Review: 3 Bike Locks for Commuters

Each year, more and more people use bicycles as a form of transportation to commute to and from work. But more cyclists on the road means more bikes—and that means more opportunities for thieves.

According to Bicycle Law, there are between 800,000 and 2 million bicycles stolen every year, totaling around $50 million worth of lost property. Even with this number as high as it is, it's believed that only 50 percent of bike thefts are reported.

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While no lock is theft-proof, a good bike lock can be a significant deterrent, even for expert thieves. When looking for a lock suitable to your individual needs, use these three items for your criteria:

• Provides a good visual deterrent
• Resistant to cuts or breaks
• Pick resistant

Here are three bike locks that will help to put your mind and your bike at ease.

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Master Lock Bike Cable/Combo Lock: $15

 

Most cable locks are cheap and pretty easy to pick. Since the Master Lock uses a combination, a thief looking for a simple lock to pry open will pass this one by. It's also lightweight, easy to carry and long enough to loop through your wheels. The downside? It won't be resistant to cuts, so anyone using metal sheers will still be able to get it loose, and a hammer would likely make the combination portion of the lock less effective. But as a secondary lock, this one might fit the bill.

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On Guard Pitbull Lock: $43

Of the three locks, the <a target=" href="http://www.rakuten.com/prod/onguard-pitbull-medium-u-lock-3-55-x-6-9/241430523.html" />On Guard Pitbull represents the happy medium. It's heavier than the Master Lock but more resistant to cuts or breaks. It also comes with an attachment to carry on your frame, which is a nice option for commuters who don't want to carry it in a backpack. While the locking mechanism is hard to get into because of the depth, this lock is not pick resistant to someone who knows what they're doing. Overall, the Pitbull would be a good lock for urban commuters looking for a good secure lock that would be hard to break.

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Kryptonite New York Faghettaboudit Chain: $120

 

This lock definitely passes the eyeball test. The Kryptonite chain is made from 18mm triple-heated manganese steel, making it nearly impossible to break. A deadbolt-disc is used to make the locking mechanism effective against attacks with a hammer and resistant to most pick attempts. In fact, it's so sturdy that a thief would be better off cutting down a telephone pole rather than spending the time necessary to steal your bike. On the negative side, it's nearly impossible to transport, weighing in at about 15 pounds, which is nearly equal to the weight of most bikes. This lock is one that is not meant to be moved, and would be useful only if kept at work or home.

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For more information on this lock and others, visit rakuten.com.