Essential guide to locking up your bike
Protect your wheels with peace of mind thanks to Bikmo's top tips for securing your bike while out and about.
You've found the perfect Club campsite, your vehicle is pitched, and you're ready to explore. But whether you're off exploring a trail, enjoying a well-deserved brew at the campsite, or just heading into town, the security of your bikes - which are often a significant investment - is paramount.
The good news is that securing your bike while touring is simple, provided you follow a few best practices. Here at Bikmo, we believe that peace of mind is the best riding fuel, so here is our essential guide on how to effectively lock up your bike when you're away from your outfit.
The Golden Rule: choosing the right locks
The quality of your lock is the most critical factor. Most insurance providers will insist on locks approved by Sold Secure to a Gold or Diamond rating.
There’s many types of locks, including:
- D-Locks (U-Locks): Offer excellent resistance to cutting and prying. They are the go-to primary lock. Ensure the shackle is small enough to reduce the leverage room for a thief.
- Chains: Heavy-duty chains combined with a strong padlock are great, especially for securing multiple bikes or awkwardly shaped objects. They are usually more flexible but also heavier.
- Cables: These should only be used as a secondary lock to secure quick-release components like wheels or seat posts, as they are easily cut with cable cutters.
Bikmo Pro Tip: Always try to thread your lock through the frame and the rim/spoke of a wheel. If possible, try to incorporate the frame and both wheels into your locking system.
Where to lock your bike
The object you lock your bike to is just as important as the lock itself.
- Vehicle bike rack: Locking to a dedicated vehicle bike rack is always preferential - especially handy for it the weather turns and you want to move on.
- Use campsite infrastructure: Many UK Club campsites have dedicated, ground-anchored bike stands.
- To your caravan: You can lock your bike to a caravan or trailer fitted with a wheel clamp or hitch lock, or even in your caravan, on a Bikmo Caravan and Motorhome Club cycle insurance policy.
LOCKING ALERT
Not many insurance providers will cover your bikes away from home with your outfit for more than 24 hours, even when locked to a bike rack!
Bikmo policies bought through the Club benefit from enhanced cover for bikes in locked vehicles, on bike racks and locked to a caravan or trailer (subject to Bikmo's locking requirements).
Maximising security: techniques and placement
- Keep locks tight: Position your lock so that the space inside the shackle is minimal. This prevents a thief from inserting tools like a bottle jack for leverage.
- Lock high off the ground: Keep the lock as high off the ground as possible. This prevents a thief from using the ground to gain leverage or smash the lock with a hammer.
- Avoid the centre: Never lock your bike purely by the handlebars or seat post. Always lock the main triangle of the frame.
Securing multiple bikes
If you have a bike rack with several bikes, you need a strategy for all of them:
- Primary lock: Use a heavy chain or D-lock to secure the first bike's frame to the immovable object/chassis.
- Secondary lock (the Daisy Chain): Use a second, long cable or chain to link the remaining bikes together, feeding it through the frames.
- Final anchor: Loop the end of the daisy chain back to the original immovable object or the frame of the first bike, creating a secure loop.
The ultimate security: Bikmo insurance
Even the best locks can eventually be beaten. That's where Bikmo's specialist cycle insurance steps in.
Bikmo policies are designed to cover your bikes against theft and accidental damage, whether they're secured to your outfit, in transit, or being ridden. If the worst happens, you can rest assured that your investment is protected.
Remember: Caravan and Motorhome Club members are eligible for exclusive offers and discounts on Bikmo insurance! Don't let worries about security overshadow the enjoyment of your trip.
Benefits include:
- 12 months for the price of 11 for Club Members*
- 25% discount on e-bike premiums (compared to regular bicycle premiums)**
- 50% discount on additional insured bikes from your household, covering the whole family on the same policy
- Enhanced cover benefits including bikes in locked vehicles, on bike racks and locked to a caravan or trailer^
Happy cycling and safe travels!
The Bikmo Team
* 12 months for the price of 11 is applied as an 8.33% discount. Minimum premium £3.73/mo and policy wording applies. This promotion is provided by Bikmo Limited, Glendale House, Sandycroft Industrial Estate, Flintshire CH5 2QP, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ref.745230
** Data and reduction on e-bike policies from 2020. Full announcement can be found here: https://bikmo.com/uk/blog/e-bike-insurance-cost-reduction/
^ Subject to Bikmo’s locking requirements. Enhanced cover benefits: available to all members and non-members; available when purchasing a Bikmo policy via https://www.caravanclub.co.uk; enhanced cover benefits will be applied as endorsements and shown on your schedule.