There are many locks that are designed for a bicycle. They differ in price, design, the material of manufacture and installation rules. If you plan to buy a chain lock, it is advisable to study all the varieties beforehand in order to choose a product that meets the user’s requirements.
Features of Bike Chain Locks
During the selection of the chain lock, the number of speeds on the bike is taken into account. Experts assure that if the number of speeds varies from 6 to 8, then for such models of bikes it is allowed to use the same designs, which greatly simplifies the process of finding a suitable product.
Attention! If a person is represented by the owner of several bikes with the same number of speeds, then he will not have to buy several locks at once.
In different brands of bicycles, chains similar in appearance and design are installed. They are formed from easily removable links assembled from special plates. Due to this structure, it is not difficult to open the elements.
During the purchase of a lock with a chain, the condition of the box is necessarily studied. It contains information from the manufacturer, which allows you to properly perform installation or disassembly. When choosing a product, the number of speeds on the bike is taken into account. Models designed for single-speed or multi-speed bikes have numerous differences. For bicycles with a large number of speeds, designs are selected in which rivets are hidden behind special plates.
The advantages of a chain lock include:
- Ease of installation and use;
- If necessary, the product is installed or dismantled with your own hands;
- The chain is easily removed, after which it is easily installed in place;
- Some lock models can be used for multiple bikes, which is important for owners of two or three bikes.
But these products are not without drawbacks, which include a low strength index. Since the lock can be disassembled, the fasteners are considered unreliable, so they break down quite quickly with frequent use. Additionally, there is a risk of breaking the chain in the place where the structure is mounted. Therefore, when installing it yourself, it is important to act extremely carefully.
The Main Varieties of Bike Locks
Since the equipment is presented in several types, it is advisable to study the design of these models, as well as determine how they are properly installed and opened. This will allow you to choose the best option for the existing bike.
Bike Locks With Two Pins
Such a lock is considered obsolete, but it is still often used by cyclists. The product is intended for single-speed chains.
The features of Lockwood locks for a bicycle with two pins include:
- It has a very simple design, because it is represented by a cheek on which there are two pins;
- The pins are inserted into the chain links, after which they are securely fixed with a washer, and also secured with a locking cheek;
- To install the lock, you have to use pliers that clamp the cheek and pin, and only from the side where there is no incision;
- With significant pressure by passengers, a reliable fixation of the structure is ensured;
- It is allowed to use a screwdriver, but it is difficult to work with it, and it is also important to properly rest against the edge of the cheek;
- Another feature of this design is the ease of opening, since for this you only need to grab the pin with the cheek pliers, after which the lock opens with light pressure.
Bike Locks With 2 Symmetrical Parts
This lock is considered the most popular and convenient to use. It is suitable for almost all models of bicycle chains installed on multi-speed bicycles. But users note significant difficulties during the removal of the lock.
The features of such a product include:
- It is allowed to put this lock on bicycles with your favourite number of speeds;
- The installation process is considered very simple, since the structure does not have to be snapped;
- The product closes after a few clicks on the pedal;
- You can manually pull the chain in any direction, which will allow the lock to snap, so a characteristic sound will appear, but it is important to check that all the elements are connected correctly, and there are no distortions or other problems;
- To remove the symmetrical model, you will have to use pliers that bend the chain, and it is important to get a U-shape;
- In this position, with the help of pliers, you will have to force the lock diagonally, which leads to a shift of two symmetrical parts.
Conclusion
Chain locks for bicycles are considered popular and convenient products that can be installed or dismantled with their own hands. For this job, you do not need to have specific skills or sophisticated equipment. They have many advantages over analogues and are also affordable. But during their selection, the features of the bike and the number of speeds are necessarily taken into account. Some locks can be used for multiple bikes.
