More than 265,000 bicycles changed hands in Germany in 2022. However, not in a legal way. According to Statista, the number of bike thefts rose by almost 15 percent compared to the previous year. The fact that the figures from the 2010s are still a long way off is of little consolation to the victims. The statistics do not record whether the thieves picked the locks or whether the bike was parked carelessly and was therefore easy prey. Basically it doesn’t matter. Anyone who lets their bike out of sight – even if only for a few minutes – should secure it with a bike lock.
The motto has always been: the thicker the steel, the safer. Because the larger the tool that the thieves need, the more conspicuous the action. But the more robust the chain or shackle, the heavier and more unwieldy the locks are usually. And yet: The ultimate security that a well-known manufacturer proclaims for its most expensive products does not exist. Or is it? Bicycle locks with an alarm function have been on the rise for several years. The manufacturers are ultimately copying what has been around in cars for some time (although it is rarely used). A spiral lock with an alarm is available for less than 30 euros. If you want a U-lock or folding lock with a “beep”, you should budget between 50 and 120 euros.
A bicycle lock with an alarm is intended to scare the suspected thief and draw the attention of passers-by to his intentions. The alarm is triggered as soon as someone tampers with the lock without the right key. While only a short warning signal sounds in the event of small vibrations or a ball flying against the wheel, the lock reacts with a loud alarm signal of up to 100 dB if the lock is manipulated for a longer period of time or if the lock is cut through. That corresponds roughly to the noise of a chainsaw or a jackhammer and should put any thieves to flight.
Important: The loudest alarm is useless if the lock’s batteries are dead. Therefore, check the charge level regularly. With some manufacturers, after connecting the bike, a short acoustic signal sounds, indicating that the alarm is armed. If there is no signal, the batteries should be replaced.
With the in-house security level ten (out of a maximum of 15), the Abus Bordo 6000 is one of the most stable and secure bicycle locks, even without an alarm. In addition to U-locks, folding locks such as the Bordo 6000 are too tedious a task for bicycle thieves. For this you have to calculate an additional weight of about 1.3 kilograms when driving. That’s what the Bordo 6000KA with alarm function weighs in the 90 cm version. If you want to be on the safe side, you can use the 30 centimeters longer model, which only costs a few euros more. With a 20 second long and 100 dB warning tone, the Abus lock should screw up the coup of thieves. Abus calls the technology behind it 3D position detection. This should detect suspicious vibrations.
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The heavyweight in this mini comparison is a steel chain lock from Nean. The almost 1500 grams of steel are covered with a robust, UV-resistant plastic fabric. Here, too, the integrated alarm reacts to vibrations on the lock or locking head. The 95 dB warning tone should quickly put petty criminals to flight. At 90 centimeters long, the Nean bike lock is slightly shorter than other locks with an alarm. But the flexible square chain links allow the lock to also secure mopeds or motorcycles. The price is currently unbeatable (as of May 2023).
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Spiral locks are particularly popular when locking children’s bikes. They are comparatively light and very flexible. Most little racers have no trouble locking and unlocking their bikes with it. Disadvantage of flexi locks: Compared to U-locks and folding locks, the security level is rather low. An additional acoustic alarm is all the more useful for the practical locks. The Security Plus spiral lock also has this. It is 120 centimeters long and equipped with a motion detector at one end. Which in turn is powered by a 9V block battery. A 105 dB alarm signal should be enough to deter thieves from stealing the secured bike. At 560 grams, this bike lock with alarm is one of the lighter in this small comparison.
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After all, Abus classifies the U-lock 440A USH at security level eight in its in-house ranking. Technically, the 1100 gram lock can keep up with the Bordo 6000KA in the folding version. The 3D Position Detection System registers unusual vibrations and movements and sounds an alarm for 15 seconds with a warning signal of at least 100 dB. After that, this alarm will arm itself again. The round shackle made of hardened steel has a diameter of twelve millimeters. As with almost all Abus locks, the right bracket for the bike is also included in the scope of delivery.
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You’re only lugging around an additional 460 grams if you have the alarm spiral lock from Fischer on board. In this rating, the cable lock is right at the front. And when it comes to volume, it can keep up with the folding and bracket versions. According to the manufacturer, thieves who tamper with it get a loud and deterrent beeping of up to 110 dB in their ears. The alarm responds to impact or movement and as soon as the coiled cable is severed. The included bracket, which can be mounted on the frame, is rather rare for coil locks.
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What: statista.de
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