U Lock Black Friday: discounts from mini to long

Three steps to take before choosing a U-lock

First, measure what the lock needs to surround: the frame tube, rear tyre, and typical frame must fit in the inner space, which is 90 x 140 mm for a mini U, about 115 x 230 mm for a standard U, and more for a long model. Then, determine the thickness of the shackle, often indicated in the name: 11 mm for a daytime lock in a quiet area, and 14 mm and above for a bike that sleeps outdoors, with the associated weight. The strength criteria are detailed on the bike U-lock page, available all year round.

Compare two U-locks on sale

A discount on a U-lock is valid if the format, contents, bracket, and lock are identical: before looking at a crossed-out price, check these four items on the product page.

• The format: the same series often comes in mini, standard, and long versions.
• The contents of the set: lock alone, or accompanied by a cable for the front wheel.
• The bracket: included or not, and suitable for the diameter of your tube.
• The lock and its version: a suffix like Plus, 2.0, or Duo changes the cylinder, certification, or contents of the box.

The U-lock brands on offer

Kryptonite offers most of its series in various formats, and this page gathers many of them: the Kryptolok in mini, standard, and long, the Evolution in mini and standard, alongside the Keeper and the New York. Two Kryptonite offers can only be compared at the same format.

Auvray presents here three SRA approved U-locks, the K10, the Uforce10, and the Extrem, and offers the Titan in two heights, 245 and 320 mm, with the same width of 165 mm.

Oxford varies its U-locks by the thickness of the shackle: 12 mm for the Patrol 1.0, 13 mm for the Sentry 2.0, 14 mm for the Sentinel 2.0. The Duo versions, at 320 mm, include a 1.2 m cable.

Zefal has its K-Traz U13, with a 13 mm shackle, certified by Sold Secure at the Silver level and by the FUB; it is sold alone or with a cable.

Trelock shows that the same name can hide two levels: the U4 and the U4 Plus share a 14 mm shackle and the ZB 401 bracket, but the Plus has an IN-X cylinder and Sold Secure Gold certification, compared to Bronze for the U4.

Completing the U-lock, before and after the offer

For the second wheel or a point of attachment that is too thick, a chain lock from the offer complements a U-lock well, and the page bike lock Black Friday shows all the other formats. Off the sale, check the clearance for end-of-line items and the new products for recent models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to check that the offer is for the right size of U-lock?

Check the width and height inside on the product page, sometimes written in the name, like 115 x 230. A U-lock that is too small won't close around the frame, and one that is too large will leave room for a lever.

Is one U-lock sufficient to secure both wheels?

Rarely: the shackle secures the frame and rear wheel, leaving the front wheel free. A version that comes with a cable solves the issue, otherwise a cable lock is needed.

Will the included bracket fit on an electric bike?

Not always: the battery often occupies the diagonal tube and large tubes sometimes exceed the clamping range. Check the acceptable diameter, or carry the U-lock in a bag.

Do you need an SRA certified U-lock to be insured?

It depends on your contract: some insurance companies require an SRA approved lock to cover bicycle theft. Read the terms before buying; the SRA mention appears in the name of the relevant models.

Do discounts on U-locks extend beyond Friday?

Yes. The Black Friday is named after the Friday following Thanksgiving, and Vélo-Store extends its Black Friday discounts on U-locks throughout November. To differentiate between two brands on promotion, rely on independent certifications, Sold Secure, SRA, or FUB, rather than in-house scales.