Not all bike locks are created equal. Heavy duty U-Locks and chain locks are more secure than cable locks but it's not just the bicycle lock that matters. If you avoid bringing your lock with you because it weights 20 pounds or have a good lock but don't use it properly there is still a good chance that your bike, your accessories or parts of your bike will be stolen.
Below are some good online sources for high quality bike locks and some helpful information on the bike security and the different types of locks and the level of security that they provide.
See Bike Locks
for a great selection of bike security systems including U-Locks, Chain Locks and cable locks.
www.amazon.com
Check out Bike Locks at REI
for plenty of of Bicycle Locks and Security items.
www.rei.com
Bicycle Security and Types of Bike Locks |
General Bike Security
There is going to be a trade off between convenience and bike security.
If you leave your bike in a bad location and someone really wants to steal your bike (or the parts or accessories) and they know what they are doing it's going to be difficult to stop them. Fortunately, in most cases all you really need to do is to detour a would be thief or keep honest people honest.
If you are going to leave your bike out in a high risk location, for a long period of time then you already know that you need to get the best locks, chains, cables, etc. or just downgrade to a cheap (beater) bike. You don't usually see expensive high end racing bikes locked up at the commuter train station all day long.
It is better to keep a mid range cable lock, for example, handy and use it when you leave your bike in lower risk areas for a short period of time then to have the best locks and chains at home but not keep them with you on every ride because they are so heavy or otherwise inconvenient.
So first of all, use common sense in all situations and have a lock with you that you will use when you need it.
Next, be sure to lock your bike properly and to take all removable items with you. for example:
Types of Bike Locks and Level of Security
Help keep people honest. If you are going to leave your bike somewhere, you have to have some good bicycle locks. About-Bicycles has researched and selected the best online resources for bicycle locks to help you find the right bicycle locks online fast, easy and at great prices.
As with most other things, I like to keep this simple. Your choice of bicycle locks is going to be a personal preference based partially on the expense of your bike, where you live and ride and your own comfort level. You may want to keep a couple of bike locks on hand for different riding destinations (security needs).