The Finest Bike Locks of 2024

How We Examined Bike Locks

Our knowledgeable testing group consists of skilled cyclists and outdoors-oriented individuals in search of the perfect merchandise in the marketplace. Our workers consists of former bike racers, leisure cyclists, of us who bike-commute 60 miles per week, and everybody in between — individuals who care about match, end, and performance in each product we use. Many people depend on bikes for transportation, and a few of us personal very costly bikes that we completely don’t need to get stolen. As such, we’re all the time searching for out the perfect bike locks for our private use and have expertise utilizing all kinds of locks in our every day lives.

Our Skilled Testers

This information is a mixed effort with most merchandise examined by frequent GearJunkie contributor Paul Mandell and GearJunkie Editor Jeremy Benson and some by different members of the editorial group. Lead tester Paul Mandell has 2 many years of expertise within the saddle as a aggressive racer and leisure rider. He accomplished his grasp’s diploma in train science, the place he studied the essential energy mannequin for biking. Today, he prefers lift-accessed gravity using and lengthy journey rides with loads of descending. He nonetheless finds time to get out for the occasional gravel grind or single-track loop close to his dwelling base in California’s Jap Sierra. He owns fairly a number of completely different bikes and infrequently makes use of them for brief commutes and errands round city, the place he makes use of bike locks recurrently. Paul’s testing expertise extends past bike locks, and he has contributed his experience to quite a few different guides, together with bike lights, bike computer systems, and bike telephone mounts, to call a number of.

Jeremy Benson has been biking for over three many years. An avid mountain and gravel rider and racer and lover of bikes of every kind, he presently has over ten bikes in his possession. Lots of the bikes he owns additionally occur to be fairly costly or personalized, so he additionally owns a small fleet of motorbike locks to maintain them secure in various situations. Jeremy has been professionally testing and reviewing bikes and associated gear for the previous 8 years, and has an amazing means to tease out delicate efficiency variations within the merchandise he checks. Along with bike locks, he’s contributed to many different guides, together with hitch bike racks, mountain bike sneakers, and mountain bike helmets.

Our Testing Course of

We vetted the preferred locks in the marketplace and ordered a number of completely different types — chains, U-locks, folding locks, and cables. We then evaluated them for match, end, and performance. We carted these locks throughout city in messenger baggage, backpacks, pockets, or included body mounts. We locked our bikes to metropolis bike racks, fences, mild poles, and hitch bike racks and evaluated the portability, safety, and ease of use for every lock when utilized in real-world situations. 

We additionally put a number of the producer’s safety claims to the take a look at and tried to interrupt into a number of the featured locks to see in the event that they actually stood as much as assaults. When the smoke and mud settled, we got here again with the perfect choices for the completely different types of locks in the marketplace immediately.

Purchaser’s Information: Select a Bike Lock

If you happen to’ve by no means had a motorbike stolen, take into account your self fortunate. When you’ve got had your bike stolen, then you understand that it’s a horrible feeling and generally is a vital monetary hit. Both approach, there are a great deal of nice bike locks in the marketplace to guard your bikes from theft. Whether or not you want one thing tremendous moveable and handy for low-risk conditions or one thing just about unbreakable for high-crime areas, there are alternatives to go well with each bike safety want.

Types of Bike Locks

Bike locks historically are available 4 completely different types, every with its personal advantages and disadvantages.

U-Locks

U-locks (also called D-locks) are primarily outsized padlocks. They fluctuate of their degree of safety, however general, they are often essentially the most safe possibility, with a number of fashions in the marketplace being angle-grinder resistant and carrying the Diamond-level Offered Safe score.

U-locks have a hardened metal U-shaped shackle that matches right into a crossbar lock that closes the loop. These can have a locking mechanism on one or each ends of the U form. If it locks either side, it often implies that the lock can’t be twisted and have to be minimize twice to be eliminated. Given their design, U-locks are comparatively a bit restricted by way of what they will lock up. The most important U-locks can often match round a motorbike body tube, the rear wheel, and a hard and fast object to lock onto. Smaller U-locks could also be restricted to becoming round simply the body.

For most folk in most conditions, a strong U-lock just like the Kryptonite New U might be greater than sufficient. If the danger of theft is excessive, then an angle grinder-resistant mannequin just like the OnGuard RockSolid or the Hiplok D1000 is a safer and safer guess to push back thieves with energy instruments.

U-locks provide the perfect mixture of safety and portability, however you’ll need to make sure that the lock you select suits your particular bike. The shackle dimension and, due to this fact, the dimensions of the locking space varies by mannequin, so that’s necessary to contemplate when selecting the best lock in your wants. People contemplating a U-lock may additionally need to choose up a cable or folding lock to assist safe your different wheel and/or baggage while you’re away out of your bike. Or, a combo just like the Kryptonite New-U with Cable or the ABUS Extremely 410 U-Lock and Cable will make it simpler to lock of your body and each wheels.

Chain Locks

Chain locks encompass a size of chain with a locking mechanism that secures the 2 ends collectively. Some chain locks include a padlock, and others have a built-in locking mechanism. These locks fluctuate fairly dramatically by way of safety primarily based on the thickness of the chain hyperlinks and the standard of the locking mechanism itself. In addition they come in several lengths to go well with completely different wants, from shorter and extra moveable choices just like the Hiplok Gold to tremendous beefy 6-foot-long fashions just like the OnGuard Beast 8016L.

Chains additionally have to be minimize twice to take away, making them a bit extra arduous to compromise however removed from unattainable. The worth of a series lock is that it may well take a very long time to chop by means of a few of them and often attracts consideration. Chain locks additionally provide a better diploma of user-friendliness when locking. The versatile nature of the chain itself, together with the size, means that you can lock up extra bikes directly or lock your bike to a bigger object.

Chains are solely nearly as good as their weakest hyperlink, so select one with a powerful padlock or locking mechanism. Moreover, some chain locks, just like the ABUS 8808C, have a mix lock that isn’t as sturdy as a padlock or shackle. Padlock-style locks are inclined to assault with the wrench and cutter strategies. Locks just like the Kryptonite 1090, which makes use of a deadbolt, are safer than padlocks and conventional shackles.

The first downside of chain locks is their dimension and weight, which usually makes them much less moveable than different types. For instance, the OnGuard Beast 8016L is just not solely huge and hulking, but it surely weighs over 19 kilos. Nobody needs to journey round with that, but it surely’s wonderful to go away within the automobile to lock your bikes on a hitch rack. In distinction, the Hiplok Gold is without doubt one of the lightest chain locks we examined at 5.2 kilos, and its modern belt-carry design makes it fairly simple to take with you.

Folding Locks

Folding locks just like the ABUS Bordo 5700 and the Hiplok Change are composed of a set of hardened metal bars which might be hooked up by pivot hinges at every finish and a lock that connects the 2 free ends. These permit roughly the identical flexibility and locking space as some chain locks however at a lighter weight and a extra simply moveable package deal. It varies by mannequin, however typically talking, folding locks are much less sturdy than many U-locks and chain locks, however they shine for his or her portability and are sufficient for medium safety conditions. That mentioned, most folding locks don’t stand an opportunity in opposition to a motorbike thief armed with an angle grinder.

In comparison with different types of locks, folding locks fold right into a compact and tidy package deal. Most include frame-mount brackets that maintain them unobtrusively in your bike till you want them. They’ll additionally typically match right into a pocket, take up little area in your backpack, or perhaps even include a belt carry clip just like the Hiplok Change.

Strap Locks

A comparatively new breed of low-security locks resemble giant zip-ties with built-in locks. These are meant to discourage opportunistic grab-and-go theft in low-crime areas. Usually, these are very light-weight and smaller in dimension, so they’re simple to convey together with you on any kind of journey. They are often helpful as a standalone lock for a fast cease on the espresso store or as a supplemental lock in your entrance wheel or different gear, together with a extra sturdy lock on the body.

That mentioned, these are among the many best locks to compromise, in order that they shouldn’t be relied upon for prolonged durations or wherever that bike theft is a typical drawback. Usually constituted of skinny metal wires coated in a rubberized coating, they are often minimize shortly and simply.

The Ottolock Unique Cinch Lock is an instance of this model of lock. It weighs simply 6 ounces and rolls down sufficiently small to slot in a jersey pocket. The comfort issue could be very excessive, however the safety degree is kind of low.

Cable Locks

We right here at GearJunkie don’t take into account cable locks to be safe on their very own, and neither do you have to. They’re solely meant as an adjunct to your most important lock and can be utilized to lock your wheels or different gear that’s in your bike. That mentioned, they’re higher than no lock in any respect, however we advocate different kinds of locks.

These locks use a braided metal cable that’s hooked up at every finish with a lock. Cables may be minimize extraordinarily simply and silently, which makes them the number-one lock we’ve got seen bike thieves hunt down when stealing bikes.

Lock Sorts

Bike locks often include both a mix or a keyed lock mechanism. We discover that most individuals gravitate in direction of one model or the opposite primarily based on private desire. That mentioned, broadly talking, essentially the most safe locks in the marketplace often have a keyed lock.

Key

Keyed locks use a key that goes right into a lock cylinder and is turned to unlock it. After all, it is advisable carry a key with you to make use of this kind of lock, which can be a downside for some customers. Most locks include a number of keys, so you might have further for various customers, keychains, or in case you lose one — or a number of.

Most keyed locks include high-security keys that may’t be copied, however you may often get spares from the model. The lock cylinders themselves are often additionally specifically designed to be proof against selecting, drilling, and different types of brute power injury. So long as you’re comfy carrying a key round with you, we advocate keys over mixtures as a result of they sometimes are extra sturdy.

Mixture

Mixture locks are most popular by many individuals since you don’t want to hold — or hold monitor of — a key. Simply set a mix, and also you’re good to go. That mentioned, most mixture locks are a bit extra inclined to theft as codes may be cracked, and the locks themselves are sometimes a bit much less sturdy to allow them to be broken or damaged extra simply. There are exceptions to the rule, in fact, as there are various tremendous heavy-duty combo locks accessible. If the benefit of utilizing a mix lock makes you extra prone to lock up your bike, then that’s the way in which to go.

Ease of Use

Every lock model works otherwise, and discovering the one that matches your wants is fairly simple. Most locks are actually fairly simple to make use of, however typically a sure model may match higher in your wants and, due to this fact, be extra user-friendly. When selecting the best bike lock for you, it’s necessary to contemplate the place you’ll use it, what must be locked, what you’re locking to, and the way you’ll transport the lock itself. The perfect bike lock on the earth isn’t any good if it doesn’t suit your bike or it’s a ache to hold with you.

When shopping for a lock, take a great have a look at how the locking mechanism works, in addition to how simple it’s to lock and unlock, earlier than deciding which one is best for you. The entire locks featured on this information scored nicely in ease of use, however particular person preferences might fluctuate. Do keep in mind that combo locks are often extra inclined to assault than deadbolts and shackles, however provide a barely simpler locking and unlocking scenario. 

Measurement and Portability

Locks are available a wide range of sizes and styles, so that you’ll need to select the one that matches your particular wants. This is applicable to the dimensions of the lock and what you may lock up and lock onto it with, but additionally how you propose to move the lock. Portability and safety typically have a direct relationship, so hold that in thoughts. Usually talking, the lighter and smaller the lock, the much less sturdy it’s, and vice versa.

U-locks are available sizes that often can solely match one bike until they’re mixed with a supplemental cable. Nonetheless, the U-locks we examined high out at round 4 kilos, and they’re sufficiently small to suit right into a backpack, messenger bag, or, within the case of the Ottolock Sidekick, your again pocket. Some even include body mount brackets so you may carry them on the bike. We appreciated the one which comes with the OnGuard Bulldog.

Chain locks come in several lengths, and customarily, bigger and stronger locks are heavier however safer. Take the OnGuard Beast, for instance. This burly six-foot-long chain weighs a whopping 19.4 kilos. Nobody needs to hold that wherever, but it surely’s superior for preserving in your car to lock bikes to your hitch rack. In distinction, the Hiplok Gold weighs simply 5.2 kilos and has a carry system to put on it round your waist. It’s not as lengthy or burly, but it surely’ll have you ever coated in most conditions.

Then there are extremely moveable folding locks just like the ABUS Bordo and the Hiplok Change. The scale and carrying brackets of those locks make them simple to convey with you, even when they aren’t the very best safety. The identical applies to strap-style locks just like the Ottolock Unique Cinch — it’s extremely mild and moveable, however solely actually good for low-risk conditions.

Safety Rankings

Bike locks present various ranges of safety primarily based on their design and the supplies used of their building. Not all locks will shield your bike to the identical diploma, nor are they meant to. For that reason, it’s necessary to buy a motorbike lock or locks that meet your wants for safety primarily based on the danger of theft the place you propose to lock them up and the worth of your bicycles.

Offered Safe is an unbiased lock testing facility that charges locks primarily based on their resistance to a motorbike thief’s most typical types of assault. They’ve created a score scale with 4 ranges — Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze — which correlate with the relative issue of compromising a lock. The 4 scores and their standards are listed under.

• Diamond: The very best degree of safety. Diamond-rated locks should be capable of stand up to devoted assaults with specialised instruments for at the very least 5 minutes, together with 1.5 minutes with an angle grinder. These locks are meant for costly bikes and prolonged durations in high-risk areas.
• Gold: A excessive degree of safety. Gold-rated locks should be capable of stand up to assaults with specialised instruments for at the very least 5 minutes (not counting angle grinders). To be used in high-risk areas.
• Silver: A average degree of safety. Silver-rated locks should be capable of stand up to assaults from an enhanced device checklist for at the very least 3 minutes. These locks are meant to be used in moderate-risk areas for shorter durations of time or as secondary locks.
• Bronze: A low degree of safety. Bronze-rated locks should be capable of stand up to assaults from a fundamental device checklist for at the very least 1 minute. These locks are meant to be used for brief durations in low-risk areas to forestall opportunistic theft.

A simple approach to know if the lock you might be shopping for has been examined and rated is to search for the Offered Safe emblem — most manufacturers promote the score. Bike lock manufacturers additionally do their very own in-house testing, and lots of of them assign a safety score primarily based on their very own scale to supply comparable info to the patron. Happily, all of them appear to be fairly correct compared and averaged. Some, however not the entire locks we featured on this article are vetted by Offered Safe.

Worth and Worth

Normally, as the value will increase, so does lock safety. To search out the fitting worth for you — the right stability of value and safety — take into account the worth of your bike(s) and the danger of theft the place you’re locking it up. Nobody needs their bike stolen, however clearly, when you have an costly bike, it’ll fetch a better value, and thieves usually tend to danger slicing a flimsy cable lock and even going after a sturdier D-lock with an angle grinder. Bear in mind, any lock may be minimize finally, and safety comes from the period of time it takes to interrupt a lock.

Funds

Simply since you don’t have some huge cash to spend doesn’t imply you may’t get a high quality bike lock that ought to hold your bike safe (more often than not). Whereas budget-friendly bike locks aren’t rated as excessive by Offered Safe — often Bronze or Silver — they positively work higher than nothing and can deter opportunistic theft or brief assaults from most instruments in need of angle grinders.

The OnGuard Bulldog ($35) is without doubt one of the least costly fashions we examined, however this U-lock nonetheless boasts a Silver-level Offered Safe score. This bike lock is simple to make use of, comes with an amazing body mount bracket, and will get the job performed with out emptying your pockets. Equally, the Ottolock Sidekick ($39) and Sidekick XL ($59) provide the same degree of safety in a extra refined-looking package deal.

The Kryprotnite New-U Kryptolock STD with Cable ($71) is one other nice worth product. It consists of the Offered Safe Silver-rated U-lock and a cable to loop by means of your entrance wheel. This can be a good package deal that gives extra locking flexibility than a U-lock by itself.

Mid-Tier

As we climb the value ladder, the safety degree and score sometimes observe, or we additionally see some extra specialised or advanced designs. Whereas not essentially the most safe choices, the folding fashions we examined, the ABUS Bordo 5700 and the Hiplok Change, each promote for $85 and rating excessive marks for portability and comfort. These locks are tremendous simple to hold and have a lot bigger locking areas than U-locks.

Somewhat increased in value, the Hiplok Gold ($130 to $140) boasts a Gold-level Offered Safe score, so it brings a better degree of safety. At 5.2 kilos and with a handy wearable design, it’s simply essentially the most moveable chain lock in the marketplace. It’s not impervious to angle-grinder assaults, but it surely’s an amazing possibility for all however the highest-risk areas.

Premium

Above round $200, we discover ourselves in premium bike lock territory. Locks on this value vary are sometimes essentially the most safe, with some even carrying the Diamond-level Offered Safe score. These locks are often very sturdy and infrequently embody particular supplies and options that command a better price ticket. Whereas these locks are costly, they’re nonetheless less expensive than changing your bike.

The Hiplok D1000 ($300) is an efficient instance. This tremendous burly U-lock was one of many first anti-angle grinder fashions that’s able to keeping off very decided thieves armed with energy instruments. It features a graphene composite coating on its thick, hardened metal shackle. This coating could be very proof against the slicing wheels on angle grinders, and it requires quite a few wheels and plenty of time to interrupt this lock. The OnGuard RockSolid ($250) is one other super-tough, Diamond-rated U-lock that can expend many grinder wheels with its diamond-ceramic-coated metal shackle.

Often Requested Questions