What's London's Most Stolen Bike?

London’s love affair with cycling is no secret. With its historic streets lined by quaint cafes, bustling high streets, and the occasional glimpse of a palace, the city has become a haven for cyclists. But where there are bikes, there are bike thieves. And in London, some brands catch the eye of the light-fingered crowd more than others. Let’s take a look at which brands top the list of the most stolen bikes in London and why they’re so irresistible.

1. Specialized

Ah, the Specialized brand—a favorite among cyclists for its sleek designs and performance-driven engineering. According to data compiled from Direct Line insurance reports and Metropolitan Police records, Specialized bikes account for 17% of all reported bike thefts in Britain. This positions them as the most stolen brand in the country, highlighting their popularity and high resale value.

2. Trek

Trek bikes, with their robust construction and reputation for reliability, are another top pick among those with sticky fingers. Statistics from Cycleplan reveal that Trek bikes represent approximately 12% of thefts in the UK. Their widespread use among commuters and long-distance riders makes them attractive targets for thieves looking to make a quick profit.

3. Giant

Giant by name and giant by numbers, this brand is one of the most common on the streets of London—and subsequently in the dens of bike thieves. With a range of models that cater to everyone from casual riders to seasoned Mamils, Giant bikes account for about 11% of stolen bicycles, placing them third on the list according to data aggregated from Metropolitan Police reports and urban cycling surveys by Cycling UK.

4. Cannondale

Cannondale has long been a brand associated with high performance and cutting-edge design. While cyclists covet the brand’s bikes for their engineering brilliance, thieves eye them for their black-market value. Cannondale bikes make up around 4% of reported thefts in Britain, based on data from Bikmo insurance and Cycling UK theft statistics.

5. Bianchi

The sleek Italian design and performance of Bianchi bikes have a certain allure—not just for avid cyclists but for thieves as well. Bianchi makes up about 3% of bike thefts, showcasing that even niche, high-performance brands are not immune to the threat, according to statistics collected from Direct Line insurance reports and urban cycling data.

Why These Brands?

So, what makes these brands the usual suspects? It’s a combination of popularity, recognisability, and ease of resale. High-end components and trusted reputations mean that a stolen bike from one of these brands can fetch a handsome reward on the second-hand market, both locally and abroad.

Protecting Your Wheels

If your bike happens to be one of these “most wanted” brands, it’s time to take some precautionary measures. If you’re parking in central London, a secure space can be the difference between cycling home and catching the Tube.

At Hudjo, we’re all about making sure your precious ride stays yours. With our platform, you can find safe, reliable parking spots throughout the city. Because while we love a good story, we’d rather it not be one about your stolen bike!

Keep those wheels spinning, London—safely!