Are you still locking your bicycle like below ways?

It looks safe but still easy to be got away by lifting the back wheel.

We call the following ways 1 point locking and 2 point locking method, because they just lock 1 or 2parts of the bike.

Why not 1 point locking?

A: This is the most common mistake. A cyclist uses a single lock to secure only one part of the bike, usually the frame.

The Thief’s Perspective: “Great! I can’t take the whole bike easily, but I can strip it for valuable parts and leave the owner with just a frame. Low risk, high reward.”

2-Point Locking is Better, But Still Flawed.

Common Scenario 1: You use a U-lock on the frame and a cable to loop through both wheels.

The Weakness: The cable. While this seems to secure everything, it creates a single point of failure. Cable locks can be cut almost silently with small, portable bolt cutters in under a second. The thief simply cuts the cable and now both wheels (and often the frame, if the U-lock is poorly placed) are free.

Common Scenario 2: You use two locks, but both are on the frame. This is overkill on the frame but does nothing to protect the wheels or saddle.

The Thief’s Perspective: “If it’s a cable, this is still an easy job. One snip and I’m in. If it’s two good locks on just the frame, I’ll just take the wheels and saddle. Still a win.”

Conclusion: 2-point locking can be effective only if both points of security are robust (e.g., two U-locks) and they are used to secure the frame and wheels independently. However, a setup involving a cable remains highly vulnerable.

What is the 3-Point Lock Method?

In essence, the 3-point method is the strategic use of one or two locks to secure three key components of your bike: the frame and both wheels to a solid, immovable object.

This isn’t just about having multiple locks; it’s about how you use them to create a interconnected web of security that is exponentially harder to defeat.

Visual Comparison

Locking Method What It Protects What It Leaves Vulnerable Thief’s Likely Reaction
1-Point (Frame only) The Frame Everything else: Both wheels, saddle, accessories “Jackpot! I’ll take all the parts for a quick profit.”
2-Point (Frame + Cable) The Frame theoretically protects everything The entire system if the cable is cut. The cable is the weak link. “A cable? Easy. One snip and this bike is mine.”
3-Point (Frame, Rear, Front) The entire bike system Nothing major; only accessories not taken with you “This will take two tools and too much time. Not worth the risk.”