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

Every year the bike as an urbantransport is becoming increasingly popular. This is especially felt in the warm season, when those who wish to ride on 2 wheels are found at literally every step. Modern bikes have become much more comfortable, more modern, moreover, they are often equipped with various instruments. 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 this data 1.5 million victims who do not file statements about the theft, then the figures will be very impressive.

It is believed that the lock-clamp for the bike - oneof the most reliable devices that will help protect your iron horse from all kinds of rogues. What is it, and how best to use it? This is what will be discussed in this article.

Advantages of the security U-device

The range in which currentlyThe lock for the bicycle is issued, it is rather big. It can be equipped with a cable, chain, plates, and also be in the form of a ring made of durable metal, curved in the shape of the Latin letter "U". The lock for a bicycle of the latter option looks like a bracket, so it is often called that lock-bracket. 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, the Kryptonite company began producing a lock for a bicycle of this type in the States. Despite the jokes about its weight and shape, this device began to gain popularity quickly. In 1972, in one of the first tests of this company, a bicycle with a U-lock for a month was attached to the index post in Greenwich Village (New York).

Злоумышленники сняли с двухколесного коня все possible details that only could. But the bicycle lock itself turned out to be too tough for them, and, despite all the hacking attempts, it remained hanging in place. After this incident, it was quite often in places with a large flow of people that such a picture could be found: the iron horse's frame was reliably fastened to the pole, but there were no wheels, falling, seat and steering wheel.

How to install the lock on the bike

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

Recommendations for selection

In many countries there are special firms ("ART"(NL), "NF" (FRA), "SSF" (Sweden), "SSF" (Sweden), "Sold Secure" (UK)), who are committed to conducting lock tests. Every year they publish the results of their research. When choosing a main lock, it is advisable to make sure that the modification you selected is assigned the maximum score.