We see a lot of talk online and quite a few bikes out there locked up with modern ‘Angle Grinder Proof’ locks. They are designed to take so long to cut with an angle grinder that it makes your bike secure but….
There is another side to this and we think it’s important that you understand before splashing out £250+ on a bicycle lock.
Image credit Hiplok
Angle Grinder Proof DX1000 locked to an angle grinder friendly galvanised steel tube.
First thing we would ask is do you know if the object you are locking your bike to is angle grinder proof?
Most Sheffield Stands are just steel tubes easily cut by an angle grinder.
Secondly what part of the bike are you locking up?
Many ‘Angle Grinder Proof’ locks are designed for locking the frame, we’ve seen many bikes stripped of many if not all of their parts because the lock was too hefty, it has even happened to our hire bikes in the past.
If the thief is bright and determined does the position of your lock make it hard for them to ride off if they cut the bike stand instead of the lock?
Trying to defend your bike against thieves can be virtually impossible in every situation but we have a few answers that will make your bike a lot less ‘nickable’.
First and most obvious. Use our high security facilities when you visit the City Centre or Meadowhall. At only £5.50 per month your angle grinder proof lock price would give you near enough 5 years of membership!
Thieves aren’t necessarily looking for a whole bike either, are your wheels secure, your seatpost and saddle can be adjusted quickly with a quick release but it also means it can be removed just as speedily. We’ve even seen bikes slowly be stripped of every part bar the frame as it becomes clear the owner isn’t coming back just like the one below.
So before you commit to spending all that money on and ‘Angle Grinder Proof’ bicycle lock there may be cheaper and ultimately better ways to keep your bicycle secure.
