Protecting your bike from being stolen is part of caring for your bike. The U-lock is a steel bar bent into a U shape with a cross piece that slides over the U and locks it. The U locks are used by removing the bicycle’s front wheel and putting it next to the rear wheel, passing the lock around both wheels, the frame of the bike, and a signpost or some other immovable object, and then putting the bar on. The lock is covered with a plastic coating.

Cable locks consist of a vinyl-coated steel cable and a padlock that locks the ends of the cable together. When not in use, you can wrap the cable into a small coil and lock it under your seat. Or, it can be carried in a seat or handlebar bag. These locks are more popular because they are easier to use and cheaper than U-locks.