It might be simple to become lost in a rabbit hole of never-ending research while seeking the most secure bike lock available when shopping for the best bike locks. In order to do such research for you, we worked tirelessly for weeks. We discovered that a very small percentage actually broke a decent lock of people after speaking with numerous lock providers, law enforcement, and thousands of bikers.
Best Bike Locks 2023
It can be difficult to choose the right lock for your bicycle. And making the wrong choice can have terrible consequences! Choosing a lock that is both strong enough to keep your bike safe and simple enough to use every day is the key to success. There are several options available.
This balance between power and practicality, in my opinion, is crucial. Since 2015, I’ve been researching bicycle security and testing bike locks, so I know what I’m talking about.
Some locks can be folded away, some can be worn like belts, and some won’t look out of place on a chic, expensive titanium road bike build. In light of these developments, we searched for the best bike lock that could be used in a variety of different situations. While some concentrate solely on weight and may be contenders for our list of the best lightweight bike locks, others concentrate entirely on security.
Keep these trends in mind while browsing our list, but don’t forget to consider your personal interests. No bike lock is less secure than the one you forgot at home, so you want to seek something that works but is also practical. It should match your use case, style, and budget needs. The final thing to remember is that leaving your bike at home is unsafe. Bikes at home actually require additional security.
Read on to learn more about the best bike locks to buy :
Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock
Key Features
- Decent Size
- High Security
- Solid Included Mount
- Ease of Use
Overview
Year after year, despite increased competition, the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock remains the best lock available. This strong lock received good marks for all performance parameters and is just as resilient as the city that bears its name. With 16 mm of hardened steel in its U-Lock, Kryptonite offers a potent theft deterrent that we could only overcome with two separate cuts with the powered angle grinder. Even a car jack couldn’t move it. Additionally, it has the Sold Secure “Diamond” grade, which increases your sense of security when parking your bike in crowded areas.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that something that can resist the force of a car jack also weighs a lot. Fortunately, the New York lock has a frame mount, making it easy to transport when commuting or cruising on your bike. The type provided your front wheel is removed, is almost as simple to use as any U-lock, and is wide enough to fit around both wheels, the frame, and a typical bike rack. If your lock is stolen, Kryptonite offers theft protection programs, but many complicated requirements make us doubt its utility for most riders. They also provide a key replacement program for this lock, so after purchase, be sure to register your keys.
OnGuard Brute STD
Key Features
- Top Notch Security
- Mount Hardware is Easy to Install
- Includes 5 Keys
- Large Enough to Secure the Frame and Front Wheel
Overview
The Onguard Brute STD provides protection (and was awarded a Diamond rating by Sold Secure) that is on par with the models that received the highest ratings in our review but at a lesser cost. This is accomplished by including the necessary features while leaving out the nicer ones. Your two-wheeled child is protected from robbers by 16.8 mm of reinforced steel after it is securely tied to a bike rack. It takes two cuts with an angle grinder to liberate the bike, which is a laborious and noisy process that also makes a thief’s criminal intent known.
This U-lock is lighter than models providing the same amount of protection but being built of strong steel. The easy-to-install mounting hardware that is offered fits a variety of frame sizes and prevents the lock from rattling excessively when moving around the city. Five replaceable keys, one of which has an LED light to help you find the keyhole in the dark, are kindly provided with this model.
This U-lock is rather heavy and doesn’t have the polished appearance of other top-tier rivals. Furthermore, we don’t like the mounting hardware very much. The mount sits asymmetrically to the side of the main triangle rather than being streamlined inside the frame because the bike lock is installed beside the top tube rather than underneath. Some of the more expensive types come with a keyhole cover that keeps the interior of the lock clean and dry to ensure uninterrupted smooth operation.
Hiplok Original: Superbright
Key Features
- Secure
- Well-Designed
- Ease of Use
- Conveniently Wearable
Overview
Love the thought of a strong bike lock but detest having to carry one around with you? The Hiplok Original: Superbright offers a novel new approach to lock transportation. Hiplok wrapped a sturdy, two-foot-long 8 mm hardened steel chain in nylon (a thoughtful touch that ensures the chain won’t harm the paint on your bike frame). They then created a padlock with an additional metal bar that doubles as a buckle. A section of Velcro is threaded through the buckle before folding back on itself to form a comfortable and adjustable design that can be worn as a low belt.
Because it’s impossible to be too visible to drivers when you’re riding, the Superbright lock also has a substantial reflective strip on the exterior of the nylon cover. This lock will likely be most appreciated by commuter cyclists. One of our testers has been using this lock for daily bike commutes for more than four years and hasn’t encountered any performance issues, such as the locking mechanism sticking (it’s still noticeably smooth and easy) or the Velcro losing its adherence.
Those that ride for fun or exercise may want something lighter. It feels significantly heavier when stored in a backpack or messenger bag instead of being worn on your person. Despite being one of our more expensive models, it still outperforms other wearable locks in the market. If this style of lock appeals to you, keep in mind that some people may find it restricting to wear something around their waist when riding. However, despite being a big lock, it’s our testers’ preferred wearable lock for daily commutes.
Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard
Key Features
- Very Affordable
- Surprisingly Secure
- Versatility
- Locks Both Wheels Without Removing One
Overview
We advise the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard for people on a tighter budget who want a high-quality U-Lock. If necessary, the cable with this U-lock can be wrapped around the front wheel or seat post. The security of this bike lock drew our attention. The Kryptolok outperformed all other locks in this price range by a wide margin. Our army of hand tools could not overcome the 13 mm of hardened steel in the U and the shackle. Other U-locks at this price point concentrate on the U portion of the lock, leaving the shackle open to a thief making a single cut through it. The Kryptolok is strong in all areas. Thus it would take at least two cuts for a thief to open this lock.
The frame mount for Kryptonite’s U-locks that our testers have requested is more user-friendly. The locking mechanism’s tendency to become sticky more quickly than other locks is a disadvantage. It operates consistently after some cleaning and lubrication but is not as slick as other, more expensive locks. If you desire the security of a U-lock without the high cost, we believe you should take a second look at this lock.
ABUS Chain Lock 1200 Web
Key Features
- Simple to Use
- Half a Pound
- Easy to Use and Transport
- Versatile
Overview
Skip the ABUS Chain Lock 1200 Web if you’re looking for a bike lock that can be used in high-risk locations, such as a college campus. However, if you only require a lightweight, portable deterrent, this simple chain lock can be all you need. It may easily be carried in your jersey pocket, a backpack, or wrapped over your seat post because it weighs less than half a pound. You can also avoid carrying a key everywhere thanks to its straightforward combo-opening feature. Our testers and the riders of the adult and kid’s bikes that we wrapped around hardly realized it was there.
Unfortunately, a determined thief will not be deterred by this lock. It can only be used for a few minutes out of sight in cities. However, this ABUS Chain Lock might be all you need if you live in a low-security area without nearby tool-wielding thieves. The ABUS 1200 is perfect for you and your (hopefully inexpensive) bike if you’re looking for a lightweight lock that won’t break the bank and is portable. It’s not particularly robust.
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disk Lock
Key Features
- High Security
- Locks Both Wheels Without Removing Them
- Ease of Transport
- Versatility
Overview
You say, “Show me the heavy guns; stop with the fluff.” The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock is what you need if you want a straightforward lock that prioritizes both physical and visual security. It’s the lock you want if you’re leaving your bike unattended or in a high-risk location for an extended period of time. You can leave this lock on the rack while you’re gone if you lock up in the same place every day (as allowed). All of the bike locks we provide can be broken. However, the Fahgettabouit Chain and Disc Lock needs specialist equipment and takes a while to get through. In other words, only the most devoted thief can defeat this competitor.
Let’s be honest about this lock’s characteristics before you dash to your local outdoor store: it’s heavy, pricey, and large, so you might not be keen to carry it around town. The chain’s absence of a nylon sheath makes it susceptible to chipping your frame’s paint. You should probably seek a different lock if you want to keep your wheels looking clean and reasonably new. It’s not fun to make daily travels with an extra 15 pounds. Therefore we advise you to look into lighter alternatives that will make commuting less of a hassle. However, this lock offers an additional layer of security if you secure your bike outside and leave it unattended for a lengthy time.
Final Words
A bike lock is essential for most cyclists, especially those who rely on their bikes as their main or only mode of transportation. We want you to find the ideal lock that meets your demands and is simple to use because losing your bike due to a poor or insufficient bike lock is beyond annoying. We advise weighing your need for security against the amount of inconvenience you can live with before making a purchase. This review should assist you in making the best choice for you and your bike, whether you require strong security, convenience for quick stops, or a portable light lock. We hope this article will help you to find the best bike locks to buy .
FAQ
Is There a Bike Lock That Cannot be Cut?
The best secure portable bike lock on the market right now is, without a doubt, the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini. Additionally, it might be the strongest bike lock overall. Additional Security Ratings It is completely resistant to bolt cutters with an 18 mm shackle.
Which Type of Bike Lock is Best?
A folding bike lock will be a great option if you want the more extensive locking options that a chain lock offers, with the portability and security of a D lock. The most transportable locks available are folding locks, which fold up into a tiny package and are incredibly simple to carry.
Is Abus Better than Kryptonite?
Abus excels in build quality and dependability, OnGuard excels in cost, and Kryptonite excels in customer service. So, Abus is the lock to choose if you want the best performance in bad weather, the highest quality, and the most dependable lock with the best strength-to-weight ratio.
Are Combination or Key Bike Locks Better?
A combination bike lock is less secure than a key bike lock. Most key locks require at least a specialized tool to open them. A combo lock doesn’t need any special abilities. The last thing a determined thief wants to do is “work” to get their hands on your machine. A determined thief will find a way to steal a bicycle.