6 tips to protect your bike against theft

6 tips to protect your bike against theft

From simple city bikes to competition bikes to mountain bikes, all bikes are attractive to thieves. An expert only needs seconds to steal a ... locked bike. So you need more than a padlock. Here are six practical tips to protect your bike against theft.

1. Invest in the purchase of a quality U-shaped padlock

Tests have shown that it only takes about ten seconds to get rid of a padlock that paid for more than forty dollars! Hammer, bolt cutter, hacksaw - these are the tools used by thieves who make a mouthful of inexpensive padlocks. To make the task more difficult, don't hesitate to protect your bike with two locking systems, a U-lock and a hardened steel chain for example.
2. Lock the frame and the front wheel

Lock them to a strong attachment point that is firmly anchored to the ground, ideally a bicycle rack. If you can remove the front wheel easily, do so and padlock it to the rest of the bicycle. Remove your saddle and drag it with you.
3. Tuck your bike inside

Bring your bicycle indoors as often as you can or choose a well-lit parking lot near other bikes. It is not foolproof, but it may deter an inexperienced thief.
4. Personalize your bicycle

Thieves don't like to steal bikes that have their mark covered with stickers, tape or even paint, as they are much harder to resell.
5. Register your bike

Participate in

in collaboration with the police (in Montreal) or check with your police department for their registration program. Often your bike will be chipped and the serial numbers noted. Certain organizations bringing together amateurs will also offer you a similar service.
6. Take a picture of your bicycle

Better yet, have someone take a photo of you on your bike to provide proof of ownership. Keep these documents in a file, remembering to write down the serial number of your bike, because it is thanks to this number that you will be able to identify it if, despite all your precautions, you are stolen.