Best Bike Locks: The Definitive Guide

If you want to secure your bike you may be looking for one of the best bike locks.

In order to be properly protected you need to pick the right product and I’ll show you how to do that. You’ll see my top picks for 2017 too.

Ready?

How To Choose A Bike Lock

There’s a few things to think about when making your selection and the most important are:

  • Where do you live
  • Type of lock
  • Type of combination

First thing you need to consider is where you live and your own individual needs. If you reside in an urban area you’ll want a product that’s stronger and extremely theft resistant – the odds of getting your bike stolen increase in cities and high crime neighborhoods. If this is the case you’ll want to spend a little extra for a top of the line lock.

Next you want to look at the differences in locks. There’s several to choose from and they all have pros and cons. Here are the most popular:

  • U-Locks: This is a very popular lock and is resistant to hammers, chisels and crowbars. When you lock your bike with one of these you’ll want as small as a gap as possible – this makes it harder to break the bike free. The only downside is U-Locks tend to be bulky and inconvenient to transfer.
  • Cable Locks: Cable locks aren’t the strongest locks on earth and bolt cutters can usually cut through them. If you have a really expensive bike or live in a high crime area, you’ll want a different product. You may need a separate padlock too, although many come with an integral or key lock. One positive is cable locks are very easy to transport and are lightweight.
  • Chain Locks: Unlike cable locks, chain locks will resist bolt cutters and hacksaws; they can be used in high crime areas or on expensive bikes. Make sure the padlock you buy is very strong too, or it defeats the purpose of having a chain lock. The only negative is these products tend to be bulky and heavy.
  • Locking Wheel/Seat Skewers: These locks counteract quick release wheels and seats – they’re very good in high crime areas. You’ll need a separate wrench with locking wheels and seat skewers. Most come with the wrench but it can be a hassle to carry around.

Lastly, you should consider the different lock types (key locks or combination locks). Both are equally effective and this choose comes down to personal preference. Key locks come with 2 or more keys so you’ll always have a spare and are commonly found on U-Locks (you can find them on chain and cable locks too). Combination locks are convenient because you don’t to worry about a key – you’ll have to remember the combo, though!

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Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at my top choices now.


Abus Granit City Chain X-Plus 1060 *Top Pick*

abus 1060Company: Abus

Price: $$$

Rating: 5/5

The Abus Granit City Chain X-Plus 1060 is my top pick for a lot of reasons. First off, it offers as much security as you can expect from a bike lock and is resistant to bolt cutters, saws and leverage attacks from crowbars. It’s German engineered and made with strong/durable materials. Also, I like that it comes with:

  • 2 keys (one is LED lighted so you can use at night)
  • Fabric sleeve will prevent damage to the frame of your bike
  • Keyhole cover prevents corrosion and dirt

If you live in an Urban area or on a college campus you must consider the X-Plus 1060. It isn’t cheap but you’ll get tremendous piece of mind with it protecting your bike.

Take A Closer Look At The Abus Granit City Chain X-Plus 1060


Kryptonite New York U-Lock

kryptonite new yorkCompany: Kryptonite

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

Kryptonite is a leader in bike locks and one of the most popular brands on this list – when you purchase from them you know you’re getting a quality and well made product. Their New York U-Lock is dependable and offers high levels of anti-theft protection. Some top features include:

  • Resistant to bolt cutters, saws and leverage attacks
  • Double deadbolt locking will fight off drills
  • Comes with 3 different keys and one comes with a light making life easier at night
  • Vinyl protection will prevent dings and scratches to your bike’s frame

The New York U-Lock is a must have for everyone that lives on a college campus or in urban areas. You’ll have a hard time finding a lock that offers more than this one. Plus it costs under $100.

Take A Closer Look At The Kryptonite New York U-Lock


TiGr Titanium Lock

tigr titaniumCompany: TiGr

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The TiGr Titanium Lock is a unique product and is one of the pricier locks on this list (will cost over $100). It’s not exactly a U-Lock and is more shaped like a bow. One thing I really like is you can transport this TiGr equipment easily – you can combine it to your bike’s frame when you ride. Also, it comes:

  • Easy to install design and has 2 keys
  • Is very lightweight and weighs under 2 pounds
  • Wrapped in protective coating to prevent scratches

This product comes from an up and coming company and is well liked by many bikers.

Take A Closer Look At The TiGr Titanium Lock


Interlock Crosstown Post Bike Lock

interlock crosstownCompany: Interlock

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The Interlock Crosstown isn’t a product you carry around – this lock is combined with a seat post (you’ll need to replace your seat post with this one). As long as you wrap the cables around the bike frame, the seat can’t be stolen and your bike will remain safe. Besides the convenience, I know you’ll like:

  • How lightweight, compact and non-distracting this item is
  • Strong cables that aren’t easily broken
  • Discreet and won’t take a way from your bike’s style

The Crosstown has won many awards for security over the last few years too. It’s not cheap, however, and will cost around $150. If your budget allows for that you should definitely consider this lock.

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Take A Closer Look At The Interlock Crosstown


Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Lock

kryptonite kryptolockCompany: Kryptonite

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

Here we have another Kryptonite lock and the Kryptolok Series 2 is very affordable. If you live in a high crime area you may want a different product – a determined thief may be able to break this lock with bolt cutters. Everyone living in safer neighborhoods will appreciate:

  • The two stainless steel keys you get
  • Steel cable provides additional protection for your front wheel or other accessories
  • Reinforced and crowbar resistant

You may not get max protection but the price is definitely right, at around $36. This piece of equipment has thousands of reviews on Amazon and if you’d like to see what actual customers are saying about the Kryptolok Series 2, click below:

Take A Close Look At The Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2


Blackburn San Quentin U-Lock

blackburn san quetinCompany: Blackburn

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

Blackburn has a series of locks named after prisons and you’ll see a few of them on this list. Their San Quetin U-Lock is perfect for anyone looking for a lot of protection. It has some nice features, which include:

  • 3 keys so you won’t have to worry if you lose one
  • Dual bolt locking system provides extra anti-theft capabilities
  • Burly steel materials will stand up to tough attacks

The price isn’t crazy either and the San Quentin will cost around $45 – not bad for all that you’re getting.

Take A Closer Look At The Blackburn San Quentin U-Lock


OnGuard Bullbog Ls U-Lock

onguard bulldogCompany: OnGuard

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The OnGuard Bulldog Ls may not offer the same level of protection as some of the pricier products on this list but it’s very inexpensive – it’ll only cost around $26. If you live in a crime riddled area, you’ll need something else. People who live in safer neighborhoods will enjoy the:

  • 5 keys you get (one comes with a light to assist in the dark)
  • Resistant to picking, pulling and drilling
  • Extra long which makes securing your bike easier

For the right person, this lock is an excellent value.

Take A Closer Look At The OnGuard Bulldog Ls


Abus Brooklyn Chain Lock

abus brooklynCompany: Abus

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Brooklyn Chain Lock is another quality product from Abus. It’s not quite as strong as the X-Plus 1060 but it’s still very strong. The Brooklyn is made from steel and will resist almost every attack possible. Some other nice features include:

  • Aluminum alloy padlock won’t break very easily
  • Fabric sleeve will prevent damage to your bike frame
  • Is relatively lightweight and can be worn around your waist

You also get 2 keys. This is a lock anyone, no matter where you live, will enjoy. It protects and gives you peace of mind that your bike won’t get stolen.

Take A Closer Look at The Brooklyn Chain Lock


Hiplok Lite Wearable Bike Lock

hiplok wearableCompany: Hiplok

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Hiplok Lite Wearable Bike Lock is ultra convenient to transport around because you wear it around your waist – it’s not overly heavy either. Besides that, it’s also made from strong steel materials and comes with:

  • Disc Tumbler system that’s extremely hard to pick
  • Adjustable so it can fit around all body types
  • Easy to use and resistant to bolt cutters and saws
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This Hiplok product won’t break the bank either and will cost around $45. Not bad for all that you’re getting!

Take A Closer Look At The Hiplok Lite Wearable Bike Lock


Blackburn Angola Combination Lock

blackburn angolaCompany: Blackburn

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The Blackburn Angola is very affordable and will only cost around $26. It’s convenient because it doesn’t have a key but it shouldn’t be used in high crime areas – the right thief could break through the cable. If you just need minor protection to deter people from running off with your bike, the Angola will work for you. It features:

  • Easy to use combination lock with over 10,000 combinations
  • Steel cables which fight against many attacks
  • Is lightweight and easy to transport

This lock will work perfectly in suburbs and college campuses – it just might may be a little risk in cities.

Take A Closer Look At The Blackburn Angola


OnGuard Doberman Resetable Combo

onguard dobermanCompany: OnGuard

Price: $ Rating: 4.7/5

Like the last product you just saw, the Onguard Doberman isn’t the best in high crime areas. Someone with bolt cutters could probably cut through the cable. Not everyone needs to worry about this type of theft, however, and if you live in a safe neighborhood you’ll like the:

  • The several different options of length
  • The convenience of not having to use a key
  • The low price (will only cost around $18)

You won’t have to worry about lugging around a heavy lock with the Doberman either. It’s easy to transport and very lightweight.

Take A Closer Look At The OnGuard Doberman


Blackburn Leavenworth U-Lock

blackburn leavanworthCompany: Blackburn

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Blackburn Leavenworth is a tough piece of equipment that’ll stand up to aggressive attacks from thieves. It’s made from alloy steel materials and won’t break very easily. Some other nice features include:

  • Incredibly hard to pick design
  • Comes with three keys and a key replacement program in case you lose all of them
  • $2500 theft gurantee if the lock is broken and your bike is stolen

The Leavenworth comes in a couple different sizes so you get the exact one you’ll need. Price isn’t bad either and it’ll only cost around $39.

Take A Closer Look At The Blackburn Leavenworth


Have Peace Of Mind With A Quality Bike Lock!

Walking outside to see your bike stolen is one of the worst feelings in the world – worrying all day if your bike is going to be stolen isn’t much better. If you choose the right bike lock you can confidently walk away from your bike and know it’ll be there when you get back. No matter your budget or needs, there’s a product on this list for you.

If you have any questions about what you’ve read, comment below and I’ll make sure to respond as fast possible. You can let friends and family see by sharing on social media.

Don’t you want peace of mind that your bike is properly protected?