Bike locks Black Friday: U and foldable ones on sale

What type of lock for which parking situation?

The location where the bike is secured determines the type of lock. Outside at night or for hours in front of a station, use a robust U-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock. For short stops of a few hours, a foldable lock can be stored on the frame and wrap around thick posts. Cable locks and frame locks complement a main lock for the front wheel or a brief pause. Alarms, disc locks, and anchoring points are found in other locks.

Security levels and certifications: what to compare

Each manufacturer rates their locks on their own scale, from 1 to 15 with Abus, and from 1 to 10 with Kryptonite. These numbers rank models within the same brand, never between two different brands. To compare, rely on independent certifications: SRA in France, often required by insurers, Sold Secure in the UK, from Bronze to Diamond, and ART in the Netherlands, which awards stars.

Understanding a discount on a lock

A single name of a range covers several sizes and lots, which is why there are apparent duplicates on this page, each with its own price. A promotion can only be assessed between two identical references; before comparing two discounts, check:

• the dimensions: width and height of the U-shackle, length and thickness of a chain, length when unfolded of a foldable lock;
• the lock mechanism: key or combination, number of keys provided, possibility to rekey;
• the accessories: transport holder, additional cable or cover, included or not;
• the version: integrated alarm, compatibility with a plug-in chain, colour.

References help sort them out: Onguard lists sizes in the name of its models, and with Abus, the number after the slash indicates length in centimeters, K signifies the key, and SH indicates the included holder. Detailed advice, format by format, remains on the bike locks page, open all year round.

Lock brands on promotion

Seatylock has certified its foldable Foldylock Forever Gold by Sold Secure and three stars by ART; the brand also offers the Viking chain, in Silver or Gold finish, and the U-lock Mason.

Abus reserves its Granit range for the most robust locks, from the U Granit Super Extreme to the Bordo Granit foldable lock, and equips many of its models with the XPlus cylinder, designed to resist picking.

Kryptonite, an American brand, ranges its series from the Keeper, meant for quiet neighbourhoods, to the New York, for the most exposed parking situations, including the Kryptolok and the Evolution.

Auvray, a French specialist in bicycle locks, offers SRA-approved U-locks like the Uforce10, Xtrem chain sets, and fixed anchoring points for a garage or courtyard.

Onguard offers its U Pitbull, with a 14 mm shackle, in standard size of 115 by 230 mm and Mini of 90 by 140 mm, which is easier to fit into a bag.

After the promotion

End-of-line locks are moved to clearance, and new models arrive in new arrivals. To complete the rest of the bike, including lighting, saddlebags, or mudguards, return to the Black Friday bike equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What level of lock is needed for an electric bike?

An electric bike warrants a high-level lock, a thick U-lock or heavy-duty chain, passed through the frame and around a fixed point. If the battery is removable, take it with you or ensure that it is locked in its housing.

Do you really need two locks?

For long or exposed parking, yes: a U-lock paired with a chain, or any other duo of formats, forces a thief to have two tools. The second lock also secures the front wheel, which a single U-lock may not always hold with the frame.

Do you have to wait until Friday for a discounted lock?

No. The Friday after Thanksgiving lends its name to the promotion, but on Vélo-Store, Black Friday deals on locks run throughout November. Each size, length, or lot with a holder remains a distinct reference, so open the product sheet before comparing two discounts.

How to properly secure your bike?

Pass the lock through the frame and rear wheel around a solid fixed point, leaving as little slack as possible to hinder a lever or jack. Turn the lock mechanism down and keep the lock away from the ground, where it can be struck more easily.

What to do if you lose the key to your lock?

Several manufacturers provide a card or number to order additional keys: keep it separate, never with the bike. A combination lock avoids this issue, provided you write down the combination in a safe place.