Our bikes. For most of us, more than just objects that carry us from point A to point B. Very few cyclists regard them as just a means of transportation. And they do so rightfully.
The more we use them, the more we form an emotional bond with them. We give them nicknames, keep them clean all the time and regularly check their health. They’re almost part of our family.
And like with every person we care about, we want to keep them safe. We want to know they’re all right. So we look for methods to keep them out of harm’s way.
And so we decide to buy a U-lock. Or a heavy chain. Or both. Or two U-locks, who knows? One can never be too wary when dealing with cunning bike thieves. But, as we all know, this solutions just don’t work.
We’ve tested a lot of anti-theft methods, from simple chains to sturdy U-locks. One thing is certain: intelligence is the answer. But before we dive into this subject in a future article, let’s look at some problems with traditional locks for bikes.
- They are too heavy
A typical U-lock weighs around 1.5-2 kilograms. You might find some lightweight versions at around 1 kilogram, or you could go for a safer model. If you decide to carry it in a backpack, the latter will surely test your strengths, as top models weigh up to 5 kilograms. As you may imagine, it’s not at all comfortable to carry something like that. Similarly, a chain that is somewhat helpful weighs over one kilogram.
- They offer poor value for money
If it costs more, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it offers a better protection. In most cases, the extra price means that the chain/U-lock is thicker, which just delays any potential thief. The best bike locks can cost up to $100 or more, and they don’t have any technology incorporated.
- They are unreliable
How often have you left your bike unattended without worrying? Even using the best locks, most people are not comfortable leaving their bikes at the mercy of thieves. We’ve all heard of bikes being stolen despite having been secured with a thick chain and U-lock. Under these circumstances, most people just prefer to keep their eyes on the bike at anytime.
- They are hard to carry around
Apart from the fact that they are heavy, their shape makes them almost impossible to carry around without a backpack. There are some chains that can be folded under the saddle, but those are very thin and one could probably cut them with a nail scissors. The thicker chains are not flexible and hard to fold, and also take up a lot of space in your backpack.
Considering these aspects, it’s no wonder that bike theft is such a serious issue. Luckily, help is on the way (read “Waldo’s development is going well”). Stay tuned, great things are about to happen!