U-locks, chains and folding locks

Kryptonite, Abus, Onguard : what these brands are worth

The modern U-lock was born in the United States in the early 1970s: Kryptonite built its reputation in 1972 by leaving a bike chained to a pole in Greenwich Village, New York, for thirty days. The brand ranks its models on a security scale, from the Keeper, for short stops, to the Evolution and the New York chain. Abus, a German family business founded in 1924, rates its locks from one to fifteen: the foldable Granit XPlus, which comes with its frame mount, is at the top of this scale, while the Bordo Lite prioritises weight. Onguard offers its U PitBull and RockSolid and its ten-millimetre thick Mastiff chain.

Other protections

Protective gear also comes in various forms:

• Safety Vests.
• Full Body Protection.
• Knee Pads.
• Glasses.
• Masks.
• Accessories.

All protective gear is gathered on the protective gear page.

Where and how to lock your bike in the city

A lock is only as good as its point of attachment: a sealed hoop or a pole that you can't lift the bike over, never a flimsy grid or a young tree. You pass the U through the rear triangle of the frame and the rim, filling as much of the inner space as possible to deprive the thief of leverage, and you orient the lock downwards, away from a support on the ground. For a night outside or an electric bike, combine two locks of different types, such as a U and a chain, which require two different tools. The alarm disc lock from Kryptonite and the mini U Kryptolok complete this system.

FUB and SRA labels, marking: what insurers look at

In France, the FUB, a federation of bicycle users, has been testing commercial locks since 2002 and reserves its best recommendation for models that resist aggressive manual tools. Insurers have created the Vélo SRA label, awarded after tests conducted by the CNPP. Since January 1, 2021, every new bike sold by a professional must also carry a marking of identification registered in a national file, making it easier to recover after theft. Before signing a contract, check for the required label and keep the lock's receipt alongside that of the bike.

Deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance sales, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the year-end holidays, winter sales, the spring French Days, then summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lock to choose for an electric bike?

Protect it with a high-quality U-lock or foldable lock, complemented by a chain that secures the wheel to the fixed point. Remove the battery and removable screen before you leave: they attract thieves as much as the frame itself.

Key lock or combination lock: what to choose?

A key generally offers better resistance to picking; note down its number to obtain a duplicate. The combination avoids losing a key, practical for a family-shared bike, but is better reserved for additional locks.

What length of U-lock to choose?

A compact U-lock leaves little space for leveraging tools but limits the possible attachment points. A long U-lock surrounds a wide hoop and the frame at the same time: it's a compromise between maximum security and everyday versatility.

How to carry a lock on the bike?

The foldable Abus and most U-locks come with a mount that fixes to the frame, often on the bottle cage inserts. A heavy chain is better stored in a bag or a pouch, to avoid damaging the paint.

What to do if you lose your lock key?

Kryptonite and Abus provide a numbered card that allows ordering additional keys. Keep it separately, along with the receipt: without it, only a professional can open the lock, by destroying it.