I’m a big fan of locks that don’t require a key when it comes to traveling and locking up my bike. It’s too easy to lose a key when you’re on the move. Combinations can be trouble too though, especially if it’s a lock that comes out the garage or closet every year or two and you’re sharing it with others. Have you ever tossed one because nobody could remember the combination? I’m not proud to say it, but I have.
So these Wordlock ones are brilliant. One of their bike locks has gone everywhere my bike has the past few years, including a multi-day ride on the Katy Trail in Missouri. I’m not going to tell you what the combination is, but it’s a four-letter word that’s super easy to remember. In case I go senile, my wife and daughter know it and will remember it too.
Each lock comes with its own combination built in, but if you got “nuts” and want “pink,” you can change it.
Sure, in theory it’s less secure for your combination to be “rats” or “pots” than 2411 or 8946, but I’ll take my chances on that. I’m worried more about a dedicated bike thief using brute force to break/cut the lock than I am in them trying multiple combinations for a half hour to figure it out. They’ve had at least 100 chances now to try, but I don’t live in a bike thief hotspot like New York City or Portland, so I seem to be okay.
These Wordlock bike locks come in varying levels of thickness though, from a basic four-foot one that retails for as little as $6 to heavy-duty five- and six-foot thicker cables with stronger lock mechanisms going for $12 and up. Here’s a link to the six-foot one on Amazon. 
If you’re not a cyclist, you can still take advantage of this idea for your luggage locks. Wordlock makes these TSA approved suitcase locks in five colors. They sell for around $9 and they qualify for free shipping at Amazon. You can also get a REI-branded version at their stores or at REI.com.
If you like this concept, you can get one for your shed, your gym locker, or your lawn mower too. See more at Wordlock.com
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