Best
bike locks
TechnoBuffalo
2022
It’s hard enough to find a good spot to leave your bike, but a bike lock is the best investment to ensure it stays there. To keep your bike out of the hands of thieves, you need a reliable lock that is much more sturdy than pretty. It’s not enough to attach your means of transport to a pole, fence, or tree with a low-quality lock, as a thief will get through it in seconds. So, we have reviewed and listed some of the best bike locks available that will deter the thief and move them off to somewhere else.
Best overall:
Kryptonite Evolution U-Lock with FlexFrame-U Bracket
Staff Pick
This combination of a 13 millimeter hardened steel U-lock and 10-millimeter steel looped cable gives double the protection, so hopefully, be a more significant deterrent for thieves. The cable is 4 feet in length, so it’s long enough to wrap around both wheels. Kryptonite will ship your first two keys free to anywhere and also offers an anti-theft protection policy. The combination of the two locks offers probably the best value for the money spent.
Best runner-up:
Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty U-Lock Bike Lock
Staff Pick
The Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock is a 16-millimeter max performance steel shackle that will resist bolt cutters, hand tools, and other such devices. A “Gold” rating from Sold Secure indicates how safe it is to leave your bike parked in urban areas. If you can remove the front wheel, this U-lock is big enough to capture both wheels, the rack, and a standard bike rack. What’s more, should you lose your keys, the company will ship the first two replacements for free anywhere in the world, and it also offers an anti-theft protection policy.
Most versatile:
Hiplok v1.50 Original Superbright Wearable Bicycle Lock
Here is a lock of 8 millimeter hardened steel chain combined with a 12 millimeter hardened steel shackle sleeved in impact-resistant nylon. Hiplok has solved the transportation problem of the lock by designing it to be worn around the waist, with the padlock serving as a buckle. A Velcro strap is adjustable for the lock to rest comfortably on the hip, and the patented design ensures it’s never locked when worn this way. The lock has a thick reflective strip on the outside that can be easily seen when you’re riding, and this v1.50 Superbright lock is rated “Silver” by Sold Secure.
Best value:
Master Lock 8143D Self Coiling Cable Lock
The Master Lock 8143D is 4 feet, 8-millimeter self-coiling cable made of braided steel for strength and flexibility. A four-digit combination lock is convenient, so you aren’t fumbling with any keys. It’s best to use this lock where you feel the chance of theft is less because the area is safer. Don’t forget, the bike is not the only thing you can protect with this lock. It will also protect the lawnmower, toolbox, or any other valuable item.
Best compact:
Abus Bordo GRANIT X Plus
Abus give their locks a security rating from 1 to 15. This one is rated 15, so it is their most secure lock on offer. The 5.5 millimeter hardened steel links unfold to a total length of 33.5-inches, which is enough to fit through the frame and both wheels to anything you want to secure against. At about 3.5 pounds, the Abus Bordo GRANIT X is heavy to carry around, but the high security it offers more than compensates for it.
Best durable:
OnGuard 8020 Mastiff Integrated Key Chain Lock
The OnGuard 8020 Mastiff is made of ultra-durable titanium-reinforced steel. The square links are designed to offer maximum cutting resistance, and the end link is a unique cylinder with a locking mechanism that is picking and drilling resistant. You receive five laser-cut keys with the lock, one of which is a micro-light that projects a bright white beam. It has a beefy look that projects the Mastiff in the lock.
Best cable and combo:
Etronic Security Bike Lock M6 Self Coiling Resettable Combination Lock Bike Cable Lock
The Etronic M6 is a 6 feet coiling cable with a combination lock. The longer length makes it suitable for securing a range of things like gates, fences, ladders, skateboards, etc. The 10-millimeter steel cable is vinyl coated to prevent scratching and is resistant to most bolt cutters. It also comes with a lock mounting bracket, so you can conveniently store the lock on the bicycle frame when it’s not needed.
Best single-point:
Master Lock Street Cuffs Lock
They may look like a novelty, but the Master Lock Street Cuffs are made of hardened laminated steel with no fixed anchor point to give a thief leverage to cut them. Unfortunately, they will only secure one point of the bike with a post, but the nine hardened steel links are 22-inches in length to give a decent reach. When you’re not using them, the links will conveniently fold up into a compact shape.
Be confident you will keep your bicycle with a secure bike lock
Spending a lot of time picking the right bike will also require special consideration of the type of lock suitable for such an expense. How many of us think that far? A sturdy lock is essential because your investment spends so much time in the public view, and you only have a limited capacity for worrying. For this reason, we recommend the Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty U-Lock Bike Lock. Even “Superman” will not come near it! With a “Gold” rating from Sold Secure, it is the premium lock to use. It also comes with a frame mount, which makes it convenient to carry while you’re commuting. Be sure to register the keys on purchase, so they can be replaced for free should you ever lose them.
We also like the Hiplok v1.50 Original Superbright Wearable Bicycle Lock, which has a patented design for the lock so it can also be worn around the waist, when not in use. It is “SIlver” rated by Sold Secure, so it is very reliable. If you’re looking for maximum deterrence, then get the double U-lock and cable combination of the Kryptonite Evolution U-Lock with FlexFrame-U Bracket.
Any lock you choose is a welcome addition to the security of your bicycle.
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