Cutting a bike lock seems pretty easy if you’re to believe all the YouTube videos on the subject. But the fact is, the best designs actually make cutting a bike lock pretty darn difficult. All locks can be cut; the idea is to make it as difficult as possible to counter thefts of opportunity.
That’s the thief walking by who sees your bike completely unlocked. Or the thief intent on cutting a bike lock with the tool he’s got stashed in his pocket while you’re getting your mid-ride cappuccino.
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So how do you know which lock to buy? Which one will keep your bike safest?
It helps to understand the different types of forces a thief can use when cutting a bike lock. While any bike lock can be cut if a thief is determined enough, it’s possible to hedge your bets by understanding the two primary forces used to cut locks: compressive force, and shear force.
Cutting a bike lock with compressive or shear force
In the video above, Ottolock founder Jake VanderZanden walks us through the different types of forces one can use when cutting a bike lock. As it turns out, there are two primary forces: compressive force, and shear force.
Compressive force employs direct pressure applied directly on each side of your lock. That’s how heavy-duty bolt cutters work: the jaws clamp the lock from opposite sides, pushing directly against each other to destroy the material in between. This is particularly effective when cutting a round cable; the force applies at a single point on each side of the cable.
Shear force, on the other hand, offsets the angle of attack. Think of tin snips: the blades of tin snips don’t line up directly against each other. Instead, they ‘shear’ alongside each other as they press through material. This type of force works best when cutting a bike lock that’s got a more flat profile, like the Ottolock.
In order to counter shear cutting force, the Ottolock features a slip-plane design. The bands within the lock slide against each other, essentially counteracting the shear force from the cutting tool. Instead of getting cut, in other words, the internal bands slip against each other, dispersing some of the cutting force.
Which lock should I buy?
If it’s possible to cut through locks, why should I bother buying one at all?
Ottolock is very upfront about the fact that it’s possible to cut through its locks with the right tools and enough time. Cutting a bike lock isn’t a complicated affair and pretty much any bike lock on the market can be cut with the right tools.
That means choosing the best lock for you comes down to two factors: a quality build that counteracts compressive and shear forces as much as possible, and a design that allows you to carry the lock with you easily so you’re more likely to actually use it.
Locks in general are most effective at countering thefts of opportunity. Unless you’ll be parking your bike long-term where it will be exposed to potential thieves who will have time to spend cutting your lock, your best bet is a compact lock you can stuff in your jersey pocket. You’ll be more likely to pull this out and use it for short visits in the corner store.
But if maximum security is your concern, you can certainly buy a bigger, heavier lock that takes more effort to cut through. The downside to this is, of course, portability. You won’t want to tote around a lock that takes up most of the space in your backpack and adds significant weight to your load.
U-locks offer portability and plenty of resistance to the tools thieves will carry. But they are also limited in functionality; you’ll need to find a post or pole where you can lock your bike. And even then, your locking configurations are limited. And U-locks can be difficult to store. They aren’t ideal if you’re out on a ride wearing cycling kit.
Round cable locks are easiest to cut. Avoid them whenever possible. The flat profile of the Ottolock is much more resistant to the most common tolls a thief will use when cutting a bike lock. And it’s easily stowable in your jersey pocket.
Whatever lock you choose, be sure to use a lock whenever possible. While no lock is a sure thing, any lock will help deter thefts of opportunity.
Editor’s note: This video is a paid partnership with Ottolock. As always, I will tell you, my dear readers and viewers, any time my content is paid for. That said, I still think this video is really cool and has lots of valuable information — which is why I’m presenting it to you!