How To Open A Bike Lock

While some bike locks may be impossible to open, other locks still have a few weaknesses that can be exploited. Should you ever lose your key of forget your code, you might still be able to unlock your bike lock.

We can find a few different bike locks on the market today. Some work with a push button system and a key, other with a code and the last ones simply rely on the key lock to keep thieves out. Understanding the weaknesses of your own locks will ensure that you could use them in a better way or even motivate you to buy another lock.

The folding lock, for instance, might be impossible to break open and the reason of this is that it is made from solid steel and there are no weaknesses in the links. You will need to rely on lock picking.

Key locking mechanisms

These are the most commonly used locking mechanisms. They are cheap and easy to use and you simply need to pop a key inside and you will have it unlocked. But this could also be unlocked using a simple lock picking kit or just a crochet needle.

The crochet needle can used as a substitute for a key, while a simple flat metal object will provide the added support needed to open the lock without breaking it or even making any noise. This poses a huge threat to bikers and it can be done in less than thirty seconds.

The advantage you will have with the folding lock is the weight and you will be able to place the lock in an uncomfortable situation that may make it harder to break open and uses up more time to try and get it in the perfect position.

Push-Button Key locks

We highly recommend these locks and they are much harder to pick. The lock needs force to open and to get to the key holes and this will make the job a lot harder for thieves. They will need to push down the button while searching for the exact spot to turn and force open the lock.

This lock is much safer, but definitely not impenetrable and thieves may rather choose an easier lock to deal with than these sophisticated locks. We would like to encourage you to consider one of these locks as they are not really more expensive, but they definitely are more sophisticated.

Coded locking mechanisms

Personally, we believe that these are the easiest to crack and you could crack them by guessing or simply by pulling on the locking side and turning the dials until they fall into their respective holes. The coded system works by using holes to mark the coded and the dials that are not part of the code will be harder to move when you pull the side that locks.

Many companies have also started experimenting with a mixture of the two locks. Thus, you will need to get the correct dials in place to have access to the key holes. This may work for safety, but not for speed and you might be left vulnerable in the open for an easy mugging.

Final Thoughts

It has become ever more crucial to pick the best and safest locking option. The lock should provide you with speed and also with maximum security. If your lock is easy to open for you, just think how easy it will be for criminals to open as they have a lot more experience than you have.

We definitely recommend the push-button key locking mechanism. This will bring you safety and also ensure that you have quick access to the unlocking part as well.

If you can combine this with a great folding lock that is heavy and features durable links, you will be able to have an impenetrable locking feature on your safe and you could gladly park your bike in some of the more dangerous locations.

We would like to thank you for reading this article and we hope that you now have a better understanding of how easy it could be to break your lock and simply steal your bike. If you have any more questions, we would like to encourage you to let us know and we will be happy to assist you.

How Bike Locks Works

Not all bike locks are the same and they are all made by different brands. The chain lock and the folding lock, both use different methods in order to offer you and your bike protection. Understanding the core fundamentals of bike locks could help you make a better and more informed choice when it comes to picking your very own bike lock.

We have decided to break down a few of these lock types and explain these fundamentals to you. It is also worth noting that not all of the locks are the same and that two chain locks, for instance, may look the same, but they could possibly be made from totally different materials.

Once you grasp these differences, you need to start looking at the lock type and the locking mechanism to determine if it will be the best lock for your needs.

The Chain Lock

The chain lock is the cheapest and most commonly used lock type on the market. The lock usually features a coded locking mechanism, but the more expensive and heavier options could possibly feature the added cylindrical key lock. This is great for withstanding prying and will also make it easier to open.

The coded locking mechanism has been proven to be full of flaws and thus we do not recommend going with the cheapest bike lock. Paying a little more may save you the extra expense of needing to buy a new bike if yours get stolen.

Furthermore, these locks are easy to mount and they are usually resistant to any attempt to cut them. This lock will be great if you keep your bike secure in a locked area like schools, but not necessarily in the open world.

Folding bike lock

These are heavier and more expensive, but they are also extremely trustworthy. The link system is able to fold open and then go around the entire bike to keep it safe and secure against any form of attack. We highly recommend this locking type in areas of high danger and the lock may even be big enough to intimidate the thieves to rather choose a different bike.

These locks usually feature key locking systems and strong cylindrical holding element that will make prying impossible and even rendered equipment that is dependable on leverage useless. These locks are also made to be weather resistant and the fact that they could easily fold will make them great for attaching to your bike.

Finally, they may be more expensive, but we believe that the price will even itself out over time and thus leaving you with the best and most functional lock on the market.

Mounted bike lock

These locks are quite affordable and they are made from durable and high-quality steel materials. With this type of lock, you will need to mount the PVC attachment and then the lock can be added using this features. This will protect your bike from damage and also ensure that the lock is securely tightened with no way to pry open.

These locks may be harder to use at first, but once you understand and trust them, you will never need to buy another lock again. In our review, we mentioned one of these locks that have been made from titanium, thus giving you the benefit of being lightweight and easy to carry around.

Even children will be able to quickly and efficiently mount this locking system and keep their bikes secure and we recommend this in all situations. The lock usually features a key locking mechanism that should make it harder for thieves to try end steal your bike.

Final Thoughts

We highly recommend doing the right research and understanding the fundamentals of bike locks. This will ensure that you have the knowledge to make an informed and educated decision when deciding to buy your bike lock.

We would like to recommend the folding bike lock as our personal favorite, but you may also find a lot of quality in the other locks.

We would like to thank you for reading this article and we would like to encourage you to let us know about any questions in comment section and we will be happy to assist you.

ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 U Lock 540/160HB300 + USH

High theft protection is certainly at the top of the list when we look at the ABUS Granit X-plus U lock. The lock will keep your valuable bike safe in a dangerous situation and will make life extremely hard for intruders.

The Company also has many decades of experience in the industry and they rely on extremely high-quality materials to ensure that your bike is always protected. The lock is also lightweight thus giving you freedom to carry it around over longer distances and even attaching it to your bike.

Features:

The lock features a patented 13 mm steel square parabolic shackle that has been hardened to ensure that it is resistant to saws and many other prying tools. The biggest advantage you will have is the fact that it will consume a lot of time for thieves to try and break open the lock.

The lock features a double bolted shackle in the body lock and you will also be able to use the lock during night times with the LED light that will light up the locking area to allow you to quickly access the lock.

To ensure sophistication, the key locking mechanism can also be replaced by a key card. This will ensure that no one has the capabilities of cloning your card and you will also be able to customize your lock for it to match other locks that you own. Meaning that you could use one key for multiple locks, but we do not really recommend this in terms of security.

The UHS540 universal bracket will make it easy to mount on almost any bike and it is preferred to be mounted on round framed bikes with a diameter of 15-35mm. It is also worth mentioning that the lock features a security rating of 15 out of 15 and has been tested with most common weapons.

Should you lose the key, even locksmiths may have a tough time trying to pick your lock and you may have to call the developers to assist you.

Furthermore, the entire locking system has been covered with a rubber cover and plastic finish. This will not only ensure that the lock looks great, but also that it is protected from rust and any dust particles that may damage the lock mechanism.

Finally, the lock is quite heavy and this should make it even more difficult for intruders to break open. It will also nicely fit in a secure manner that will secure the bike even tighter to the locking area.

Pros:

• Features LED light for night use
• Customizable locking mechanism
• Patented 13 mm steel design
• Universal bracket to make mounting easier

Cons:

• Heavier design might make mounting harder

Comparison:

Compared to most rival biking locks, the ABUS Granit X-plus features more of a unique design. The materials used are of extremely durable. The patented 13mm steel construction outweighs most other locking systems and we believe that even though it may be a little heavier, you will be able to get the best use out of this lock.

The double deadbolt locking action is closely compared to that of safes and designed to keep anyone from prying open the lock, while many other bike locking mechanisms only feature standard single bolt locking.

As for the price, the lock might be a little more expensive than the average bike locks, but the price will even itself out and you will be sure that you never need to replace the lock or your bike. This will save you money and unnecessary stress in the long run.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for quality, this lock will be perfect for you. The durability is not only great against thieves, but also against all the elements of nature to ensure that you get the ultimate lock. As we have already mentioned, the price can be overlooked for the quality and you will also be able to buy a few added features like the Kryptoflex security cable to increase the protection of your bicycle.

We highly recommend this lock to professional bike riders and also to anyone using a bicycle as their main form of transport. The lock can be used in all conditions and will always keep your bike secure and your mind stress-free to enjoy a much-needed break after a long day of riding.

Thanks for reading this article and we would really like to encourage you to let us know what you think of the lock ad even give some input on your experiences with the lock.

ABUS Chain Lock Bordo Combo 6100 Folding Bike Lock

The ABUS chain lock Bordo combo is a top notch high-quality steel lock, packed with all the features needed to ensure that your bike is always secure and protected. The lock features part of a combo and the chain lock can also be included for a few extra dollars. We highly recommend adding the chain to double the protection on your bike.

With this lock, you need not worry about keys and all of the hassles of keeping track of them when they get lost. You could simply make use of the coded system that will ensure faster and easier unlocking and a quicker way to dismount your lock.

We have decided to look at the features and show you exactly how these features could benefit you and how they will make your biking experience safer. You should also note that the chain is not included with the original lock and you should be sure to select the combo for the entire combination of lock and chain.

Features:

The lock features a folding style that is locked and unlocked using a simple coding system of 4 letters. Upon receiving the lock, the code will simply be 9999 and with a quick look at the manual, you should quickly be able to change the code to your personal preference. The lock will also unlock in seconds when the correct code is entered and you will be able to efficiently unlock your bike.

After use, the lock can simply be folded and strapped to the frame of the bike using the Velcro straps that have been provided. As it is a folding lock, this bike lock might be heavier than your average bike lock, but this will only add to the protection that it provides.

The weight and design will also work perfectly together to ensure that no one can pry open the lock and the links are made from high-quality steel to ensure that common tools are rendered useless.

Another advantage of the locking features is the fact that it cannot be picked. Thieves will need to try and guess the code and with all of those combinations, this could take a lot of time and effort, thus leaving thieves with only one option in which they may just pass on by.

The protective cover on the links will ensure that it is protected from weather damage and natural elements will have a tough time trying to break down this lock. The lock also looks extremely intimidating and the simple cable locks on bikes next to yours might be easier a target than your bike.

Saws, bolt cutters, and jacks have all been used in the testing process and none of them have been able to damage anything other than the protective cover on the links.

On the downside, the lock may be a little heavy and children may have a tougher time trying to mount the lock sufficiently. Without a key for backup, you will also need to remember the code for the lock and we recommend writing it down somewhere as it is common to so sometimes forget codes after a long time without using them.

Pros:

• Looks intimidating
• Easy to fold and mount on bike
• Coded system will make lock harder to pick
• Durable and high-quality materials have been used

Cons:

• Heavy for children or smaller women
• Lack of backup key will force you to remember the code

Comparison:

Compared to other locks, this locks stands out as one of the market leaders. The combo will be a great choice for someone with multiple locks or if you stop in a lot of high-risk areas. The price is also fairly affordable, but you will need to pay extra to have the chain lock added.

Unlike some other folding locks, the lock features a weather protection cover that will ensure heat and water do not weaken the steel and there will be no place for rust to set in. Furthermore, the coding feature will make it harder to pick and intruder might simply just give up or they will need industrialized equipment.

Final Thoughts:

The lock has been highly recommended by many bike owners and since it has been developed by Abus, you can be sure of the quality and the durable steel that has been used. We like the coded locking system, but we think the lock will greatly benefit from an added key locking method as backup.

We would like to thank you for reading this article and we hope that you understand more clearly how these features can make your biking journey safer and help protect your bike. Should you have any questions, we would like to encourage you to let us know and we will assist.