Sold Secure have four grades in the security rating system:

• Diamond - offers the highest level of security
• Gold - offers a high level of resistance against a dedicated thief
• Silver - offers a compromise between security and cost
• Bronze - offers defence against the opportunist thief

You will want to choose a Sold Secure system that meets your personal security needs and the environment in which your bike is kept. The value of your bike and where you leave it when locked should dictate which security tier to opt for.

Firstly, you need to choose the right lock. This is dependent on multiple factors such as the value of your bike, where you are securing and leaving it, and how long you will typically leave it unattended.

Always try to secure your bike in a well-lit, high-footfall location that is in view of security cameras.

It’s crucial to secure your bike to something solid that cannot be tampered with or damaged to bypass your lock. When securing the lock to your bike, make sure the mechanism locks correctly and prioritise locking to the bike’s frame instead of the wheels as this is less easily tampered with.

The most common types of bike locks are D-locks (or U-locks), cable locks and chain locks. Each has its own benefits depending on what environment and situation you lock your bike in. As for locking mechanisms, combination locks are the most convenient. However, you can also get more traditional key locks.

When choosing which type of lock is best for you, it’s important to consider factors such as weight, mobility, size and strength. For more expensive bikes or higher-risk areas, consider a Sold Secure lock for that extra piece of mind.

In short, both U, and D shape locks are the same, with both names derived from the way the lock looks. D locks look like the letter D while locked and U locks, look like the letter U when the locking bar is removed. Which ever your preference of name, they make excellent bike locks, with some models also including anti tamper alarms.

Combination bike locks can be a safer option than key bike locks, but the security of a bike lock is primarily dependent on the quality and strength of the lock and how it is used. While combination bike locks have the advantage of not needing a key which can be lost or stolen, opportunistic thieves may still attempt to tamper with the locking mechanism and can even be successful in unlocking it if the code is easily guessable.

While both locks have similar locking styles due to their flexibility and being able to wrap around multiple sections of the bike, the weight difference makes them very different locks. Which lock is better for you depends on where you are securing your bike and whether you need to carry it with you. Chain locks are very secure but heavy, making them ideal for securing a bike at home or work, while a cable lock is lighter and more mobile, making it better suited to be carried around while commuting.