The Greatest Bike Locks of 2024

How We Examined Bike Locks

Our professional testing staff consists of skilled cyclists and outdoors-oriented individuals on the lookout for the very best merchandise available on the market. Our workers consists of former bike racers, leisure cyclists, people 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 wish to get stolen. As such, we’re at all times in search of out the very best bike locks for our private use and have expertise utilizing all varieties of locks in our day by day lives.

Our Knowledgeable 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 staff. Lead tester Paul Mandell has 2 a long time 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 important energy mannequin for biking. Lately, he prefers lift-accessed gravity driving 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 house base in California’s Japanese Sierra. He owns fairly just a few totally different bikes and infrequently makes use of them for brief commutes and errands round city, the place he makes use of bike locks repeatedly. 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 just a few.

Jeremy Benson has been biking for over three a long time. An avid mountain and gravel rider and racer and lover of bikes of every kind, he presently has over ten bikes in his possession. Most of the bikes he owns additionally occur to be fairly costly or custom-made, so he additionally owns a small fleet of motorcycle 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 important capacity to tease out delicate efficiency variations within the merchandise he exams. 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 most well-liked locks available on the market and ordered a choice of totally 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 few of the producer’s safety claims to the take a look at and tried to interrupt into a few of the featured locks to see in the event that they actually stood as much as assaults. When the smoke and dirt settled, we got here again with the very best choices for the totally different types of locks available on the market right this moment.

Purchaser’s Information: The way to Select a Bike Lock

In the event you’ve by no means had a motorcycle stolen, take into account your self fortunate. When you’ve got had your bike stolen, then you already know that it’s a horrible feeling and could be a important monetary hit. Both approach, there are a great deal of nice bike locks available on the market to guard your bikes from theft. Whether or not you want one thing tremendous transportable and handy for low-risk conditions or one thing nearly unbreakable for high-crime areas, there are alternatives to swimsuit each bike safety want.

Types of Bike Locks

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

U-Locks

U-locks (often known as D-locks) are basically outsized padlocks. They differ of their stage of safety, however total, they are often probably the most safe choice, with a number of fashions available on the market being angle-grinder resistant and carrying the Diamond-level Bought Safe ranking.

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 each side, it often implies that the lock can’t be twisted and should be reduce twice to be eliminated. Given their design, U-locks are comparatively a bit restricted by way of what they will lock up. The biggest U-locks can often match round a motorcycle 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 people in most conditions, a strong U-lock just like the Kryptonite New U shall be greater than sufficient. If the chance of theft is excessive, then an angle grinder-resistant mannequin just like the OnGuard RockSolid or the Hiplok D1000 is a safer and safer wager to push back thieves with energy instruments.

U-locks provide the very best mixture of safety and portability, however you’ll wish to make sure that the lock you select suits your particular bike. The shackle measurement and, subsequently, the dimensions of the locking space varies by mannequin, so that’s essential to contemplate when selecting the best lock to your wants. People contemplating a U-lock may additionally wish to decide 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 differ fairly dramatically by way of safety based mostly on the thickness of the chain hyperlinks and the standard of the locking mechanism itself. Additionally they come in several lengths to swimsuit totally different wants, from shorter and extra transportable choices just like the Hiplok Gold to tremendous beefy 6-foot-long fashions just like the OnGuard Beast 8016L.

Chains additionally should be reduce twice to take away, making them a bit extra arduous to compromise however removed from unimaginable. The worth of a sequence lock is that it may well take a very long time to chop by 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, permits you to lock up extra bikes without delay 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 mixture lock that isn’t as strong as a padlock or shackle. Padlock-style locks are prone 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 measurement and weight, which generally makes them much less transportable than different types. For instance, the OnGuard Beast 8016L will not be solely huge and ponderous, however it weighs over 19 kilos. Nobody needs to experience round with that, however it’s superb to go away within the automotive to lock your bikes on a hitch rack. In distinction, the Hiplok Gold is among the lightest chain locks we examined at 5.2 kilos, and its progressive 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 can be connected 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 transportable bundle. It varies by mannequin, however typically talking, folding locks are much less strong than many U-locks and chain locks, however they shine for his or her portability and are sufficient for medium safety conditions. That stated, most folding locks don’t stand an opportunity in opposition to a motorcycle thief armed with an angle grinder.

In comparison with different types of locks, folding locks fold right into a compact and tidy bundle. Most include frame-mount brackets that maintain them unobtrusively in your bike till you want them. They will 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 massive 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 measurement, so they’re simple to convey together with you on any sort of experience. They are often helpful as a standalone lock for a fast cease on the espresso store or as a supplemental lock to your entrance wheel or different gear, together with a extra strong lock on the body.

That stated, these are among the many best locks to compromise, in order that they shouldn’t be relied upon for prolonged intervals or wherever that bike theft is a standard downside. Usually comprised of skinny metal wires coated in a rubberized coating, they are often reduce rapidly and simply.

The Ottolock Unique Cinch Lock is an instance of this fashion of lock. It weighs simply 6 ounces and rolls down sufficiently small to slot in a jersey pocket. The comfort issue may be very excessive, however the safety stage 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 predominant lock and can be utilized to lock your wheels or different gear that’s in your bike. That stated, they’re higher than no lock in any respect, however we suggest different varieties of locks.

These locks use a braided metal cable that’s connected at every finish with a lock. Cables will be reduce extraordinarily simply and silently, which makes them the number-one lock now we have seen bike thieves search out when stealing bikes.

Lock Varieties

Bike locks often include both a mixture or a keyed lock mechanism. We discover that most individuals gravitate in direction of one fashion or the opposite based mostly on private desire. That stated, broadly talking, probably the most safe locks available on the market 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, you must 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 have got additional 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 immune to selecting, drilling, and different types of brute pressure harm. So long as you’re snug carrying a key round with you, we suggest keys over mixtures as a result of they usually are extra strong.

Mixture

Mixture locks are most popular by many individuals since you don’t want to hold — or maintain monitor of — a key. Simply set a mixture, and also you’re good to go. That stated, most mixture locks are a bit extra prone to theft as codes will be cracked, and the locks themselves are sometimes a bit much less strong to allow them to be broken or damaged extra simply. There are exceptions to the rule, after all, as there are lots of tremendous heavy-duty combo locks out there. If the convenience of utilizing a mixture lock makes you extra more likely to lock up your bike, then that’s the best way to go.

Ease of Use

Every lock fashion works in a different way, 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 fashion may fit higher to your wants and, subsequently, be extra user-friendly. When selecting the best bike lock for you, it’s essential 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 an excellent 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. All the locks featured on this information scored properly in ease of use, however particular person preferences might differ. Do keep in mind that combo locks are often extra prone to assault than deadbolts and shackles, however provide a barely simpler locking and unlocking state of affairs. 

Measurement and Portability

Locks are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, so that you’ll wish 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 plan to move the lock. Portability and safety typically have a direct relationship, so maintain that in thoughts. Usually talking, the lighter and smaller the lock, the much less strong it’s, and vice versa.

U-locks are available in sizes that often can solely match one bike except 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 preferred 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, however it’s superior for maintaining in your automobile 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, however it’ll have you ever coated in most conditions.

Then there are extremely transportable 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 transportable, however solely actually good for low-risk conditions.

Safety Scores

Bike locks present various ranges of safety based mostly on their design and the supplies used of their development. Not all locks will defend your bike to the identical diploma, nor are they meant to. Because of this, it’s essential to buy a motorcycle lock or locks that meet your wants for safety based mostly on the chance of theft the place you plan to lock them up and the worth of your bicycles.

Bought Safe is an impartial lock testing facility that charges locks based mostly on their resistance to a motorcycle thief’s commonest types of assault. They’ve created a ranking 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 best stage of safety. Diamond-rated locks should be capable of face up to devoted assaults with specialised instruments for at the least 5 minutes, together with 1.5 minutes with an angle grinder. These locks are meant for costly bikes and prolonged intervals in high-risk areas.
• Gold: A excessive stage of safety. Gold-rated locks should be capable of face up to assaults with specialised instruments for at the least 5 minutes (not counting angle grinders). To be used in high-risk areas.
• Silver: A reasonable stage of safety. Silver-rated locks should be capable of face up to assaults from an enhanced device record for at the least 3 minutes. These locks are meant to be used in moderate-risk areas for shorter intervals of time or as secondary locks.
• Bronze: A low stage of safety. Bronze-rated locks should be capable of face up to assaults from a fundamental device record for at the least 1 minute. These locks are meant to be used for brief intervals in low-risk areas to forestall opportunistic theft.

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

Worth and Worth

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

Finances

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

The OnGuard Bulldog ($35) is among the least costly fashions we examined, however this U-lock nonetheless boasts a Silver-level Bought Safe ranking. This bike lock is simple to make use of, comes with an important body mount bracket, and will get the job completed with out emptying your pockets. Equally, the Ottolock Sidekick ($39) and Sidekick XL ($59) provide the same stage of safety in a extra refined-looking bundle.

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

Mid-Tier

As we climb the value ladder, the safety stage and ranking usually observe, or we additionally see some extra specialised or complicated designs. Whereas not probably 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.

A bit greater in worth, the Hiplok Gold ($130 to $140) boasts a Gold-level Bought Safe ranking, so it brings a better stage of safety. At 5.2 kilos and with a handy wearable design, it’s simply probably the most transportable chain lock available on the market. It’s not impervious to angle-grinder assaults, however it’s an important choice for all however the highest-risk areas.

Premium

Above round $200, we discover ourselves in premium bike lock territory. Locks on this worth vary are usually probably the most safe, with some even carrying the Diamond-level Bought Safe ranking. These locks are often very strong 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 effective instance. This tremendous burly U-lock was one of many first anti-angle grinder fashions that’s able to warding off very decided thieves armed with energy instruments. It features a graphene composite coating on its thick, hardened metal shackle. This coating may be very immune to the reducing wheels on angle grinders, and it requires quite a few wheels and many time to interrupt this lock. The OnGuard RockSolid ($250) is one other super-tough, Diamond-rated U-lock that may dissipate many grinder wheels with its diamond-ceramic-coated metal shackle.

Steadily Requested Questions