Buying guide for best bike locks
Whether your bike is parked on a busy street or stored in a public bike rack or shed, you need a robust lock to deter potential thieves and keep your bicycle safe. However, the lock you choose should also be convenient for you to use and carry around with you.
From super strong U-locks to chain locks to cable locks, there are many different styles and locking mechanisms to consider, and each has its pros and cons. We’ve surveyed them all to provide bike-lock recommendations that will help keep your bike secure. We’ve also included some pointers on the best way to lock up your bike because even the strongest lock won’t help if you don’t use it properly.
After extensive research, we found the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 Bike U-Lock to be the best option to keep thieves away. Its design is extremely secure, and its tough-to-beat U-lock shape is a major deterrent.
Our list: The best bike locks
If you’re looking for the most secure bike lock option, this U-lock with key access from Kryptonite is it. The brand is known for its incredibly strong bike locks that frustrate most thieves. The 13-millimeter hardened steel on this compact U-lock is resistant to bolt cutters. It measures 3.25 by 7 inches (the smaller size prevents it from being pried open with a crowbar) and hardened double deadbolts. Weighing less than 3 pounds, it also comes with a steel cable with a soft plastic casing for additional security.
If you're looking for an affordable chain lock and you don't need anything exceptionally high-security, this is a great choice. It has a five-digit combination lock, which gives you 100,000 possible codes. Weighing less than 2 pounds and measuring around 38 inches long, it's big enough to secure your bike in most places. The cloth cover keeps it from scratching the paintwork.
Just the looks of this one alone might be enough to scare thieves away. This chain lock is made from heavy-duty hardened manganese steel, which is extremely difficult to get through. It's 60 inches long, which makes it versatile enough to secure bikes almost anywhere. Its key-locking mechanism is more secure than a combination lock and comes with three keys. The outer fabric casing prevents scratches on your bike. The only downside is that it weighs 15 pounds.
Made by Swedish brand Sigtuna, this quality U-lock comes with an additional 4-foot flex-cable lock, so you can adequately secure both your front and back wheels for extra protection. Weighing around 3 pounds, the U-lock is made with 16-millimeter fortified ABS steel, making it extra tough for thieves to crack. It locks using keys, which are more secure than combinations. It comes with three keys and a mounting bracket to easily carry it on your bike.
With a four-digit combo lock and a cable design, this is a perfect affordable choice for low-crime areas or cheap bikes that don't need much of a theft deterrent. The cable is coated in a plastic sleeve to keep it from scratching your bike. It's 48 inches long, giving you plenty of room to maneuver. And it’s nice and light at just 11 ounces.
Affordable and incredibly lightweight at around 5 ounces, the standard Ottolock U-lock has an opening that measures 2.75 inches by 5.75 inches, which is large enough for a single bike. However, you can also get a 4-inch by 9.5-inch version that's great for two bikes or areas where you need more space for locking. It has a key mechanism and is coated in silicone to avoid scratching your bike.
This chain lock comes in three thicknesses — 6, 8 and 10 millimeters — with the thicker chains being harder for thieves to cut through. It has a secure key lock and comes with two keys. The fabric casing is great for protecting against scratches. It measures just under 40 inches long and weighs 2.5 pounds.
Schwinn offers a range of anti-theft bike locks from basic cable locks to thick chin locks to the most secure option — the U-lock. Each lock is available either with a combination mechanism or a key mechanism. The chain and cable locks have casings to keep them from scratching your bike’s paint. Available in a variety of lengths.
The folding design of this lock makes it easy to carry around. It's made from durable ABS steel with a scratch-resistant casing. Measuring around 33 inches when extended, this lock is long enough to secure two bikes or to work in awkward spots where you need more room. It offers a key-locking mechanism.
Secure yet affordable, these U-locks are ideal if you want a decent level of protection for your bike without spending too much. The shorter version measures 8.3 inches, while the longer one runs 13.4 inches. Both come with a cable for added security and have key locks with three keys provided.
This set consists of a U-lock and a cable. The silicone casing on the U-lock and the soft plastic casing on the cable both help prevent scratches. Since it locks with a key, the U-lock provides more security than a combination lock. It measures roughly 7.6 by 5 inches, while the cable is 5 feet long.
What to know before buying a bike lock
Size
Bike lock sizing is super important. Make sure your chosen lock is large enough to fit around your bike, and whatever object you're affixing it to, but don't pick a lock that leaves a lot of wiggle room. A tight-fitting lock is your best bet for properly securing your bike.
Casing
Some locks are wrapped in protective materials to ensure your bike doesn't get scratched, particularly chain locks and cable locks. A soft housing might also be helpful if you plan on throwing your bike lock into your backpack. The casing will protect other objects from getting damaged.
Locking mechanisms
There are three different locking mechanisms that you'll find in bike locks: keys, combinations, and electronic locks. It's up to each rider to decide what works best, but there are advantages and disadvantages with each bike-lock option.
Key locks: Locks that utilize keys are the most secure option, but you do need to remember to carry your key with you and not lose it along the way. Sure, a sneaky thief can try to pick a key lock, but they are tougher to crack than combination codes.
Combination locks: A combo lock means you don't have to worry about remembering to bring a key, but they aren't as secure as key locks. That said, the more dials your lock has, the more secure it is, so you should ideally opt for a four-dial or five-dial lock. Combination locks can be cracked and some are pretty easy to cut open.
Electronic locks: Finally, there are electronic locks. This type of lock allows you to unlock your bike just by being near it or by typing in a code. They are high-tech, but are more expensive than traditional locking mechanisms and aren't foolproof. They also look expensive, which may attract thieves. Many require a power source and need to be recharged. Although they've been around for some time, they haven't taken off in a big way, which may suggest that they're not all that practical.
Types of bike locks
There are a variety of bike lock types available for purchase, each suiting different needs and types of riders.
Cable locks
Cable locks are the least secure of the bunch because they're quite easy to cut through. They're lightweight, which makes them easier to handle than other lock types. They can wrap around anything without much of a fight. They're best for locking up an inexpensive bike.
U-locks (or D-locks)
These are really hard to cut because they're made of very strong materials and are shaped so that thieves will have a hard time finding space to maneuver their tools.
For a U-lock to be effective, you need to select one that fits around your frame but leaves very little space. Otherwise, you're spending extra money for no reason.
Chain locks
Chain locks look tough, and they are harder to cut through than cable locks, but they're not as resistant as a U-lock. They're heavier than other options, so they aren't a good choice for commuters who might find it annoying to lug around a clunky locking mechanism.
Folding locks
These are great for securing a bike to awkwardly shaped objects. They're light and compact, so they're easy to carry around, but they’re less secure than a U-lock.
Bike theft prevention tips
- Keep your lock on your person when commuting, and lock it up even if you're heading inside a building for just a few minutes.
- Using two or more bike locks can help secure your bike even further. More than one lock will make your bike a lot less appealing to potential thieves.
- And don't forget to secure your wheels and other removable peripherals, especially on a fancy road bike. Thieves will be happy to walk away with easy-to-grab tires if you don’t secure them.
- Avoid the all-too-common mistake of only locking up your wheel. Make sure to secure your frame! If you'd rather not spend additional dollars on extra locks, take removable parts like wheels, panniers, and lights with you.
- When you're locking up your bike leave as little space as possible between the lock and your bike. That makes it much harder for would-be thieves to gain leverage when trying to cut off a lock. Don't lock up your bike in a low-traffic area. That makes your sweet ride a sitting duck. Try not to leave it overnight, either.
- After you've locked it up, make sure to verify that it's actually locked. Being paranoid is OK — it's your ride!
- Consider registering your bike. Not only does proof of registration on your bike deter thieves, but it also makes it easier to find you, the original owner, should the bike get stolen and find its way to law enforcement.
FAQ
Q. How much does a bike lock cost?
A. You can find basic locks starting at around $10-$20. These are suitable for cheap bikes and low-crime areas. Mid-range options cost around $30-$60, while the sturdiest of bike locks can cost as much as $100-$200.
If you have a fancy bike with lots of removable parts, spending money on a super sturdy lock is a smart idea. If you plan on using extra locks to secure your seat and wheels, that will set you back a little more.
Q. I bought a good lock, but I'm still paranoid about getting my bike stolen while I leave it at the train station bike rack. Will it get taken?
A. If you can, lock your bike up around other bikes. At a train station, there's a good chance there's plenty of intermittent foot traffic. But yes, it's true, there will be stretches of quiet. In that case, lock your bike up with two locks if you're worried, or find a fancy bike and secure your bike next to it. Your bike won't look as appealing to thieves. In general, bike thieves target expensive models or whatever is easiest to snag.
Q. I have a key entry U-lock for my bike. What's the best way to place it to secure my bike?
A. Good choice! Make sure to get a tight fit. That makes it tough to find a place to cut through. You can also position the key entry down or out of the way to make it tough for a thief to pick. It'll make it harder for you to unlock, but if you're in an area where bike theft is common, it's a good preventative measure.
