Bicycle Lock Selection and Using Frame Lock Mounts

Introduction: There Is No Such Thing as an Unstealable Bike

Let’s start with a harsh fact: if a thief really wants to steal your bike, no lock can stop them forever. The purpose of a security lock is not to make the bike “unstealable,” but to make the thief think, “This is too much trouble—stealing someone else’s bike is faster.”

In Taiwan, bicycle theft cases increase every year, especially at train stations, convenience store entrances, and parks. Protecting a NT$50,000 bike with a NT$100 combination lock isn’t being frugal—it’s doing the thief a favor.

Types of Security Locks

U-Lock

Feature	Description
Security Level	★★★★★
Weight	800-1500g
Portability	★★
Price	NT$800-3,000
Weakness	Hydraulic cutters, angle grinders

Pros:

• Cannot be cut (with ordinary pliers)
• High-security lock cylinder
• The lock type thieves fear most

Cons:

• Heavy
• Limited locking range
• Inconvenient to carry

Recommended brands: Kryptonite, Abus, OnGuard

Folding Lock

Feature	Description
Security Level	★★★★
Weight	700-1200g
Portability	★★★★
Price	NT$1,000-3,500
Weakness	Large bolt cutters

Pros:

• Easy to store (compact when folded)
• Long enough to secure frame + wheels
• More flexible than a U-lock

Cons:

• The joints are weak points
• Higher price

Recommended brands: Abus Bordo, Kryptonite

Chain Lock

Feature	Description
Security Level	★★★-★★★★
Weight	1000-3000g
Portability	★
Price	NT$500-4,000
Weakness	Angle grinders

Pros:

• Most flexible—can lock around any shape
• Many length options
• Can secure multiple bikes

Cons:

• Heaviest option
• Difficult to carry

Cable Lock

Feature	Description
Security Level	★-★★
Weight	200-500g
Portability	★★★★★
Price	NT$100-500
Weakness	Ordinary pliers

Serious Warning: Cable locks only deter “opportunistic theft” and are completely useless against a prepared thief. Never rely on a cable lock alone to protect a valuable bike!

Combination Lock vs. Key Lock

Comparison	Combination Lock	Key Lock
Convenience	No key to carry	Must carry a key
Security	Lower	Higher
Risk of Forgetting	Forgetting the code	Losing the key
Bypassing	Code can be guessed	Cylinder is hard to pick

Recommendation: Use a key lock for high-value bikes; combination locks are acceptable for commuter bikes.

How to Lock Your Bike Properly

Basic Principles

1. Lock the frame, not just the wheels: Wheels are quick-release; locking only a wheel is as good as not locking at all
2. Lock to a fixed object: Streetlight poles, fixed bike racks
3. Lock as high off the ground as possible: It’s easier to apply force to break a lock at ground level
4. Leave as little space inside the lock as possible: Don’t give thieves room to insert tools

Advanced Locking Methods

The Gold Standard (Double-Lock Method):

1. Use a U-lock to secure the frame + rear wheel to a fixed object
2. Use a cable lock to also secure the front wheel
3. With two different types of locks, a thief needs two different tools

Best Single-Lock Strategy:

1. Remove the front wheel and place it next to the rear wheel
2. Pass the U-lock through the frame, front wheel, rear wheel, and the fixed object
3. One lock now protects the three most valuable parts

What NOT to Do

• Locking only the front wheel (the rear wheel and frame will be carried off whole)
• Locking to a removable railing
• Locking too low (easier to apply force at ground level)
• Using a cable lock alone
• Not giving the lock a tug to test it after locking

Using Frame Lock Mounts

What Is a Frame Lock Mount?

Some commuter and touring bikes have pre-drilled lock mounts near the chainstay or seat tube, allowing you to install an integrated frame lock or an external lock mount.

Common Frame Lock Systems

Ring Lock / Café Lock:

• Mounted near the rear wheel
• When engaged, it directly immobilizes the rear wheel
• Does not prevent the whole bike from being carried away
• Suitable for short stops (popping into a convenience store)
• Can be extended with a plug-in chain

ABUS Frame Lock Mount:

• Some frames feature ABUS-standard lock mounts
• Compatible with ABUS folding locks
• Convenient storage—no extra bag needed

Lock Mount Maintenance

• Regularly apply lubricant to the lock cylinder
• Check that mounting bolts haven’t come loose
• Keep the ring lock mechanism clean
• The cylinder may freeze in winter (not a concern in Taiwan)

Upgrading Anti-Theft Accessories

Anti-Theft Quick Releases

Replace the quick-release skewers on your front wheel and seatpost with anti-theft versions that require tools to remove:

Brand	Type	Price	Security Level
Pitlock	Special key	NT$1,500-3,000	★★★★★
Hexlox	Hex locking	NT$500-1,000	★★★★
Pinhead	Special tool	NT$800-1,500	★★★★

GPS Trackers

• Hide an Apple AirTag inside the frame tube
• Dedicated bicycle GPS trackers
• These are only a supplement—they cannot replace a good lock

Bike Registration

• Register your frame number at the police station
• Keep your proof of purchase
• Take photos of the frame number and the full bike

Parking Safety Tips for Taiwan

High-Risk Areas

• Near train stations / MRT stations
• Night markets / shopping districts
• Parks
• Near schools
• Anywhere you plan to stop “just for a minute”

Safe Parking Strategies

1. Choose locations with surveillance cameras
2. Park in busy areas
3. Don’t park in the same spot every day
4. Bring the bike indoors whenever possible
5. At convenience store entrances? Lock it up or bring it inside

Taiwan Experience: Many cyclists don’t lock their bikes when running into a convenience store for supplies, thinking they’ll only be inside for 2 minutes. But many bikes disappear within exactly those 2 minutes.

Lock Maintenance

Lock Cylinder Maintenance

1. Spray a small amount of cylinder-specific lubricant into the keyhole monthly
2. Don’t use WD-40 (it attracts dust)
3. Use graphite powder when the key doesn’t turn smoothly

Lock Body Maintenance

1. Apply anti-rust oil to metal parts regularly
2. Don’t let water seep under rubber covers
3. Lubricate the joints of folding locks regularly

Key Management

1. Keep at least one spare key at home
2. Write down the lock’s model and serial number (some brands can cut replacement keys)
3. Don’t keep all your keys together

Conclusion

A security lock is one of the most important accessories for your bike—because without a lock, you might not have a bike at all. Invest in a good lock, learn the correct locking technique, and build the habit of locking up every time.

Remember: whatever your bike is worth, your lock should be worth one-tenth of that. A NT$50,000 bike paired with a NT$5,000 lock is completely reasonable.

The best anti-theft strategy? Never let the bike leave your sight. But that’s not very practical, so go buy a good lock instead.

Related Reading

• The Complete Guide to Bicycle Security Locks: Full Protection from Lock Selection to Parking Strategy
• The Complete Guide to Bicycle Security Locks: Comparing Security Levels of U-Locks, Chain Locks, and Folding Locks
• Bicycle Anti-Theft Device Comparison: U-Lock vs. Chain Lock vs. AirTag Tracking
• Bicycle Anti-Theft Strategies: Common Bicycle Theft Methods in Taiwan and How to Prevent Them