You Haven't Seen This Best Bike Locks List on Buzzfeed
These are the best bike locks for your bicycle, broken down into U locks, chain locks, and folding locks so that your bike will be protected. I guess you don't need me to tell you that being the victim of a bike theft is the single most distressing experience that one can have.
On the other hand, the type of lock that you use will have a significant impact on how much time a thief will spend trying to take it. And if you've left the bicycle in the middle of the day in a busy area, he probably won't even bother trying to steal it, even if the lock appears to be secure.
You can probably guess that the most effective way to prevent your bike from being stolen is to never leave it unattended in a public place. However, this is not always possible. In a situation like this, having the best bicycle anti-theft security system available is going to be of great assistance to you.
You are in luck because the market is stocked with very good locks that will keep your bicycle in the safest possible condition. These locks will be a savior for you in those situations in which you are forced to let them go out of your sight.
An overview of my top three is presented here. With the help of my in-depth guide and the comparison chart that goes with it, you can choose the best bike lock for your needs.
#1. ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500
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| ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 |
This folding padlock from Abus is made of steel and has bars that are 5.5 millimeters thick. The bars are covered in a soft silicone coating to prevent the padlock from scratching the bike.
As you might imagine, the weak points in folding locks are typically located at the joints of the flat links or bars. The Abus 6500 gets rid of this threat because it has a protective shield at the joints that is made to be as hard to drill as possible.
Folding locks have a number of advantages, one of which is the ability to adapt to any object that can be found to be used as a place to lock a bike. Folding locks also allow multiple bikes to be locked at the same time.
In contrast to chains, this type of padlock is easier to use to attach a support to the frame without compromising the frame's flexibility. Additionally, it carries significantly less weight.
Take a look at the Abus 6000 if you are a little bit strapped for cash; it is a model that is lower in the price range but is very durable. The difference lies in the fact that the thickness of the bars is reduced to some extent.
#2. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bike U-Lock
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| Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bike U-Lock |
Even though this mini u-lock looks small, it weighs 2 kilograms, which gives the impression that it is very strong and safe despite its size.
Because the shackle, which is made of 18 mm hardened steel, is resistant to bolt cutters and crowbars, this is one of the most secure bike locks currently available.
Because of the double deadbolt that will hold for life and the disc lock type cylinder that prevents pick-pick attacks, it is nearly impossible to pick the lock when it is separated from the bicycle it is attached to.
This lock is on the smaller side in terms of size. There won't be much room for anything else, as you'll need to lock your frame in relatively close proximity to a relatively thin object like a light pole.
If your tires are relatively thin, you might be able to get them to fit around the rear wheel and frame of your vehicle. You will need a second lock or a cable in order to properly secure the front wheel. This has the advantage of making it more difficult to attack the shackle because it will fill almost the entire space inside of it.
The entire lock is covered in a vinyl coating, and once you have locked it, a protective cover slides over the keyhole to prevent dust or dirt from entering, which would otherwise shorten the lock's lifespan. Additionally, it comes with three keys.
This is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the finest U-Locks that Kryptonite has to offer.
#3. ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 D-Lock Eazykf Bracket
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| ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 D-Lock Eazykf Bracket |
One more option for superior security against theft is provided by the mini U-lock known as the Abus Granit. If your bicycle is equipped with the necessary hardware, you can use it to lock your bike either through the frame or the rear wheel and frame.
The Granit has a security level of 15, which it achieves with a shackle that has a diameter of 13 millimeters and is therefore difficult to cut with an angle grinder or bolt cutter. However, the weight penalty for having all of this protection is approximately one kilogram.
One aspect of the Granit that I do not like is that it does not come with a bracket that can be used to carry the lock. However, ABUS does provide a grip bracket as an additional option.
A few of Abus's products are among my favorites in their categories. They give you a key that has an LED light on it to make things easier for you to do at night. A feature that, in my opinion, is very nice. They also provide you with a card that has a code on it so that you can get replacement keys in the event that you lose both of your keys. Take care not to misplace the card!
ABUS also considered the possibility of covering the keyhole in order to shield it from dirt and grime. It also produces what is possibly the most secure lock available on the market that comes in the largest size.
#4. Kryptonite Keeper 785
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| Kryptonite Keeper 785 |
The Keeper 785 is a chain covered with a nylon fabric to prevent damage to the bike frame. The links are made of 3T manganese steel. This choice of steel alloy is ideal for a bicycle lock, as it is very hard and therefore difficult to cut.
Because of its resistance to abrasion, an angle grinder will have a difficult time cutting through it. Each end of the chain is safely and securely attached to the cylinder lock, which can stand up to attempts to break it with drills or sharp objects.
It comes with two keys that can be registered with the Key Safe program offered by Kryptonite, allowing you to obtain a replacement set of keys in the event that you misplace your original set. The Kryptonite 785 weighs 1.59 kilograms, which makes it a padlock with a weight that is considered to be reasonable. Whenever it's not being used, you should secure it by wrapping it around a portion of the frame, carrying it around your waist, or putting it in a backpack.
Due to the fact that it is 85 cm in length, you will either need to remove the front wheel and lock it to the rear wheel in order to secure both wheels, or you will need to purchase an additional cable. Because The Keeper is offered at a cost that is not prohibitively expensive, purchasing an additional cable might be a good idea.
It has the appearance of being rugged and secure, which is always helpful in warding off would-be thieves. And even if they persist in their plan to steal your bicycle, it will unquestionably set them back a lot of time and effort.
#5. Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock
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| #5. Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy Duty Bicycle U Lock |
Also, I thought it would be helpful to show another way to make the longer Kryptonite U-lock (the thickness stays the same).
When you don't know where you can anchor your bike, and when you frequently can't find the ideal small object to use a mini U-lock on, this can be an advantage. If you want to lock the wheels on a mountain bike, you can also use this method successfully.
The only drawback, however, is that you will have to transport a greater mass on your bicycle. Rest assured, however, that the quality has not been compromised in any way.
#6. Bigo Bike Lock
The choice of bike lock that I use the least frequently is a cable lock. These kinds of locks are the least secure, and even the simplest shears or cable cutters can be used to break them open in a matter of minutes.
They are not only lighter in weight but also more flexible and comfortable to use, which can make them more convenient. But they are not safe, and if a thief decides to steal your bike, you can be sure that they will do it quickly and easily.
There is no feeling that can compare to that of returning to the location where you left your bike and discovering that the lock has been damaged or cut off on the ground. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and if you have already spent money on your bicycle, it is even more important to invest in a lock of sufficient quality.
This lock has a cable that is 12 millimeters thick and 6 feet long, and it comes with a bracket that can be attached to the seat post or frame so that it can be transported.
The lock is operated by a combination of five digits, which can be easily changed and reset so that it is simple to remember. The fact that the key cannot be misplaced is one of the system's advantages. However, it is imperative that the access code be recalled.
The finish on your bicycle is protected from rust and scratches by a PVC coating that is applied to the cable. If you are certain that you want to use such a cable, the Bigo is a good option due to its low price. However, it is not a lock that I would recommend using as your primary security mechanism.
#7. Kryptonite 16mm Bicycle Stronghold Anchor Bike Lock
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| Kryptonite 16mm Bicycle Stronghold Anchor Bike Lock |
This Kryptonite lock is not a lock in the traditional sense; rather, it is a secure anchor to which you can attach your bicycle while it is stored inside your house to prevent it from being stolen. In order for it to work properly, you will need to mount it to a solid wall, a concrete floor, or possibly even the bed of a truck.
You'll need to have some degree of mechanical aptitude for this. This package comes with two wall drill bits and all of the necessary mounting hardware.
After it has been put in place, the Kryptonite lock is not going anywhere. Not only is it challenging to remove the anchor, but also the 16mm hardened carbon alloy steel shackle is rock solid. If the lock that you are using is of poor quality, it will be much simpler for the thief to break into. Therefore, you should use a lock that is of higher quality.
You are free to drive or walk on the shackle when it is not in use because it is stored in a flat position against the body of the anchor.
Hex bolts are used to secure a plastic body over the portion of the anchor that is bolted to the ground. This body is covered by the anchor itself. It is possible to unscrew the cover even if a bicycle is secured to the anchor by using the lock.
However, due to the way in which the anchor is constructed, it is impossible for the cover to move. This means that the bolts cannot be reached, making the lock the safest possible option.
If someone were to break into your house or garage and see that your bike is locked, they would likely conclude that it is a valuable bike that is locked securely. This is especially true if your bike is a high-end model.
It is extremely unlikely that they will have the tools necessary to cut the disc lock with them, and it is even less likely that they will pay attention to anything other than the things they might steal. Your bike is most likely the most valuable possession you own, and since you don't own a television, you should have fewer things to distract you while you ride, right?
People also asking:
How to Choose the Best Bike Lock?
- Different kinds of bicycle locks
- Weight Locking Mechanism for Strength
- Coating
- How to lock your bike in the correct manner.
Concerning bike locks, the most frequently asked questions are as follows:
ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS FOR BICYCLES
On the market, you can find a variety of different types of bicycle locks, each of which comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks:
Never, and I mean never, pick one of these cable locks as your lock of choice. They can be a straightforward metal spiral cable or several woven cables with a layer of plastic sheathing over them. They are inexpensive and lightweight, but all it takes is a quick cut with a small shear for you to say goodbye to your bicycle forever.
In most cases, chain locks are characterized by having thick steel links that, in most cases, cannot be severed using standard shears. Unless they have a power tool with which to cut the chain, thieves will attempt to pick the lock on the door. When purchasing cheaper chains, the links may be bent; therefore, it is critical to ensure that the links are well welded and locked.
Foldable locks are a series of long, flat links that can be unfolded and wrapped around wherever you want to leave your bike. These locks are typically made of metal and come in a variety of colors. The fact that they can be attached to both the bike and to street furniture makes them extremely versatile systems. However, their weakest point is the joints where the bars attach to each other.
U-locks offer the highest level of protection for a bicycle's frame and wheels. They have a shackle in the shape of a D, and it locks into a piece of the end that is straight. How long it will take for a U-lock to be broken is determined by the type of metal that is used in the shackle as well as the strength of the lock itself.
Anchors for the floor: Designed for use in your garage. Because they are nothing more than a safe place for you to tether your bicycle to, you will also need the lock of your choice to use with them. They are fastened to the floor or the wall with substantial bolts.
There are numerous varieties of locks. Check the quality of the metals that were used, and avoid selecting a lock solely based on its price. Less expensive materials tend to be more brittle and therefore easier to cut.
ROBUSTEZ
A thief will have to work for a longer period of time to break a more secure lock. They might have to make a lot of noise and get other people's attention in order to cut it, due to the amount of effort or tools that are required. When the appropriate equipment is used, any lock can be picked, cut, or broken open.
On the other hand, a lock of higher quality will not only increase the level of protection afforded to the bicycle, but it will also be much more difficult to defeat. Your best options may include things like materials like hardened steel, reinforced link connections, and locks that are resistant to being picked.
WEIGHT It is undesirable for anyone to carry a load that is several pounds in total. Although this is not always the case and should not be the only requirement, some of the strongest padlocks are also among the heaviest. However, this is not always the case. Avoid purchasing a padlock solely on the basis of how heavy it is.
Installing a support on the bike is one piece of advice that can make your life simpler if you have invested in a model that is on the heavier side. In any other case, you will have no choice but to carry it around in a backpack. It is possible to bind chains around your waist, but you should be careful not to misplace the key.
LOCKING MECHANISM
A key or a combination code can be used to open the two most common types of locks. Key locks are more secure than combination locks. The first option is almost always preferable to the second because if you forget the combination, it's game over, whereas with the second option, you probably have a spare key at home if the first one gets lost.
In most cases, the manufacturer will allow you to register a code that is located on your key and provide you with a replacement if you ever lose yours. There are some smart locks that connect to a smartphone app and require the use of the app in order to be unlocked. They will also send you a notification in the event that someone is attempting to steal your bicycle.
COATING
Your bicycle shouldn't be scratched by the lock; its purpose is to prevent theft. Because consistent use can damage the paint, causing it to peel or scratch, the vast majority of surfaces are coated with a soft material. This is true even if you are extremely careful. The majority of coatings are made of either soft plastics or textiles.
How to properly lock your bike:
The location at which you lock your bike is the most important consideration, regardless of whether you use a U-lock or chain lock.
Your best bet is to lock up your bike in a place where there are other bikes, no matter how many other bikes are in the area. Not only are there more potential victims, but it also increases the likelihood that one of the bike's owners will be nearby, which in turn decreases the likelihood that the bike will be stolen.
Make sure that whatever you are blocking can neither be moved nor cut in any way. This may appear to be an obvious point. If someone is determined to steal your bicycle, you should make it as difficult as possible for them, at the very least by requiring them to cut the lock.
If you are able to afford two locks or have the ability to carry them with you, you can greatly increase the security of your bike by using multiple attachment points. This is especially helpful in situations in which you have no choice but to leave your bike in an area that is less secure.
Furthermore, make sure that at least one lock is placed around the frame of the bicycle rather than just on the front or back wheel; otherwise, you may be left with only one wheel.You can fasten not only the frame but also both of the wheels using just two points of attachment.
And just in case you still have any doubts, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If it is possible to break into any lock, then what is the point of purchasing a more expensive lock?
A: Because the harder you make it for the thief, the longer it will take and that will make him think if it's really worth it. Definitely a good way to deter crooks!
I don't have much money. Would it be enough to buy a cable lock?
A: Really? These locks are a joke. It is not at all recommended that you make use of any of these. They cut in just a few seconds using a small shear in a very covert manner, which means that even if you leave your bike in crowded areas, it won't be safe.
Are expensive locks better for locking my road or mountain bike?
A: As I stated at the beginning of this answer, it is possible to pick any lock. Because the only variable that shifts is the amount of time and equipment required, anyone who is serious about stealing your bike will figure out a way to do it.
Which would you recommend if I had to choose between a chain, a cable, and a U-lock to secure my expensive bicycle?
My favorite locks are the U-locks. They have a shackle made of hardened steel, and the only tool that can cut it is an angle radial. However, they are the trickiest to use and offer the least amount of flexibility. It is sometimes necessary to use an additional cable or chain in order to increase the number of attachment points and anchor more easily through a wheel and the frame. Opt for a chain over a cable whenever you can. The fact that they are more difficult to transport than other types of bike locks, such as folding locks, is one of their drawbacks.
I sincerely hope you found this guide useful in determining the best bike lock for your needs. You are free to add any locks that I have missed in the comments section of this post, should you feel the need to do so.
I really hope you put this advice into practice, and I also hope that your bike will last you for a very long time.
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