New bike? If you're planning on leaving it anywhere then you better lock it up. Bicycle theft is big at the moment, but there are a few simple steps to ensure your bike is still there when you get back.

Lock your bike up

Always lock your bike up whenever you leave it. Don't be tempted to leave it unlocked as you pop in to a shop, even if you can keep an eye on it. Just because you can see it doesn't mean you can't watch someone ride off on it!
A D-lock is the most secure way of locking your bike. Pass the D-lock through the frame's rear stays of the bike and the rear wheel. This locks up the more expensive rear wheel as well as the frame, but also fills the d-lock up as much as possible to make it harder to get tools in to break it.
If you have quick release wheels, the front wheel will still be easy to undo and steal. Use a seperate cable or d-lock to secure it, or replace your quick release skewers with locking ones to make locking your bike easier.
Locking tips from Kryptonite
Click to see our selection of locks.

Insurance

Insuring your bike is always a good idea. Household contents insurance is usually the cheapest way to insure a bike, but always ask or read the small print. Some companies have a maximum value, and some only insure a bike when its locked at home rather than out in town. If home contents is not an option, we recommend Cycleguard. They are specialist bicycle insurers and have many policies including ones that cover the bike for racing.
Cyclescheme customers: when you purchase a bike through the Cyclescheme you are agreeing to get the bike insured. This is stated in the terms and conditions of the hire agreement. For more information, click here to visit Cyclescheme's insurance page. Mention that you're on Cyclescheme to Cycleguard insurance to recieve a 10% discount.