You’re 2.5 occasions extra more likely to have your bike stolen than your automobile. And as instruments similar to cordless angle grinders – which might rapidly slice by metallic – turn out to be simply accessible, a sturdy metal shackle or chain might not be sufficient.The Guardian’s journalism is unbiased. We are going to earn a fee should you purchase one thing by an affiliate hyperlink. Study extra.Luckily, lock design has come a good distance in the previous couple of years. Manufacturers together with Abus, Litelok, Kryptonite and Hiplok have launched stronger supplies, smarter mounting techniques, and locks designed particularly for the fatter frames of e-bikes. Now you can select from ultra-tough U-locks, wearable chain locks, and compact folding fashions with real-world resistance to energy instruments. A very good bike lock received’t make your bike theft-proof, however it could purchase you time and provides a thief sufficient purpose to stroll away.We examined 15 of one of the best bike locks extensively accessible within the US throughout all totally different classes and value factors. Whether or not you want most safety for a high-theft space or only a reliable lock for errands round city, we’ve narrowed down one of the best bicycle locks price contemplating in 2025. {Photograph}: Josh PattersonWhy it is best to belief meI’ve been testing bikes and biking gear professionally for greater than a decade, with a give attention to long-term sturdiness and real-world efficiency. My evaluations have appeared in Outdoors, Bicycling and greater than a dozen different biking publications. I’ve damaged, bent and burned by loads of bike locks – and a number of other dozen angle grinder discs – to separate advertising hype from real-world safety.How I testedI examined 15 locks from main manufacturers, together with Abus, Kryptonite, Litelok, Hiplok, OnGuard and Seatylock. They had been chosen primarily based on safety scores, model popularity, US availability and the way properly they represented key use circumstances.To check theft resistance, I reduce them utilizing a cordless angle grinder – the popular machine of contemporary bike thieves to slice by locks and even bike racks. The time to breach listed for every lock relies on this technique. Whereas no lock is grinder-proof, some dramatically decelerate the theft course of by chewing up grinder discs. The perfect locks required a number of cuts, drained batteries, and destroyed slicing discs sufficient to discourage decided thieves.That mentioned, grinder resistance is just one a part of the equation. I used every lock for no less than two weeks, together with quick stops, day by day commutes and in a single day lockups when acceptable for the kind of lock. I examined how straightforward every lock was to hold, deploy and use with totally different bike frames and bike racks. I famous whether or not mounts had been included, how properly they labored, and the way a lot the locks rattled whereas driving.All costs present on the time of publication.At a glanceBest total bike lock:Litelok X1$189.99 at Litelok {Photograph}: Josh PattersonThe Litelok X1 is one of the best total bike lock we examined. It balances real-world grinder resistance with on a regular basis usability and it’s comparatively low-weight. This makes it preferrred for e-bike riders, day by day commuters and anybody locking up in theft-prone areas.Why we love itMost high-security locks fall into two camps: burdensome chains that may weigh as much as 15lb, or compact U-locks that may be troublesome to make use of with bigger frames or awkward racks. The X1 sidesteps that trade-off with a versatile composite armor referred to as Barronium over a hardened metal core. This materials actively resists slicing wheels so successfully that in testing, we needed to swap angle grinder discs six occasions, in addition to swap batteries. Each are key elements that may simply cease a thief of their tracks.At simply 3.7lb (1.7kg), the X1 is surprisingly moveable for a Diamond-rated lock. It’s barely bigger than a regular U-lock, with sufficient inner house to suit round outsized tubes or road indicators. It additionally has reflective striping for night-time visibility and a coated keyway to maintain out grime and water.It’s a disgrace that …It doesn’t embrace a body mount. You’ll must buy one individually, or carry it in a bag. And whereas not as burly because the heavier Litelok X3 or Hiplok D1000, the X1 strikes a wiser stability for many riders.
Weight: 3.7lb (1.7kg)
Materials: Barronium composite over hardened metal core
Safety: Bought Safe Diamond, ART 4-star
Mount: None included; appropriate with Twist & Go or Tactical mounts (offered individually)
Time to breach: Eight minutes
Greatest price range bike lock:Abus Ivera Chain 7210$82.70 at Amazon {Photograph}: Josh PattersonThe Abus Ivera 7210 is a strong decide for budget-conscious riders who nonetheless need actual safety for day by day errands or commutes. Whereas it doesn’t supply the grinder resistance or top-tier certifications of costlier locks, it performs properly sufficient for brief stops and day-to-day use in lower-risk areas.Why we love itThis chain makes use of 7mm hardened metal hyperlinks that resist widespread hand instruments similar to bolt cutters and hacksaws. The sq. profile and tight spacing between hyperlinks make it troublesome to get leverage or slicing instruments in place. It’s lengthy sufficient to wrap by your body and entrance wheel, and the tender textile sleeve prevents it from scratching paint once you loop it across the bike.At just below 3lb (1.3kg), it’s one of many lightest chains we examined, and it coils simply right into a bag. It additionally holds up properly in poor climate: the material sleeve dries rapidly and shields the hyperlinks from corrosion, which generally is a downside with uncovered chains.It’s a disgrace that …It’s not rated by Bought Safe or ART. We wouldn’t belief it for in a single day lockups in metropolis facilities, however for on a regular basis errands and fast stops, it’s arduous to beat at this value.
Weight: 2.8lb (1.3kg)
Materials: 7mm hardened metal with woven textile sleeve
Safety: No third-party certification
Mount: None included
Size: 33.5in (85cm)
Time to breach: Lower than 20 seconds
Greatest chain bike lock:Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain$124.96 at Walmart {Photograph}: Josh PattersonIf most safety is your high precedence and weight is a distant concern, the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain is as powerful as they arrive. This beast of a series pairs 14mm hardened manganese metal hyperlinks with an identical New York Disc Lock, making a set-up that’s earned one of many highest Bought Safe scores. The 5ft chain (1.5-meter) chain is lengthy sufficient to safe each your body and wheel, and the nylon sleeve retains the hyperlinks from scratching paint.In our testing, the Fahgettaboudit resisted every part in need of energy instruments. Bolt cutters didn’t make a dent, and its sheer bulk alone acts as a visible deterrent – thieves know this isn’t a simple goal. At a portly 15lb (6.8kg), this isn’t a lock you’ll wish to keep on an extended journey. However for locking up in high-theft city areas, it’s some of the trusted choices accessible.Why we love itIt delivers the very best stage of safety in need of a financial institution vault, and severe peace of thoughts in cities the place bike theft is widespread.It’s a disgrace that …The load and measurement make it impractical for many cyclists to hold. This lock is greatest used as a major lock at a set location, supplemented with a lighter, extra compact lock for errands.
Weight: 15.25lb (6.9kg)
Materials: 14mm hardened metal hyperlinks with a textile sleeve
Safety: Bought Safe Gold for Bikes and Bikes
Mount: None included
Size: 5ft (1.5 meters)
Time to breach: 5 minutes
Greatest folding lock:Foldylock Endlessly$135 at Seatylock {Photograph}: Josh PattersonCommuters want a lock that’s straightforward to hold, quick to deploy, and safe sufficient to go away outdoors the workplace or espresso store. The Foldylock Endlessly provides higher safety than most folding bike locks, making it a perfect selection for metropolis riders who lock and unlock their bikes a number of occasions a day.Why we love itUnlike most folding locks, the Foldylock Endlessly is each Bought Safe Gold and ART 3-star licensed. It makes use of 6.5mm hardened metal plates related by convex rivets designed to make drill bits slip when making an attempt to breach the lock. The lock opens and closes easily, with a large sufficient attain to accommodate typical bike racks and body shapes.The included mount bolts to water bottle bosses or attaches with adjustable straps. It’s one of many quietest techniques we examined – no rattles or clunks when driving over potholes. At just below 4lb (1.8kg), it’s lighter than most chain locks and simpler to stash than an extended U-lock. For commuters prioritizing comfort with out sacrificing safety, it hits the candy spot.It’s a disgrace that …The folding design limits what you’ll be able to lock to: large signposts or thick bike racks could also be a problem. It’s additionally costlier than some comparably rated U-locks.
Weight: 3.9lb (1.8kg)
Materials: 6.5mm hardened metal folding plates
Safety: Bought Safe Gold, ART 3-star
Mount: Rattle-free body bracket included
Time to breach: Three minutes
The perfect of the restBest chain lock for a number of bikes:OnGuard Mastiff Chain Lock 8021$119.95 at OnGuard Lock {Photograph}: Josh PattersonIf you’re securing a number of bikes, the OnGuard Mastiff Chain Lock is a sensible selection. Its beneficiant 6ft (1.8-meter) chain makes it attainable to lasso two or extra bikes to a sturdy anchor, decreasing the variety of locks you want. The hardened 10mm metal hyperlinks and beefy lock head stability safety with value, and a protecting sleeve prevents body injury.Whereas it isn’t fairly as impervious because the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit, in testing, the Mastiff proved to be a strong deterrent to most hand instruments, and an efficient possibility in low- to mid-risk areas. It’s heavy at 9.8lb (4.4kg), however for securing a number of bikes, one lengthy chain remains to be lighter and far simpler to handle than a number of shorter, ultra-secure chains.Why we love itA mixture of size, power and worth makes the Mastiff a sensible selection for households or households with a couple of bike. It’s preferrred for long-term use at bike racks, garages or residences.It’s a disgrace that …It’s not Bought Safe or ART licensed, although its construct high quality is similar to many Gold-rated choices.
Weight: 9.8lb (4.4kg)
Materials: 10 mm titanium-hardened hex chain
Safety: Producer-rated; no Bought Safe/ART certification
Mount: None; greatest saved at lock-up web site
Size: 6ft (1.8 meters)
Time to breach: 4 minutes
Greatest lock for e-bikes:Abus Granit Tremendous Excessive 2500$224.99 at REI {Photograph}: Josh PattersonHeavier-duty frames require stronger, longer locks. The Abus Granit Tremendous Excessive 2500 is likely one of the few U-locks particularly designed to face up to angle grinders and safe large-diameter tubing. It’s costly and heavy, however for e-bike riders, it might be one of the best protection accessible.Why we love itThis lock combines a burly 27mm shackle with a carbide-reinforced core, making it extraordinarily proof against slicing wheels. In real-world checks, angle grinders take noticeably longer to breach it in contrast with customary U-locks, shopping for you minutes, reasonably than seconds. The lock physique homes an Abus XPlus cylinder, which is designed to withstand drilling and choosing.Beneficiant inner clearance makes the Granit simpler to safe by giant e-bike frames or wheels. Abus’s keyed-alike system lets you match it with different locks or batteries utilizing the identical key. This makes it notably interesting for e-bike commuters or supply riders managing a number of lockups a day.It’s a disgrace that …It weighs almost 5lb (2.2kg), and it prices greater than double most of our picks.
Weight: 4.95lb (2.2kg)
Materials: Carbide-reinforced hardened metal shackle (27mm)
Safety: Bought Safe Diamond, ART 4-star
Mount: Included, mounts to pannier racks
Time to breach: Eight minutes
Greatest wearable bike lock:Hiplok Gold$130 at REI {Photograph}: Josh PattersonThe Hiplok Gold wearable chain lock wraps round your waist like a belt, offering actual safety with out rattling in a bag or taking on rack house.Why we love itThe adjustable, belt-like match retains the burden evenly distributed round your waist, which makes it particularly interesting for bike messengers or metropolis riders who don’t wish to carry a heavy chain of their bag. It’s lengthy sufficient to loop by your body and rear wheel, and it makes use of a 10mm hardened metal chain and a 12mm shackle to ship Bought Safe Gold-rated safety.The outer sleeve is detachable and washable, and the lock mechanism is reassuringly strong. Hiplok consists of coded key tags and a 10-year guarantee, which suggests long-term reliability. In case you’re on and off your bike often, it’s some of the sensible chain locks in the marketplace.It’s a disgrace that …Carrying it’s extra comfy than carrying it, however at 5.3lb (2.4kg) it could really feel cumbersome off the bike.
Weight: 5.3lb (2.4 kg)
Materials: 10mm hardened metal chain, 12mm shackle
Safety: Bought Safe Gold
Mount: Wearable (waist-mounted belt-style)
Time to breach: Two minutes
Greatest light-weight lock:Hiplok Change$89.99 at Hiplok {Photograph}: Josh PattersonFor shorts rides and occasional stops, we all the time reached for the Hiplok Change. It’s compact, straightforward to hold and provides simply sufficient safety to discourage opportunistic theft. It additionally makes a terrific backup when used alongside a extra sturdy major lock.Why we love itThe lock folds right into a small, light-weight unit and mounts securely to your body utilizing a intelligent bracket system that doubles as a software holster or bottle cage. 5-millimeter hardened metal folding bars lengthen to 33.5in (85cm) of locking size. That’s sufficient to safe your body and wheel to a rack most often.At simply over 2lb (1.05kg), it’s barely noticeable on the bike. Whereas it’s solely Bought Safe Bronze rated, it’s way more sturdy than a cable lock and received’t appeal to as a lot consideration as heavier fashions. We discovered it excellent for daytime errands or locking up in view.It’s a disgrace that …It’s not meant for high-crime areas or in a single day locking. Consider it as insurance coverage in opposition to informal theft, not decided assaults.
Weight: 2.3lb (1.04kg)
Materials: 5mm hardened metal bars
Safety: Bought Safe Bronze
Mount: Body bracket included
Time to breach: Below one minute
Greatest ultralight lock:Abus Combiflex Travelguard$33.39 at Amazon {Photograph}: Josh PattersonIf you’re in search of a lock you’ll be able to take in all places with out even serious about it, the Abus Combiflex Travelguard suits the invoice. At simply 2.1oz (60g) and sufficiently small to vanish into the pocket of your denims or jersey pocket, it’s basically an outsized zip-tie with a mixture lock, which additionally means no key to hold. It’s accessible in 17.7in (45cm) and 29.5in (75cm) lengths, supplying you with flexibility relying on how you intend to make use of it.In testing, it was preferrred for low-risk stops similar to grabbing a espresso or taking a fast restroom break. It’s not constructed to withstand heavy-duty instruments and is greatest seen as safety in opposition to fast, snatch-and-grab thefts: the type the place somebody would possibly stroll off with an unlocked bike however received’t hassle making an attempt to chop even a fundamental cable lock. It addresses a standard paradox in biking: a few of the costliest bikes on the highway get the least safety when parked, making them tempting targets even throughout quick stops.Why we love itYou don’t discover it when it’s stashed in your pocket or bag, but it’s there once you want a fast layer of safety. It’s additionally helpful for helmets, strollers and even touring. For riders who keep away from carrying a full-size lock however nonetheless need one thing for brief stops, it strikes a helpful stability of comfort and deterrence.It’s a disgrace that …It provides minimal safety in opposition to extra decided thieves. Go away it for fast errands the place your time away out of your bike is measured in minutes, not hours.
Weight: 2.1oz (60g); retractable cable; mixture lock
Materials: Rubber-coated metal cable with a three-digit mixture lock
Safety: Not Rated
Mount: None
Time to breach: Lower than 10 seconds
Desk displaying names and descriptions of further bike locks testedThe greatest bike locks: what it is advisable to knowWhat makes an excellent bike lock?There’s no such factor as an unbreakable bike lock, however one of the best bike locks delay theft lengthy sufficient to make your bike a much less interesting goal. Search for hardened metal or bolstered composite supplies, a compact locking profile, and locking mechanisms that resist choosing, drilling or twisting. However that’s simply a part of the story.A lock is just efficient should you use it, which implies measurement, weight and comfort matter. The perfect bicycle lock for an informal rider operating errands isn’t the identical as what a courier or e-bike commuter wants. Match the lock’s safety stage to your routine.Which sort of lock ought to I purchase?Every lock sort comes with trade-offs:
U-locks supply one of the best strength-to-weight ratio. They’re arduous to chop, straightforward to stow, and nice for city lockups.
Chain locks mean you can lock your bike to extra anchors, similar to timber, and are versatile and sometimes permit for extra versatile locking alternatives, however are additionally a lot heavier. They’re preferrred for in a single day storage or high-theft zones.
Folding bike locks are compact and simpler to mount, however often much less safe. They’re good for light-duty use or commuters who need comfort.
Wearable locks strap round your waist or shoulders, releasing up bag house. They’re greatest for couriers and metropolis riders on the transfer.
What do lock certifications imply?Unbiased safety testing is likely one of the greatest methods to check locks. Right here’s what to search for:
Bought Safe (UK) awards Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond scores. Diamond locks resist energy instruments and are beneficial for e-bikes or high-risk areas.
ART (Netherlands) charges locks from 1 to five stars. Most bike locks price contemplating fall into the two–4 star vary.
VdS (Germany) additionally certifies locks, largely for European markets.
In case you journey an e-bike or retailer your bike outside typically, take into account a lock with Bought Safe Diamond or ART 3-star certification or higher. These are examined in opposition to energy instruments and high-impact assaults. Not all locks are submitted for certification, however should you’re parking in public frequently, these labels might help slim the sphere.How ought to I lock my bike?At all times lock the body to a strong, immovable object – ideally by the body and rear and wheel if attainable. Keep away from locking simply the entrance wheel, and keep away from indicators or poles that may be unbolted, or your bike lifted excessive of.In high-theft areas, think about using two locks, similar to a U-lock for the body and rear wheel and a second lock for the entrance wheel or equipment. Mixing lock sorts, similar to a U-lock plus a folding lock, can pressure thieves to hold extra instruments or, on the very least, reduce by two locks, rising the possibility they’ll transfer on.How do I take care of my bike lock?Clear your lock sometimes, particularly if it’s uncovered to rain, salt or mud. Including a drop of lubricant, similar to a lightweight chain lube, within the keyway each month might help forestall sticking. In case your lock makes use of a material sleeve, be certain that it dries absolutely earlier than storage to forestall corrosion. Additionally, preserve your spare keys in a protected place. Many manufacturers supply key alternative applications, however solely you probably have the unique code.Theft prevention past bike locksProtecting your bike begins lengthy earlier than you lock it up. Nationwide, fewer than 5% of stolen bikes are ever recovered, however restoration charges enhance considerably in cities that actively promote bike registration. Signing up with Mission 529, Bike Index or each, earlier than something occurs, makes it simpler for police, bike outlets and different riders to establish and return your bike if it’s stolen. Mission 529 is thought for its tamper-resistant “defend” stickers and direct integration with many regulation enforcement companies, whereas Bike Index provides an open, international registry that’s free to look and extensively utilized by cyclists, outlets and advocacy teams.Thieves typically goal bikes in locations house owners assume are protected, similar to dwelling garages, residence parking amenities and even busy public racks. Bike Index information reveals 59% of thefts occur in residential areas, typically when bikes aren’t secured to something strong. At any time when attainable, lock your bike to a set, immovable object that may’t be reduce, unbolted or in any other case simply eliminated, and ensure the lock passes by the body and at the least one wheel. Entrance wheels are usually simpler to steal as a result of they’re not affixed to the chain, derailleur and gears, however these parts additionally make the rear wheel costlier to interchange.In public areas, select well-lit, high-visibility spots and keep away from signposts or fixtures that could possibly be lifted out of the bottom. For longer stops, double up with a second lock, ideally a U-lock paired with a heavy-duty chain or folding lock, to pressure thieves to hold extra instruments and spend extra time. Even indoors, similar to in a storage or bike room, anchor your bike to a sturdy rack or wall mount. As Bike Index advises: “Sure, even in your storage – lock your bike to one thing sturdy, thick and unattainable to chop by.”In case you use health monitoring apps similar to Strava, overview your privateness settings to cover your private home or work location. Public journey maps can unintentionally tip thieves off to the place your bike is saved.What to do in case your bike is stolenEven with a high-quality lock and good safety habits, theft can nonetheless occur. If it does, act rapidly. File a police report along with your bike’s make, mannequin, serial quantity and any distinguishing options or images.In case your bike is already registered with Mission 529 or Bike Index, replace its standing to “stolen” instantly. If not, register it straight away; each platforms can nonetheless assist after the actual fact. Marking your bike as stolen in both system triggers alerts throughout their networks, rising the percentages somebody will spot it. “The sooner a motorbike will get flagged as stolen, the better the possibility somebody in our community will spot it,” notes Rob Brunt, Mission 529’s chief outreach officer and a former Vancouver police detective.As soon as your bike is flagged as stolen, get the phrase out as extensively as attainable. Publish its particulars on biking boards, neighborhood teams and stolen bike pages, and control resale channels similar to Craigslist, Fb Market and pawn outlets. Let native bike outlets know so employees may be looking out. In case you spot your bike, don’t confront the thief; contact the police and allow them to deal with the restoration.How lengthy do bike locks final in opposition to an angle grinder?We examined every lock utilizing a Milwaukee M18 Gas battery-powered angle grinder. This is identical software you’d discover on many job websites and, sadly, within the arms of decided bike thieves. Locks had been secured on a sawhorse utilizing bar clamps, and we employed 5in discs till the lock was disabled. We recorded the full reduce time and the variety of discs consumed.As a result of the locks had been clamped in a set place, our reduce occasions is likely to be shorter than within the area, which is nice for real-world deterrence. Moreover, these outcomes can’t assure how lengthy a thief would possibly persist in public. Noise, sparks and battery swaps all enhance the possibilities of drawing consideration and enhance the probability {that a} would-be thief will transfer on to simpler targets.tTakeawaysEvery lock will ultimately fail when subjected to the usage of an angle grinder. The true distinction is time: price range locks may be breached in a matter of seconds, whereas top-tier choices such because the Litelok X1 and Abus Granit Tremendous Excessive can maintain out for greater than 5 minutes whereas destroying a number of discs and draining batteries – severe deterrents in real-world circumstances.Josh Patterson is a journalist and editor with 16 years of expertise masking biking, outside gear, electronics and different shopper merchandise. Along with his love of biking and the outside, Josh is an enthusiastic supporter of brunch, voting rights, and the right-to-repair motion. Ultimately, he suspects a lock’s best take a look at could also be much less about theft resistance than about how a lot harmful testing the cul-de-sac can tolerate.
