point if you can't do so with your U.
Add a chain for extra safety during short stops
Some models of fixed anti-theft devices, designed for short-term stops, also include a plug-in chain.
Avoid U-locks with alarm
Opinion of the anti-theft committee on U-locks with alarm: in addition to the significant extra cost and the problem of changing batteries, it should be noted that inserting the electronic device into the lock case greatly weakens the anti-theft device, making it much more vulnerable. Triggering the alarm is not a decisive factor in terms of deterrence, as opening a U-lock cannot be done discreetly in any case.