Locking your bike up well isn’t just about security, it’s also about east and etiquette.
We know what you’re thinking: "How to lock a bike? Moving on. I already know."
Crowded bike racks tell a different story, as there's more to walking away than the right brand of U-lock. If you're a gold star parker already, consider sharing this with friends. Otherwise, read on.
Head To Feet
This one's easy. If you’re sharing a rack with another bike, always lock so your handlebars are opposite each other. It’s a space thing. A moment of bike rack Tetris.
Crank Side In
Your crank/chain should be on the inside, facing the rack. This keeps your dirty chain out of everyone’s way (including yours) in case you leave your helmet with your lock on the rack. For external derailleurs it also provides some additional protection.
Pro Tip: To protect your frame from damage, use the crank arm and saddle nose as a buffer. By placing them against the rack you'll keep your frame at a scratch-free distance.
Lock Locations
Your frame and both wheels should be secured at (nearly) all times. We’re not going to cover that now. For a more in depth explanation, click here.
When using your U-lock to secure your rear wheel, there are two easy ways to protect both frame and wheel:
1. Around the rear rim and seat stays.
2. Around the rim only, inside the rear triangle. More.
If you’re 100% sure your wheels are safe (scratch that, 200% sure) then lock your bike via the headtube.
Inside the main frame triangle, around the headtube.
The common mistake here is to lock via the toptube or downtube. In both cases, the bike can roll forward or backward and end up on the ground. If you’re secured via the headtube your bike has no horizontal motion and will remain vertical.
This bike is locked via the top tube. Note the front wheel has even spun 180º.
Lock Orientation
The key-slot of your U-lock should always face out, away from the rack. This keeps your scratchy keys away from any adjacent bikes.
This cyclist has to navigate an awkward space to remove his lock. Hopefully, nothing gets scratched, dented, or dinged in the process.
This tip is often neglected when you’re locking to an otherwise empty rack. Inevitably you’ll return to find a bike sandwiching your U-lock. With no wiggle room, it’s a pain to insert the key, and you risk damaging your neighbor’s bike.
In most places, there's a shortage of smart secure bike parking. Let's do each other the courtesy of utilizing what is available as best we can.
If you're in need of a new lock, Kryptonite has released an improved Mini. It's thinner, but has a stronger and lighter shackle that's easier to carry and use, while being more secure.