Cyclist and bike protection
The bicycle protections page defends both the bike and the cyclist: U-locks Kryptonite, Abus, Onguard and Seatylock, reinforced chains Kryptonite, Onguard and Auvray, folding locks Abus Bordo, disc locks with alarm, knee guards 7iDP and IXS, elbow pads Fuse and G-Form, glasses Rudy Project. From parking in the city to downhill trails, each protection has its use.
Protecting your bike from theft, and protecting yourself on the road as well as on the trails.
U-Lock: the reference against theft
The U-lock strikes the best balance between strength and weight: its hardened steel shackle withstands bolt cutters and leverage. The Kryptonite Evolution, rated eight out of ten on the brand's scale, is suitable for daily city use, and the Abus Granit Super Extreme, with a thick shackle, is aimed at valuable bikes parked outside for long periods. At Onguard, the PitBull, with a fourteen-millimetre shackle, plays the same robustness card. Choose the shackle that is as short as possible: the less free space there is around the frame and the point of attachment, the harder it is for a thief to slide a jack in.
Armoured chain and foldable lock
The armoured chain wraps around a thick pole, barrier, or tree where a U-lock won't fit. The Kryptonite New York, with its hexagonal links made of manganese steel, scores nine out of ten on the Kryptonite scale; the Onguard Mastiff and the Auvray Xtrem, measuring one metre seventy, can even lock two bikes together. Their weight makes them more suited for the garage or workplace. The foldable lock links the two: the Abus Bordo Granit XPlus, rated fifteen out of fifteen on the Abus scale, folds into a holder attached to the frame, while the lighter Bordo Lite is for shorter stops.
Disc lock, frame lock, and spare cables
A main lock benefits from additional security. The disc lock Kryptonite Kryptolok with alarm attaches to the brake disc and triggers a siren at the slightest movement: it discourages during a quick stop in front of a shop. The frame lock XLC, mounted permanently on the stays, immobilises the rear wheel with one motion, practical on a city bike. The cables, like the Abus Tresor or the Onguard Doberman, are cut too quickly to secure a bike on their own but can secure a front wheel with a quick release or a saddle by passing through the U-loop.
The selection
The protections are organised by type:
Other equipment, road, MTB, BMX, urban, electronic, nutrition, accessories, can be found on the equipment page.
Knee pads, elbow pads, and cyclist glasses
On the trails, knee pads like the 7iDP Transition available in children's sizes can be worn throughout the ride, while the IXS Hack Evo+, which provides more coverage, offers better protection against impacts in enduro. The elbow pads Fuse Echo and G-Form Pro-X3 focus on soft protection that is unobtrusive while pedalling. On the road, glasses Rudy Project featuring an optical clip that holds corrective lenses behind the screen protect against wind and insects without sacrificing clear vision. The thermal knee pad Elite Lab, finally, keeps the joint warm during winter rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What protections for a two or three-year-old on a bike?
A helmet is mandatory for children under twelve, whether they are riding a balance bike or travelling in a seat. For their first rides, lightweight knee and elbow pads with adjustable straps prevent scrapes without hindering movement.
What protections for enduro MTB?
In enduro, a full-face or removable chin guard helmet, reinforced knee pads, elbow pads, and often a back protector are used together. Long gloves and glasses or a mask complete the gear for timed descents.
Is a yellow vest mandatory when cycling?
Outside built-up areas, at night or when visibility is poor, all cyclists and their passengers must wear a certified reflective vest. In town, it's not mandatory but highly recommended as soon as daylight fades.
How to lock a bike to deter thieves?
Connect the frame and a wheel to a solid fixed point, filling the U-lock’s shackle as much as possible and turning the lock towards the ground. Avoid isolated areas and change your parking spots when you lock your bike in the same place every day.
Should I get my bike marked?
Since 2021, new and used bikes sold by a professional must carry a unique identifier, registered in a national database. This marking deters thieves and allows a recovered bike to be returned to its owner.
