Finding the right place to carry your U-lock while riding can be a challenge, especially with bulky and heavy locks. Many cyclists want to travel light and avoid the awkward weight of carrying their lock around on their bike frame or body. Fortunately, bike lock manufacturers are starting to think more creatively and provide novel ways to secure your bike without sacrificing comfort.
When considering where to put u lock on bike while riding, it’s important to weigh the security of the lock’s placement against the need to avoid discomfort. A sleek and practical approach is essential, ensuring the lock doesn’t interfere with your ride while providing reliable protection. Whether it’s choosing between the frame, seat post, or somewhere else on your bicycle, the right places can make all the difference in maintaining both ease of movement and security.
1. In a Frame Mount
When you’re out riding, one of the easiest and most secure places to carry your U-lock is in a plastic mount attached to your bike frame. These mounts are designed to fix the lock onto your bike, allowing it to be clipped or slid into place when you’re on the move. The best part is that when you reach your destination, you can quickly remove the lock. The seat tube, top tube, or down tube is typically the best option for a stable fit, though you may usually attach the mount to other areas of your frame.
Chain Bike Locks
When it comes to chain locks, they rarely come with frame mounts because they are often bulky and heavy. This makes it difficult to mount them onto the bike frame. However, the Kryptonite Transit Tube offers a solution with its canister design, which is specifically made for Kryptonite’s lighter locks. Despite this, there are still many complaints about frame mounts, particularly those that are designed for U-locks, as they can sometimes be impractical for certain types of locks.
U-Locks
U-locks are often the most secure option for locking your bike, but they can present challenges while riding. The center of gravity of the lock is further from the frame, causing it to move around as you ride. Over time, this can lead to the frame mount becoming loose, which may even cause the lock to fall off. This issue is often exacerbated by improper fitting of the mount.
While many manufacturers provide frame mounts that are supposed to be compatible with different frame shapes and sizes, they can struggle to keep a rigid, heavy lock securely attached as the bike bumps over streets. If your U-lock comes with a mount, make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully. There’s plenty of helpful advice and videos available on the internet to guide you.
Folding Bike Locks
I’ve always liked using folding locks because they usually come with a frame mount that’s easy to install. You can use the same screws and holes designed for a water bottle cradle on the down tube or seat tube, which makes this a really clean and reliable solution. Once it’s attached to the frame, the lock sits securely and doesn’t tend to work loose, even on bumpy roads.
If your bike doesn’t have those standard mounting holes, don’t worry. Most folding locks come with Velcro straps that allow you to fasten the frame mount tightly to the frame. While this method may not look as tidy or feel quite as secure as the bolt-on style, it still works well. When the lock is folded and placed in its case, its center of gravity stays close to the frame, so it doesn’t swing around like a U-lock might.
That said, plastic frame mounts aren’t for everyone. If you’ve got a strangely shaped frame or no spare space at all, or maybe you simply don’t like the aesthetic, this option might not suit you. Some riders avoid it because of bad experiences in the past or because the lock they prefer—like the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini—doesn’t include a mount. Either way, it’s good to know there are always alternatives depending on your bike setup and personal comfort.
2. In a bag or backpack
If you usually carry a bag or backpack while riding, this is an obvious place to store your bike lock. Both U-locks and folding locks are small enough to fit into most bags, and they’re usually not too heavy to carry around. Just keep in mind that while it’s convenient, the weight of the lock will rest on your body, so it might feel uncomfortable after a long ride. Chain locks, on the other hand, tend to be bulkier and much heavier, making them harder to carry. However, shorter chains with links less than 12 mm thick should fit fine in most bags.
Bike locks should ideally be kept in a plastic bag inside your backpack or luggage because they can become dirty and wet. This way, you’ll avoid getting everything else in your bag soaked or oily. Also, if you plan to carry your lock in a bag, make sure to check its weight first. I always include the weights of locks in my guides to help make your decision easier.
3. In a pannier, saddlebag or basket
If your bike has saddlebags, baskets, or panniers, these can be excellent ways to carry your bike lock while riding. This method has the advantage of not putting the weight on your body, so it’s much more comfortable during your ride. Most locks will fit nicely into these storage options, but it’s important to ensure the weight is evenly distributed across your bike to avoid messing with your balance. I personally use a Carradice saddlebag, which is just the right size for carrying a regular size U-lock. It’s worth noting, though, that it would struggle with anything bigger, so always check the dimensions of your bag and lock before deciding.
I give the weights and dimensions of various locks in my posts since I always advise doing so. This way, you can easily compare different options and ensure the fit works for your needs.
4. Hung on the frame somewhere!
Your bike lock can still be carried by hanging it on your frame if you don’t have a frame mount. One option is to wrap a chain lock around your seat post, which is a common and effective method, especially if you don’t have bags to store your lock. This is simple and convenient, but you need to make sure it stays securely in place to avoid it falling off while you’re riding. I’ve used this method myself, but it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your brake cables or scratch your paintwork.
For U-locks, you can try hanging them through your seat rails, allowing them to hang down behind your saddle. This works really well for many cyclists, but whether it’s a good fit depends on the size and thickness of the U-lock and the space around your seat rails. Another option is to hang your U-lock on the handlebars, but this isn’t always the most stable choice. While it might work in a pinch, you’ll likely find yourself anchoring it with your hand to prevent it from swinging around, which is not ideal because your hand should be focused on steering the bike.
This method is best for short journeys or when you don’t have any other options for securely attaching your lock. Just remember that it’s a temporary solution and may not be as stable or safe for longer rides.
5. Wear it on your body
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to carry your bike lock while riding, wearing it on your body might be a great option. Smaller U-locks can easily be fastened through a belt band or belt loop on your jeans or trousers or even tucked into a pocket. This method allows you to keep the lock close, but you’ll need to keep in mind that bike locks tend to get wet and oily, so be careful not to ruin your clothes.
For longer chains, they can be worn around your shoulders like a bandolier. While this may be convenient, it’s not always comfortable, especially for longer journeys. Plus, it can cause your clothes to stain, and it could be dangerous in case you fall or have an accident. As convenient as it is, this method has its drawbacks, so you’ll want to consider them before deciding to wear the lock.
In recent years, some lock companies have introduced wearable locks like those from Hiplok. You may attach their locks to any strip of cloth or your waistline using the clip that comes with them. You can also wear these chain locks as a belt around your waist. Another choice is Litelok, which produces wearable Litelok Silver and Litelok Gold models of their Boaflex bike locks. These also come in different sizes and feature clips for safety.
If you prefer a folding lock, Seatylock offers a Clipster that attaches to your waistband with a clip, while Tex-lock, a fabric and chain hybrid lock, can comfortably be worn around your shoulders. While these locks are quick to access, they don’t have a permanent mount that could potentially uglify your bike. Plus, since they are worn close to your body, the weight is less noticeable compared to carrying the lock on the bike itself.
6. Third party solutions
If you’re not happy with the frame mount that came with your bike lock, or none of the other suggestions work for you, there are plenty of alternative options available from other companies. One option is the Transit H-Bar Carrier by Kryptonite, which allows you to carry your U-lock securely attached to your handlebars. It even works with the Fahgettaboudit Mini, making it a solid choice for those looking for extra security.
For a more artisan approach, the Oopsmark Holster is a great option. Although it can be fastened to other areas of your frame, this leather holster fits well on the rear of your saddle. There are a lot of third-party solutions that provide new places to store your bike lock while riding, so if you’re stuck, it’s worth checking them out for a solution that works for you.
Finally: make sure you’re safe.
No matter where you decide to carry your bike lock while cycling, safety should always come first. You don’t want it falling off and getting entangled in your bike or bouncing around on the road, as this could cause a serious accident. Make sure the frame mount is securely fastened to a secure location on your frame, away from the wheels or pedals, where it may easily come loose, tangle, and run you over.
It’s also important not to carry your lock in your hand. As I’ve mentioned before, your hand should be focused on steering and braking. So, wherever you choose to place your lock, ensure it is securely fastened in place to avoid any safety risks.
Figuring out the best place to lock your bike while riding can definitely be tricky. However, with the many options available and some trial and error, anyone can find a solution that suits their needs!
