We’ve selected the 14 best bike locks for your reference.
Choosing the best bike may not be easy, but choosing the best and strongest bike lock for you will be relatively easy. There are many styles to choose from, and the wrong choice can have disastrous consequences. Because your poor-quality lock could leave you along with your bike.
A good bike lock should be strong and durable and practical and easy to carry. But you need to know that strong, portable, and affordable can’t all exist at the same time. For this reason, I have searched for 14 common bike locks on the market, and they all make a good trade-off between the three. If you don’t know how to choose your bike lock and have some confusion about it, please skip to the bottom to read the selection advice we gave first and then make your choice afterward. If you’re interested in our articles, feel free to follow us.
2023 Best Bike Locks List
1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini ($124.74)
2. Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U ($67.95)
3. Abus Bordo Granit 6500 Folding Lock ($179.99)
4. Abus Granit X-Plus 540（$159.99）
5. Hiplok Z lok combo ($23.95)
6. Kryptonite Keeper 585 ($57.99)
7. Kryptonite Kryptolok 955 Mini ($63.95)
8. Ottolock Sidekick ($36-69)
9. Foldylock Compact ($89.98)
10. Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock ($44.76)
11. Altor Apex Ti ($98)
12. Kryptonite Keeper 785 ($46.95)
13. Litelok Core ($469.99)
14. Hiplok D1000 ($89.99)
1. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini ($124.74)
- Weight: 4.55 lbs / 2060g
- Size: 3.25″ x 6″ (8.3cm x 15.3cm)
- What we like about it: Small and portable, easy to carry.
- What we don’t like about it: the inability to lock it to the bar.
As the name says, this is a very mini bike lock. At just 8.3cm x 15.3cm it’s so easy to carry that you can even tuck it into the back pocket of a larger pair of jeans. But it’s not as fragile as it looks, with an 18mm hardened maximum performance steel release buckle, and a patented crossbar steel sleeve to provide double security. And, the highest-security disc-type cylinder has features to prevent pickup (pickup) and drilling.
But the smaller profile makes it impossible to lock it to other bars; you can only lock it individually. If you are in a high crime area, someone may take your bike in one piece. So if you need a bigger lock, you can choose the Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U. But I don’t think anything is more convenient than a small, portable lock. It’s a good “housekeeper” when you park temporarily.
2. Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U ($67.95)
- Weight: 3.25 lbs (1.47 kg)
- Size: 4 ” x 11.5″ (10.2 cm x 29.2 cm)
- What we like about it: Sturdy and can be locked in more places.
- What we don’t like about it: The elongated and non-collapsible shape makes it hard to carry.
Kryptonite is indeed a popular brand, and this lock is lighter, longer, and more wallet-friendly than the previous one, and comes with a bracket to attach it to the seat tube. I can quickly access it on the frame, very convenient. The high-security disc cylinder has anti-pick and drill features. The extended latch also allows me to lock it to a curb mount.
The extended and non-collapsible shape makes it less portable. If your bike doesn’t support a lock mount, you may need to carry a bag to take your lock with you on your bike. The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini ultra-small lock mentioned above is perfect for you. But the lock’s bracket can be mounted on the seat tube of most frames, so you don’t need to think too much about its portability.
3. Abus Bordo Granit 6500 Folding Lock ($179.99)
- Weight: 3.88 pounds (1.76 kg)
- Size: 33.5 inches (85 cm)
- What we like about it: It’s sturdy and can be locked in more places.
- What we don’t like about it: The elongated and non-collapsible shape makes it hard to carry.
Compared to its predecessor, the 6500 version is 5.5mm longer and 7mm wider than its predecessor, and the folding design makes it look very small, but still allows plenty of room to open. It has a more centralized center of gravity when folded than the U-lock, which means it won’t come loose in the frame, rattle, or even fall off like a U-lock.
But it has to be said that the multiple points of articulation and the use of metal make it cost more. The high price of $179.99 may not be accepted by all, but the inexpensive chain lock is also a very good choice. But this design is certainly a very good trade-off between stiffness and lightness. If you have a very expensive bike, I think it is necessary to have a lock like this for the bike.
4. Abus Granit X-Plus 540 ($159.99)
- Weight: 3.48 lbs
- Size: 11.61 x 7.48 x 7.68 inches
- What we like about it: Less-error prone and sturdy.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s heavy and doesn’t carry well.
Abus locks tend to be more reliable than other brands. This means that the possibility of locks jamming, failed keys, and errors are virtually non-existent with it. In addition, this lock offers two methods of installation, which means that carrying it around is also a breeze. If you’re looking for a high-security lock, it will hold your bike rain or shine.
At 3.48 pounds, it felt heavier than nominal in my actual use, and the wide profile always felt like a hindrance when mounting it on my bike. Perhaps the mini design of the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini will be more appealing to you. But I think its durability is unmatched by other U-locks.
5. Hiplok Z lok combo ($23.95)
- Weight: 69g
- Size: 19.68 x 0.87 x 0.6 inches
- What we like about it: Less error prone, sturdy and durable.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s heavy and doesn’t carry well.
The lock looks unusual, like a toy pull ring, but does have the function of a lock. That said, it only secures the bike in the immediate area to prevent it from being ridden away by others. It’s very light, weighing just 80g, so you can easily slip it into your pocket and not feel a thing.
However, it only prevents those who happen to want to take your bike. For those who are prepared, it does not stand up to hydraulic pliers, or even ordinary pliers. If you need to lock your bike and leave for up to a few hours, I recommend the more rugged Abus Granit X-Plus 540. but this lightweight and easy lock are perfect for locking your bike for short periods, and there is no substitute for its portability.
6. Kryptonite Keeper 585 ($57.99)
- Weight: 1.70 pounds
- Size: 85cm
- What we like about it: Lightweight and foldable.
- What we don’t like about it: Strength is not as good as other folding locks.
This is also a folding bike lock, it is half the weight compared to the last folding lock but still maintains high strength. When folded, it can be secured to the frame with the bracket that comes with it. The folding version has a great advantage are that the weight is more concentrated after folding, and fixed in the bike will not appear to shake or even fall off.
But it only supports medium security locking. If you need a higher strength lock, check out the heavier but stronger Abus Bordo Granit 6500 Folding Lock, but a lock that is so light and can handle everyday bike protection is more than adequate if you just lock your bike in the shed.
7. Kryptonite Kryptolok 955 Mini ($63.95)
- Weight: 3.90 Ibs (1.77 kg)
- Size: 21.5″ (55cm)
- What we like about it: Small and easy to carry, sturdy and durable.
- What we don’t like about it: relatively short length can’t be locked to other fixtures.
Similar in size to the first lock, a very mini bike lock. The chain design allows it to be easily folded and placed in a bag. 3T manganese steel makes the collar up to 9mm thick, the chain is fixed directly to the latch, eliminating a critical loophole in chain-type locks, and the high-security disc cylinder has an anti-theft function. It is worth noting that the top tube package included with the lock allows you to mount it directly on the lower part of the top tube, which is not available on other chain locks.
But the length is not long, you may only be able to lock it to the bike’s middle tube as well as the rear wheel. If you need to rely on a curbside locking bar to lock the bike, it’s a bit difficult. If you need a longer chain lock, perhaps you can take a look at the Kryptonite Keeper 785 below, a lightweight and portable form that is still loved by many cyclists.
Of course, if you have a bike parking space where you lock your bike for a long time, then this is not a bad choice.
8. Ottolock Sidekick ($36-69)
- Weight: 1.65 pounds (750 grams) / 2.5 pounds
- Size: 2.75″ x 5.75″ (7cm x 14.5cm) / 4.00″ x 9.50″ (10cm x 24cm)
- What we like about it: Great color selection, silicone-coated protection
- What we don’t like about it: Can’t be fastened directly to the bike.
Perfect for those riders who like to be funky, there are a very wide variety of bright colors to choose from. And there are also two models, long and short, that will work well for my needs when locking the bike. One very big difference from the traditional U-lock is the compact silicone coating wrapped around the surface. Even if you lock it to your bike frame you don’t have to worry about it causing a sad incident like losing paint.
The original product does not come with a bracket that is fixed to the bike, which means you have to take a backpack with you when you go out with him to lock the bike out. If you’re a backpack-averse rider like me, the stylish and portable Hiplok Z lok combo may appeal to you. But it’s hard to find locks that are both sturdy and stylish, and I think I should be able to buy the right mount for my lock.
9. Foldylock Compact ($89.98)
- Weight: 997.9 g
- Size: 6 x 6 x 19 cm
- What we like about it: Great color selection and easy to use.
- What we don’t like about it: The strength isn’t great.
Stands out from the crowd of folding bike locks. The rich color profile, lightweight, and ease of use make it well-received by cyclists. It’s easier to unlock, easier to deploy, easier to get around your bike, and comes with a better frame mount. Plus most importantly, it’s cheaper.
But it can only face lower-risk situations. If a burglar uses high-intensity hydraulic shears, it doesn’t stand up to them. So if you are in a high crime area, you can choose the Abus Bordo Granit 6500 Folding Lock, a high-strength folding lock, but it will add some weight. But if your risk profile is low and you’re looking for a compact and lightweight U-lock alternative, it would be a good choice.
10. Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock ($44.76)
- Weight: 1440g
- Size: 115 mm x 230 mm x 14 mm
- What we like about it: It’s very sturdy and lasts a long time.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s heavy and not easy to carry.
The rugged 8003 Series is designed to handle high-crime areas with superior protection. The unloader features a TriRadius design, a 4-point locking structure reinforced to 14mm, and a new Z-cylinder. You may not understand the figures of speech, but their absolute toughness prevents cutting, prying, and jacking. The new release buckle’s coating also protects the bike’s finish.
Compared to the folding lock, it is heavier and more difficult to store. If you’re not in a very high-risk crime area, I’d recommend the Foldylock Compact, but if you’re in an unsafe area, this rugged lock is sure to make your bike safe.
11. Altor Apex Ti ($98)
- Weight: 723g
- Size: 55×235mm
- What we like about it: Exquisite and lightweight, sturdy and durable.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s expensive.
This is a lightweight and exquisite titanium lock with a unique patented folding technology that allows it to be stored more easily. Plus, the attachment points are hardened with steel washers and rivets to withstand brute force and power tool attacks. It looks very sophisticated, and with the custom bracket, it looks very advanced on my bike. Many people who have seen it don’t think of it as a bike lock but as some kind of fancy metal ornament.
The price is very expensive and you will need to pay almost $200 to get it. If you just need an affordable and useful lock, the Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock would be a better choice. But who can say no to a lock that looks beautiful and has good security properties? It is worth mentioning that the titanium surface is not easy to scratch, and it will always stay in new condition with you.
12. Kryptonite Keeper 785 ($46.95)
- Weight: 1590g
- Size: 7.87 x 3.15 x 1.97 inches (20 x8 x5cm)
- What we like about it: Very sturdy and has long-lasting use.
- What we don’t like about it: Heavy weight and not easy to carry.
The chain lock is arguably one of my favorite types, and it can be stowed in a bag very easily. But I prefer to wrap it around my waist and hardly feel the presence of the lock when I ride. Secondly, it can be said to be very sturdy, while the simple chain material makes it very low cost, and the coarse cloth material wrapped around the outside prevents unnecessary damage to the frame.
But the weight is a little heavy, except when around the waist and locked in the bike, I do not want to hold it in my hands for a second. If you can’t accept the 1590g weight, you can look at the lightweight Altor Apex Ti, but maybe you like the thick, simple, and error-free chain lock as I do.
13. Litelok Core ($169.99)
- Weight: 1600g
- Size: 75/100cm
- What we like about it: easy to carry, sturdy and durable.
- What we don’t like about it: It can become a bit cumbersome if not placed around the waist.
“Wearable bike lock”, that’s the introduction this lock gives people. Yes, you can wrap the lock around your waist while riding and tighten it, at which point it becomes your belt. This carry design allows it to design the lock to be thick enough to protect your bike very well even in the highest-risk areas. The flexible stretch range allows it to be fixed to the bike frame or even to a fixed object on the side of the bike.
When you don’t want something wrapped around your waist, it can become nowhere. Some riders fix it in the middle of the triangle of the frame, but in my opinion, it is very uncomfortable. If you don’t want it wrapped around your waist either, check out the lightweight and portable Kryptonite Keeper 585. but I still recommend you try this one, I don’t feel anything on my waist while riding.
14. Hiplok D1000 ($89.99)
- Weight: 1600g
- Size: 15.5 cm X 9.2 cm
- What we like about it: It’s very sturdy and can even withstand a grinder.
- What we don’t like about it: It’s heavy and not easy to carry.
The D1000 is the ultimate bicycle defense, with quality materials that give it a level of robustness unmatched by ordinary locks. The double lockout, anti-spin, and 14mm premium steel buckle will withstand the toughest of attacks. Despite the heavy-duty feature and graphene enhancement, it still maintains a weight of 1900g in this sturdiness segment.
The strong and heavy U-lock ensures strength, but is not easy to carry as well as a place on the frame, and weighs relatively heavily compared to regular locks. If you are not in a high crime area, I suggest you choose the Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U, which is perfectly adequate. But if your bike is very expensive and you need to protect it well, this lock can provide you with peace of mind.
How to choose the best bike lock?
- How to choose the right bike lock for you
- Security Level
- Advanced
- Intermediate
- Low level
- Choose the right shape
- U-shaped lock
- Chain lock
- Folding lock
- Cable lock
- Care and Maintenance
- How do I protect my bike wheels and saddle
How to choose the right bike lock for you
If you’re not sure what kind of bike lock is right for you, don’t worry, I’ve provided some guidelines for you to make sure you can find the perfect bike lock for you and your bike.
As they say, a good bike lock is not just secure, it also needs to be aesthetically pleasing and portable so that you want to take it out with you every day. Your situation is very important, including the price of your bike, the area you use it in, and how much you want to spend on it.
Safety Level
No matter what kind of bike lock you choose, the ultimate goal is always to prevent your bike from being stolen. So, the first and most important step is to choose what level of bike lock you need.
If you’re asking why not just get the strongest level of a bike lock, know that higher strength also means extra weight or a higher price, or usually, both!
Advanced: If most of your locking scenarios are in high crime areas where theft occurs from time to time, then my advice is to choose a bike lock with a high level of rugged security. It’s better to carry a heavy lock every day than to go out one day and find your bike without a trace.
Intermediate: But if your riding environment is an ordinary area, you simply need some solid ordinary bike locks which can prevent simple disassembly as well as prying on it, because there are not many people watching your bike and they are not easy to get at in a crowded area. The trade-off for such a lock is security, cost, and aesthetics.
Low-level: Finally, if you are just parking in your yard or company bike shed, you only need to buy the simplest locks. They consist almost exclusively of a simple bit of wire and rubber and are very inexpensive. It usually defends against those opportunistic thieves.
Choosing the right shape
It is also important that the right shape determines how easy it is for you to use. If it is difficult to use in your daily situation, it may not be used by you for a long time. Therefore, it is not important to choose a lock that is light or strong, but one that fits your usage scenario.
This depends entirely on the individual, but I think listing the advantages and disadvantages of various locks for you will give you a more intuitive idea of which shape is better for you.
1. U-shaped lock
This type of lock is very common, and some bikes even come with one of these locks when purchased. It is usually equipped with a bracket that allows it to be fixed to the frame of the bike.
A good U-lock can be a good balance between price, practicality, and security. They are usually cheaper, lighter, and easier to use than chain locks while providing a high level of protection.
But its portability is a real challenge. Because of the large shape and non-folding makes it always shakes when hanging on the bike, which may reduce the riding experience. But its low budget and reliability make me recommend it in the first place. If you plan to buy a lock immediately to protect your bike, buying a U-lock is the best choice.
2. Chain lock
Chain locks often consist of a long metal chain (covered with cloth to protect your paint) and a large lock.
Some are easy to carry and can be wrapped around the seat tube or your waist. The very long length allows you to easily lock your bike to a curb fixing while parked, which is difficult to do with a U-lock. And when securing, the partial waist mount gives your bike a cleaner look and you don’t have to worry about the lock wobbling and falling off while riding. Yes, you can ride to your heart’s content.
3. Folding lock
This is usually the lightest type of lock, and its length and flexibility allow you to lock it to any roadside post, and it is also very integrated when stored and fixed to the frame without any wobble. If you do not want to fix it on the frame, putting it in the bag will not take up too much space in your bag.
But the disadvantages are not without. For example, it is not easy to open, you need to open it into a circular shape when locking the bike, and then lock it through the frame. In contrast, the U-lock may be much faster. And when you need to ride, you have to store it away in a small bracket pod, which is a bit of a hassle for me.
4. Cable lock
Cable locks are usually made up of thin steel cables with plastic tube protection.
Bike thieves specifically target these locks, some reports indicate that over 90% of stolen bikes are secured with these locks. They are cheap and work well, but seem to be a little less robust in terms of sturdiness. So we don’t recommend any of the cable locks.
Some simply recommend using it as a secondary lock to secure the front wheel to the frame, but I still don’t recommend using a cable lock in any situation. Buying such a lock also means your bike is not far from being stolen!
Care and Maintenance
Locks often take a lot of abuse, from water to snow and roadside dirt. Fortunately, maintaining the lock is very simple, just open it and use a cloth to remove any dirt you can see. If you feel grit crunching in the middle, just spray on some degreaser and finally some dry lubricant before closing and turn the key in the lock several times to complete the whole maintenance process.
How do I protect my bike’s wheels and saddle?
Often a lock will not hold everything on your bike, and quick-release wheels and saddles can be the target of some professional thieves.
You can use a range of different security devices to protect other components on your bike, including extra locks, cable lassoes, non-quick release bolts, or many other DIY methods.
But ultimately my advice is not to leave your bike on the side of the road for too long; they will get targeted someday. The cycling community near me has this saying “Buying a lock for your bike is the first step to losing it.”
Conclusion
A sturdy lock that you like best and is easy to use is the right decision. Those riders, whether novice or experienced, need a lock that is strong and works well to protect their bike. But even if you buy the most expensive lock in the world, if you don’t use and care for your lock and bike properly, they will all leave you one day.
We have selected the 14 most popular bike locks this year and tested them in a series of different series shapes and prices (not including cable locks, of course). It can provide security for your bike, so you don’t have to worry about losing your bike.
To sum up, a proper lock will allow you to stop and do something else while riding with confidence that it will take care of your bike for you. Whether it’s a portable lightweight lock or a bulky, high-strength reinforced lock, there’s always one that can fit your daily riding life. And did you know? If you have a pair of riding shoes with comfort level will greatly help you ride better. Perhaps you will gain more by clicking on Top 15 Best Road Cycling Shoes [2023].
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