Lockable bike covers are the ultimate practical accessories. Not only do they keep your bike safe from inclement weather conditions but they help to keep it secure against theft and tampering. These covers act like traditional, durable bike covers but are lockable, so your bike is always safe.
They also solve another of the more common problems that commuters face. Turning up to work on your bicycle is great, but you’re often faced with a stark choice. Using a bicycle lock leaves your bike exposed to the weather, but using a cover often means sacrificing security.
By combining the best of both worlds, lockable bike covers have quickly become one of the most popular cycling accessories on the market.
With popularity comes choice, though, from high range offerings that promise all kinds of features to cheaper options for the more budget conscious. There are also more types of cover than you might imagine, including rip/cut proof offerings and extra tough.
Finding the right cover is becoming increasingly difficult but we’re here to help. We’ve collected the best lockable bike covers currently on the market, taking into account everything from durability and security to cost and lifespan.
Anti-Theft Bicycle Covers: Key Features
Although somewhat new to the market, anti-theft bicycle covers nowadays come in all shapes and sizes. The key features to look for are whether the cover is lockable, the type of material used and whether it is rip/cut proof.
Cutproof covers are important. There’s no point locking a bike inside its cover only for thieves to slice through the material and steal it anyway. Some covers come with holes to slip a standard bike lock through, others come with their own locks. Most covers are made from polyester (which is excellent at repelling water) but they aren’t all the same thickness.
You’ll notice that thickness is rated according to “denier.” The higher the denier, the thicker the cover and the better protection that it will offer, albeit with a bigger accompanying price tag. Of course, thicker covers are also heavier and more difficult to transport. You might want to opt for a slightly lighter one if you plan to carry the cover every day.
An often overlooked feature of bike covers is ventilation. It might seem like a good idea to seal your bike as tightly as possible, but condensation can wreak havoc over time. Moisture build-up causes rust, and if you leave your bike sealed up for long periods you might get an unpleasant surprise when you go for a ride. Look for covers with at least some ventilation flaps/valves to let condensation escape.
Finally – a note about size. Although a 1 bike cover fits…one bike, some people opt for a 2 bike version. This leaves more room and makes it far easier to slip the cover on and off – a time saving endeavour that comes in handy if you’ve just arrived at work.
Best Lockable Bike Covers [Top 5]
1. PRO BIKE TOOL Outdoor Bicycle Cover (for 1-3 Bikes)
Features:
Lots of sizes
Double stitched seams
Travel/stationary versions
Material: Oxford fabric
Weight: 789g
Lockable: Yes
Rip-Proof: No
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
For Bikes Sized: Up to large
Price (approximate):
£35
$ 40
€40
The big advantage of the Pro Bike is its size! It comes in three different sizes so you won’t have to worry about your bike being too large for the cover. Better still, you can choose between “stationary” and “travel” options. The choice simply boils down to whether you want three additional straps for carrying and a series of press clamps to stop air from getting inside the cover as you move. We recommend the travel option if you want to take the cover to work.
Both feature high quality Oxford fabric with double stitching for enhanced durability. The seams are heat-sealed to ensure that no moisture can seep through. As such, this cover protects against winter conditions like rain, snow and ice, but will also keep your bike safe in summer when UV rays and dust are a problem.
In terms of security, it comes with a front lock hole, ideal for cable or U/D locks if you want a little extra peace of mind. The fit is safe and secure, with a toggle for easy tightening and to ensure that the cover doesn’t transform into a sail in the wind. Reflective loops are a nice touch. They mark the position of the handlebars, making unpacking your bike a much simpler task.
2. BikeParka Urban Waterproof Bicycle Cover
Features:
Tough, rip-proof fabric
Side panel lock
Stylish
Material: Ripstock nylon
Weight: 533g
Lockable: Yes
Rip-Proof: Yes
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
For Bikes Sized: Up to XL
Price (approximate):
- £35
- Not available
- €40
With its camouflage look, the BikeParka is a stylish affair that also comes in three other (more subtle) designs if you want something more laid back. It’s also one of the most rugged covers on the list and designed with tough protection in mind. The nylon threaded material is cut/tear resistant and resilient to all weather conditions. This cover protects against snow and ice, rain and sun so it’s the perfect year-round solution. Perfect, since bikes won’t last long left out in the rain.
As well as that anti-cut fabric, there’s also a slot for a lock in the side panel. Securing your bike is a simple matter of locking the bike to the cover, and then both of them to a cycle stand/hoop. The slot is conveniently placed on the side, rather than near the front wheel like on other covers. It also comes with a set of eyelets to secure the cover in place when you’re on the move.
Elsewhere, it’s easy to adjust using a toggle, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a secure fit. The bottom of the cover is elasticated, too, which makes it simple to get your bike in and out. Durability and security remain the big draw here, though. If you’re looking for a robust cover that thieves won’t be able to slice through, the BikeParka will serve you well.
3. TeamObsidian Bike Cover (for 1-3 Bikes)
Features:
PU coated material
Two lock holes
Reflective strips
Material: Ripstop nylon
Weight: 106g
Lockable: Yes
Rip-Proof: Yes
Waterproof Rating: Waterpoof
For Bikes Sized: Up to XXL
Price (approximate):
- £35
- $ 40
- €40
TeamObsidian’s offering has everything you could desire from a bike cover. The material is a particular highlight. It’s heavy duty stuff, fully waterproof and tough enough to withstand even the worst conditions. The product description proudly boasts that this cover will hold up against sun, rain, wind, snow, ice, dust and even hail. It comes with a two year warranty so TeamObsidian is putting its money where its mouth is.
The cover comes with two lock holes, one at the front and one at the back. It’s full wraparound and covers the entire body of the bike, including the wheels. PU coating ensures even more protection and there are reflective lines to make wrapping/unwrapping your bike that bit easier. A central buckle adjusts the fit so that the cover feels snug and secure.
Of course, it’s also rip-proof, just as you would expect from such a heavy duty product. The two lock holes should be enough to give most cyclists peace of mind in terms of theft, and you certainly won’t have anything to worry about from the weather. Covers don’t come much stronger than this and it really will resist everything nature hurls at it!
4. PRO BIKE TOOL Fitted Bicycle Cover (for 1-3 Bikes)
Features:
Snug fit
UV resistant
Reflective safety loops
Material: Oxford fabric
Weight: 789g
Lockable: Yes
Rip-Proof: Yes
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
For Bikes Sized: Up to XL
Price (approximate):
- £35
- $ 40
- €40
As the name suggests, this is a “fitted” bicycle cover which means that it’s extra snug and secure. You control the fit via a buckle, strap and toggle wheel so you can adjust it as you like. That makes the cover versatile, but it is one of the snugger on the list. Designed for long term outside use it’s also incredibly durable. Made from robust ripstop material it’s fully waterproof, weatherproof and will even keep UV rays at bay in the summer.
It’s also rip-proof, so thieves won’t be able to cut their way to your bicycle. A hole near the front is ideal for bike chains and locks, completing the security package and ensuring that this is one of the most protective covers on the market. Reflective safety loops help you to locate the handlebars and unpack quickly.
Another point in the Pro Bike’s favour is that it can be used with bicycle racks, something that not all covers are suitable for. The snug fit makes it a great choice for transporting your bike because the case won’t billow in the wind and suddenly turn into a sail! As you would expect, the seams are heat sealed to keep even small amounts of moisture at bay.
Best Budget Lockable Bike Cover
5. ZCOINS Lockable Bicycle Cover (for 1-2 Bikes)
Material: 210T nylon
Weight: 350g
Lockable: Yes
Rip-Proof: No
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
For Bikes Sized: Up to 29″
Price (approximate):
- £13
- $ 14
- €14
Proof that going budget doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality, the ZCOINS cover is one of the best on the market. It’s also a fraction of the price of its nearest competitors and comes with some fantastic extras. For the price, you’ll also get a bike bell, seat cover and drawstring pouch to hold them in. That’s not to mention the cover itself, which is made from robust, 210T nylon with PU coating.
Needless to say, the cover is more than capable of resisting anything and everything that the elements throw at it. It’s also surprisingly luxurious, with a smooth black exterior and silver interior. You’ll find a pair of metal eyelets at the front for a lock, although the cover isn’t rip-proof like some of the others listed here. An elastic hem and buckle ensure a snug fit though, so it won’t be blown off by the wind.
It’s surprising to find a cover of this quality in such a low price bracket, especially since it comes with so many extras. If you’re looking for a cover that won’t break the bank but still offers excellent protection and security, then you really can’t go wrong here. Even the added seat cover is waterproof!
The post Lockable Bike Covers [5 Best Anti-Theft Bicycle Covers] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.