A bike lock is a nifty way to keep your bike secure and protect it from bike theft.
But while this simple tool helps you keep your bike safe, you need to keep your lock safe, too, when you’re not riding.
Where to put bike lock while riding, though?
It can be cumbersome to carry big, heavy locks on your handlebars while riding. So, which is the best place to store them?
Here we list different options to choose from for carrying your bike locks. This will help you travel light, offer better protection against bolt cutters, and look sleek while assuring you of bike lock safety while cycling.
Learn where to put the bike lock while riding in more detail below.
Contents
Bike Lock Mount
A bike lock mount is specifically designed for carrying locks on bikes. This makes it an ideal place to put your bike lock while cycling.
Many lock brands sell D-locks, U-locks, and folding locks with lock mounts. If your D-lock, U-lock, or cable lock didn’t come with one, don’t worry. A lock mount can be purchased separately, too.
However, note that chain locks usually don’t come with lock mounts. This is because most chains are too heavy and cannot be mounted onto a bike frame.
Wondering where to put your bike lock while riding?
You can fix your mount directly onto different parts of your bike frame, like the top frame, seat post, seat tube, top tube, or down tube with the help of screw holes.
Even if your bike doesn’t have screw holes, some bike locks have Velcro straps that help you secure the lock mount to your bike’s frame.
Just avoid bike parts like seat stays or chain stays to prevent accidents.
Once you attach the mount to your bike, you can easily clip or slide your bike lock into the frame mount while cycling. You may remove it once you reach your destination.
A mount will allow you to keep your U-lock or D-lock out of the way while cycling and help you lock up your bicycle easily and quickly.
You can store even a bigger D-lock like the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini on a frame mount as long as it is compatible with your specific lock model.
Pannier Bag, Saddlebag, or Basket
A pannier bag, saddlebag, or basket are bulkier ways to carry your bicycle lock than a mount. Nonetheless, they are still great options for safely storing your lock while riding.
Not everyone has a bike with these storage options, which can make them a niche option. But if your bike has one, you can easily fit any type of bike lock, including bike chain locks, D-locks, U-locks, folding locks, cable locks, and other locks into them.
They help you stay hands-free while keeping your bike lock safe and secure. You can also store a second lock or other bike gear in them, so you have everything you need for your ride handy.
While transporting your bike lock this way, just make sure you evenly distribute the weight across your bike. This will ensure you do not lose balance while riding.
Backpack
This option is not as great as a pannier, basket, bike rack, or saddlebag, as you will have to carry all the weight on your body.
This can reduce your cycling power and affect your performance, especially on long rides. But if you usually carry a backpack or bag on a ride, consider storing your bike lock in it.
Just make sure to check how much your bike lock weighs. Most folding bike locks and U-locks are small and lightweight and fit easily into most backpacks. So you can easily carry your bike lock while cycling.
But chain locks are usually bigger and heavier and, therefore, more difficult to transport in a bag. If you have a heavy chain lock, stick to a pannier or basket.
But if you have a shorter chain lock with a link thickness of less than 12 mm, you should be able to carry it in most bags.
While carrying your bike lock in a backpack, remember that it can get wet and dirty and soil your backpack. So, it’s best to put your lock in a plastic bag before putting it in your backpack to avoid having to clean your backpack later.
Hang It On The Bike Frame Or Handlebars
If you don’t have a frame mount, pannier, or bag and need a quick fix, you can carry your bike lock on the frame with the right tools. But in this case, you’ll have to be careful to secure your lock properly on the frame, as it may otherwise fall off while biking.
The most common way to hang your lock on your bike frame is to wrap a chain lock around your bike’s seat post. But the success of this method largely depends on the length of the chain and your bike setup.
Nonetheless, it is excellent for most locks like D-locks, folding locks, cable locks, and other bike locks.
Ensure the chain or lock does not interfere with your front wheel, rear wheel, or brake cables to prevent accidents. Also, if you love your bike’s paintwork, see that it does not bang against the frame.
U-locks tend to be slightly trickier in this aspect. If you have a U-lock in small size and enough space inside your bike seat rails, you can thread it through the rails so it hangs down behind the seat.
You could also hang your U-lock or other locks on the top bar or handlebars in a pinch. But this may not be the best option, as the lock may not remain stable, and you will have to anchor it with your hand.
Also, remember that hanging your bike lock on your frame or handlebars is not a permanent solution. So, you should get a more hardy solution as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Keeping your bike locked when you’re not riding is vital for adequate bike security but so is taking care of your lock when it’s not in use.
Our tips on where to put your bike lock while riding will not only keep your bike lock safe on rides but it will save you time.
You can also try other methods, like keeping the lock securely fastened through a belt strap holder or belt loop on your trousers or jeans.
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Last Updated on June 27, 2023 by Danijel Cakalic
