Combination Bike Locks often get a bad rap. Many cyclists dismiss them outright, believing they offer inferior security compared to their keyed counterparts. This perception is often fueled by negative experiences with flimsy, low-quality locks. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all combination bike locks are created equal. The reality is more nuanced, and high-quality combination locks can offer a significant level of protection, especially against opportunistic bike thieves.
The Misconception: Cheap Cable Locks and Combinations
The primary source of this negative perception stems from the prevalence of cheap cable locks that utilize combination mechanisms. These cable locks are notoriously vulnerable, easily defeated in seconds with basic tools readily available to bike thieves. Because these flimsy cable locks often feature combination dials, the weakness of the cable is mistakenly attributed to the combination mechanism itself. This leads to a generalized belief that all combination locks are inherently insecure.
However, this is a fallacy of generalization. Just as there are robust keyed locks and weak keyed locks, the same spectrum of quality exists within combination locks. A high-quality combination lock, constructed with durable materials and featuring a sophisticated mechanism, is a different beast entirely from a cheap cable lock.
How Secure is a Good Combination Bike Lock?
When we talk about “decent” combination locks, we’re referring to models built with hardened steel shackles and intricate combination mechanisms, typically featuring 4 or 5 dials. These locks are designed to resist common bike theft techniques.
Firstly, picking combination locks, especially those with multiple dials and anti-picking features, requires a level of skill and patience that most street bike thieves simply don’t possess. The time and effort required to methodically manipulate the dials to find the correct combination make it an impractical approach in a public setting where they are exposed and under time pressure.
Secondly, while brute force attacks are a concern for all types of bike locks, a well-constructed combination lock can withstand significant force. Thieves might attempt to cut or break the lock, but reputable combination locks are made from hardened steel alloys that resist cutting tools and are designed to make forceful attacks time-consuming and noisy – deterrents in themselves.
In many real-world scenarios, a good combination lock offers a level of protection comparable to a decent keyed lock. For opportunistic thieves looking for a quick score, the visual deterrent of a robust lock, be it combination or keyed, is often enough to send them searching for an easier target.
Choosing a Secure Combination Lock
If you’re considering a combination bike lock, it’s essential to choose wisely. Look for locks that have achieved a recognized security rating, such as Sold Secure Silver (although Gold is rare for combination locks). This certification indicates that the lock has undergone independent testing and meets a minimum security standard.
Features to consider include:
- Number of Dials: 4 or 5 dials significantly increase the number of possible combinations, making guessing or manipulation virtually impossible.
- Anti-Shim Features: Some locks incorporate features to resist shimming attacks, where thin pieces of material are used to bypass the locking mechanism.
- Material Quality: Hardened steel shackles and robust construction are crucial for resisting cutting and brute force attacks.
Wrapping Up: Combination Locks as a Viable Option
While it’s true that combination locks as a category might be perceived as less secure than keyed locks as a category, this is largely due to the association with cheap, low-quality products. A well-chosen combination bike lock from a reputable brand, featuring a robust design and security certifications, can provide a level of security that is perfectly adequate for many cyclists, particularly in lower-risk environments. They offer convenience and eliminate the worry of losing keys, making them a practical and secure option to consider for protecting your bike.
