After many hours of testing, cutting and breaking the best bike locks, we’ve concluded that the Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Bicycle U-Lock is our top pick. It is strong and extremely difficult to cut through, which makes it a perfect choice to protect your precious bike from thieves. Of all the locks we tested, only the Kryptonite proved to be strong enough to protect our bike!
If you love your bike and you spent a lot of money on it, the last thing you want is for it to be stolen. That’s why it’s important to lock it if it is going to be on the street and out of your sight. A good-quality bike lock is very important because it will stop thieves, or at least make them slower and give you more time.
You probably know that no lock is impossible to break or cut through, but some of them really are close to being completely tamper proof. Almost every determined bike thief will have some cutting tools with them, and that’s why a strong bike lock is a must. If it is well protected, the majority of thieves will give up after a short time and leave your bike alone. Firstly, you should see all the available options when it comes to types of bike lock, so you can decide which one is the best for you.
Top Bike LocksTypes of Bike Locks
While testing the locks, we determined that there are three different types of bike lock and we managed to find top products in each category. It’s obvious that today it is necessary to have a bike lock. However, before choosing the best one for you, you should determine the level of security you need according to the area you live in and the level of convenience you require.
It is very important to know which style of lock will suit you the best. Do you prefer simpler bike locks that are quick to set up, or do you have greater trust in more complicated ones? Security should always be your number one priority, especially if you live in an area with a higher crime rate and you have to leave your bike out for more than an hour at a time. Let us offer you a description of each category and our top picks, so you can decide which will be the best one for your bike.
Cable Lock
If you’re on a budget and you can only afford cheaper bike locks, this category is the most affordable. Even though cable locks aren’t the most secure on the market, they can be really practical and convenient. However, a cable lock is a good choice only if you live in an area with a low crime rate because they can be easily cut through by a determined thief. Today, there are many improved versions of this type of lock that are much stronger and more difficult to cut. They can be reinforced with stronger wires or steel for added security.
These bike locks are really lightweight and easy to use. They are very long and flexible, and they can be easily wrapped around your bike to lock it to something or stop the wheels from turning. That’s why it’s the best choice for kids that ride to school and leave their bikes in the schoolyard where they’re already safe, for added security. So, if you need a bike lock for those ‘just in case’ situations, and your neighbourhood is generally a safe place, these affordable locks are a good choice for you. They can also be used as an extra bike lock, in combination with another type, for securing the seat and wheels.
TAKEBEST Bike Lock Cable with 5-Digit Resettable Number
When it comes to cable locks, this is one of the best on the market. You’ll enjoy the convenient flexibility of this high-quality lock that can be used not only for bikes but also for motorcycles, garden barbecues and other things that need locking for additional security. Even though it’s a cable lock, this model is very durable, so the thieves will have trouble cutting it. If you’re searching for an affordable, lightweight bike lock, a cable lock should be your choice and this model, in particular, will be the best one for securing your bike and not worrying about it getting stolen while you’re away from it.
Features
This bike lock is made of steel wire that is covered with strong polyester material. Both wire and polyester are thick, which will make cutting through it difficult for any tool. The lock head is made of alloy steel that’s anti-corrosive, and the whole lock is water resistant and very durable. The length of the cable is 1.2m, meaning it’s long enough to attach your bike to a large secure object, or even lock a number of bikes together. It features a five-digit combination lock for your personal passcode, making it difficult for thieves to crack it. Try using passcodes that aren’t generic and choose sequences of numbers that are difficult to guess. This lock also features a mounting bracket that you can connect under your seat or any other part of the bike, so you can take the lock with you wherever you go.
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Cable locks clearly aren’t the strongest or safest locks out there. However, this one is very well made and can help a lot when someone is trying to steal your bike. If you need something very lightweight and budget is a key consideration, this model is a really nice choice.
Proworks Security 5-Digit Combination Bike Lock
Another convenient and well-made cable lock is offered by Proworks. It will make sure that your bike stays safe, without being heavy or difficult to store. If you’re always on the move and ride your bike very regularly, you’ll probably need something light and compact to carry around. Chain locks can be extremely heavy, that’s why a good-quality cable lock can be a nice solution. This model will surprise you with its durability and thick material. You’ll be able to secure your bike effectively and easily attach the lock to your bike frame when you are not using it.
Features
The wire of this model is made of galvanized steel, and it’s covered with very durable PVC plastic. It will be very difficult for a thief to cut through this lock and steal your bike. It is very flexible, and it will wrap around any object near the bike. It’s slightly shorter than the previously mentioned model, so it’s a great choice if you wanted a lighter lock that’s not too long. Thanks to the PVC cover, your bike won’t get any scratches on its paintwork where the lock rests against the frame. It comes in a variety of colours so you can pair it with the colour of your bike if you want it to be less noticeable. This is another model that features a five-digit passcode, so you can choose between a variety of combinations to keep your bike out of thieves’ hands. The mounting on this lock is very practical, and it will attach perfectly to your bike. The cable has an anti-tangle design that makes it even more convenient and easier to store away.
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If you like the features of this cable lock, all you have to do is choose the colour you like and set the password in a few easy steps that can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The lock will keep your bike safe and the thieves away.
U-Locks
This category offers a lot of options in terms of size, thickness and price. These locks can be both affordable and strong; you just need to do your research and compare their features to see which best matches your bike, your neighbourhood and your budget. The best things about these locks is that they are very easy to use and that they can protect your bike from being stolen without breaking the bank. Firstly, you should choose the size of the lock that will fit your bike and the object you wish to lock it to, since all bikes are different. Then you can choose the thickness of the lock – thicker locks are more difficult to cut but are also heavier to carry.
The only drawback with this product is that it isn’t flexible, so it can be a bit difficult to carry around, especially if it’s a larger, heavier model. However, a lot of manufacturers are aware of this problem and usually adjust the design so it can be placed somewhere under the seat when you need to store it. Some of the smaller models even come with an addition that can attach it to your belt, making it easy to carry. If your bike lock is mini, you might even be able to put it in your pocket without problems.
Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Bicycle U-Lock
If you’re willing to invest a bit more money to buy a particularly durable bike lock, this Kryptonite model is the best one on the market. This lock is almost indestructible and its amazing features place it at the very top of our list. This is proven by the Sold Secure gold certificate that this bike lock received in 2017. So, if you regularly leave your bike unattended in an area where there’s a higher possibility of your it being stolen, this lock is a must if you want to prevent the theft. Thanks to its features and extremely durable steel, this lock will make sure that your bike stays exactly where you left it, and the thieves won’t stand a chance if they try to break it.
Features
As the name suggests, the lock has a U or D shape. It is made of extremely strong and durable steel that’s 12.8mm thick – and it’s almost impossible to destroy. Both ends of the shackle are reinforced for better hold and security. The packaging includes two high-quality keys that are made of stainless steel, and they won’t bend and break in your pocket or bag. The padlock can be opened only with these keys thanks to the special cross-bar design that has anti-rotation features. This makes the cylinder completely drill and pick resistant. This lock also comes with a cable if you want to additionally secure wheels or any other quick-release features of the bike, and a durable bracket that will enable you to pack the lock and transport it easily. The dimensions of the lock are 10.2cm x 22.9 cm, and it weighs only 1.66kg, meaning it’s not particularly heavy considering the strength and durability it offers.
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Having your bike stolen can be a horrible thing, especially if you use it for your daily chores and as transportation to work. We all know that bicycles are pricy and that’s why it’s important to prevent the theft. With this specially designed, very strong and saw resistant U-lock, you won’t have to worry about the safety of your bike even if you leave it in an unsafe area.
Via Velo 2-in-1 Heavy Duty Bicycle Lock System
Another great U-lock that will keep your bike safe even in a high crime area is the Bike U Lock with cable. If you’ve had a bad experience with your bike being stolen and want to prevent it, this bike lock will make sure that it doesn’t happen again. The extremely durable U-lock is saw and cut resistant which means you can safely leave your bike locked wherever you need to. Not only is it very durable, but it is also compact and practical to use and store away. We are sure that you’ll appreciate every well-thought feature of this specially designed bike lock for years to come.
Features
The shackle of this bike lock is made of steel, and it is protected with the PVC rubber casing that is resistant to any weather. Nothing will damage it, not even strong sunshine, rain or dust. The lock is 15mm thick, and it is cut and drill resistant, so any thief will have troubles destroying it, and he/she will give it up really quickly! It also features a 180cm long cable that can be used to secure your wheels and other quick-release features on you bike. With this lock, you’ll get two specially designed keys that are very difficult to copy. Storing and packing a U-lock has never been easier. All you have to do is install the bracket that comes with the U-lock on your bike frame, and you can store the lock whenever you need to, without it disturbing you while you’re riding the bike.
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If you like the convenience of two products for the price of one, in this case the U-lock and cable for the wheels, this super durable bike lock will be an excellent purchase. Make sure your bike is secured in any weather for many years to come with this incredible and very strong lock.
Chain Locks
This is definitely the most secure category. Chain locks can be really strong and heavy, and some of them are almost impossible to cut and break. That’s why this type is the best option if you live in an area with a high crime rate and if you’re willing to invest more money into a bike lock. It is certainly better than having your bike stolen. These locks are usually very long, and they are flexible, which means that they can be adjusted to go around different objects. Also, they are usually inside a soft fabric cover, so your bike is protected from scratches.
Potential flaws of these locks are that they can be really heavy and difficult to carry around. Lighter models can be wrapped under the seat and brought with you, while the heavier ones are difficult to transport and better left wherever you need to lock you bike most regularly, such as your home or your place of work. They can also be very expensive since they have a lot of strength and are made of strong, high-quality material.
Famkot Bicycle Chain Lock
For the last category, we choose this incredible Famkot chain lock. If you like the strength and security of the U-locks, but you prefer the flexibility of the cable locks, then your choice should be a chain lock, and in particular, this model. A lot of different chain locks can be really heavy, but this model weighs less than 1kg. So, if you’ve ever thought about getting a chain lock but you were afraid that it would be too heavy, this model has got you covered. Even though it’s light, it will do a perfect job keeping your beloved bike safe from thieves.
Features
The chain of this lock is made of high-quality stainless steel, and it is protected with a cloth sleeve in order to protect the paint of your bike and leave it scratch-free. The cloth is both waterproof and dustproof. It’s 1000 mm long, which is more than enough to wrap around your bike and the object you choose to lock your bike to. However, it is not so long that you’ll have problems wrapping it multiple times under the seat or any other part of the frame for easier transport. It is flexible and lightweight, and it is very difficult – if not impossible – to cut and destroy with any tool thieves are known to use. It features a five-digit passcode that offers a variety of password options and the convenience of not having to carry keys. The lock core is made of strong aluminium alloy that will stay as good as new for years. You don’t have to use it only for bikes – you can easily secure barbecue grills, gates and other equipment.
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This product perfectly combines the strength of the U-locks and the flexibility of cable locks, without being heavy and difficult to carry around, which makes it a perfect choice for those who need a practical lock that’s durable and made of high-quality materials.
What to Look for in a Good Bike Lock
Now that you’ve more or less figured out which type of bike lock will work the best for your needs, you should consider a lot of other crucial features if you want your bike to stay in its place. Buying a good lock can be very complicated, especially if you’re not an expert and can’t easily determine which one offers the best quality. We will try to help you with this guide, so you never have to experience that awful feeling of not seeing your bike where you left it. Let’s talk about important things to have in mind when choosing the best lock for your bike.
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