martial arts

Use a chain. Attach one end to the bike, and the other to a Rottweiler.

Unfortunately bike theft is a scourge here in Dublin (Ireland) too. I'm lucky, I'm a soldier so I have secure bike parking in work, but I won't leave my motorbike or bicycles anywhere in the city with any confidence. Love your video's

If you put the lock anywhere in the Triangle your frame and tire will be protected I recommend a U, cable and a chain combo. Not only will it be protected but the looks of having multiple locks will deter most thieves especially if you're in an area that's open and that has high foot traffic. I do agree with taking the batteries with you if you're going to be gone all day.

This was very helpful. Sad we live in a society where we have to constantly be concerned about things like this.

Chain. Wheel and frame to a solid and unmovable object. That first shot of just locking the frame, gave me the creepers.

Great “Propel How To” format: thorough explanation; excellent close ups; just the right duration. And lots of top tips. Cheers!

I got a motion sensor horn alarm which can be armed just like a car alarm. At least if I lock it in a crowded area and someone attempts to move my bike, the alarm will sound. They also make cheap disc brake alarms with motion censors as well. Motion sensor alarm is good for ebikes since sometimes people just end up trying to mess with your controller or screen, etc.

I live in Toronto and have an expensive road bike (Pinarello for 20 yrs) and never turn my back on it and bring it into my home when not in use. Bike theft here for decades has been so bad that it is nearly impossible to park a bike outdoors. Here, the standard method of theft is angle grinders. I fail to see here or anywhere, a functionable anti-grinder lock. Also, it seems pretty crazy to buy a $3-6,000 bike that is lightweight and then carry around a lock which weighs a quarter of the total weight of the bike.

Good stuff again, Chris. A thorough explanation of bike security and locks.

Good tips. When locking downtown Detroit, I use two heavier duty Abus locks that use different keys - or 1 that is combination lock and 1 that is a key. One will secure frame and rear wheel and the other will secure frame. I try to make sure both are off the ground so as to not provide a leverage point. Then I cable the front wheel and seatpost to one of the Abus locks. I need to explore the locking thru-axles as well as Hexlock or similar for my stem and controller mounts.

In the past we used Pinhead for wheels and saddle post instead of quick release. They require a spacial key to open. The hexlock sounds great!

Some basics to keep in mind: Cafe locks make sure the valve of the tire is right next to it, this means it would break in common means to force those locks open. Make sure no matter what lock you use make sure it is away from the ground this makes using bolt cutters harder. Anything 10mm and below chain wise is not bolt cutter proof, those 6mm insert chains into the cafe lock are easily snapped, but still combine it with a good U lock layers of security matters. With that you have a cafe lock that is broken would lead to a flat tire, a small chain that could be a hindrance to some one without bolt cutters and a U lock that would require an angle grinder. Of course there are other means to open these like picking I am sure we all love our lawyer friend, but picking is not a common attack and anything that is decent will do. The spreader and nut cracker to be used against U locks and folding locks respectfully again are not to common. Most theft is rather low skill, however if you have a really nice branded E-bike they do enter a territory of targetted theft like motorbikes and cars do. This means they are stolen on order and at this point very little is going to stop that from happening, so yeah insure your bike, cause end of the day if some wants your bike, they will take it.

Very good information Chris, thank you.

"Abus measures their locks in centimeters..." @04:18 not only Abus, the whole world do ;-)

Perhaps two different types of locks (both angle grinder resistant) used concurrently would provide the best protection. A motion alarm to initially attract attention to the thief might help as well. Sucks to have to carry the extra weight and go to all that extra trouble and expense, but it's risky enough as it is to leave one of these bikes unattended for more than a few minutes. Def take the battery/seat with you when making that delivery or grabbing your latte.

I have a ringlock on the back and use a chainlock through my frontwheel, frame and a bikerack. I wrap the chain around the seatpost so it doesnt rattle. All in all takes about 30 seconds to park. Very informative vid! :)

Lots of good ebike security here Chris, thanks. It is sad that we have to do all of this, but that's the way it is in many areas. At the end of this video, you mentioned a bike cover. On one of my large motorcycles, there is and I have, a partial cover that I put on my motorcycle when I park it in some places. This cover, hopefully, will prevent an adult from putting their small children on my motorcycle! So maybe a cover of some sort, would help here too. I have a folding ebike; wonder if there is an additional problem with securing it; maybe something else I could be doingin addition to what has been presented here? Keep the good info coming, Chris!

I ride a motorcycle and live in a fairly high risk area. First off, I purposely ride a bike that isn't that desirable to begin with.. a rebel250. I use two heavy kryptonite u locks and installed an alarm on the bike. It makes a lot of noise if bumped. I've had three bikes stolen in the past but so far, so good with this one.

Good to go over all types for e bikers, as there are so many choices. Great Propel video as always.

Great video. As someone who has e-bikes in Brooklyn, the winning formula of security+convenience is: Good U-Lock + good folding lock+motion-sensing alarm. My current setup doubles up on the alarm Abus 770A SmartX U-lock with Alarm (rear wheel+frame+rakc) + Abus Bordo Alarm Folding lock (front wheel and frame+rack) Previously, I had a non-alarm Abus U-lock with the alarm bodo, and that worked too. So far, nobody has so much as even tampered with my bike or its components so far. That can of course change, but so far, here's why I prefer it to other combos: -The alarm(s), in combination with heavy-duty locks, is a good deterrent. It won't stop a dedicated thief from going for your bike in isolation, but it will make it not worth it for opportunistic thieves to try to steal things like pedals, lights, accessories. They are very sensitive, so any slight motion will trigger a warning beep, and and few seconds of motion will cause it to go off. -The Alarm Folding lock combination with the U-Lock is super versatile. One hidden benefit is that if you remove your seatpost, you can slide the folding lock through your bike saddle's rails or cutout to secure your saddle and seatpost. The combo allows me to secure the rear wheel, front wheel, frame (twice on most racks), and saddle. Everything else gets deterred by the alarm. -I originally tried two U-locks, but it can be difficult to get the front wheel and frame with a single lock on my bike, let alone the rack or the seat/seatpost as well -A chain + alarm U-lock might be better, but that's significantly heavier for (imo) not that much more security(if a thief is willing to work through a loud alarm, a few extra seconds with a chain lock won't help that much. It also doesn't allow you to secure your saddle and seatpost. -It means I don't have to use pins, which adds a bit of convenience for repairs and adjusting saddle height.

Thanks. I will use the hexlox axle and bolts.

Totally agree that if one buys a very expensive R&M Supercharger GX etc, you shouldn't skimp on a cheap lock, i have pitlocked all the wheels and post on my own bike, and do have some slight reservations with my come with the bike Abus Bordo lock which is medium risk , so like i use it for out and about town use, but when touring abroad i use a Litelok gold standard Boaflexicor strap

Thanks for your video. Not cycled for a while because I'm concerned about bike theft in London. But feel more confident now.

Excellent. Comprehensive. Very useful. Thanks!

Very helpful info, thanks.

thank you for this ...so much great information

Thanks for the great video! Would you recommend a disc brake lock?

Great video - thanks!

Yeah great job thanks for all the knowledge

I retrofitted my R&M Supercharger with a Abus 5750L frame lock and a chain that fits in this lock. All mounted on the special mounting bracket from R&M for this specific bike. This way I have the same key for all of my bike; for the batteries, for the existing Bordo 6000 folding lock and the new 5750L. It feels super luxurious to have the same key for everything.

I wont feel safe until force field tech is perfected.

Great concept, great video, great details. I use a link lock, U-lock, cafe lock and cable. Don't live in a really high crime area. The biggest issue for me is that when I ride with my friends who own acoustic bikes, they do not lock at all. So when we stop for coffee, they have usually ordered and finished by the time I get my bike secured! 😀

Very good! Just purchased two EBikes and have been exploring security options. Well done.

I really appreciate your information.I am purchasing a 2500 Ebike expensive for me. I planned on getting a lock, but didn't know anything about the best types. At home I have a garage, but I wanted to go to the markets.

Hi guys! Just a quick thanks for the presentation of Hexlox in this video!

LockPickingLawyer and Bosnian Bill have some great videos where they review the security of bike locks. Many of the Abus models are highly reviewed by them.

Good vlog. I am from Rotterdam, The Netherlands. We have a lot of secured places were you can park your bike in central town. For free. So that is step one, put your bike in the safes place possible. Lock the bike to the earth I always say, so they can not simply walk away with it. Always take your Intuvia control off, always! If you travel with two people you also can lock the bike together. Abus makes good locks. Now there are so much e-bikes in my country, that steeling batteries is getting bigger. I own a seven years old Sparta e-bike with the battery in the luggage rack. With the same lock as the lock you showed us. But I do not trust that so much, with a big screwdriver you can break it out. So I made a little whole in the part where you carry the battery in our hand. Put a little small lock trew it. Only have to do that one time, when I put a full battery on and open it when I want to reload and take it off. Off course there is no way to protect your bike 100 %, but take a little care where you park your bike and how you do that.

I loved it...Well spoken, clear and concise...Keep going....

another excellent vid.

Good vid. Never heard of hex locks before, but sounds secure. I use a steel pvc pipe clamp for my quick -release front wheel; fastens down the clamp to the fork. Abus U-locks are excellent in Dallas, and helped me keep my Diamond Back MTB for 6 years. So far so good.

Could we see some actual grinder tests on protection products? Duration resistance time. How fast will a grinder cut these products or not at all? I've heard hardened steel one need a torch. I'd be interested to see how fast grinders eat into all the products you have demonstrated here thank you.

Great video Chris. Very informative and glad you covered so many options. I would suggest try to think like a thief whose focus will be crime of opportunity. Of course, if a thief wants your bike then an axle grinder will get the job done quickly but the options and locks you featured will make your bike less appealing. Especially if you can lock your bike in a more secure area while at work, i.e. parking garage, and indoors at night. 😁

i like to stick old inner tube over the ulock.. it provides a little scratch and dent cutioning and also hides what is underneetch. I would also cover up any displays of company names of locks by some black tape.. Or even could create confusing by putting a different lock name or logo on the lock than what it is.. but i prefer to just camaflauge the bicke as much as possible.. there are some good techniques on doing that in a book on urban cycling.. it is called urban camaflauge.. using the dark greys adn black.. non shiny surface.. could even use dark olive green colors.. cover the bike. cover the shiny parts with non shiny tape etc etc etc. and for the seat post you can use a cable trhouth seat that winds down to the frame with a lock.. and also can put a discrete non shiny seat cover over seat and wrap duct tape around the hex lock or quick release. It may liook kind of crummy.. but will reduce the threate of attention from thieves.

I like the lock with built in alarm. I have an alarm tied on the bike, works the same. Bike moves the alarm goes off like a car alarm. Always always use a Ulock combined with a steel cable or chain around the tires, quick release tires are a dumb idea on a commuter bike imo. Best part of ebikes is lock weight is not much an issue unless its on your back.

Does the cafe lock work for a 20" wheel and 4" tire. I have a Mario ebike close to a Super 73 style

I think the best kind of security is an alarm that texts you and a thick U-lock

Great video...great info... Thanks for the time you put into this review.

very helpful thank you

Informative, good vid.

What type of protection would you suggest for the Riese Muller Roadster?

Great advice for bike owners and thieves lol.Thank you.

One of the nice things about having an ebike is that while the extra expense makes you more wary of it being stolen, the fact it’s an ebike means you don’t have to worry about the extra weight of heavy duty chains as much. My biggest issue is probably going to be where to put for convenient access where it won’t rattle as much. XD Last time I tossed the chain on top of a jumper in the top of a back pannier which fixed the rattle problem, not sure if that’s a workable long term solution but maybe, since I’ll be taking off and unrolling the pannier top when I stop anyway. I got a front basket and back panniers because I liked the look of the baskets even if panniers were more practical for me so I bought one of the original three baskets, but in retrospect I’m thinking a small front bag for convenient chain storage, since I have a step through bike so attaching anything to the frame in the middle is limited. Also got to figure out the water bottle holder at some point but currently my commute is short enough to not need quick access to one and I’m currently trying to get myself comfortable with water bladders in general so I’m using that instead, as I’ve never been able to put my faith in them on bushwalks ever since I saw my Dad’s leak, so riding in town is a good way to practice confidence and get familiar with my own water bladder backpack, since in town I don’t have to worry so much about potentially getting stuck in the middle of no-where in the stinking hot heat with no water in sight if something goes wrong like I would on a bushwalk. (I think I saw his water bladder leaking at home and he fixed it so he was fine but I’ve never trusted water bladders since.)

I have watched several videos testing bike locks. No one has actually done the tests under ALL of the following conditions. 1. Use portable grinder popular with thieves. 2. Include in the tests the time to change out blades and batteries on the portable grinders. In real life that time would add to cutting the locks. 3. Locking the bike locks in a more realistic scenario wrapping the rear wheel, frame and bike rack. 4. Additional second or third lock wrapping around front wheel, frame and bike rack. 5. Steps to take if you encounter thief while in progress.

15:50 is that a seat Shock absorber system you got there ? If yes, where can I find one ?

Great and easy to understand overview - as always. Thank You.

Thank you 👍

Great video Chris. Quick question: What is the model of hexlox that fits the Suntour Fork?

Is it better to lock front or rear wheel, front comes out quickly but rear has the motor which is expensive

I got a Brompton folding ebike specifically so I could take it with me instead of having to lock it up somewhere. It’s a little heavy to lug around but it’s doable.

Great video on bike security, You covered all the basics like everyone, and then you added a dozen other little details like battery, handlebar, fork, hex locks, quick release wheels, etc. Myself I am most interested in battery security, as many of the really good batteries (52 volt, 21 amp hour or higher) for sale in CA and NY have zero security. They just sit in a triangle frame bag or held on the downtube with magnets, and can cost almost $1000. Easy targets for thieves. So perhaps an idea in the future is to make a video on ways to secure those types of batteries on DIY builds and conversions.

I use a Ulock, since my front tire is quick release I wrap a steel cable around it and through the ulock. If Im in my city downtown core I'll also use a steel chain. I also have a alarm set off by vibration to attract attention. Even somebody minding their business locking their own bike to the same rack will set it off, its quite sensitive.

I’ve welded “number plates “ complete with with postcode, region and date. I’ve also engraved the postcode on the frame, too.

Do you have the link for Hex lock to purchase?

Any tips to secure a box cover on a cargo bike? First thing to get stolen from our Urban Arrow.

Thanks a lot 4info

I'm not sure I understood. Were you saying that attaching a chain into a cafe lock still isn't very secure or did I misunderstand?

I would like to see alarm system if circuit is broken when u-lock is cut by any means.

Always used motorcycle locks on any motorbikes and bicycles I've owned. A nice solid D-lock usually is good in ok areas of the UK, but when living in London, have always used a really good chain and a D-lock even on a heavy motorbike especially when visiting shady areas of the uk. For bike jackers, they have had a different experience but I won't go into them details ;)

Well done & informative report/review Chris thanks! Question how do you have an eBike store in a city that has outlawed ebikes (NYC)???

Have you looked into the 529 Garage bike registry sheilds? That's a huge help with proving theft and getting the bike back after theft.

this is very helpful, but I am still not parking a $5000 bike on the street. even if they can't steal it, there are chances they'll do some damage to it.

I have put a taser inside tbe barhendles, for the rest the bike is locked on a chain mounted in the stone wall and nou i lost the key and have to wait when te battery is empty for tough the stering.

What if they used the same material as chainsaw chaps, where the bar is covered in fibers that tangle up and jam up the grinder?

I use 2 combo cable locks to lock my cart wheels to the cart frame. Have the cart cover locked down with bungee cords, hve a vibration alarm in the cart. Have a U lock on each wheel of the bike (lock them to the frame) then have a vibration alarm on the bike, put the battery and helmet in the cart. Have the cart cable locked through the wheels of the cart to the wheels and frame of the bike. The seat can only be removed with an allen key. Have things ziptied to the frame, stickers (reflective on the bike) have photos of the bike and me on the bike regestered online, getting a custom headstock cap with my name, have GPS tracking (Ordered). any other tips. theres no post at work to lock it to.

I travel with a U lock and sometimes a heavy chain (both the yellow New York kryptonite locks) when I know I’m going to be locking for a long time. I’d like to point out the fact that during a single trip you might have segments where you do a quick lock job, and other segments of the same trip where you do a more detailed lock job with two or more locks. You do need to consider the fact that in those quick lock situations, one or more of your other locks that you have with you could get stolen, so you want to guard against that by securing the other locks to the bike somehow when transporting them. Lots of little aspects to think about when carrying multiple locks.

I really like to lock the wheel in the frame together that's why you lots of best for me, it would be the same if I had a electric bike because of it being rear wheel drive. Now when you get into the fat bikes you have to use a chain or a folding lock because the wheel is so thick. Maybe with the plus size like 29 inch tires.

Links to hex lock parts would be helpful

I carry an arc welder with me everywhere I go and weld the frame to posts.

thanks from a confusing dope presentation

Good bike! 👍

Is there a link for the Hex Lock?

In areas where bikes are most commonly tied up at, there is usually a look out close by looking for anything worth stealing. They will check the bike out, then take a picture and then give their buddies a call, explaining what bike locks they are using.. This all happens with in a span of a few mins, and I have seen cases and witnessed it myself where they will even cut what ever your bike is locked to, having a car or a van near by they will carry the bike fast to their vehicle and your with out a bike... This can happen with in the time your walking into a coffee shop or a corner store..

Very informative & helpful points on bike security. I’ve often thought of getting a tiny go’s tracking device that utilizes a SIM card. You brought up a good point about the fact that police might not be able to help you even if you’re standing in front of someone’s closed garage and saying “my GPS security device shows that my bike is in there.” Never thought the police wouldn’t be able to help. Also almost for laughs I’ve been hiding a “Tile” on board my e-bike. Of course one depends on other persons utilizing tiles to passively report the location. But now with Apple’s version I would think since many many millions of persons everywhere use IPhone that their new “airbags” might be quite a bit more effective. Just a thought.

Great review. It is really disappoint to have people stealing bikes, posts, accessory, wheels etc. Lots of solutions shown there and I guess there are other ways for protecting high investment products like e-bikes - this could include dealing with thieves in a more appropriate way e.g. harsher sentencing, fines, paying people back etc.

LITELOK X1 IS A VERY GOOD ONE !

Do fingerprint-based locks offer worthwhile protection? Also, as a side note, I'm gonna get a folding cargo e-bike, and would imagine that if locking outside is necessary, folding then locking with a lock large enough to wrap around parts not next to each other when the bike is unfolded would be highly beneficial, plus a cover and alarm system.

THIS is one reason a Ebikes weight is my primary concern. If I can take my ride with why carry a large often heavy lock with me? Again security being a concern as well as climbing a long flight of stairs weight comes into play when storing my EBike over night. I do get a parking space in my apartments small parking lot but there’s no provision to secure a bike in that parking lot. When I’m going say grocery shopping if I can fold up an Ebike and put it into a shopping cart again weight being a key factor as well as size. So again it’s all about the weight. Suppose it doesn’t help that I’m 60 either:) Not as strong as I once was. Speed is actually last on my list as if I’m going faster than walking I figure I’m ahead of the game. Hill climbing ability is likely next on my list after that range. 16 miles round trip would be cool as in the next town over are some relatives I’d like to occasionally visit. The rest of my imagined trips are all local and only a few miles max.

There's a company in NYC (I believe it's based in Brooklyn) that has these bike "garages"... I believe I learned about it from one of your videos. I even contacted the company through their website asking if they had any plans to expand to Boston. I can't for the life of me remember who that company is or what their website address is. Could you refresh my memory? Thanks!

What happens if someone drills the joints on the folding lock? Is there protection against a drill bit?

What if you lost all of your keys? You will have a busy days to get all of the locks opened! Cheers! Good video. Thanks!

My advice is get a long chain and thread it through one of the tires and frame. I know a guy who would just lock his frame with a Ulock and a thief used an angle grinder to cut through the guard rail pole he locked it too. At least with a chain lock, it will be flopping around and its harder to cut with an angle grinder. Also threading it through a wheel means they can't just cut though what ever you're locked too.

Good video .. did anyone ever used velosurance? It was bad reviews on them

Try Altar SAF U-locks! I use em all the time for my Yamaha urban rush pedal assist E-bike and it works! They have attempted on cutting one but unfortunately for them. They couldn't cut the damn thing all the way and i have two of em to protect my investment Lol! This U-lock is an angle grinder resistant type U-lock just in case you're wondering..

i use an alarm and a kryptonite lock, but at the end of the day nothing beats an angle grinder. A more expensive one might take longer but it’ll be cut down. I just try to lock as close to the door and if possible I have to be able to see the bike through the door.

Interesting Cargo Bike. What brand is it?

it comes in handy when boondocking

Litelok x1 or x3 or foldy lock forever has gold or diamond rating. The highest you can get. And are easy to carry!

I really wish it was some Lock's handlebar grips and seats that shocked the person stealing it also a fork that turned opposite way of The handle bar if it was stolen but not before third or fourth time you turn it, exploding tires with really load bang's and ebike batteries that you couldn't buy a charger for if it wasn't yours.. I'm using multiple ulocks and alarm locks have a GPS system etc which really isn't enough but I'm never gone more than 15minutes from my bike because I get so anxious about it.i never had a bike that didn't eventually got stolen and now I'm having like a once in a lifetime bike for me it took a lot of time hunger and energy to get it and many have tried to steal it even when I'm on it.i like that the folding Lock is also doubling as a weapon which is quite effective when used on the thief's wrist it really hurts but isn't a dangerous injury.. also I would like to have stickers that warned the thief that somehow he\she will most likely not be successful in stealing it so they don't break stuff on it, usaly I'm back before it's stolen but in that time which usaly isn't enough time to steal it, it's still enough time to break stuff on it...it has been stolen twice once moved about ten meters it was locked but not to a solid object and once 3blocks it was locked to a sign and locked back wheel to the frame.i was just inside buying iced coffee when I came out the sign was ripped up from the ground and layed was just laying in the street when I came back 4minutes after looking it,they rolled it on the front wheel,i just screamed when I got out of the store and everyone outside pointed in the same direction (Yes no one stopped them)i ran 3 blocks looked around and saw them half a block to the right they had taking a L shaped route they tried to run but I catched up then one of them tried to stop me while The other continued,,,, after I had taken it back i Called the police and just told them about what happened and how i got it back they said that what i did wasn't really legal but because the thief's would most likely not report me for what I did to them and that they would not charge me by themselves even they could because of my story they said it's nothing to worry about

This info is terrific BUT...what does a senior do that is planning on buying a $3K eTRIKE?