What is a U-lock for a bicycle, and how to use it

Every year the bicycle as a city transport is becoming more popular. Especially it is felt in the warm season, when people wishing to ride on 2 wheels meet literally at every step. Modern bicycles have become much more comfortable, modern, and often they are equipped with various devices. This leads to an increase in their value, which is of interest to various intruders. According to official statistics, 2.3 million bicycles are stolen every year in the world. If we add to these data 1.5 million victims who do not file allegations of theft, the figures will be very impressive. It is believed that the lock-brace for a bicycle is one of the most reliable devices that will help to save your iron horse from all sorts of rascals. What is it like, and how best to use it? This is exactly what will be discussed in this article.

Advantages of a security U-device

The assortment, which currently produces a lock for a bicycle, is large enough. It can be equipped with a cable, chain, plates, and also have the form of a ring made of strong metal, curved in the shape of the Latin letter "U". The lock for the bicycle of the latter version looks like a brace, which is why it is often called the lock-brace. This device was invented relatively recently, in 1971. It was then that the European company "ABUS", which since 1957 specialized in the manufacture of locks, released the first model of this security device. A year later in the States, a bicycle lock of this type was started by Kryptonite. Despite jokes about its weight and shape, this device began to gain popularity quickly. In 1972, in one of the first tests of this firm, a bicycle with the help of a U-lock for a month was attached to an index post in Greenwich Village (New York). Attackers took off from a two-wheeled horse all the possible details that they could. But the bike lock itself was too tough for them, and despite all attempts at breaking it, it remained to hang on the spot. After this incident, in places with a large flow of people, one could often find such a picture: the frame of an iron horse is securely fastened to a pole, but there are no wheels, a carcass, a seat and a steering wheel.

How to install a lock on a bicycle

It is best to have at hand two security devices. The first U-lock for a bicycle is needed in order to grasp the frame (if possible with the rear wheel) and fasten it to a pole or other object. It is desirable that it was larger. And the second lock is useful in order to reliably fix the front wheel. In principle, other options are possible. For example, you can use a cable, which is passed through all possible to remove the parts (steering wheel, pedals, wheels).

Recommendations for selection

In many countries there are special companies ("ART" (NL), "NF" (FRA), "SSF" (Sweden), "SSF" (Sweden), "Sold Secure" (UK)), Tests of locks. Annually they publish the results of their research. When selecting the main lock, it is advisable to make sure that the selected modification has been assigned the maximum score.