General advice

• If you aren't sitting on the saddle, then lock your bike with a good quality D-lock, the best you can afford. As a rule of thumb , it should cost at least 10% of the bike's value.
• Make sure the street furniture that you're locking it to is realy immobile. Don't lock your bike to a gate, if the whole gate can be lifted off it's hinges. Even tall poles are also poor fixing points, as bikes can be lifted over the top of them. Fill as much of the lock's shackle as possible - this makes it more difficult for thieves to force it open.
• Remove the manufacturers' stickers from the frame and forks and paint them (badly) - it isn't pretty, but it should deter thieves.
• When your bike is at home, consider fitting a ground or wall anchor to lock your bike to  - and always keep it locked up, even when it's in a locked garage.

Parts and Accessories

• If you have quick release levers on your wheels and saddle, then consider replacing these with allen key skewers (or better still, lockable security skewers). Also you should use a cable to secure the wheels and use the D-lock as a padlock through the frame and cable.
• When the bike is parked, remove lights, pump, saddle and water bottles and take them with you.
• While cycling, a small carabina will ensure that your panniers stay attached to your bike (you can get these from a climbing/outdoor pursuits shop)

Alternative Bikes

• If you are buying a new bike and haven't got a secure place to lock it, then consider getting a folding bike (e.g. a Brompton) that you can take with you. Folding bikes also fly, car, rail or bus, but please note that the Manchester Metro requires you to bag a folding bike.

In case it does get stolen...

• Record the bike's frame number and keep a photo (or description) somewhere safe and consider tagging it at a bike shop/police station. Also register it here to help the police return it to you if it's found.
• The cheapest way to insure your bike may be through your home contents insurance. Alternatively, click here for links to specialist Cycle Insurance Companies.

Information supplied by Bicycle Doctor , 68-70 Dickenson rd, Rusholme, Manchester

 visitors to this page