Why choose a frame lock to protect your bike

Getting around by bike has undeniable advantages, the only downside is theft. It is essential to ensure the protection of your mount using the best bike locks. This is why we have concocted our complete file on bike locks. Discover today the bike frame lock, a light, fast and effective solution. Although it is widespread in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, it is still little known in France. Here is everything you need to know about the bike frame lock.

What is a bike frame lock?

The frame protection attaches to the frame of its mount and allows the rear wheel of the bike to be locked using a key, in a few seconds. The bike is then immobilized. Also called the horseshoe lock for its shape or fixed lock because once installed, you don't have to worry about it anymore. This is one of the many advantages of this system, no need to worry about transporting your bike lock, or finding good storage for it. It attaches to the bike and takes up almost no space.

This system appeals because it provides effective and yet very simple protection. It is particularly suitable for short stops. Indeed, it is not necessary to waste several minutes looking for where to attach your cycle with a heavy protection to buy a baguette. This type of fixed lock also exists in a frame lock version with chain or cable, thus allowing the bicycle to be attached in the event of longer parking.

>> READ ALSO: what types of bike locks are there?

How to mount a bike frame lock?

Fixed frame lock: for the rear or front wheel of the bike?

Seeing it, you may wonder: where to place your frame lock? Is it a front or rear wheel lock? In reality, it is designed to attach to the rear wheel. There are several reasons for this. The first is that the chain of the bicycle drives the rear wheel, it is the driving wheel, its immobilization is therefore much more effective than that of the front wheel. We can also imagine that the transmission makes the bike heavier at the rear than at the front. It is therefore more difficult to try to roll the cycle on the front wheel while carrying the rear if the criminal wants to be discreet and not leave with the bicycle on his back. The other reason is that the frame bike lock attaches to the rear seat stays of the bike.

>>> READ ALSO: Invoxia, a discreet GPS tracker that attaches to the saddle to find your bike

How to fix a frame lock on your bike?

Very simply! The frame protector attaches with screws to the threaded holes in the seatstays. Although many bikes have these threaded holes, this is not always the case. That's why there are adapters in the form of a universal clamp. They are hand-tightened without tools on the seat stays of the bike. And these adapters have mounting eyelets on which to mount the wheel lock. Bike frame locks are compatible with most bicycle models, including VAEs, whether they are urban electric bikes or more electric hybrid bikes.

See also the guide to frame locks.

The best frame locks from major brands

Abus frame locks:

Abus is one of the leaders in the field of bicycle safety. The Abus frame lock is one of the brand's flagship products. There are several versions to meet the needs of each cyclist. A scale of 1 to 15 is used to rate their level of security. The ABUS Tectic 496 frame lock with keys gets a rating of 6/15. It offers excellent value for money for short stops in town and in busy places. With its rating of 7/15, the Pro Tectic 4960 ABUS key frame lock is resistant to cut attempts. It is effective for short stops in all places. The ABUS Shield 5650NR L frame lock with wide tires – ABUS, the ABUS Shield 5650 key frame lock and the Abus Shield Plus 5950 NR Pro frame lock have a rating of 9/15. They can be combined with a chain or a cable for frame lock. The Abus frame protector is a reliable and secure choice. Among the different versions there are several sizes in order to adapt to each cycle and to all tire widths.

AXA frame protectors:

AXA offers a wheel and cable lock combination with the Axa Solid Plus XL frame + cable lock model. Thus the frame protection blocks the wheel and the cable makes it possible to attach the bike to street furniture. It ensures the safety of the bike for a short stop in sensitive areas or low-traffic streets. For short stops with an expensive bike, it is recommended to choose the Axa Defender frame lock with chain and bag. Again it immobilizes the cycle and the chain offers additional protection by fixing the bike to street furniture. The chain has a better protection power than the cable but it remains heavier and less easy to transport. A saddle bag supplied with the kit allows you to store the cable.

M-Wave bike frame locks:

Like AXA, M-Wave offers a key frame lock with 150cm cable for short parking periods. With the double protection it guarantees safety in all places. The brand also offers the M-Wave frame lock for the front or rear wheel of a bicycle, compatible with suspended cycles. It is installed either at the rear on the seatstays, or on the mounting studs on the front fork.

[article published on April 8, 2016 and updated on September 18, 2020]