Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around and exercise at the same time. However, an expensive helmet is at risk of being stolen if you leave it unattended with your bike. That’s why learning how to properly lock your helmet to your bicycle is important for any cyclist looking to keep their gear secure.
Introduction
Locking your bike helmet to your bicycle when parked prevents the helmet from being snatched by thieves. A helmet can cost anywhere from $20 to $200+ depending on the type, brand, and features. Like bicycles, helmets have become targets for criminals looking to steal and resell high-end gear.
Fortunately, there are several simple and effective ways to lock your helmet directly to the bike frame or components so it cannot be removed by someone else when parked. This detailed guide will explain the benefits of locking your helmet, factors to consider, methods and lock types, tips for proper use, potential issues, and frequently asked questions. Follow these best practices to deter helmet theft and give you peace of mind that your helmet will be there waiting for you when you return to your bike.
Benefits of Locking Your Helmet
There are several key advantages to taking the time to properly lock your bicycle helmet:
- Prevents Theft – Deters criminals from easily swiping an expensive or high quality helmet. Locking deters opportunistic grabs.
- Saves Money – Avoid the cost of replacing stolen helmets, which can be $100 or more. Replacing other gear repeatedly gets expensive.
- Peace of Mind – Allows you to park and leave your bike knowing your helmet is secured. One less thing to worry about.
- Keep Your Fit – No need to re-fit and break-in a new replacement helmet when yours gets stolen. Your old one already fits your head shape and size perfectly.
- Insurance Requirement – Some policies require helmet locks be used for coverage against theft. Always check your policy documents.
Factors to Consider When Locking Your Helmet
There are several important factors to take into account when figuring out the best way to lock your helmet:
- Helmet Type – The design and shape of your helmet will determine viable lock types and methods. Full-face, folding, and other helmet types have different considerations.
- Helmet Ventilation – Locking should not interfere with or block vent holes that are essential for proper airflow and cooling.
- Helmet Strap – You may be able to attach a lock through the helmet retention straps for certain lock designs.
- Bike Frame – Must have an adequate place to attach the lock that cannot be easily tampered with or removed by thieves.
- Lock Type – Determine the level of security needed and choose an appropriate lock type and combination or key option.
- Lock Location – Pick spots on the helmet and bike that allow the helmet to be locked snugly without putting pressure on its delicate structure.
- Ease of Use – The locking method should allow you to quickly and easily secure your helmet with minimal fuss in day-to-day use.
Methods For Locking Your Helmet to Your Bicycle
There are a number of effective methods you can use to securely attach and lock your bike helmet to your bicycle. Consider your specific bike, helmet, and security needs when deciding on the best approach.
Use a Helmet Lock
Specialized thin cable helmet locks are made specifically for securing helmets to bicycles. They provide a lightweight and flexible way to lock most helmet types without interfering with helmet function.
How to Use:
- Wrap the cable through helmet vents or retention straps.
- Lock cable ends together with the integrated lock.
- Attach the lock ends around bike frame, wheel, etc.
- Ideal for quick locks but lower security.
Loop a Wire Through Ventilation Holes
Attach a braided steel wire securely through two of the helmet’s vent holes. Wrap it tightly around the bike frame or wheel components and thread a small padlock through the wire ends to lock.
How to Use:
- Choose vent holes that align with bike locking points.
- Test wire gauge and lock size to find most secure fit.
- Use care not to scratch visors or damage delicate vents.
Use a U-Lock Through the Helmet Straps
For helmets with thick sturdy retention straps, a small U-lock can be threaded through the straps and clamped around a bike frame bar to create a locked connection.
How to Use:
- Unfasten retention strap and thread U-lock through.
- Re-clasp strap snugly so no slack remains.
- Lock U-lock around a solid bike frame bar.
Attach to Accessories
Some helmets can lock to bike accessories like bottles, racks, or handles if no suitable frame points exist. A wire or cable lock is threaded through vent holes or straps and then around the add-on component.
How to Use:
- Identify a sturdy accessory bar or point to attach to.
- Use care to not bend or warp delicate vents with the lock pressure.
- Confirm accessory cannot detach or break away while locked.
Lock Chinstrap Buckle Together
If your helmet has a sturdy metal buckle on the chinstrap, a small padlock can be threaded through the buckle and locked in place. This connects the strap to the helmet body so it cannot separate.
How to Use:
- Pull chinstrap buckle away from helmet to expose bar.
- Thread padlock through buckle bar and lock ends together.
- Ensure strap and buckle are tightly connected before locking.
Use Integrated Helmet Locks
Some high-end helmets feature a built-in lock slot, hole, or cable attachment point so you can easily add a lock. These make locking much more convenient and are ideal for frequent use.
How to Use:
- Thread lock through designed lock holes oraround attachment points.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for proper integrated lock use.
- Choose lock that fits snuglyand cannot wiggle free.
Bike Lock Types for Securing Your Helmet
There are various lock styles and designs to choose from when selecting the best option for your specific helmet make and model. Consider the pros and cons of each lock type.
Helmet Cable Locks
- Pros: Lightweight, flexible, don’t interfere with helmet use, made for purpose.
- Cons: Can cut through cable if not high-quality, low security for expensive helmets.
Braided Steel Wire
- Pros: Cheap, fits through small vents, customizable length.
- Cons: Can bend or warp vents if too thick, wire cutters defeat security.
U-Locks
- Pros: Very secure, fits multiple frame sizes, anchor to racks/wheels/etc.
- Cons: Bulky, limited helmet types work with straps, stuck if lose keys.
Padlocks
- Pros: Allow creative locking solutions, replaceable if lose keys.
- Cons: Small ones can be cut by thieves, need additional chain/cable.
Retractable Cable Locks
- Pros: Convenient coiled design, customizable lengths, lightweight.
- Cons: Can be cut by tools, not made for helmets specifically.
Chain Locks
- Pros: Very cut-resistant security, flexible lengths.
- Cons: Heavy, can only use sections small enough for vents/straps.
Tips For Properly Locking Your Helmet to Your Bike
Follow these tips to ensure you securely and effectively lock your helmet to deter theft:
- Test lock installation at home first to identify any issues.
- Confirm chosen lock method does not bend, warp, or block helmet vents.
- Check that helmet strap buckles or accessories used can’t detach while locked.
- Lock through tightest helmet and bike sections so there is no wiggle room.
- Combine two locks for high crime areas. Run both through vents and the frame.
- Avoid low security thin cables prone to cutting unless just a deterrent.
- Lock helmet strap with minimal slack but not painfully tight either.
- Use U-locks, padlocks, or chains on expensive commuter or full face helmets.
- Register your helmet and record serial for proof of ownership if recovered.
- Always secure your bike through the frame to a bike rack as well.
Potential Issues When Locking Helmets
While a fairly simple process, there are some potential pitfalls to look out for when securely locking your helmet:
- Locking can bend thin vent holes on less durable helmets – test first.
- Helmet may not fit snug to bike if too little slack in lock system.
- Locking through visors may crack or scratch them.
- Plastic helmet strap buckles can break when locked tightly.
- Helmet may topple over if parked on kickstands vs bike racks.
- Combination cable locks can fail over time as numbers wear off.
- A wire or cable lock may swing and hit you while riding if not stored properly.
Locking Your Helmet: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Won’t a locked helmet stop me quickly putting it on and riding away?
A: With practice, most methods are quick to unlock and detach when you return to your bike. Proper installation ensures it takes just seconds longer than normal.
Q: What if my helmet doesn’t have vents or loops to attach a lock to?
A: You can loop locks very carefully through the thin edge of the helmet or use adhesive cable tie mounts to create lock points.
Q: I have a folding helmet, can it lock to my bike when collapsed?
A: Yes, run a lock through the folded helmet and frame same as with a regular helmet. Take care to distribute pressure evenly.
Q: Are combination locks secure enough or should I only use keys?
A: Combinations are convenient but keys are more secure. Avoid setting common combos thieves can guess.
Q: My straps are thick plastic, how do I lock those?
A: Plastic straps are trickier. You may need to add metal rings or clips to create a lock attachment point.
Q: What if my bike doesn’t have a good place to lock the helmet to?
A: Consider adding bike accessories like racks, holders, or baskets that give solid frame points to thread locks through.
Conclusion
Locking your bike helmet when parked provides effective and inexpensive protection against the growing problem of helmet theft. Using proper methods, the correct lock type, and following usage tips, you can secure your helmet conveniently and deter criminals. Spend a few extra seconds to thread a lock through vents or straps and you gain peace of mind knowing your valuable helmet will stay put until your return. While no lock can guarantee complete security, the methods outlined in this guide will go a long way in protecting your investment so you can ride safely for years to come.