Have you been searching the net for the best bike locks to no avail? fret not, this blog post will expose you to the top-notch and most secure bike locks for your rides.
Of course, when you’re out and about, your bike is more likely to stay where you left it if you use the best bike locks.
So purchasing a high-quality bike lock is a smart move, and you should be sure to lock your bike properly by paying attention to all the instructions will be given on each locks.
Your bike is a valuable investment, so it’s important to protect it with a good bike lock. The best bike locks are strong, durable, and difficult to break. They also come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can find one that’s perfect for your needs.
In England and Wales in 2021–2022, there were 77,465 bike thefts, according to Statistica. As per study cited by Cycling Industry News, the number in the US may have exceeded 2 million in 2019.
It’s a smart idea to lock up your bike when you’re at home as well. According to the most recent statistics from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, more than 50% of bike thefts took place inside of houses or in domestic locations like sheds and garages.
Bikes can be easily removed by thieves, but there are also deliberate thefts of expensive bikes. Due to their value, electric bikes are also sought-after targets.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a bike Lock
When choosing a bike lock, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Security: The most important factor is the security of the lock. Look for a lock that’s made of hardened steel and has a high security rating.
- Durability: The lock should also be durable and able to withstand weather and wear and tear.
- Portability: The lock should be portable enough that you can take it with you when you’re riding your bike.
- Price: Bike locks can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. Choose a lock that fits your budget and your needs.
No matter which bike lock you choose, make sure to use it properly. Always lock your bike to a secure object, and make sure the lock is around the frame and both wheels. If you follow these tips, you can help keep your bike safe from theft.
Types of Bike Locks
In a bid to deliver an intensive result on the best bike locks for ultimate security, it is ideal to explain the available types of bike locks.
Hence, here are the different types of bike locks with their pros and cons:
- U-locks: are the most secure type of bike lock. They are made of a solid piece of metal that is shaped like a U. U-locks are very difficult to cut or pry open, making them a good choice for high-crime areas. However, they can be bulky and difficult to carry around.
- Folding locks: are a good compromise between security and portability. They are made of several pieces of metal that fold together, making them easier to carry around than a U-lock. However, they are not as secure as a U-lock and can be cut or pried open with more difficulty.
- Chain locks: are the least secure type of bike lock, but they are also the most versatile. They can be used to lock your bike to a variety of objects, such as bike racks, signs, and trees. However, chain locks are not as difficult to cut or pry open as U-locks or folding locks.
- Cable locks: are the most lightweight and portable type of bike lock. They are made of a flexible cable that is wrapped around your bike and an object. Cable locks are not very secure, but they are a good option for quick stops.
Top Tips for Choosing a Bike Lock
Here are some tips for choosing a bike lock:
- Consider the level of security you need. If you’re locking your bike in a high-crime area, you’ll need a more secure lock.
- Think about the portability of the lock. If you’re going to be carrying the lock around with you, you’ll want to choose one that’s not too heavy or bulky.
- Consider the cost of the lock. Bike locks can range in price from around $20 to $200.
- Read reviews of different bike locks before you buy one. This will help you to make an informed decision.
No matter which type of bike lock you choose, make sure to use it properly. Always lock your bike to a secure object and make sure that the lock is well-secured. You should also consider using a secondary lock, such as a cable lock, to add an extra layer of security.
Best bike locks- Strong and Practical
Obviously, getting yourself a high-quality bike lock is a smart idea, and you should make sure you lock your bike properly by paying attention to each and every instructions on these best bike locks.
Here are our top selections for the best bicycle locks, which include several different lock styles.
1. Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock
Your bike is a valuable investment, so it’s important to protect it with a good bike lock. The Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock is a budget-friendly option that still offers a high level of security.
The Pitbull STD is one of the best bike locks and it is made of hardened steel and has a 14mm thick shackle. This makes it resistant to cutting, prying, and jacking. It also features a X4P Quattro Bolt Locking Mechanism that locks the shackle at four points. This makes it even more difficult to break.
The Pitbull STD comes with 5 laser-cut keys, 1 with micro-LED. This makes it easy to find the right key in the dark. It also has an all-tube mounting bracket included. This makes it easy to attach the lock to your bike frame.
The Pitbull STD is backed by an Anti-Theft Offer of $2251 Bicycle, $751 Powersport. This means that if your bike is stolen while it is locked with the Pitbull STD, Onguard will pay you up to $2251 to replace it.
Lastly, the Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock is a secure and affordable option for cyclists who want to protect their bikes. It is not the most secure U-lock on the market, but it is a good option for cyclists who live in areas with a low risk of bike theft.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock:
Pros:
- Affordable
- Secure
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Comes with a mounting bracket
- Backed by an Anti-Theft Offer
Cons:
- Not the most secure U-lock on the market
- Shackle can be a bit difficult to insert into some objects
If you are looking for a secure and affordable U-lock, the Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock is a good option. It is not the most secure U-lock on the market, but it is a good option for cyclists who live in areas with a low risk of bike theft.
2. Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7
Under most conditions, the Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 should be able to survive attacks from everything except power tools.
We instantly noticed this lock’s significant edge over the competition: its 13-millimeter hardened shackle (the enormous U-shaped loop that gives U-locks their name) can withstand bolt cutters, effectively eliminating a substantial percentage of potential burglars.
It’s the right size for most people, measuring 7 inches long and weighing just under 3 pounds. It’s long enough to secure the wheel and frame of most bicycles to a rack while leaving almost little room for someone to insert a pry bar or a car jack inside it.
Furthermore, the shackle in this design has an additional cutout at the end, making it even more difficult to rotate (and hence remove) after cutting it.
The New-U Evolution Mini-7 employs a disc-detainer locking mechanism, which is far more difficult to pick than a standard wafer lock and should deter all but the most astute criminal utilizing specialized tools.
It also includes a 4-foot wire to attach the front wheel and a complimentary year of anti-theft protection from Kryptonite.
There are two caveats to the latter: You must register your lock within 30 days of purchasing it, and the anti-theft protection on this lock does not apply to Manhattan residents, where theft is rampant.
3. Hiplok D1000
Talking about the best bike locks, the Hiplok D1000 is a high-security bike lock that is designed to be resistant to angle grinder attacks.
It is made of a graphene-reinforced composite material called Ferosafe, which is much harder than steel and can withstand up to 20 times more force than a standard D-lock.
The D1000 also has a square shackle that makes it more difficult to pry open with tools.
The Hiplok D1000 is a relatively lightweight lock, weighing in at just 1.8kg. It is also compact and easy to carry, making it a good option for cyclists who need to transport their lock with them.
The D1000 is backed by a Sold Secure Diamond rating, which is the highest security rating available for bike locks. It has also been independently tested by Sold Secure and the German independent testing institute ART, and has received their highest security ratings.
The Hiplok D1000 is a good choice for cyclists who want a high-security lock that is also lightweight and portable. It is a bit more expensive than some other bike locks, but it offers excellent security and peace of mind.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Hiplok D1000:
Pros:
- Very high security
- Lightweight and portable
- Compact design
- Backed by a Sold Secure Diamond rating
Cons:
- More expensive than some other bike locks
- Not as durable as some other bike locks
- Shackle can be a bit difficult to insert into some objects
The Hiplok D1000 is a great choice for cyclists who want a high-security lock that is also lightweight and portable. It is a bit more expensive than some other bike locks, but it offers excellent security and peace of mind.
4. Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X
The Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X is a high-security folding lock that is also easy to use. It is made of hardened steel and has a security rating of 15 out of 15, which is the highest security rating available for any best bike locks.
It is also operated using the ABUS SmartX app, which allows you to lock and unlock the lock with your smartphone.
The Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X is a great choice for cyclists who want a high-security folding lock that is also easy to use. It is not the most affordable folding lock on the market, but it offers excellent security and peace of mind.
Features and Benefits of Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X Bike Lock
The Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X has a number of features and benefits that make it a great choice for cyclists:
- High security: The Bordo 6500a Smart X has a security rating of 15 out of 15, which is the highest security rating available for bike locks. This means that it is very difficult to break or pick.
- Easy to use: The Bordo 6500a Smart X is operated using the ABUS SmartX app, which allows you to lock and unlock the lock with your smartphone. This is a great feature for cyclists who want a convenient and easy-to-use lock.
- Foldable design: The Bordo 6500a Smart X is a folding lock, which makes it easy to carry and transport. It is also lightweight, so it won’t weigh you down.
- Alarm: The Bordo 6500a Smart X also features an alarm that will sound if the lock is tampered with. This is a great way to deter thieves and keep your bike safe.
- Backed by an ABUS Anti-Theft Guarantee: The Bordo 6500a Smart X is backed by an ABUS Anti-Theft Guarantee, which means that if your bike is stolen while it is locked with the lock, ABUS will pay you up to $5,000 to replace it.
Drawbacks
The Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X does have a few drawbacks:
- Price: The Bordo 6500a Smart X is more expensive than some other folding locks on the market.
- App: The ABUS SmartX app can be a bit buggy at times.
Overall Assessment
The Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X is a great choice for cyclists who want a high-security folding lock that is also easy to use. It is not the most affordable folding lock on the market, but it offers excellent security and peace of mind.
If you are looking for a high-quality folding lock that will keep your bike safe, the Abus Bordo 6500a Smart X is a great option.
5. Litelok X1
Next on the list of the best bike locks is the Litelok X1. The Litelok X1 is a high-security bike lock that is also lightweight and portable. It is made of a unique composite material called Barronium™, which is resistant to cutting, prying, and bending.
The X1, being one of the top bike locks, also has a double shackle design, which makes it even more difficult to break.
The Litelok X1 is a great choice for cyclists who want a high-security lock that is also easy to use. It is easy to attach to your bike, and it is quick and easy to lock and unlock. The X1 is also backed by a 5-year warranty, so you can be sure that it is a quality product.
Features and Benefits Litelok X1 bike lock
The Litelok X1 has a number of features and benefits that make it a great choice for cyclists:
- High security: The X1 is made of a unique composite material called Barronium™, which is resistant to cutting, prying, and bending. It has a double shackle design, which makes it even more difficult to break.
- Lightweight and portable: The X1 is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with you when you’re riding your bike. It weighs just 1.2kg, and it is small enough to fit in a backpack or messenger bag.
- Easy to use: The X1 is easy to attach to your bike, and it is quick and easy to lock and unlock. It uses a unique keyless locking system that is simple and secure.
- Backed by a warranty: The X1 is backed by a 5-year warranty, so you can be sure that it is a quality product.
Drawbacks
The Litelok X1 does have a few drawbacks:
- Price: The X1 is more expensive than some other bike locks on the market.
- Not as secure as a U-lock: The X1 is not as secure as a U-lock, but it is still a very secure lock.
Overall Assessment
The Litelok X1 is a great choice for cyclists who want a high-security lock that is also easy to use and lightweight.
It is not the most affordable bike lock on the market, but it offers excellent security and peace of mind. If you are looking for a high-quality bike lock that will keep your bike safe, the Litelok X1 is a great option.
6. Abus Granit XPlus 540
Without any iota of doubt, your bike is a valuable investment, so it’s important to protect it with a good bike lock. The Abus Granit XPlus 540 is a high-security U-lock that is made of hardened steel.
It has a security rating of 15 out of 15, which is the highest security rating available for bike locks. This means that it is very difficult to break or pick.
Equally, the Abus Granit XPlus 540 is also relatively lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry with you when you’re riding your bike. It weighs just 1.7 kilograms, and it is small enough to fit in a backpack or messenger bag.
The Abus Granit XPlus 540 is easy to use. It is quick and easy to lock and unlock, and the keys are easy to find in the dark thanks to the micro-LED. The lock also features a Power Cell technology that provides high protection against impact and attempts to force open the lock.
Note that the Abus Granit XPlus 540 is backed by an ABUS Anti-Theft Guarantee, which means that if your bike is stolen while it is locked with the Granit XPlus 540, ABUS will pay you up to $5,000 to replace it.
However, the Abus Granit XPlus 540 is a great choice for cyclists who want a high-security, lightweight, and portable bike lock. It is not the most affordable U-lock on the market, but it offers excellent security and peace of mind.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Abus Granit XPlus 540:
Pros:
- Very high security
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
- Backed by an ABUS Anti-Theft Guarantee
- Power Cell technology
- Micro-LED
Cons:
- More expensive than some other U-locks
- Can be difficult to insert into some objects
Overall, the Abus Granit XPlus 540 is a great choice for cyclists who want a high-security U-lock that is also easy to use. It is not the most affordable U-lock on the market, but it offers excellent security and peace of mind.
7. Kryptonite Keeper 785
Another top bike locks is the Kryptonite keeper 785. The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is a secure and affordable bike lock that is perfect for cyclists who want to keep their bike safe without breaking the bank.
The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is made of hardened steel and has a security rating of 9 out of 15, which is considered to be a good level of security. It is also a bit lighter than some other U-locks, making it easier to carry around.
The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is easy to use. It has a keyhole that is easy to find and a shackle that is easy to insert into objects. It also comes with two keys, so you’ll never be locked out of your bike.
The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is backed by a Kryptonite Lifetime Warranty, which means that if your bike is stolen while it is locked with the Keeper 785, Kryptonite will replace it for free.
Overall, the Kryptonite Keeper 785 is one of the best bike locks for cyclists who want a secure and affordable bike lock. It is not the most secure U-lock on the market, but it offers good security at a reasonable price.
Read Also: Low Rider Electric Bike Review
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Kryptonite Keeper 785.
Pros:
- Secure
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- Not the most secure U-lock on the market
- Can be difficult to insert into some objects
8. Ottolock Sidekick
The Ottolock Sidekick is a lightweight and portable bike lock that is perfect for cyclists who want to keep their bike safe without sacrificing convenience.
The Ottolock Sidekick is made of a unique composite material called Barronium™, which is resistant to cutting, prying, and bending. It is also very lightweight, weighing in at just 1.2kg.
This makes it easy to carry with you when you’re riding your bike, and it can even fit in your pocket.
The Ottolock Sidekick is easy to use. It uses a unique keyless locking system that is simple and secure. You simply insert the lock into the shackle and turn it to lock it. To unlock it, you just press the button on the side of the lock.
The Ottolock Sidekick is backed by a 5-year warranty, so you can be sure that it is a quality product.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Ottolock Sidekick:
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
- Secure
- Backed by a warranty
Cons:
- Not as secure as a U-lock
- Can be difficult to insert into some objects
9. Hiplok Z lok combo
The Hiplok Z Lok Combo is a secure and convenient bike lock that is perfect for cyclists who want to keep their bike safe without sacrificing ease of use.
The Hiplok Z Lok Combo is made of hardened steel and has a security rating of 8 out of 15, which is considered to be a good level of security. It is also very lightweight, weighing in at just 180g. This makes it easy to carry with you when you’re riding your bike, and it can even fit in your pocket.
The Hiplok Z Lok Combo uses a unique combination lock system that is both secure and easy to use. You simply set your own combination, and then you can lock and unlock your bike with a few simple twists of the dial.
The Hiplok Z Lok Combo is also backed by a 5-year warranty, so you can be sure that it is a quality product.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Hiplok Z Lok Combo as one of the best bike locks:
Pros:
- Secure
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to use
- Combination lock
- Backed by a warranty
Cons:
- Not as secure as a U-lock
- Can be difficult to insert into some objects
10. Kryptonite New-U New York Fahgettaboudit Mini
With an 18 mm dual-locking hardened shackle, the Kryptonite New-U New York Fahgettaboudit Mini resisted cutting attacks superiorly to every other lock, with the exception of one.
(The Hiplok D1000 is the only exception to this rule; it sells for $300 and further information about it may be found in the question “What about the Hiplok D1000?”)
It took our testers more than a minute to make the two cuts necessary to remove it, which is four times longer to grind through than it did with the New-U Evolution Mini-7.
Even with a motorized cut-off wheel. On the other hand, this lock does not come with a cable, and it weighs almost 4.5 pounds, which is an additional pound and a half in comparison to the Mini-7.
On the other hand, if you live in a dangerous neighborhood but don’t have $300 to spare, you should get this lock. It has a disc-detainment mechanism that is quite secure, and it is long enough to wrap around both the frame of your bike and the wheel without being overly burdensome.
Our top option also use this technique. It also comes with a free year of Kryptonite’s anti-theft coverage at the top level, which costs $5,000, so you won’t have to worry about losing your investment.
Conclusion
The locks mentioned in this article are all great options, but the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a high-security lock that is also easy to use, the Abus Granit XPlus 540 is a top-of-the-line choice.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and portable lock that is still secure, the Ottolock Sidekick is a good option. And if you’re looking for a secure and convenient lock that is also easy to use, the Hiplok Z Lok Combo is a great choice.
No matter which lock you choose, make sure to use it properly. Always lock your bike to a secure object, and make sure the lock is around the frame and both wheels. And inspect your lock regularly for signs of wear and tear.
By picking any of the above best bike locks, you can help keep your bike safe from theft.