The Top 6 Best Bike Locks
While it is very important to buy the best bike locks to safeguard your bikes, it can be a daunting task to choose the right lock. Investing in a good lock is as important as owning your favorite bike. You don’t want to lose either!
Thankfully, you don’t have to settle with traditional cables and chains to secure your bike. There are much sturdier and smarter options available. We took a look at some of the best bike locks you can find today.
Contents
Comparison Table
PRODUCT FAQ
1. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOCKS?
2. WHICH IS THE BEST LOCK?
3. WHAT IS SOLD SECURE RATING FOR BICYCLE LOCKS?
4. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BIKE LOCKS?
5. WHAT IS THE RIGHT THICKNESS FOR LOCKS?
6. HOW TO LOCK YOUR BIKE EFFECTIVELY?
7. WHERE CAN YOU BUY THE BEST BIKE LOCKS?
HOW WE REVIEWED
Image by Melanie Simon from Pixabay
We reviewed the best bike locks based on a few parameters: features, pros & cons, price, where to buy, warranty, and security-level ratings. Based on your budget and personal needs, you can examine the top products and choose the lock that best fits your need.
OVERALL PRICE RANGE OF THE BEST BIKE LOCKS
The higher the price, the better the overall quality of the lock. You get what you pay for. While cable locks and chain locks are inexpensive, they do not offer enough security, making your bike an easy target for thieves. With folding locks and U-locks, you can achieve a balance between price and security.
WHAT WE REVIEWED
Description
This U-lock has a 13 mm thick shackle made of hardened, max-performance steel which resists cutting and leverage attacks. It has a provision for carrying a front wheel or accessories with a 4′ Kryptoflex double loop cable. The security features include a reinforced cross bar design, a high security disc-style cylinder, and a center keyway to protect against leverage attacks. The anti-rattle bumpers reduce noise during movement and the new flex frame-U transportation system allows versatile carrying.
The cylinder has a rotating dustcover for protection. The lock comes with two stainless steel keys and a key safe program that allows you to get the replacement for the first set of keys for free. The dimensions are 4” x 9” and it weighs 2.85 lbs.
Pros
Cons
WARRANTY
Kryptonite offers the best in class Lifetime Warranty.
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon
ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 + USH Brkt 300mm LS Shackle U-Locks
- The Granit X Plus 540 is the…
- Lock weighs approx. 4 pounds…
- Security Rating 15 of 15…
- Strong square parabolic…
- Shackle height: 11.8 inches,…
Description
This is a U-lock whose shackle, case, and supporting elements of the lock mechanism are all made of specially tempered, hardened steel. The shackle is a solid square, parabolic shackle that protects against attacks from bolt cutters and also leverage attacks from saws or car jacks.
The lock includes a holder that allows the lock to be easily attached to the bike and weighs approximately 4 pounds. It has a shackle height of 11.8 inches, a total height of 14.5 inches, and a 15/15 security rating through double bolting shackle/lock body.
Pros
Cons
WARRANTY
Although there is no warranty on the lock, Abus offers a cash replacement if the bike is stolen.
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon
FOLDYLOCK Compact Bike Lock | Extreme Bike Lock – Heavy Duty…
- PROTECT YOUR BIKE – don’t…
- HARDENED STEEL LINKS – we…
- ULTRA-PROTECTED RIVETS – the…
- FAST AND EASY TO USE –…
- ANTI-DRILLING COMPONENTS –…
Description
This foldable lock is made of hardened steel links which are robust. It has ultra-protected rivets designed with VSR technology to withstand sawing and cutting. The lock is easy to use and fast to install and operate. The lock has a compact design and weighs only 2.2 pounds. It can easily be carried in the bike lock case. The cylinder and other components in the lock design are drill resistant to prevent theft. The lock is 33 inches long.
Pros
Cons
WARRANTY
The lock offers a one-year warranty period starting from the purchase date.
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon
Abus Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500/85cm (33.46 in) red – Folding…
- ABUS Foldable Lock Bordo…
- 85 cm
Description
The features of this folded lock include 5.5mm heavy-duty steel bars and links for top-level security. All the elements are made of special hardened steel. The link construction offers compact folding and portability. The lock comes with two keys; one key has an LED light. Abus has a rattle-free holder with Velcro or a bottle cage mounting that fits into most bikes. The lock weighs around 3.5 pounds and is 22 inches long. For an additional fee, you can purchase the ABUS Code Card to get extra or replacement keys.
Pros
Cons
WARRANTY
Although no warranty on lock, Abus offers cash replacement if the bike is stolen.
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon
TIGR Mini Lightweight Titanium Bicycle Lock & Mounting Clip,…
- High security, disc-style lock…
- Push-button lock (no key…
- PVC coating on bow protects…
- Included Mounting clip is…
- 0.9 lbs (0.4 kg) and made in…
Description
TiGr mini is a push-button U-lock. It is made of titanium and has a unique design that makes it very strong and flexible. The disc-style lock cylinder comes with two keys. PVC coating on the bow protects the bike frame from scratches and the mounting clip is easy to use and install. Mini is easy to use and handmade in America. It weighs only around one pound (0.4 kg).
Pros
Cons
WARRANTY
There is a full lifetime warranty on the TiGr.
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon
Master Lock Street Cuff Locks, 9-Hardened Steel Links, 22…
- LOCK APPLICATION: For indoor…
- EASE OF USE: Compact and…
- MAXIMUM SECURITY: Hardened…
- SPECIFICATIONS: 21-1/2 in….
- INCLUDES: One Street Cuffs…
Description
This is a chain lock made up of laminated, hardened steel that is practically impossible to cut. The cuffs have a 3-inch diameter. The 22-inch steel link offers a greater reach for locking the bicycle to a parking meter, a street lamp, or a fence post. Although the lock unlocks with a key, it can be locked easily using a push-button.
The lock comes with two keys and weighs approximately three pounds. The pivoting links with no fixed anchor points make it hard to break the chain by leverage attacks. The lock offers an Anti-Theft Guarantee of $3,500 and a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Pros
Cons
WARRANTY
It has a limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship. Damaged, cut, misused or worn out locks aren’t covered. Also, the labor cost is not covered.
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon
THE VERDICT
Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay
Abus is a well-known and reliable brand. Although expensive, it’s best to invest on Abus Bordo 6500 folded lock or Abus Granite-X 540 U-lock for the highest level of security and peace of mind.
Some other brands may provide better esthetics, a lower price range, or insurance. For example, Kryptonite offers great value with a reasonable amount of security at a low price point. With its unique design, the TiGr Mini is handy and secure enough at a mid-level price. Foldylock compact has better aesthetics, functionality and offers mid-level protection. Master Lock Street cuffs are the least expensive and has many pros, but the con outweighs the pros.
We picked the Abus locks because of their durable materials, light weights, and high Secure Gold ratings. For the price point, the level of security you get is superior compared to the others. Despite the benefits of the other locks on our list, we pick the Abus Bordo 6500 folded lock or Abus Granite-X 540 U-lock for the best bike locks.
Featured Image: Image by Mabel Amber, still incognito… from Pixabay
My articles appear in Marketing Edge Magazine, on Gizmogrind, and with various Medium publications. But one thing hasn’t changed in all of my life: no matter where I was or what I was doing. I’ve always loved to be outdoors.
A man needs nothing more than a good flannel shirt, a well-worn pair of jeans, and comfortable hiking boots. I don’t go for all the fancy luxury stuff. Suits are uncomfortable and shaving sucks.
