Some bicyclists believe that it is hard to justify buying more expensive, better locks for their bikes. They may feel that cheap, low-security cable locks are all that their bikes deserve. After all, if your bike is old and beat up, or was purchased on sale at a department store, it isn't worth much, right? You may be surprised to learn that your old beater bike or entry level mountain bike is worth much more than you believe. Beyond the purchase price, there are many factors to consider that make your bike a valuable mode of transportation.
Adding It All Up
Your bike is likely worth more than you realize. Even the cheapest of bikes may have greater value than you expect. When valuing your bike, it is important to consider all of the benefits it offers, as well as all of the costs you would have to pay if it were stolen. You can calculate a more accurate value for your bike by taking into account the following considerations:
- Resale Price: First, of course, is how much money your bike is worth if you were to try to sell it. A department store bike may only sell for $100, or maybe even less. A nicer bike, even if used, could be worth a couple hundred dollars or more.
- Value of reliable transportation: How much is it worth to you to be able to just hop on your bike and ride wherever you need to go? With a reliable bike, there is no need to pay for costly repairs, gasoline, bus fares, or other costs.
- Cost of switching to another form of transportation: If your bike was stolen, how much would it cost you to get around? Would you have to pay a bus fare? Borrow a friend's car? Buy a new bike? These can be major costs that make your current bike quite valuable.
- Sentimental value: Have you personalized your bike? Maybe it is an old beater that you've had for a long time that isn't worth anything to anyone else, but it is important to you personally. This is one type of value that is difficult to put a price tag on.
As you can see, that bike that you thought wasn't worth much may actually mean quite a lot to you. Unless you honestly don't care whether your bike if still safe at the end of the day or not, it is worth investing in a quality U-Lock to secure your bike. In fact, combining a strong U-Lock with an older, less attractive bike can be one of the best theft deterrents available. Always remember to use at least a U-Lock to secure your bike to a bike rack, locking both your frame and front wheel to the rack.
Contact Us
All bikes deserve to be adequately protected from bike theft with a good bike lock. No bike is too old or inexpensive to be stolen. To learn more about affordable, quality bike lock options that are available to help you secure your bike, please contact the bike lock professionals of A&Js' bike locks today at 708-460-2999.
