The Greatest Bike Locks of 2024

Bike theft is a rampant downside, however a high quality bike lock can deter or thwart even probably the most decided bike thief. With dismal statistics surrounding bike theft, having one of the best bike lock is crucial to maintain your valuable journey(s) protected.

Luckily, there are a lot of nice bike locks in the marketplace that match quite a lot of safety wants and budgets. Our crew of testers rigorously examined and evaluated every of the locks on this information to search out one of the best choices for each rider and bike theft danger state of affairs.

From the revolutionary, wearable Hiplok Gold chain lock or the angle grinder-resistant OnGuard RockSolid to the tremendous moveable Ottolock Unique Cinch Lock and all the things in between, we’ve bought suggestions to fit your bike safety wants. In case you need assistance deciding what you want, take a look at our purchaser’s information and value & worth sections to find out what is going to serve you finest. Or, to see all of the fashions we examined at a look, our comparability chart will present you the breakdown.

Editor’s Be aware: We up to date this information on October 23, 2024, with the addition of seven new fashions, together with the tremendous safe OnGuard RockSolid U-Lock and Beast Chain Lock, the Ottolock Sidekick and Sidekick XL U-Locks, and the folding Hiplok Swap.

The Greatest Bike Locks of 2024

Bike Locks Comparability Chart

How We Examined Bike Locks

Our knowledgeable testing crew consists of skilled cyclists and outdoors-oriented folks in search of one of the best merchandise in the marketplace. 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 looking for out one of the best bike locks for our private use and have expertise utilizing all forms of locks in our day by day lives.

Our Professional 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 crew. 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 crucial 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 a couple of completely different bikes and sometimes makes use of them for brief commutes and errands round city, the place he makes use of bike locks frequently. 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 couple of.

Jeremy Benson has been biking for over three many years. An avid mountain and gravel rider and racer and lover of bikes of all types, he at present has over ten bikes in his possession. Lots 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 protected in various situations. Jeremy has been professionally testing and reviewing bikes and associated gear for the previous 8 years, and has a terrific potential to tease out refined 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 footwear, and mountain bike helmets.

Our Testing Course of

We vetted the preferred locks in the marketplace and ordered a collection of completely different kinds — chains, U-locks, folding locks, and cables. We then evaluated them for match, end, and performance. We carted these locks throughout city in messenger luggage, 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 one of the best choices for the completely different kinds of locks in the marketplace in the present day.

Purchaser’s Information: How one can Select a Bike Lock

In case you’ve by no means had a motorcycle stolen, take into account your self fortunate. In case you have had your bike stolen, then you recognize that it’s a horrible feeling and could be a vital monetary hit. Both method, 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 nearly 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 in 4 completely different kinds, every with its personal advantages and disadvantages.

U-Locks

U-locks (also called D-locks) are basically outsized padlocks. They fluctuate of their stage of safety, however general, they are often probably the most safe possibility, with a number of fashions in the marketplace being angle-grinder resistant and carrying the Diamond-level Bought 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 each side, it often signifies that the lock can’t be twisted and should be lower 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 folk in most conditions, a strong U-lock just like the Kryptonite New U shall 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 thrust back thieves with energy instruments.

U-locks provide one of the 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 scale of the locking space varies by mannequin, so that’s necessary to contemplate when choosing the proper lock to your wants. People contemplating a U-lock may wish to decide up a cable or folding lock to assist safe your different wheel and/or luggage 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 numerous 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 should be lower twice to take away, making them a bit extra arduous to compromise however removed from inconceivable. The worth of a series lock is that it could take a very long time to chop by way of a few of them and often attracts consideration. Chain locks additionally provide the next 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 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 robust padlock or locking mechanism. Moreover, some chain locks, just like the ABUS 8808C, have a mixture 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 measurement and weight, which generally makes them much less moveable than different kinds. For instance, the OnGuard Beast 8016L just isn’t solely massive and hulking, nevertheless it weighs over 19 kilos. Nobody desires to journey round with that, nevertheless it’s wonderful to go away within the automotive to lock your bikes on a hitch rack. In distinction, the Hiplok Gold is likely one of the lightest chain locks we examined at 5.2 kilos, and its revolutionary belt-carry design makes it fairly simple to take with you.

Folding Locks

Folding locks just like the ABUS Bordo 5700 and the Hiplok Swap are composed of a set of hardened metal bars which are connected by pivot hinges at every finish and a lock that connects the 2 free ends. These enable 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 usually 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 stated, most folding locks don’t stand an opportunity in opposition to a motorcycle thief armed with an angle grinder.

In comparison with different kinds 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 will additionally typically match right into a pocket, take up little house in your backpack, or possibly even include a belt carry clip just like the Hiplok Swap.

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. Sometimes, these are very light-weight and smaller in measurement, so they’re simple to deliver 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 to your entrance wheel or different gear, together with a extra sturdy lock on the body.

That stated, these are among the many best locks to compromise, so that they shouldn’t be relied upon for prolonged durations or anyplace that bike theft is a standard downside. Sometimes constituted of skinny metal wires coated in a rubberized coating, they are often lower rapidly 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 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 must you. They’re solely meant as an adjunct to your major 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 advocate different forms of locks.

These locks use a braided metal cable that’s connected at every finish with a lock. Cables might be lower extraordinarily simply and silently, which makes them the number-one lock we’ve got seen bike thieves hunt down 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 model or the opposite primarily based on private desire. That stated, broadly talking, probably 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’s essential carry a key with you to make use of such a 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’ll be able to often get spares from the model. The lock cylinders themselves are often additionally specifically designed to be proof against choosing, drilling, and different types of brute power harm. So long as you’re comfy carrying a key round with you, we advocate keys over mixtures as a result of they usually are extra sturdy.

Mixture

Mixture locks are most popular by many individuals since you don’t want to hold — or preserve observe of — a key. Simply set a mixture, and also you’re good to go. That stated, most mixture locks are a bit extra inclined to theft as codes might 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, after all, as there are a lot of tremendous heavy-duty combo locks obtainable. If the convenience of utilizing a mixture lock makes you extra prone to lock up your bike, then that’s the best way to go.

Ease of Use

Every lock model works otherwise, and discovering the one that matches your wants is fairly simple. Most locks are truthfully fairly simple to make use of, however typically a sure model may fit higher to your wants and, subsequently, be extra user-friendly. When choosing the proper 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 planet is not any good if it doesn’t suit your bike or it’s a ache to hold with you.

When shopping for a lock, take 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 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 in quite a lot of sizes and shapes, so that you’ll wish to select the one that matches your particular wants. This is applicable to the scale of the lock and what you’ll be able to 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 preserve that in thoughts. Typically talking, the lighter and smaller the lock, the much less sturdy it’s, and vice versa.

U-locks are available in 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’ll be able to carry them on the bike. We appreciated the one which comes with the OnGuard Bulldog.

Chain locks come in numerous lengths, and usually, 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 desires to hold that anyplace, nevertheless it’s superior for holding 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, nevertheless it’ll have you ever coated in most conditions.

Then there are extremely moveable folding locks just like the ABUS Bordo and the Hiplok Swap. The dimensions and carrying brackets of those locks make them simple to deliver 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 development. 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 motorcycle lock or locks that meet your wants for safety primarily based on the danger 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 primarily based on their resistance to a motorcycle 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 rankings and their standards are listed beneath.

• Diamond: The best stage of safety. Diamond-rated locks should have the ability to face up to devoted assaults with specialised instruments for not less than 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 stage of safety. Gold-rated locks should have the ability to face up to assaults with specialised instruments for not less than 5 minutes (not counting angle grinders). To be used in high-risk areas.
• Silver: A reasonable stage of safety. Silver-rated locks should have the ability to face up to assaults from an enhanced device listing for not less than 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 stage of safety. Bronze-rated locks should have the ability to face up to assaults from a fundamental device listing for not less than 1 minute. These locks are meant to be used for brief durations in low-risk areas to forestall opportunistic theft.

A simple solution to know if the lock you might be shopping for has been examined and rated is to search for the Bought Safe brand — 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 related info to the buyer. Luckily, 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.

Value and Worth

Normally, as the worth will increase, so does lock safety. To search out the correct worth for you — the right steadiness 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 desires their bike stolen, however clearly, in case you have an costly bike, it’s going to fetch the next value, 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 might be lower 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’ll be able to’t get a high quality bike lock that ought to preserve 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 brief assaults from most instruments wanting angle grinders.

The OnGuard Bulldog ($35) is likely one of the least costly fashions we examined, however this U-lock nonetheless boasts a Silver-level Bought Safe score. This bike lock is straightforward to make use of, comes with a terrific body mount bracket, and will get the job executed with out emptying your pockets. Equally, the Ottolock Sidekick ($39) and Sidekick XL ($59) provide an identical stage 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 Bought Safe Silver-rated U-lock and a cable to loop by way 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 worth ladder, the safety stage and score usually observe, or we additionally see some extra specialised or advanced designs. Whereas not probably the most safe choices, the folding fashions we examined, the ABUS Bordo 5700 and the Hiplok Swap, 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 of larger in value, the Hiplok Gold ($130 to $140) boasts a Gold-level Bought Safe score, so it brings the next stage of safety. At 5.2 kilos and with a handy wearable design, it’s simply probably the most moveable chain lock in the marketplace. It’s not impervious to angle-grinder assaults, nevertheless it’s a terrific 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 usually probably the most safe, with some even carrying the Diamond-level Bought Safe score. These locks are often very sturdy and sometimes embody particular supplies and options that command the next 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 may be very proof against the reducing 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 may deplete many grinder wheels with its diamond-ceramic-coated metal shackle.

Incessantly Requested Questions