How to choose the right lock for your bike

According to a survey conducted for the Ministry of Transport, 25% of French people ride a bicycle at least once a week . And while many measures and systems have been put in place to support the strong growth in cycling , thefts are holding back this enthusiasm. The Academy of Active Mobility (Adma) has also carried out a unique study in France in 2023 on the subject . It estimates that there are between 350,000 and 580,000 thefts per year. The Adma explains that people who had owned their bike for less than two years at the time of the theft are more likely to give up cycling. The most daring, who do not give up riding in the city, tend to invest in a better lock, "a sign of a learning effect in securing the bike following a theft," specifies the Adma.

On this subject, the French Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB) has just published the annual results of its bicycle lock tests. Launched in 2004, these tests have become a benchmark. To date, more than 600 products and dozens of brands have been tested. The FUB classifies approved locks into two certification levels:

• “1 wheel” level: awarded to anti-theft devices that resist break-ins with “discreet” tools, with dimensions less than 30 cm.

• the “2-wheel” level: awarded to anti-theft devices that resist more aggressive but less discreet tools, dimensions less than 75 cm.

To choose the right lock, it's important to remember that only the "2-wheel" rating is recognized and accepted by insurers. Of the 46 locks tested this year, 30 received the "2-wheel" rating. The other 16 were made due to poor steel quality. They break when twisted, cut with bolt cutters, or cut with a hand saw. This applies to all types of locks (U-shaped, folding, or chain).

For example, in the same price ranges and from the same manufacturer, the AXA Newton 300 (44 euros) is not recommended while the AXA Newton Mini (46 euros) and Pro (47 euros) are. The same is true for the Kryptonite brand. The Keeper 790 Combo Chain (52.90 euros) has "1 wheel", while the Plug-In (52 euros) has "2 wheels".

The FUB also warns against products sold exclusively online at attractive prices that turn out to be of poor quality. To guide consumer choices, more and more manufacturers are placing the "tested and approved by the FUB" logo on their packaging.