Most people wouldn’t leave their cars parked unlocked, and it’s no different with a bike. Leaving your bike unlocked outside a store or your work is risky. You don’t want to make it easy for thieves to take your bike. Especially if it’s your primary means of transportation or you’ve put a lot of money into it.
Bike riders may find it easier to store locks in a garage, a drawer, or a closet when they’re not riding. However, a common question riders face is how to carry cable lock on bike while they’re riding. Ultimately what one rider chooses will be different from another, but here are some common ways to carry a cable lock on a bike.
Cable locks have been around for a long time and are used by many bike owners. These locks are cables made of steel and have a lock that fastens at both ends. The cables usually have a cover that contains plastic and can often come in different colors. Some cable locks use a combination to secure your bike. Others use a key.
How to Carry Cable Lock on Bike
1. Around the Handlebar
Since cable locks can bend and wind around various objects, wrapping them around your bike’s handlebar is an easy method. Your bike’s handlebar is in a convenient central location away from pedals, chains, and other obstructions. And you can keep an eye on it while you’re riding so you’ll remember where you put it.
While you’re whizzing away, you’ll want to lock the chain in place and not just wind it around the handlebar. This way, you’ll make sure that it doesn’t fall off. You won’t lose the chain or be in danger of it flying and hitting you. Winding your cable lock around the handlebars won’t impact the way your bike rides, either.
Wrapping your lock around the handlebars is a fast, convenient way to take it with you. When you reach your destination, you won’t have to reach into a backpack to find it. Plus, you’ll get a little bit of an extra workout each time you wrap and unwrap it. If you’ve got a flashy or unique cable lock, it can also add a new look and style to the front of your bike.
2. In a Backpack
It may be less convenient once you reach your destination, but some riders opt to carry a cable lock in a backpack or small bag. Carrying your lock this way keeps the lock in a safe location, and you won’t have to worry about it accidentally coming undone or falling off your bike. If you’re already riding around with a backpack or small storage bag anyway, it makes the most sense.
Some of the drawbacks to using this method include extra weight in your bag and the chance that you’ll forget you put the cable lock in there. If you’re concerned about the additional stress the weight of the lock will add to your neck and shoulders, a backpack may not be the best choice.
Once you get home, it can be difficult to remember you placed the lock in a backpack the next time you want to ride. If you tend to forget where you placed things, you might try placing a post-it note where you’ll see it. Write down where you put the lock. Or make yourself a digital note on your phone.
However, carrying your lock in your backpack can be convenient as you’re traveling. If you end up bringing your bike inside at work or someone’s house, you’ll have a place to carry your lock with you.
3: Wrapped Around the Side Frame
Besides the front handlebars, you can opt to wrap your cable lock around the side frame. To avoid having your feet or knees get in the way, you’ll want to wrap the lock around the part of the frame that’s located below your seat. While securing the lock is important, you want to leave some slack or flexibility so the lock isn’t wrapped too tightly.
With this method, you’ll still have easy access to the lock and remember that it’s there once you reach each stop. However, you won’t have to look at it during your ride. Some people like to keep things like this out of their direct line of sight since they find it distracting. However, some experts and riders don’t recommend wrapping a cable lock around a bike’s frame as it can lead to damage.
4: Keep it At the Destination
If you ride your bike to work every day and have a place to secure it at home, you might consider leaving your chain lock at work. As long as you can lock it in your desk or a cabinet, this method can make storing the lock easy and convenient.
You won’t have to remember to take it off. Or place it back on your bike each time you ride. There’s also little chance you’re going to forget which backpack or bag you put the cable in. The disadvantage to doing it this way is you won’t have the lock if you need it for other destinations. You can choose to purchase a separate lock for this purpose, but some riders consider this expensive and unnecessary.
5: Wear Your Lock
Have you thought about wearing your lock like a sash? If it’s long enough and fits, why not? You can strap the lock around your shoulder and under the arm, securing it into place. With the different colors, you can make a fashion statement as you ride. This is also a surefire way to ensure you won’t forget where you placed your lock.
Yet, some riders aren’t comfortable with wearing a cable lock while riding. They may feel as though their movement is more restricted. Some may also have safety concerns. If they were to fall, the impact against the chain could cause a more serious injury.
Whichever method you use, the choice is up to you!
