Lock a Bike Rack to Your Car: Do Bike Racks Have Locks?

The safety of your bike accessories should be paramount if you want to reap the maximum benefits of each. Imagine buying a bike rack only for it to get stolen while you are out enjoying your ride. It is a heart-breaking experience.

The main drawback with most bike racks is that they don’t have locks to enhance their safety. You, therefore, have to buy them separately. In this article, I will take you through how to lock a bike rack to your car and review some of the best bike locks available in the market.

Can You Lock A Bike Rack On A Car?

You can lock a bike rack on your car by acquiring a bike lock. The bike lock ensures you can leave the rack attached to the vehicle while riding your bike. Another advantage of getting the bike lock for your rack is that you can also use the lock to secure your bike while you are not riding it.

When acquiring a lock, avoid cable locks because they offer minimum security. It is easy to cut through the cable. Instead, opt for a U-lock or folding lock because they provide enhanced protection.

To guarantee maximum protection, you can weld the rack against the bumper on the rear side of the car. However, this interferes with the overall look but you ensure enhanced security for your rack. When welding, ensure the rack does not block the number plate because it is a traffic offense.

Although the various types of locks offer a specific security degree, they do not guarantee maximum security. If an individual has the real intent of stealing your bike rack, given ample time, and with the right accessories, they may still get it. If possible, detach the rack and put it in the trunk when you go out for a ride.

Do Bike Racks Have Locks?

Bike racks do not have locks. Buy them separately when acquiring the rack to help protect it from theft. The best way to secure the rack is locking the rack against the car bumper because it is rigid and, therefore, hard to detach.

There is a wide variety of locks available in the market, featuring different qualities, sizes, and designs. The more expensive a lock is, the better the quality. Some of the best locks available include;

  1. Kryptonite Keeper 785

The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is a foldable lock featuring an alloy steel chain for enhanced security. The nylon sleeve that covers the chain ensures the chain can get used under varying weather conditions. It is, therefore, rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. Since the lock is foldable, you can easily lock the bike rack.

  1. Kryptonite Keeper U

For higher safety, a U lock works better than a foldable lock. The Kryptonite Keeper U is a U lock that features a thin shackle made of hard steel. The outer coating is rust-resistant, and the key safe program ensures you can’t lose the keys. You get a lifetime warranty when you buy this product.

What Bike Locks Are The Best?

The following bike locks are some of the best in the industry. These are just a few, and you have the freedom of choosing from a wide range of other products.

  1. Master Lock 8114D

The Master Lock 8114D is an outdoor bike cable lock that features braided steel for enhanced security because it is rigid and resistant to cutting. The protective vinyl coating prevents scratches and ensures that you can use this lock under all weather conditions. You can use this cable to secure both your bike and rack.

The standout feature of this accessory is that you get to set four-digit combination security, which you can reset at any time. It eliminates the need for a key that may get lost. Additionally, the self-coiling design allows easy usage and storage.

  1. Bike U Lock with Cable

The bike U lock has alloy steel make that guarantees durability and rigidness to help protect your bike from theft. It also incorporates a PVC cover that offers water, dirt, and dust resistance to help prolong the lifespan of the lock. It is therefore ideal for all weather conditions.

You get two keys for convenience (in case you lose one). The U lock is fast and easy to use as it does not require any expertise. Additionally, the 3-year warranty ensures you can use this accessory with utmost confidence.

  1. Titanker Bike Chain Lock

The Titanker bike chain lock is a heavy-duty, high-quality product made of cut-resistant alloy steel to help you reap maximum security. The chain has a protective cloth sleeve that protects it from scratches and rust, making it an ideal all-weather accessory.

You can only pull out the key after you lock the chain, making it hard for you to lose it. You get two keys which provide you with an excellent backup option if you lose one. Only use one as the primary key to avoid confusion.

To prolong the lifespan of the lock, lubricate the keyhole and lock hole regularly.

  1. Schwinn Anti-Theft Bike Lock

The Schwinn anti-theft bike lock features a braided steel cable that provides convenience and strength to help offer your bike enhanced security. It features a key lock that lets you park your bike securely, even in public places. The key lock comes with two keys that provide a backup option if one gets lost.

The steel cable gets protected by a tough vinyl cover that is water and scratch-resistant. The lock is therefore ideal for all weather conditions. You also get a carrying bracket that guarantees easy storage and transport.

Conclusion

Bike racks offer a reliable and convenient way of transporting your bike if you wish to ride in a different setting. However, you have to secure them when you leave to prevent theft. An easy way of achieving this would be buying a lock to strap the rack against the bumper. I have outlined some of the best bike locks in the market above, and it is up to you to make an informed decision.

However, you should note that the bike locks do not offer maximum security. It is, therefore, wise to detach your rack and store it in the trunk while you are out for a ride.