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Pedal With Peace Of Mind: The Best Bike Locks To Keep Your Ride Safe

The best bike locks come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, and no two are exactly alike. There are U-locks and chain locks, folding locks and combination locks, and though they’re all meant to deter would-be bike thieves, different locks are designed for different circumstances. While we determined the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini to be one of the best bike locks on the market, the one that’s right for you depends on your needs.

As such, there is no single bike lock that is “the best” across the board. The degree of security, size and strength, among other factors, will influence your options. The urban commuter may benefit from a robust U-lock or chain lock, while the mountain biker may require a more compact and lightweight lock. Suffice it to say, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

According to FBI data, over 154,000 bikes were stolen in 2019, which equates to one theft every 3.5 minutes. As passionate bikers with decades of experience, we don’t want to see your bike fall victim to theft, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best bike locks on the market today. If you need help choosing a bike lock, skip to the bottom of this article, where you’ll find more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Best U-Lock Overall

A Compact Lock With The Highest Level Of Security

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini U-Lock

Clocking in at just over 4.5 pounds, the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini U-lock is the most secure, small (3.25 x 6 inches) U-lock on the market. It scores a full 10/10 on the brand’s own safety scale, thanks in part to a patent-pending hardened double deadbolt design that provides enhanced protection against twist and cut attacks. The lock’s disc-style cylinder is both pick- and drill-resistant, and the sliding dust cover helps prevent dirt and debris from finding its way inside the lock.

It’s a bit heavy, but all that additional weight adds up to improved security by way of a hardened steel sleeve and a protective vinyl coating. After all, if you need to lock up your bike frequently, particularly in high-theft areas or for extended periods of time, you need more security. As an added bonus, the lock is covered by Kryptonite’s lifetime warranty and it comes with three stainless steel keys, on of which contains a small LED light to help you see the lock at night.

Pros:

  • Small and portable
  • MAX-Performance steel shackle resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks

Cons:

  • Too small to lock a bike frame and the wheels
  • Bike mount sold separately

Best Value U-Lock

An Affordable, Reliable Lock That Comes With A Bonus Cable

Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 U-Lock With Kryptoflex Cable

Lightweight U-locks are perfect for low-risk areas, while heavy-duty U-locks and chains deliver serious protection in high-risk environments.

So, what if you find yourself frequently parking your bike in high-risk environments but prefer something smaller and lighter? This is where the Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 Lock comes in handy. It’s designed to be incredibly light for bike messengers (many of whom reside in New York City) that lock and unlock their bike in high-theft areas dozens of times per day, but it’s still strong enough to thwart skilled thieves. For added protection, it also comes with a four-foot cable that secures to your front wheel.

At just under three pounds, this mini U-lock weighs about as much as a textbook and it comes with a free year of Kryptonite’s anti-theft protection plan. Note that the warranty doesn’t apply to people that live in Manhattan (where theft is really high); the brand’s ultra-secure New York lock series is designed specifically for those residents.

Pros:

  • Lightweight lock
  • Cable allows you to lock up both the frame and front wheel
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Insufficient security for very high-risk theft environments

Best Full-Size U-Lock

The Highest Degree Of Full Security

Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock

This Kryptonite lock is essentially a larger, full-size version of the Fahgettaboudit Mini mentioned above. If you don’t need to lock your wheels (or if you intend to carry a separate lock or cable to secure them), you can get away with a miniature lock, but if you want to secure your frame and a wheel to the rack with a single lock—which affords maximum protection—this Kryptonite is up for the task.

Weighing 4.5 pounds, the New-U New York Standard U-lock (4 x 10 inches) is actually 1.6 ounces lighter than the mini. It employs the same anti-drill, anti-pick technology and receives a 9/10 on Kryptonite’s safety rating scale.

So why go with a full-size 9/10 lock instead of a 10/10 mini? Because 9/10 is still very secure, and, unlike the mini version, this lock can accommodate both the frame and wheel, which significantly decreases the risk of wheel theft. This lock includes a versatile Flexframe-U mounting bracket, so you have several options for mounting your lock directly on the bike when it’s not in use. The lock comes with three stainless-steel keys (including one LED replaceable key fob) and is covered by Kryptonite’s lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • Size locks both the frame and wheel to a rack
  • MAX-Performance steel shackle boosts security
  • Comes with a frame mount

Cons:

  • A bit heavy
  • Shackle could be longer for e- bike frames

Best Chain Lock

An Affordable Chain That Secures A Frame And Front Wheel

OnGuard 8020 Mastiff Chain Lock

OnGuard’s Mastiff is a beast of a chain lock, clocking in at 12 pounds, which is quite a bit heavier than most cyclists want to carry around. However, it’s a strong and sturdy lock that’s significantly cheaper than other similar chain locks on the market.

The hexagonal-shaped titanium-reinforced steel links that make up the chain are extremely difficult to cut through and, for added piece of mind, you can purchase the anti-theft protection program for $15 to cover your bike for three years (assuming you locked it properly).

OnGuard locks are fully coated on the outside to protect your bike frame from scratching. They also come with five laser-cut keys and key-code registration. Different chain lengths are available at different price points, so make sure you’re ordering the specific lock you want at checkout.

Pros:

  • Very secure chain that’s extremely difficult to cut
  • Can accommodate the bike frame and a single wheel
  • Comes in different lengths

Cons:

  • Very heavy at 12 pounds

Best Folding Bike Lock

A Secure, Foldable Lock That’s Surprisingly Light

Seatylock Foldylock Folding Lock

Who said bike locks had to be industrial and unattractive? Lesser-known lock brand Seatylock has a collection of secure folding locks that come in a variety of colors, including this rainbow-colored Foldylock Pride bike lock that’s easy to spot from afar. Seatylock may not be a household name, but the company won the European 2020 Design Award for this innovative design.

The compact, folding lock is built to resist bolt cutters, drills and saws, and Seatylock backs up that claim with a three-year warranty. The lock weighs 2.2 pounds and neatly folds up into a handy frame mount that won’t jiggle around when you ride—no more metal-on-metal clanging that damages the paint.

According to Seatylock’s safety rating system, this lock comes in at 14 out of 18 on the brand’s security level index—the most secure lock in the lightweight category.

Pros:

  • Small and lightweight to boost portability
  • Unique and attractive design
  • Can accommodate the bike frame and a wheel

Cons:

  • Insufficient security for high-theft areas

Best Smart Bike Lock

A Lock That Alerts You To Thieves (And Scares Them Away)

Abus 770A SmartX U-Lock

Smart technology is fniding its way into every aspect of our lives, and bike locks are no exception. Bicycle lock manufacturers have begun making smart locks, which forgo the traditional key or combo lock system in favor of superior tech. Their smooth, keyless operation makes it easier and quicker to lock your bike and prevents you from accidentally leaving the lock in the unlocked position (or forgetting your key—this lock doesn’t have one).

Abus has long been a trusted name in the bike lock arena and their 770A SmartX lives up to the brand’s reputation. At only 4.41 pounds, it’s a light-enough lock that comes with a laundry list of safety features. Keyless operation via Bluetooth connects seamlessly to your phone and unlocks the bike when you’re nearby. And should someone try to pick or drill your lock, it will let loose with an ear piercing 100-decibel alarmto scare off would-be thieves while simultaneously notifying you via the app (available on both iOS and Android).

Pros:

  • High level of security
  • Produces a deafening alarm
  • Easily operable via your phone

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Lock must be charged on occasion

Best Bike Lock For Electric Bikes

A Strong Chain That Won't Weigh You Down

Kryptonite New York 1210 Chain Lock

There’s a reason why so many lock brands market to New York City cyclists or feature “New York” in their name. New York City bike thieves are smart, quick and countless in number.

When I first started riding in New York City in 2005, many of us (myself included) rode around with heavy Kryptonite chains around our waists that we used to secure our beloved bicycle frame and both wheels. The emergence of new, lighter locks means you’ll see fewer cyclists riding around with heavy locks, but there’s still a place for ultra-secure steel chains that you can thread through your frame and wheels in seconds. Because e-bikes tend to be more expensive, chains tend to be a better option to protect your investment.

The Kryptonite New York 1210 Chain Lock provides solid security (it receives a 9/10 on Kryptonite’s own safety rating system) but it weighs only eight pounds. Sure, you could step up to a larger chain that offers 10/10 security, but those will weigh you down with nearly 15 pounds of steel—far more weight than most people want to ride around with. The chain isn’t quite long enough to wrap through both of your wheels, but you’ll be able to secure one of the wheels and the frame. I also recommend using it to secure your bike to your car’s bike rack during a road trip. Some even use this chain to lock up mopeds, scooters and motorcycles.

Pros:

  • 9/10 security rating from Kryptonite
  • Accommodates the bike frame and a single wheel
  • Protective nylon cover ensures longevity and helps protect your frame's finish

Cons:

  • Fairly heavy at eight pounds
  • Pricey for a piece of nylon-wrapped chain

How We Chose The Best Bike Locks

As longtime cyclists with decades of experience navigating roadways and trails, we understand that your bike is more than a mode of transportation—it’s an investment. With that in mind, we spoke with longtime cyclists and industry experts before poring over independent reviews and evaluating each lock’s design, safety rating and versatility. We also looked at specific factors and features, such as weight, materials and cost, and weighed these against our personal experience to round out this list of the best bike locks on the market today.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

We’ve reviewed and tested an abundance of cycling equipment that’s designed to keep you pedaling, from helmets to pumps to hitch racks. The gear section here at Vetted prioritizes durability, security and long-term reliability when it comes to choosing the best bike locks.

To identify the best bike locks, we tested a series of options in New York City, one of the worst places in the world for bike theft. We also turned to friends, family and colleagues who spend ample time on bikes to better understand what features they prioritize when investing in a bike lock. The most common considerations include weight, durability, form factor and cost.

This story is frequently reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy. It was most recently updated in October 2023.


What To Look For In A Bike Lock

Stop by your local department store, pop into the bike section, and you’ll probably find any number of budget-friendly bike locks on the shelves. But whether or not these will protect your ride remains to be seen, and you’d rather not find out a lock is insufficient after your bike is stolen. For that reason, you’ll want to consider the following factors that will influence the safety and security of your bike.

Security Level

It can be difficult to gauge a bike lock’s ability to prevent a theft when you consider the fact that most locks come with a security rating courtesy of the lock brand, which represents a conflict of interest. For this reason, we recommend looking for locks with a high security level that’s determined by independent rating systems like Sold Secure or the ART Foundation, as these offer more transparency.

Lock Type

Bike locks come in any number of style, but the most common include U-locks, chain locks and cable locks. U-locks tend to be the most secure, but they may be heavy and difficult to transport, while chain locks and cable locks are more flexible and easy to transport but less secure.

Lock Material

While most locks are made of metal, we recommend choosing locks made of durable materials such as hardened steel or titanium. Avoid locks made of aluminum or other soft metals, which are easier to cut.

Lock Size

Ensuring a lock is the right size for your bike is incredibly important. If you need a lock that can secure to your bike’s frame and wheel, consider larger U-locks or cable locks. And if you can get by with a simple frame lock, look for miniature U-locks or accordion-style locks that save space. At the end of the day, the lock should fit snugly around both the bike frame and the object it's locked to, with little space for a thief to insert a tool.

Key Or Combination Lock

Decide whether you prefer a key or combination lock. Key locks are more secure, but you need to keep track of the key, and some manufacturers will require you to pay for a replacement. Combination locks are easier to use, but you may forget the combination or someone may observe it as you unlock your bike.


Is There A Bike Lock That Cannot Be Cut?

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a bike lock that cannot be cut—modern tools and machinery can slice through even the strongest of bike locks, no matter the design or material. That said, locks like the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock provide best-in-class security to deter most bike thieves, so keep an eye out for locks that feature heavy-duty designs and strong independent security ratings.


What Is The Best Bike Lock Thickness?

In general, the thicker the lock, the better, so all other things being equal, a 14-millimeter U-lock provides more security than a 10-millimeter lock. Also keep in mind that it’s not just about the thickness of the lock, but also how large the lock is. Even if you find a burly 16-millimeter lock, it might not secure both your frame and wheels, leaving you susceptible to theft.