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A bicycle lock is a security device used on bicycles to prevent theft. Most bicycle locks are usually either U-locks or chain locks. An important difficulty in preventing the theft of a bicycle is that the wheels are easily detachable from the frame and that unless the bicycle is attached to an immobile object it can easily be carried away. Alternately only a wheel or wheels may be stolen.

To be effective it is clear that most locking devices need to be quite large and substantial to discourage serious theft. This makes them inconvenient and heavy. An alternate solution found in some countries is the provision of lockable boxes where the whole bicycle is locked in. This safeguards other equipment such as lamps, tolls, spare tubes etc.

U-locks

A U-lock is a rigid metal ring in the shape of the letter U. The U part of the lock attaches to a crossbar section. To lock the bicycle, one either locks the it phyiscally to some other object, or locks the frame to the spokes of the wheel, rendering the entire bicycle immobile. The most common brand name of U-lock is the Kryptonite lock.

Chain

A chain lock is a lockable chain. It often has a key or a combination lock attached to it. A long enough chain can pass through both wheels, the frame and attach the bicycle to an immovable object.

Wheel Lock

An early lock mounted on the frame and immobilising the rear wheel. It used a circular bolt which could be extended from a housing to pass through the rear wheel. Found particularly on Dutch bicycles.