If you store your bike in a shed or garage, and are concerned about bike security, then a floor anchor is a worthwhile investment. These chunky fixtures are best bolted into concrete and make the ideal immovable base to which you can lock up your precious pride and joy.
- The best bike locks and chains
- Improve your bike shed security whatever your budget
- Best road bikes under £1000
It's no good having an expensive lock if there's nothing to lock your bike to. Unless your lock is fixed to an immovable object it will be easy for thieves to steal, and your bike may not be covered by insurance. The solution is to fit a lock or floor anchor.
The best option is a heavy-duty ground anchor that's bolted into concrete, but even a wall anchor screwed into a wooden shed panel or fencepost will provide some extra security.
Here we explain how to fit the Abus WBA 100 Granit anchor. But many of the principles are the same, whichever model you choose.
Step-by-step guide to fitting a ground anchor
1. Make sure you have all the tools you'll need
- Electric drill
- Safety goggles/glasses
- 5/8in and 5/16in drill bits (these are included with the Kryptonite anchor but not the others)
- 4mm and 6mm Allen keys
- Pencil
- Vacuum cleaner
2. Choose your location
The ground anchor needs to be close enough to your bike(s) that your chain will fit through both the hoop of the anchor and your frame(s). In this case, rather than attaching the anchor to the wooden floor of the shed, we've cut a hole in the floor so we can sink the anchor bolts into the concrete underneath for extra security.
If you do this, make sure it won't affect the structural integrity of the shed, and if you fit it in a corner it will be harder for thieves to target. Once you've decided where you want to position it, use a pencil to mark the location of the bolts.
3. Don your safety glasses and, using the 5/8in bit, drill the first hole
4. Use the vacuum cleaner to remove all dust from the hole
5. Gently insert one of the bolt-and-shield units, supplied with the anchor, to make sure the hole is deep enough
6. If the hole is okay, hammer the bolt home
7. Unscrew the Allen key bolt from the surrounding shield
8. Place the base plate in position over the hole and reinsert the bolt, then tighten
9. Use a 5/16in bit to drill a hole through one of the other holes in the base
Loosen the first Allen bolt and slide the base away, then use a 5/8in bit to enlarge the hole. Repeat steps 4 to 8 and then repeat the process for the other holes.
10. Once the anchor is secured in position, tap the hardened security balls or ball bearings into the tops of the Allen bolts
With some ground anchors you will be given cover disks that can then be tapped on top.
11. Slide the plastic cover onto the base and secure in place using Allen key bolts
Now you're ready to thread your lock through the shackle.
Don't forget, you'll also need a good quality, strong and secure lock to go through your bike to attach to the ground anchor. Our guide to the best locks and chains is a good place to start.