You might be considering a cable lock to protect your bicycle. They seem like a great option: affordable, lightweight, portable, and simple to wrap around your bike when you need to lock it up quickly.
However, there’s one critical thing Bike Cable locks are not: secure.
In the world of bicycle security, this is a hard truth: locking your bike with only a cable lock is practically inviting theft. It’s not a matter of if your bike will be stolen, but when. So, let’s start with a crucial piece of advice:
Never rely on a bike cable lock as your primary security!
Perhaps you’re on this page because you’re thinking about buying a cable lock. I understand that mindset, because I was once there myself.
If I recall correctly, my reasoning went something like this: “My bike isn’t particularly valuable or eye-catching, so thieves won’t bother with it.” And also, “Surely, stores wouldn’t sell these locks if they weren’t reasonably safe?”
So, I bought a cable lock for my brand-new bike. And guess what? On the very first night I used it, my bike was stolen!
The reality is, no bike is too “low-end” to be a target for thieves, and unfortunately, the retailers selling these locks aren’t really invested in whether or not your bike remains yours.
Still not convinced? Maybe you think I’m just trying to steer you towards a more expensive lock? Let’s examine some real-world examples and crime statistics to solidify the point.
Witnessing Cable Locks Defeated by Thieves
Here are several videos depicting actual bike thefts where cable locks were used. It’s true that any lock can be defeated given the right tools and enough time. But observe just how effortlessly thieves overcome cable locks.
Some cable locks are so weak that a thief can literally tear the bike free with their bare hands.
Thief ripping bike from cable lock
In another instance, a thief uses a tiny pair of cable cutters to snip through the lock in seconds. Fortunately, in this case, they were apprehended before they could take the bike.
Thief cutting cable lock with small cutters
Even thicker bike cable locks can be quickly defeated with slightly larger cable cutters or bolt cutters. The process remains fast and simple for experienced thieves.
Crime Data Underscores Bike Cable Lock Insecurity
My warnings are not just based on observations; crime statistics support this. Numerous studies have indicated a significantly higher likelihood of bike theft when using a cable lock. For example:
Bike Thefts Based on Lock Type
Data from the Harvard Police Department in 2011 revealed that nearly two-thirds of stolen bicycles had been secured with a cable lock. This starkly illustrates the vulnerability associated with these types of locks.
Why Are Bike Cable Locks So Easily Defeated?
Bike cable locks are constructed from numerous thin strands of steel encased in a plastic tube. It’s this very thinness that makes them lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive—less metal means lower cost.
However, these thin strands are also the inherent weakness of cable locks. They can be cut with remarkable ease using cable cutters or bolt cutters. These tools essentially slice through the thin cables one by one, much like scissors cutting through hair.
While thicker cable locks might appear more robust, the reality is that the increased thickness often comes primarily from a thicker plastic casing. The amount of steel inside often remains minimal.
Can Bike Cable Locks Serve as Secondary Security?
The most critical point to remember is to never use a cable lock as your primary form of security. By “primary security,” we mean the lock that secures your bike frame to a fixed, immovable object, whether on the street or at home.
Many cyclists opt for a secondary lock, either as an additional layer of security for the frame or, more commonly, to secure the front wheel, seat, or both.
These secondary locks sometimes take the form of thin cable lassos, often sold alongside a primary U-lock. These lassos are designed to be used in conjunction with another lock because they lack their own locking mechanism.
Personally, I’m not a fan of these cable lasso locks. They can be snipped through rapidly and effortlessly with a small pair of handheld cable cutters.
Furthermore, I find them rather cumbersome. Their length and flexibility make them awkward to carry around, difficult to maneuver around the bike when locking up, and a hassle to untangle when you’re ready to ride.
Having said that, they are still better than no security at all for components like quick-release wheels or seat posts. If you have these, some form of protection is definitely needed.
However, it’s crucial to understand that a cable lock offers only minimal protection. A determined thief can easily take your wheel or seat even if secured with a cable lock.
Frankly, there are much more secure and user-friendly alternatives for protecting your wheels and seat. Exploring these options before considering a cable lock for this purpose is highly recommended.
Conclusion: Ditch the Bike Cable Lock for Real Security
The most vital message regarding bike security is this: avoid using bike cable locks to secure your bicycle.
If everyone stopped using these ineffective locks, bicycle theft rates would likely decrease significantly.
It’s understandable why they’re appealing. They promise convenience—lightweight, easy to use and carry, and very cheap. But they utterly fail at their core purpose: safeguarding your bike from theft.
While you won’t find another lock type that perfectly replicates all the practical qualities of a cable lock, you can find locks that offer some of those advantages while actually deterring thieves.
Consider which aspects of cable locks are most important to you and what compromises you’re willing to make.
Then, use my simple three-step guide to find a bike lock that balances user-friendliness with robust theft protection!
Further Reading:
- Best U-locks for Bicycle Security
- How to Properly Lock Your Bike
- Win a Free Bike! (Giveaway)
Win a Free Bike!
Image: Website promotion for a bike giveaway contest. Alt text: Enter to win a free bike! Website promotion for bicycle giveaway contest.
