Bicycle & Motorcycle Locks

About Bicycle & Motorcycle Locks

MyToolShed.co.uk supplies a comprehensive range of bicycle and motorcycle locks designed to protect your two-wheeled transport from theft. Whether you're securing a high-value road bike, a daily commuter bicycle, or a motorcycle parked in urban areas, our selection includes cable locks, U-locks, chain and padlock systems, and combination security solutions from trusted manufacturers including Master Lock, Abus, and Draper. These locks feature varying security ratings to match different risk environments, from lightweight deterrents for quick stops to heavy-duty armoured systems engineered to resist determined theft attempts.

Modern locks combine hardened steel construction with weather-resistant coatings essential for UK conditions, ensuring reliable operation throughout the year. Many products in our range carry Sold Secure ratings—an independent testing standard that grades locks from Bronze to Diamond based on resistance to common attack methods. MyToolShed stocks portable solutions including self-coiling designs, rigid shackle locks, and flexible braided steel cables, each offering different balances between security level, weight, and ease of transport for everyday use.

Applications

• Daily cycle commuters securing bikes at railway stations and workplaces
• Professional couriers and delivery riders requiring frequent access
• Motorcycle and scooter owners parking in public spaces and residential streets
• Cycle-to-work scheme participants needing insurance-approved security
• Tradespeople using bicycles or motorcycles for site-to-site transport
• University students and college attendees securing bikes on campus
• Leisure cyclists stopping at cafés, shops, and tourist attractions
• Fleet managers responsible for company bicycle schemes
• Mountain bikers and road cycling enthusiasts during rest stops
• Facility managers maintaining secure bike storage areas

Choosing The Right Bicycle & Motorcycle Locks

Select your lock based on the value of what you're protecting and the risk level of where you'll park. High-value bicycles and motorcycles in urban areas require Gold or Silver-rated U-locks or heavy-duty chains, whilst lower-risk suburban locations may suit Bronze-rated cable locks as deterrents. Always check your insurance policy requirements—many insurers specify minimum Sold Secure ratings for coverage to remain valid.

Consider portability for daily use. Heavier locks provide superior security but can be cumbersome to carry. Look for mounting brackets that attach to your frame or self-coiling designs that remain compact during transport. U-locks offer excellent cut resistance but require sufficient shackle clearance to fit around lampposts with your frame. Cable locks provide flexibility for securing wheels and frames simultaneously but generally offer lower security than rigid designs.

Choose between keyed and combination mechanisms based on convenience. Combination locks eliminate concerns about lost keys and can be reset if codes are compromised. Keyed locks often achieve higher security ratings, with keyed-alike options allowing one key to operate multiple locks. Weather-resistant coatings are essential in UK conditions to prevent mechanism freezing during winter months and maintain smooth year-round operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Sold Secure rating do I need for insurance purposes?

Most insurance policies for bicycles valued over £500 require minimum Sold Secure Silver or Gold ratings. Check your specific policy documents before purchasing, as requirements vary between insurers. Bronze ratings typically suffice for lower-value bikes in supervised areas, whilst Gold offers substantial protection for high-value bicycles in urban environments.

Should I use a cable lock or U-lock for my bicycle?

U-locks provide superior security with hardened steel shackles resistant to cutting and leverage attacks, making them ideal for high-risk areas. Cable locks offer flexibility for securing wheels and awkward frame geometries but are more vulnerable to bolt cutters. The most effective approach combines a U-lock through your frame and rear wheel with a secondary cable lock for the front wheel.

How do I prevent my lock freezing in winter?

Apply graphite powder or specialist lock lubricant to the mechanism before winter—avoid WD-40 as it attracts dirt. Lock covers provide additional moisture protection. If frozen, use hand warmth or de-icer spray rather than forcing the key or pouring boiling water, which can damage internal components and compromise security.