Last Updated On September 22nd, 2022
The number of bike thefts in different cities and towns has spiked immensely over the past decades.
Not to mention, tracking down a stolen bike can be quite cumbersome. Since bike locks come in different sizes and different designs, finding the strongest bike lock that has the best security ratings can be a rather challenging task.
Due to this, we are going to take you through the best bike locks on the market. By the end of this round-up review, you will find the best bike lock for your bicycle. We are also going to give you an insight into the different factors that you should consider while looking for the strongest bike lock.
Table of Contents
Best Bike Lock Reviews – Top 9 Picks
1. Kryptonite New York M18 (Editor’s Choice)
Available in two different colours, this U lock was designed to help you secure your bike in areas with a high theft rate. It measures 26.1cm x 1.8cm x 10.2cm and is ideal for different types of bikes. Plus, it has a high-security rating.
Features
As the name hints, the U bar of this U lock is made from an 18mm thick Kryptonium steel that is incredibly durable and strong. Kryptonite New York M18 also comes with a deadlock that is heavily coated with steel to improve durability and strength.
This U lock also features a disc-style lock that is pick-resistant, making it quite hard for thieves to pick it.
The lock is drill-proof and can’t be broken down easily. Unlike other bike locks, the Kryptonite New York M18 can be locked and unlocked quite easily in a matter of minutes.
The only drawback with this U lock is that it might be too heavy for some users. It weighs 2.5kgs. Also, finding the perfect position to fit the shackle might be tricky.
- Made from a strong and durable material
- It can be locked and unlocked smoothly
- The deadlock is heavily coated with steel for maximum efficiency
- Pick-resistant
- Drill-resistant
- Weight may be quite heavy
- Finding the right position to fit it may be hard due to its thickness
2. SPGOOD Heavy Duty (Best Value)
If you are looking for a great value bike lock that can help you secure your bike easily, this might be a suitable option for you. It is available in 14 different colours and can be used to secure a wide variety of bikes. This bike lock also weighs 750g, making it quite easy for you to carry it from one point to another. We may even consider it to be the best lightweight bike lock on our list.
Features
This bike lock comes with a 5-digit combination lock mechanism, which makes it easier for you to secure your bike. With more than 100,000 combination codes, it can be quite hard for a thief to guess the right code.
Since this bike lock is made from a manganese steel material, it is durable and strong. Plus, the exterior part of this bike lock is covered with a scratch-resistant cover that protects the paint of your bicycle. Moreover, this bike lock from SPGOOD is 830mm long and can be used to secure more than 2 bikes.
While this bike lock can be used to secure different bikes, the lock might not be made from durable material. Some users may also forget the combination code.
- Made from manganese steel material
- 5-digit combination lock mechanism with more than 100,000 combination codes
- Scratch-resistant nylon cover that preserves the paint job of the frame
- Long enough to secure 2-3 bikes
- Lightweight
- The lock might not be made from a durable material
- You may forget the combination code
3. Abus 6500/85 Bordo Granit X-Plus (Luxury Choice)
Made from 5.5mm thick steel bars, this is a high-security folding lock that helps you secure bikes to different supports. It is one of the best folding locks out there. It has a compact design that makes it easier for you to carry it as you are cycling from one point to another.
Features
The Abus 6500/85 Bordo Granit X-Plus was designed to secure top-quality bikes. For starters, it comes with 5.5mm steel links that are heavily coated to preserve the paint job of your bicycle frame.
It is also made from hardened steel links that cannot be cut easily, even with an angle grinder. Thanks to the ABUS X-plus cylinder lock, your bicycle will be protected from experienced picklocks, too. It also offers you two different keys that can help open the locks.
The Abus 6500/85 Bordo Granit X-Plus also comes with a code card that can be used to reproduce more keys.
It can open up to a full length of about 85cm and can be folded for easier storage.
While this bike lock is quite efficient in securing a bike, the length might be short for some users. Unlocking and locking the lock may be cumbersome.
- Steel links are heavily coated to protect the paint-job of your bike’s frame
- Made from a high-quality material that is hard to break or cut
- Can be easily folded to a compact size for easier storage
- Comfy silicone coating that makes it easier for you to carry/hold the bike lock
- A code card that can be used to reproduce more keys in case you lose your keys
- Unlocking and locking the bike lock may be clumsy
- The length of the bike lock may be short
4. Kryptonite Keeper (Best D Lock)
The Kryptonite Kryptolok Keeper lock is the best D lock for securing your bike pretty much anywhere, from outside your apartment to the bike racks at a supermarket. It is one of the best bike D locks on the market.
Features
Made from hardened steel, this D lock is strong and sturdy. It can hold out against thieves that may try to cut it with bolt cutters. The shackle is firmly connected to the crossbar and can’t be broken down easily. Plus, it is heavily coated to protect the paint job of your bicycle.
As if that’s enough, this U lock has a mounting system that allows you to carry it easily as you are cycling. It also comes with two keys in case you lose one.
While this D-lock is quite effective in securing bikes, the locking procedure may be quite cumbersome for some users.
- Made from high-quality materials
- The shackle is strong and sturdy
- Heavily coated to protect your bike’s paint
- Mounting system
- Weatherproof
- Locking this D-lock may be quite difficult at first
5. Via Velo Heavy Duty (Best 2-in-1)
Unlike other bike locks, this is a 2-in-1 bike lock system that comes with a U-shackle and a steel cable, offering you a wide array of options that let you secure your bike.
Features
This bike lock comes with a U-lock shackle that measures 14mm. It also has a cable that is 180cm long, which makes it easier for you to secure your bike. The cable can be easily folded for easier storage. Thanks to the mounting bracket that this bike lock features, you can easily mount it to your bike as you are cycling.
Via Velo Heavy Duty is also covered with a PVC protective material that preserves the paint job of your bicycle. To secure your bike completely, Via Velo Heavy Duty comes with a lock cylinder that is resistant to lockpicks. Plus, it has a cover that stops dust from penetrating into the interior compartments to improve the longevity of the locking mechanism.
The only setback with this bike lock is that locking and unlocking it may be quite cumbersome for some users.
- Protective PVC material that protects the paint of your bike
- Lock has a cover, which protects the locking mechanism
- The 180cm long cable can coil easily
- Pick-resistant
- Made from high-quality material that can hold out against thieves
- Locking and unlocking it might be quite cumbersome
- The lock cylinder might not be too strong
6. Kryptonite New York Standard (Best Pick-Resistant)
This is an ideal bike lock for areas with a high theft rate. It is made from different materials that can secure your bike easily.
Features
The Kryptonite New York Standard comes with a 16mm-thick hardened steel shackle that can hold against all types of theft attempts. Not to mention, the shackle is covered with a vinyl coat that protects the paint of your bicycle’s frame.
Moreover, the crossbar has a hardened steel sleeve, which improves the sturdiness of this bike lock. The Kryptonite New York standard also comes with a disc-cylinder lock that is pick-resistant, making it harder for bike thieves to pick the lock. On that note, the key slot is placed in a strategic position, which can slow down a bike thief. Plus, it Plus, it comes with three steel keys..
While this bike lock is made from sturdy materials, it may be quite heavy for those who are cycling for long distances. Plus, the lock mechanism might not be as sturdy.
- Hardened steel shackle that secures your bike and protects it from thieves
- A vinyl coat that preserves the paint job of the frame
- High-quality lock that is pick-resistant
- Comes with three steel keys
- Hard to break
- The weight of this bike lock can be heavy for long-distance commuters
- The lock mechanism may get loose after a certain period of time
7. Kryptonite Evolution Chain (Best Chain)
This is the best bike chain lock that can help you secure your bike wherever you go. It measures 25.4cm x 20.3cm x 10.2cm and can be used to secure different models.
Features
The Kryptonite Evolution chain is made from 10mm, six-sided, manganese steel links that are sturdy and durable. Not to mention, the manganese steel links are covered with a water-resistant nylon material that protects the bike lock and locking mechanism from harsh conditions.
The nylon material also protects the paint on the frame of your bicycle. To protect your bike from lock picking, the Kryptonite Evolution chain features a disc-shaped lock that is drill-resistant and pick-resistant. Plus, this chain lock also comes with three different keys that can be used to open the lock.
Moreover, Kryptonite has a key registration program that allows you to register your lock’s keys on their website. If you lose or misplace your keys, they will send you new keys. This chain lock is 90cm long and can be easily folded for easier storage.
This chain might be quite heavy for some cyclists. Locking and unlocking this bike lock may be troublesome for some users.
- Water-resistant nylon material that protects your bike from scratches
- A lock that is drill-resistant and pick-resistant
- Can be folded easily, making it easier for you to store it
- Replacement bike key registration program in case you lose your keys
- 90cm long
- Weight may be too heavy
- Unlocking and locking it may not be too smooth
8. Kryptonite Keeper 12 Standard (Best Anti-Rotation)
If you are looking for a bike lock that offers you tons of features, the Kryptonite Keeper 12 Standard might be a suitable option for you. It comes with a cable and a shackle for added peace of mind when having to leave your bike unattended.
Features
The Kryptonite Keeper 12 Standard comes with a 12mm hardened steel shackle that can withstand the force from different tools. Plus, the shackle is sturdily connected to the crossbar with double deadbolts that hold both ends firmly.
Moreover, the lock of this bike lock is placed in a strategic position that can slow down a thief. Thanks to the ergonomic keys that this bike lock packs, you can easily open the lock without struggling. The Kryptonite Keeper also has an inside mount bracket, which makes it easier for you to secure it to your bike frame as you are cycling.
This bike lock helps you secure your bike easily, however, the lock mechanism may not be quite effective. Additionally, opening the lock might be time-consuming.
- A high-quality shackle that can withstand different theft attacks
- The shackle is connected sturdily to the crossbar
- Lock is placed in a suitable position
- Ergonomic keys
- An inside mount bracket for securing the bike lock as you are travelling
- The lock mechanism might not be as effective as expected
- Opening the lock may be time-consuming
9. Via Velo Vandalproof Cable (Best with Dust Cover)
This is a 2-in-1 lock from Via Velo, which comes with a U shackle and a cable extension for securing your bike.
Features
Since this lock comes with a 15mm steel shackle, it can withstand different theft attempts. Not to mention, the steel shackle is covered with a rubber casing that protects the paint of your bike.
Moreover, this lock also has a 120cm steel cable that can be used to secure more than two bikes. Just like the shackle, the steel cable is covered with a material that saves your bike from scratches.
Due to the mounting bracket that this lock packs, you can easily store it as you are cycling. This also makes it easier for you to save on space in your backpack.
The Via Velo 2-in-1 heavy duty has a well-constructed lock that is resistant to different tools. Also, it has a cover that prevents the entry of debris and dust particles, protecting the interior compartments of the lock and improving its longevity.
The mounting bracket might not be quite durable. The locking procedure may be difficult for some users.
- Comes with a steel shackle and a steel cable for maximum security
- Rubber casing that protects the paint of your bike
- Well-constructed lock
- The mounting bracket that helps you store the lock as you are cycling
- Shackle has a firm connection to the crossbar
- The mounting bracket might not be too durable
- Opening and locking the lock may be difficult
Factors to Consider While Buying a Bike Lock to Lock Your Bike
These are different factors that a cyclist should consider on choosing the best bicycle lock:
Weight of Bike Locks
Lightweight bike locks are more portable than heavier options. If you like cycling for long hours, a lightweight bike lock might be suitable for you. Anything that weighs between 700 grams to 1kg might be suitable for carrying around.
The Crime Rate in Your Area
Different areas have different crime rates. You should choose a bike lock, depending on the crime rate levels in your area. For instance, if you stay in a place that has a high number of bike thefts, then you should shop for high-security bike locks that are sturdy and strong. You should also check the lock security rating and the sold secure rating while buying a bike lock.
Material of Bike Locks
Nowadays, thieves are getting smarter and can break or cut most materials. Choose a material that is sturdy and durable and get the strongest bike lock possible.
Most bike locks are made from a hardened steel material that cannot be broken or cut easily even with an angle grinder.
Not to mention, the lock should be layered with a hard material that can’t be broken. Choose a bike lock that can also withstand huge bolt cutters.
The best bike locks will also be covered in a material that will not damage the paint on your bike and will protect the lock itself from rust and damage.
Different Types of Bicycle Locks
It’s important you know the different types of locks available before choosing which is best for you.
Chain Lock
As the name hints, this is a bike lock, which is made from chain links. Some bike chain locks might have a heavy-duty padlock that allows you to secure your bike. On the other hand, other chain locks have their own inbuilt lock mechanism.
D Lock or U Locks
D locks come with a metal shackle that can be used to secure your bike to a sturdy support. Most U locks/D locks have shackles attached, too, for added versatility. D locks also work hand-in-hand with a crossbar. Plus, some U locks can be used as a ground anchor.
Cable Lock
Most cable locks are made from long, flexible, and durable material and look like a normal cable. Such locks are ideal for areas that have moderate thefts.
Folding Lock
Folding locks come with various joints and can fold easily into a compact size. Not to mention, most folding locks are quite strong and have high-security ratings.
Finding the Best Lock for Your Bike
Since bicycle locks are available in different designs, you should choose a lock based on your needs.
We hope our bike lock reviews have been helpful. However, if you are still unsure, we recommend taking a look at what we consider to be the best bike lock on our list – the Kryptonite New York M18, for maximum security and portability. It comes with a high-quality steel shackle that cannot be cut or broken easily. The kit also includes a set of three steel keys, one of which has an LED bulb to help you unlock your bike when it’s dark.
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