How to Mount a Bike Lock

Bike at Beach image by Karin Lau from Fotolia.com

Don't park your bike outside without using a bike lock to keep it secure. There are many different types of locks to choose from, but not all come with their own bike mounting devices. Unless you want to carry your bike lock in a backpack, you'll need to find a way to attach the lock to your bike frame so that you can carry it with you and lock your bike wherever you stop and park your bike.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bike lock
Bungee cord (optional)
Water bottle holder (optional)

Step 1

Cable- and chain-style locks can be wrapped around the frame of the bike above the seat post and locked to hold them around the bike. The seat post will keep the lock from moving around and keep it out of your way.

Step 2

U-Lock-style bike locks often come with their own mounting brackets. If you lose the bracket, you can replace it by locking the bike lock to an empty water bottle holder. You can also secure it to your bike frame or a rear rack with a bungee cord.

Step 3

Small bike locks can be stored in a bike bag that straps to the handlebars or the seat of the bike.

Tips & Warnings

If you always park your bike at the same rack outside an apartment or a dorm, you might be able to store a heavy lock on the rack itself.

Make sure you keep your bike lock keys with your door key so you don't lose it.

If you store your lock on your "home" rack, you won't have it with you for unplanned stops along your route. Keep a second lighter lock stored on your bike for quick errands.

Always remove valuables from your bike's storage when you leave it parked.

Article Written By Denise Bertacchi

Denise Bertacchi is a freelance writer with a degree in journalism from Southeast Missouri State University. She is a St. Louis suburbanite who has written for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Boys' Life, Wisconsin Trails, and Missouri Life.

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