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Beware of bike theft

Posted on April 17, 2013 by tarahamilton

With summer not so far away, more people will be using their bikes and these longer days means an increased risk of bike theft. According to the home office, in the months of June, July and August bike theft rises by an extra 25%! Recent reports have already been made this year about the increasing problems with bike theft and many areas are struggling to tackle the crime. This is particularly notable in places where the number of cyclists is significantly higher than average, such as Cambridge where 52% of residents cycle at least once a week and due to the large number of cyclists in the area, Cambridge has been named the UK bike theft capital.

Make sure that your bike is protected from theft this summer, by keeping your bike secure whenever it is not in use.

Bike security at home

Make sure your bike is covered by insurance
Invest in a secure bike shed
Don’t leave your bike unsecured in front of your home
Don’t store your bike in a shed which has windows
Use a ground anchor or shed alarm for additional security

Asgard twin bike locker

Bike security when out

Lock your bike in a busy and well lit area
Try and leave your bike in an area with CCTV
Use 2 different types of lock
Make sure your bike is covered by insurance

Filed under: bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike shed, Bike storage, bike theft, cycling, Uncategorized | Tagged: Best sheds, Bike locks, Bike Security, Cycle locks, cycle theft | Leave a Comment »

Boom of Black Market Bikes

Posted on February 5, 2013 by tarahamilton

New research by Insurance company LV= has shown that the bike black market could be worth up to £58 million. The bike black market is booming in the UK as the populations interest in cycling continues to grow and the people purchasing these second hand bikes, asking no questions about their background.

Has your bike been stolen for the black market?

The survey carried out by LV= on 2,000 bike owners showed that 21% have had their bike stolen and a third of these thefts occurred from a shed, garage or on their driveway. Bike thefts have also occurred away from the home, with 1 in 10 surveyed had their bike stolen from outside their office, bar or restaurant. While another 1 in 20 have had their bikes stolen three times or more.

If you are purchasing a bike second hand, it is important to ask questions about the bikes history before purchase to help ensure you aren’t purchasing a stolen bike. Although figures have shown that 4% of cyclists have purchased a bike which they have suspected to be stolen.

These figures show just how important bike security is, especially at home, as a third of thefts occur at the home. Make sure when your bike isn’t in use, it is locked away securely. Just because your bike is in a shed or a garage, doesn’t necessarily mean it is secure. Carry out security checks and assess your bike storage, could you break into it? If the answer is yes, then it’s not secure enough. Prevention is always better than the cure, so make sure your cycle storage is secure enough to begin with.

Secure Bike Storage

Asgard Secure Steel Storage is the home of the UK’s best-selling bike storage and has a wide range of secure bike sheds in a variety of sizes. This tough bike sheds are made from strong galvanised (weatherproof) steel and are fitted with strong locking systems and pick resistant locking mechanisms to keep thieves out! Take a look at the full range of cycle storage on the Asgard website.

Filed under: asgard, bicycle locks, Bicycle Security, bike shed, cycle theft, cycling | Tagged: asgard bike shed, Bike Security, Bike storage, bike theft, bikes, cycle storage, cycle theft, cycling | Leave a Comment »

Top 10 Hotspots for Bike Theft

Posted on February 3, 2013 by tarahamilton

If you live in any of these areas you should be increasingly weary of how you store your bike. A new list has been complied of the top 10 worst places for bike thefts in England, from a survey carried out by Halifax Home Insurance.

Central London
Kingston- upon- Thames
Cambridge
Bristol
York
Oxford
Richmond and Twickenham
Brighton
Portsmouth
Nottingham

Protect your bike from theft

Bike security is always important and with 440,000 bikes stolen last year, which is an increase of 10% from the previous year, there’s nothing to say that your bike won’t be next. Keeping your bike secure at home and away should become second nature, if you don’t want to lose your bike to theft.

How to keep your bike safe when you are out and about:

Use a bike rack whenever possible and use two different kinds of locks to secure your bike.
Leave your bike in a busy and well lit area.
Mark your bike with your postcode on the frame.

How to keep your bike safe at home:

Keep your bike locked in a secure shed or garage.
Make sure your bike is always locked away when not in use.
Never leave your shed or garage door open for passers-by to see the contents.

Asgard best selling bike storage

If you don’t have storage for your bike at home, investing in a secure bike shed is one of the best ways to guarantee your bikes security when at home. Asgard is the home of the UK’s best-selling bike storage and has a range of secure bike sheds in a variety of sizes and budgets to suit all. Made from strong weatherproof steel and fitted with features to provide the best security for your bike. Find out more about these bike security sheds on the Asgard website.

Filed under: asgard, Best sheds, Bicycle Security, bike locks, cycle locks, cycling, Uncategorized | Tagged: Bike locks, Bike Security, Bike storage, bike theft, Cycle locks, cycle storage, cycle theft | Leave a Comment »

New motorcycle? Don’t let it get stolen!

Posted on January 21, 2013 by tarahamilton

The path to getting a motorcycle license in the UK changed in January 2013, making it more difficult for people to get a license for the more powerful bikes. The end of 2012 would have seen a mass of people taking their motorbike license test in order to avoid the new licensing rules. With more people on Motorbikes, motorbike theft is likely to increase.

There are around 5 million motorcycle license holders in the UK, however out of these only 1.2 million are active riders and only 139,000 new motorcycles are purchased every year. With only around 1 million motorcycles on the road each year, a 100 are stolen every day which adds up to a massive £3 million every month.

Keep your motorcycle protected

If you have recently passed your motorcycle test and have purchased your first motorcycle you will want to keep it safe. 80% of motorbikes are stolen from home, so this is where you will need to most protection.

There are many things you can do to protect your bike while it is at home, however one of the most important things is to keep it locked away and out of sight. If your motorbike can’t be viewed by passers-by, how will they know it’s there to steal it? Investing in secure storage for your motorbike is a fantastic way of protecting it from theft when you are at home.

Asgard has a range of secure Motorcycle Storage units that are designed to keep your Motorbike secure and safe from theft. These metal garages are the ONLY Motorcycle garages approved by the Locksmiths Association, providing fantastic security for your bike and accessories.

“I am extremely pleased with the bike garage. Build quality is brilliant and it was all assembled nicely by the team of installers”.

Motorcycle Garage

These metal garages are made from strong weatherproof steel and are fitted with a pick resistant locking mechanism, tough 5 point locking system and reinforced components all to provide the best security for your motorbike. To find out more about these motorcycle storage units, visit the Asgard website.

Statistics provided by motorcycle.co.uk

Filed under: asgard, motorbike locks, motorbike security, motorbike storage shed, Motorbike storage Unit, motorcycle, motorcycle security, Motorcycle storage shed, Motorcycle Storage Unit | Tagged: Motorbike storage, Motorbikes, Motorcycle security | 1 Comment »

How to prepare your bike for the winter

Posted on January 21, 2013 by nazishs

How to protect your bike from the snow

Asgard have been producing the best in cycle storage for many years. The recent bad weather holds no fear for the owners of Asgard bike stores!!! Here are some tips on how to prepare your bike for long term winter storage.

How to prepare your cycle for winter storage.

When it comes to bike maintenance, there are two kinds of cyclists—those intimate with their bikes, who lovingly wash, lubricate and maintain their trusty steed throughout the cycling season—and the normal people.

Do you need to lubricate the cables or chain before storing the bike?

My tip is if you are not using your bike for a while – Keep everything lubricated.

If you are not planning to use your bike for some months, make sure you clean your bike thoroughly!

Get ALL the dirt off, dirt will rust your bike, if it becomes damp through the winter.

Then, lubricate the chain and other mechanisms. DO NOT USE WD40,

You should always use bike specific lubricants such as GT85 and Finish line oils. These are not expensive (£7.00 for both). WD40 attracts all sorts of yukky stuff and will soon clog up your mechanism one you start cycling again.

I use paint thinner (meths) to clean my chain right down, then thoroughly oil it up. This prevents any of the links from rusting or becoming stiff. You can buy a chain cleaner from ebay for around £5 that clamps to your bike and brushes your chain clean in seconds. Use plenty of oil after, then lightly rub the excess off.

A drop of thin oil inside the brake lever mechanism will help to keep them in tip top shape. Preventing seizure.

I then spray some GT85 on a rag and rub all the body work down, GT85 acts as a cleaning/polishing agent AND will give your bike an extra bit of protection.

Should the tires be inflated or deflated?

They should be inflated. They will deflate over the winter months. If you store your bike in an unheated garage you can take the tires off and bring them inside to a heated area. This will protect the rubber on the tires.

Should I hang the bike up?

You can hang your bike on a wall or ceiling, or just turn it upside down so there’s no weight on the tires.

Will direct sunlight harm the bike?

Don’t store your bike in direct sunlight. Unless your windows are new and UV protected, sunlight can dry and split the side walls of the tires.

Do steel-frame bikes need any special attention in the winter months?

If steel-frame bicycles are left in an unheated garage the metal can get cold enough for condensation to build up inside the tubing. This causes rusting. It’s best to store these bikes in a heated area, or pre-treat the steel frame with rust-proofing oil. Should you use an Asgard bike store you can be sure that condensation will be kept to a minimum, due to the hidden roof vents and spacious design. If in doubt, a bag of salt left in the shed/garage will absorb any moisture in the air.

What about other bike bits?

Take the batteries out of any lights, a little squirt of GT85 in any bike tools will keep them in good order.

Make sure you wash the liner of your bike helmet to remove any bacteria (Milton Fluid is great for this) this will stop the helmet from smelling.

Wash your riding shoes well. Again, any dry mud mixed with light dampness will just rot the shoes through the winter.

Keep It Simple

If you are lazy or don’t have the time to do the above, simply take the bike to your local bike shop. For around £30 they will prepare your bike ready for winter, then lock it up in your bike shed and wait for the sun!

Keep your bike dry and safe through the winter.

Filed under: Bike locks/security, cycle storage | Tagged: bike maintenance, Bike storage, cycle storage, winter bike shed | Leave a Comment »

Cycling is good for you

Posted on January 16, 2013 by andyheath

Cycling facts and figures

3 hours of biking per week can reduce your risk of heart disease by 50%
By 2006 only 4,100 primary school kids were travelling to school by bike (that’s a decrease of 83% in 20 years)
Cycling is the quickest mode of transport in an urban environment for trips up to 6kms
Cycling speed is approximately three times that of walking speed.
If a car trip is replaced by a bike trip, then you save around 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre travelled.
If a person living 4km from work cycles to and from work throughout the year, rather than driving, over the course of the year, around 300kg of CO2 emissions are avoided.

To make a bicycle requires only a fraction of the materials and energy needed to make a car.
Twenty bicycles can be parked in the same space taken up by one car.
A cyclist can travel 10,000kms on the energy equivalent of a litre of petrol.
In Holland 30% of all trips made are by bike. It’s less than 3% in Ireland but is increasing.
The average annual rainfall in Dublin less than that of Amsterdam (804mm), a city that has a strong cycling culture.
The average number of wet days endured by everyday cyclists is less than 12% of days cycled

Cycling is good for your health, so don’t lose your bike. Keep you bike secure!

info from cyclesure

Filed under: Bike Locker, Bike locks/security | Tagged: cycle storage, cycle to school | Leave a Comment »

23 months before your bike is stolen, the clock is ticking!

Posted on January 12, 2013 by tarahamilton

A recent survey carried out by insurer LV found that on average, a person’s bike is stolen just 23 months into ownership. If you and your beloved bike are heading towards this milestone you will want to up your bike security.

This survey found that 1 in 5 bike owners have their bikes stolen after just 6 months. Most of the people surveyed expect to keep their bikes for 10 years, but with the rate of bike thefts rising this simply isn’t the case.

A third of bike thefts still go unreported as victims feel that there is a very low chance of ever getting their bike back. This lack of reporting leads people to believe that bike theft isn’t as big of an issue as it is made out to be. However, even with a third of thefts going unreported, bike theft has risen by 7% in the last year.

Don’t fall victim to theft

3 in 10 of those questioned said their bike was stolen from their garage or shed and a fifth reported their bike being stolen from their driveway. Fewer precautions seem to be taken when it comes to bike security at the home. However this is just as important as bike security when you are out and about. If your garage or shed is easily accessible, then it won’t take much for a thief to work their way inside and if you own an expensive bike it is possible that a bike thief has spotted you and followed you home for the chance to steal your bike. Reports suggest this is a particular problem in Bristol, with gangs following cyclist’s home and returning to steal their bikes.

If you are concerned about the security of your bike there are a few things you can do to ramp up the security:

Always lock your bike and use two locks when you can – a D lock and chain together is a good way to deter a thief.
Buy the best lock you can afford.
Remove all valuable items from your bike if leaving it in a public place.
If your return to find your tyre has been punctured, never leave the bike overnight, walk it home.
If using your bike at night, lock it up in a busy and well lit area.

Secure your bike at home

If you want more protection for your bike at home or live in an area that has been targeted by bike thieves, it may be worth investing in secure storage for your bike. Asgard has a range of secure bike storage units designed specifically to house your bike and cycling accessories. Asgard bike storage offers the best in bike security, providing you with peace of mind. These steel bike storage units are made from tough galvanised steel and are fitted with strong locking systems and pick resistant locking mechanisms, designed to keep thieves out! Check out the full range of secure bike storage on the Asgard website.

Figures and information provided by Road.cc

Filed under: asgard, Bicycle Security, bike chain lock, bike D lock, bike shed, Bike storage, bike theft, cycle theft, cycling | Tagged: bike, Bike storage, bike thefts, cycling, secure your bike | Leave a Comment »

electric bike sales were up in 2011, did the increase continue through 2012?

Posted on January 10, 2013 by andyheath

Asgard like to keep on top of the cycle market, Research from last year has shows Electric bike sales increased in 2011 did they continue to rise in 2012?

Electric bikes continue to amaze. In particular, the sale of e-bikes in the number one market of Europe; the Netherlands. Or has Germany taken over the leading role in sales in this particular bike catergory? 2011 e-bike sales in the biggest economy of Europe are estimated at around 200,000 units. Holland – the number 5 economy of the 27 EU member states – did only slightly less. 178,000 were sold; up 7% on the figure for 2010.

This ongoing growth is amazing. In particular for the professionals in the Dutch bike sector. Most of them reckoned that sales would level off as the first signs of saturation were supposed to kick in. That didn’t happen.

Despite a very cold 2010 – 2011 winter that hampered bike sales during the first months of last year; the end of the year tally of e-bikes sold still shows a healthy figure. Even more amazing when the very wet summer of 2011 is taken into account.

During July and August sales of regular city bikes were really badly hurt. Drops of 25% to 30% were recorded when the number of bikes sold were compared to the period for 2010. But, evidently the rain showers during last year’s summer didn’t affect the high spirits of the e-bike buyer. And that didn’t happen only in Holland.

Germany also suffered from a very wet and cold summer. But, e-bikes continued to be sold in big numbers. The biggest bike maker in the country – Derby Cycle – managed to double its sales of electric bikes to close to 90,000 units.

Electric bikes took up 15% of all bike sales in Holland in 2011. Such a market share, which is expected to grow even further in the coming years, calls for organizing a Dealer Congress. And that’s exactly what Bike Europe’s sister magazine Tweewieler did (for the second time) last December.

As I am the editor of Tweewieler too I was happy to be involved in organizing that Congress. In this issue of Bike Europe you can find a comprehensive report on this event that was visited by close to 300 bike professionals.

To sum up some of the important conclusions of this e-Mobility Congress; e-bike sales in the Netherlands will grow to a 25% market share in the coming years. This means that the market will grow to about 300,000 units.

Another conclusion was that by 2020 another e-bike category will have emerged which is expected to spike sales even more than e-bikes are doing now in Holland and Germany (and soon also in the rest of Europe). That category is made up by an electric vehicle that is a kind of cross-over of an e-bike and an e-scooter. The motorcycle industry is also convinced that such a new category will impact the market in the coming years; see the report on the ACEM conference elsewhere in this issue.

Store electric bikes and more in an Asgard cycle shed

Filed under: Bike locks/security, cycle storage, cycle theft, electric bikes, electric cycles | Tagged: electric bikes, electric cycles | Leave a Comment »

Take care when riding that Christmas bicycle

Posted on January 9, 2013 by andyheath

“PARENTS who have bought their children new bicycles for Christmas are being encouraged to make sure they teach them to ride correctly and that the bikes are properly adjusted.

“Even in these days of high-tech gadgets and gizmos, the traditional Christmas gift of a brand-new bike is still very popular,” says Pam Shaw, Nottinghamshire County Council’s road safety manager.

“But parents should make sure that, not only is the bike correctly adjusted for height and comfort, but that their child is shown the correct way to ride a bike safely and confidently.”

Pam (parent) suggests the following techniques:

l try to avoid using stabilisers as they can be relied upon too heavily and the child will be more likely to become nervous if they are removed

l adjust the seat, so that the child can put both feet flat to the floor

l remove the pedals from the bicycle and let your child use it like a hobby until they’ve gained balance and confidence

l stand in front of the bike and hold on to the handlebars, walking backwards in a straight line. This involves minimum physical contact between trainer and trainee. Make sure your child looks at you and not at their feet to begin with

l use lots of praise and encouragement and plenty of patience. Make small advances, keeping the bicycle straight

l gradually lift one hand for a second or two and replace. Repeat this exercise gradually, taking the hand off longer each time, eventually taking off one hand and then both

l do a little each day. As your child gains confidence and stays at a slow pace, greater balance and control is achieved. Remember to reinforce keeping the head up, looking ahead and pedal slowly, using the brakes when needed”.

More information and the full article is available by visiting chad.co.uk.

Keeping your childs new bike safe is also as easy as childs play with Asgard.

Filed under: bicycle locks, cycle storage | Tagged: cy | Leave a Comment »

Stolen bicycles found in polytunnel in New Forest

Posted on December 21, 2012 by nazishs

Stolen bicycles found in polytunnel in New Forest

Police said thieves were targeting the most valuable bicycles, leaving others behind

More than 100 bicycles have been discovered in a polytunnel in the New Forest by police investigating a spate of bike thefts.

Hampshire police said at least 50 cycles had been reported stolen in the Lymington, Brockenhurst and New Milton areas since September.

The hoard was discovered in a polythene greenhouse near Pennington.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the investigation. Three men remain on bail.

Officers said 28 top-of-the-range bicycles were stolen in the Lymington area in October, compared with one during the same period in 2011 and three in 2010.

Police said the number of thefts was comparable to Portsmouth, which has a population 14 times larger.

‘Quality D-lock’

Sgt Harry Wilson, of Hampshire Constabulary, said he believed a group of people working together were targeting valuable bikes.

Three men from the New Forest area, aged 20, 23 and 52, have been arrested and bailed, police said.

A 14-year-old has been cautioned in connection with a single bike theft and an 18-year-old man has been reported for summons in connection with a single bike theft.

PC Ian Cross said: “It is notable that almost every single cycle stolen in this series of thefts was secured using a chain or cable lock.

“These will stop the opportunist thief but a good quality D-Lock secured around the frame is by far the best deterrent to a determined criminal.”

Officers are now contacting victims of cycle theft and are urging anyone else who has lost a bicycle to come forward.

Beat bike theft with a Secure Metal Bike Store.

Filed under: bicycle alarm, bicycle cable lock, bike cable lock, bike chain lock, bike D lock, bike locks, Bike locks/security, cycle storage, cycle theft, cycling, Uncategorized | Tagged: Asgard, asguard, Best sheds, Bike Security, bike shed, Bike storage, cycle theft, Metal sheds, stolen bike | Leave a Comment »

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Beware of bike theft

Boom of Black Market Bikes

Top 10 Hotspots for Bike Theft

New motorcycle? Don’t let it get stolen!

How to prepare your bike for the winter

Cycling is good for you

23 months before your bike is stolen, the clock is ticking!

electric bike sales were up in 2011, did the increase continue through 2012?

Take care when riding that Christmas bicycle

“PARENTS who have bought their children new bicycles for Christmas are being encouraged to make sure they teach them to ride correctly and that the bikes are properly adjusted.

Stolen bicycles found in polytunnel in New Forest

Stolen bicycles found in polytunnel in New Forest

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