Protecting your bike from theft

A quick coffee still needs a lock

Do not rely on a camera above the door or somebody promising to watch the bike. Choose a place where you can secure it properly.

Lock the frame first

Use a quality U-lock or chain with an appropriate independent security rating. A thin cable should not be the only protection for a valuable bike.

Connect the frame to a solid fixed object. Check that the object cannot be lifted, dismantled or bypassed by lifting the bike over it. Include the rear wheel where possible and protect the front with a second lock.

Avoid large loose spaces and resting the lock on the ground. Locking only a removable wheel leaves the rest of the bike available to take. Remove your computer, lights and bags.

Storage matters too

A shared Moscow building corridor is not automatically secure. Store indoors or in a protected space with a secure anchor. A tracker can assist recovery but does not replace a lock.

Save the frame’s serial number, purchase records and photographs of the bike and distinctive details. Keep copies somewhere accessible even if your phone is lost. Avoid publicly sharing the exact storage location and your routine.

If it disappears

Report the theft to police with identifying records. Ask for camera footage to be preserved. If you find an online listing, save it and inform police instead of confronting the seller yourself.

What to do now

1. Choose a main lock and wheel protection for your usual stops.
2. Photograph the bike and serial number and save purchase records.
3. Inspect your next parking anchor and practise securing the frame, not just a wheel.