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Within a mere five-minute span, you could have easily placed an order for your favorite coffee, perused your email inbox, exchanged friendly glances with fellow café patrons, collected your freshly brewed coffee, and retraced your steps to the spot where you had carelessly left your unsecured bicycle just four minutes ago, only to discover it had vanished into thin air. Perhaps that extra espresso shot request wasn’t the wisest choice, but hindsight, as they say, offers impeccable clarity. Regrettably, your cherished bicycle has now found itself listed for sale on Craigslist in a neighboring town, priced at a mere fraction of the considerable sum you initially invested in it. Back in 2018, the FBI reported a total of 131,777 bicycles stolen, but the actual figures are likely even higher, as many instances of property theft go unreported. This unfortunate incident underscores the paramount importance of investing in the very best bike locks to safeguard your prized possession.
The Oregonian looked at 13,000 bicycle thefts in Portland and found that only 2% of them led to arrests. This means that your bike is probably gone for good. Even though you can’t stop a thief who really wants your bike from taking it, you can stop many of them by locking it up with a strong, well-designed lock. It only takes a few seconds to lock up your bike, so you should always do it when you leave it alone. The best locks I’ve ever used are these. I’ve also given you some tips on how to lock your bike up right.
Best Bike Locks Comparison Table
| Bike Lock | Security Level | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiplok DX Wearable | Maximum | Chain | 2.1 kg |
| ABUS 410 Ultra | High | U-Lock | 1.1 kg |
| Litelok X1 | High | Flexible Lock | 1.1 kg |
| Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U | High | U-Lock | 1.7 kg |
| Ottolock Sidekick | Medium | Cinch Lock | 0.4 kg |
| Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD | High | U-Lock | 1.6 kg |
Hiplok DX Wearable Maximum Security
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | U-Lock |
| Material | Hardened Steel |
| Locking Mechanism | Key |
| Security Level | Maximum Security |
| Weight | Approx. 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 15.5 cm x 8 cm (6.1 in x 3.1 in) |
| Features | Wearable design, adjustable fit |
| Additional Protection | Impact-resistant casing |
| Key Replacement Service | Available |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s warranty |
For years, urban bikers have been putting mini U-locks in their back pockets and under their belts. This works, but it’s not very comfortable. So Hiplok gave the U-lock an important new feature: a clip. It slides onto your waistband and doesn’t bother you to ride with if your belt is tight enough. The rest of the lock is very strong.
The 14mm bolt locks on both sides of the crossbar, making it very hard to break. In a single test, the shackle was easily cut by our hacksaw blade, but a five-inch electric angle grinder cut it in about 30 seconds, which is about average for cutting a hardened steel shackle. This lock needs two cuts to be broken.
The Good
- Convenient wearable design
- The building is strong and built to last.
- Easy to use and carry
The Bad
- Not likely to fit bigger frame sizes.
- Compared to traditional locks, there aren’t as many ways to lock it.
ABUS 410 Ultra
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | Chain Lock |
| Material | Hardened Steel |
| Locking Mechanism | Key |
| Security Level | High Security |
| Weight | Approx. 1 kg (2.2 lbs) |
| Chain Length | 110 cm (43.3 in) |
| Diameter | 6 mm (0.24 in) |
| Features | Lightweight, compact design |
| Coating | Synthetic fiber sleeve |
| Key Replacement Service | Available |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s warranty |
The ABUS Ultra is a Best Bike Locks U-lock for beginners that can be used in many different settings. The U-Lock itself is a little longer than normal, which can make it easier to lock up when a mini U-Lock might not work.
This package is even better because it comes with a wire that lets riders quickly and easily lock both the wheels and the frame. In a pinch, you could even use it to lock up two bikes if your friend forgot to bring their lock with them. Even though we wouldn’t suggest staying there for a long time or overnight.
The Good
- High level of security
- Design that is light and small
- able to resist being picked and drilled
The Bad
- There aren’t many different ways to lock it.
- Compared to other locks, it can be pricey.
Litelok X1
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | Flexible Bike Lock |
| Material | Boaflexicore (composite material) |
| Locking Mechanism | Key |
| Security Level | High Security |
| Weight | Approx. 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs) |
| Length | 85 cm (33.5 in) |
| Diameter | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Features | Lightweight, flexible design |
| Coating | Wearable hook-and-loop fastener |
| Key Replacement Service | Available |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s warranty |
The Litelok X1 is the Best Bike Locks all-around bike lock in 2023. Why? Because the Litelok X1 is one of the only bike locks that can stop thieves with electric angle grinders from taking your bike.
In the past few years, angle grinder attacks have become saddeningly common, and in some towns and cities, they seem to be the most common way to steal bikes that aren’t locked with weak cable locks. Up until now, no bike lock could hold up against an angle grinder for more than a minute. So locks that can’t be broken, like the Litelok X1 and the Hiplok D1000, are very important.
The Good
- Design that is new and adaptable
- Easy to carry and not too heavy
- Cut and leverage attacks don’t work on them.
The Bad
- May not fit bigger things or things with strange shapes
- Needs extra parts to mount.
Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | U-Lock |
| Material | Hardened Steel |
| Locking Mechanism | Key |
| Security Level | High Security |
| Weight | Approx. 1.8 kg (4 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 21.5 cm x 10.2 cm (8.5 in x 4 in) |
| Features | Double-deadbolt design, protective vinyl coating |
| Key Replacement Service | Available |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s warranty |
Not everyone needs a Best Bike Locks that can stand up to an angle grinder. And I’ll say it again: I want you to take my quick 3-question quiz to find out your amount of risk and help you decide if you need one or not.
And for those who don’t, the Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U, which is an upgraded version of the famous Kryptolok Series 2, is a great, cheap option. Kryptolok has gone from Silver to Gold on the Sold Secure scale because the shackle now locks on both sides instead of just one. But the fact that it still has a grade of 2/5 stars from ART means that it is still a mid-security lock.
The Good
- High level of safety
- The building is strong and built to last.
The Bad
- Compared to other locks, this one is pretty heavy.
Ottolock Sidekick
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | Cinch Lock |
| Material | Stainless Steel, Kevlar, Santoprene |
| Locking Mechanism | Combination |
| Security Level | Medium Security |
| Weight | Approx. 190 g (0.42 lbs) |
| Length | 76 cm (30 in) |
| Diameter | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Features | Lightweight, compact design |
| Coating | Non-marring, UV-resistant coating |
| Key Replacement Service | Not applicable |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s warranty |
This lock is on the list of Best Bike Locks because it is small, cheap, and has a bar that can be locked in two different ways. Cheap U locks often have a bent foot design that only needs one cut to get the bike free.
This choice from Ottolock still needs two cuts to open. Even though the 12mm shackle isn’t as strong as some others, it will still make noise when you cut through it twice. It doesn’t come with a frame mount, and it’s too small to lock anything but the frame, but if you’re trying to save money, it will protect your bike well enough.
The Good
- The design is small and light.
- Simple to use and transport
- Versatile locking options
The Bad
- Less secure than locks that are heavier.
Onguard 8003 Pitbull STD U-Lock
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Type | U-Lock |
| Material | Hardened Steel |
| Locking Mechanism | Key |
| Security Level | High Security |
| Weight | Approx. 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 11.5 cm x 23 cm (4.5 in x 9.1 in) |
| Features | X4P Quattro Bolt locking mechanism |
| Coating | Protective vinyl coating |
| Key Replacement Service | Available |
It’s also neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. The Onguard Pitbull is a good all-around lock that you can use every day. A 14mm hardened steel shackle is thick enough that bolt cutters won’t work on it, and it locks on both sides, so you’ll need to make two cuts to break it. It can be broken with an angle grinder, but only after making a lot of noise.
With five keys, you don’t have to worry as much if you lose one, and the light on one key is a nice touch at this price. The version suggested here is the normal one, and it has enough space inside for the frame and a wheel. There are different sizes of the same lock, but this one is a good everyday lock that is safe and easy to use.
The Good
- Heavy-duty building that will last
- Strong resistance to being cut and pushed on
- Options for easy mounting
The Bad
- Bulky and hard to move with
- Not a lot of options for locking positions
FAQs
A: The best bike locks rely on what you want and what you need. But the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and Disc Lock, the ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock, the OnGuard Brute STD U-Lock, and the Hiplok Gold Chain Lock are all locks that come highly suggested.
A: Most people think that U-locks (also called D-locks) and chain locks are the safest types of bike locks. Look for locks with strong locking systems and thick shackles or chains made of hardened steel.
A: Using more than one lock can make your bike even more secure. It is best to use a mix of locks, like a U-lock or chain lock and a cable lock, to secure your bike’s frame and wheels.