Cycling Outdoor Cycling 11 Best Bike Locks of 2023 for Secure Storage The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit 1415 will keep your bike safe and secure By Laura Williams, MSEd, ASCM-CEP Updated on September 22, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. No matter how much you spent on your bike or whether you use it to commute or work up a sweat, you don’t want to take a chance of it getting stolen when you’re not riding it. Investing in a bike lock can help ensure the safety of your bike—wherever you log your miles. The best bike locks are secure, made from heavy-duty materials, and won’t weigh you down when you’re riding. “The 2022 average cost of registered bikes is $1,700, and the most recent FBI numbers for bike thefts in 2019 estimate that over 157,000 bikes are stolen each year,” says Bryan Hance, the co-founder of Bike Index, a bike registration organization dedicated to helping recover stolen bikes. “But with bike thefts generally being underreported, others estimate many more thefts.” If those numbers don’t drive home the importance of a good bike lock, maybe nothing will. When it comes to finding a good bike lock, there are a surprising number of different types available, from cable to folding to chain. We spoke with bike experts and evaluated the market based on style, weight, security rating, transportability, and cost. Most importantly, every lock chosen features a gold or diamond “Sold Secure” rating for bike locks. Based on our research, here are the best bike locks on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain & Disc Lock at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Yale Yale Maximum Security U Bike Lock Plus Cable at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Electric Bikes: Hiplok E-DX at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Mountain Bikes: Hiplok Hiplok DXC at Amazon Jump to Review Best Chain Lock: Seatylock Seatylock Viking Chain Lock at Amazon Jump to Review Best U-Lock: Abus Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U Lock at Amazon Jump to Review Best Folding Lock: Seatylock FoldyLock Compact Folding Bike Lock at Amazon Jump to Review Best Combination Lock: Kryptonite Kryptonite Kryptolok 912 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Commuters: ABUS ABUS 551604 Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cable Lock: Litelok Litelok Core Plus at Litelok.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain & Disc Lock 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Chainreactioncycles.com Pros Sold Secure Diamond rating Lock and chain made of steel Key-safe program for key replacement if lost Cons Bulkier and heavier than other options Expensive The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit 1415 Chain with New York Disc Lock is about as secure as a bike lock can come—and our best overall pick. The chain’s 14-millimeter hardened manganese steel links paired with the disc lock’s 15-millimeter max-performance steel shackle make it the type of lock that even the most seasoned bike thief would have a hard time cutting off. This lock, while certainly not inexpensive, also comes backed with a number of features that help make the price worthwhile. For instance, you can register for the key safe program to receive replacement keys if you lose the originals. It also comes with an anti-theft protection offer that provides reimbursement for the cost of your bike if it’s stolen while you’re using the lock. Finally, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publication: $191Key Specs:Style: Chain | Weight: 15.3 pounds | Material: Steel | Locking mechanism: Key | Sold Secure rating: Diamond | Warranty: Lifetime Best Budget Yale Maximum Security U Bike Lock Plus Cable Amazon View On Amazon Pros Sold Secure Gold rating Includes U-Lock and additional cable for added security Lifetime guarantee Cons May be harder to lock to some external posts Cable isn’t as secure as a chain would be The Yale Maximum Security U Bike Lock Plus Cable offers many of the high-quality features typically seen with more expensive locks, including construction of hardened steel and a four-point heavy-duty crossbar, and a lifetime guarantee—but for a lower price point. The combo-pack of a U-lock paired with a cable also provides more options for locking different bike components, and the wider shackle on the U-lock makes it easier to secure to immovable objects. We like that it has a keyed lock and the built-in LED light on the key makes unlocking after dark easier. While the U-lock sizing might not fit around every tree or external post, we like that this particular model pairs the U-lock with a cable for added security. Price at time of publication: $45Key Specs:Style: U-lock and cable lock | Weight: 3.8 pounds | Material: steel | Locking mechanism: key | Sold Secure rating: Gold | Warranty: Lifetime Best for Electric Bikes Hiplok E-DX 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Hiplok.com Pros Wearable chain lock for easy commuting Includes three different locks Sold Secure Gold rating Cons Heavier than other options Chain length is shorter than other options U-lock is smaller than other options This triple-protection lock package includes a 1-meter hardened steel chain lock, a hardened steel D-lock (or U-lock), and an additional z-lock security tie for securing multiple bike parts at the same time. The lock was designed specifically with e-bikes and cargo bikes in mind, allowing for added protection for these more expensive rides. Despite being 8 pounds (and heavier than other locks on our list), the chain lock is also designed to be worn looped around the waist for easier transport on commutes, with the other locks attached to the chain itself. Both the chain and the U-lock have been independently tested and given the Sold Secure Gold rating for maximum security. Price at time of publication: $117Key Specs:Style: Chain/U-Lock/Security Tie | Weight: 7.7 pounds | Material: Hardened steel chain and U-lock | Locking mechanism: Key | Sold Secure rating: Gold | Warranty: 10 years The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2023 Best for Mountain Bikes Hiplok DXC Amazon View On Amazon Pros Sold Secure Diamond rating Made of hardened steel Includes an additional cable Cable extender is not Sold Secure-rated Mountain bikers often need to lock their bikes to a car rack or to larger immovable objects like trees; they also need a lightweight lock they can transport easily without compromising a tough ride. The Hiplock DXC offers the Sold Secure U-Lock that’s perfect for securely attaching a mountain bike to a car rack, with the addition of a cable lock that can be used to lock your bike to a tree or post. The Hiplock DXC is also one of the lightest weight Sold Secure locks on the market at just 2.9 pounds, and it’s small enough to be clipped to your waistband or bag, less likely to interfere with your ride. Price at time of publication: $110Key Specs:Style: D-Lock and cable | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Material: D-lock hardened steel | Locking mechanism: Key | Sold Secure rating: Diamond | Warranty: 10 years Best Chain Lock Seatylock Viking Chain Lock Amazon View On Amazon Pros Sold Secure Gold rating Innovative magnetic closure for easy locking Lighter weight than some chain locks Cons 3-foot chain length may not work for all situations Shorter warranty than other options For a solid chain lock that works for the vast majority of situations, the Seatylock Viking Chain Lock is the answer. With a reasonable price point, Sold Secure Gold Rating, and some unique features that set it apart from the competition, it’s hard to go wrong with this 3-foot model. This chain lock has a silicon covering and neoprene sleeve to reduce wear and tear on your bike while simultaneously reducing the noise that chain locks can make while riding. It also features a patented magnetic closure to make it easy to secure, even at night or in bad weather conditions. Finally, the lock has a keyhole shutter to prevent dust and water from getting inside and damaging the lock itself. Together, these features make it a chain lock worth considering. Price at time of publication: $110Key Specs:Style: Chain | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Material: Hardened steel | Locking mechanism: Key | Sold Secure rating: Gold | Warranty: 3 years The Best Mountain Bikes for Rugged Terrain Best U-Lock Abus Granit X-Plus 540 U Lock Amazon View On Amazon Pros Sold Secure Diamond rating Mid-size for a variety of locking options Lighter than many heavy-duty U-locks Cons Bike mounting bracket may be bulky or hard to use U-locks provide some of the highest levels of security, and the ABUS Granit X Plus 54/160 HB230 is one of the top options available with a Sold Secure Diamond rating for security. The lock comes with two keys, including one with a built-in LED light for ease of use at night. The mid-size 9-inch lock also provides flexibility for locking your bike to immovable objects while still being smaller and easier to transport than some larger U-lock models. Each model comes with a key card that enables you to order additional keys to your lock or to order new locks that use the same key. This is helpful if you want to use multiple locks, but you don’t want to be stuck juggling different keys. Price at time of publication: $150Key Specs:Style: D- or U-lock | Weight: 3.5 pounds | Material: Hardened Steel | Locking mechanism: Key | Sold Secure rating: Gold | Warranty: Not listed Best Folding Lock Seatylock FoldyLock Compact Folding Bike Lock Amazon View On Amazon Pros Bike-mountable Water and weatherproof Rattle-proof features for a quiet ride Cons This type of lock has a reputation for not being as secure Folding locks can be a good alternative to a chain lock, as they can expand to be as long as some chains, but fold down for easier transportability. That said, many folding locks lack the security that chains or D-locks provide due to their rivets. The Seatylock Foldylock Forever offers the Sold Secure Gold rating for security thanks to its patented ultra-protective rivets. It also expands to almost 3 feet, making it versatile enough to secure your bike to some larger immobile objects. The product also comes with a three-year warranty. Price at time of publication: $100Key Specs:Style: Folding | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Locking mechanism: Key | Sold Secure rating: Gold | Warranty: 3 years Training for a Century Bike Ride Best Combination Lock Kryptonite Kryptolok 912 Amazon View On Amazon Pros Chain style is one of the most secure on the market Sold Secure Gold rating Anti-theft protection Cons Combination locks tend to be less secure than keyed locks Heavier and bulkier than other options Combination locks come in handy if you’re regularly losing your keys—as long as you can remember your combination, you won’t be left stranded and unable to unlock your bike. But traditionally, combination locks tend to be easier to break, leaving your bike a target for thieves. But the Kryptonite 912 Combo Chain features the Sold Secure Gold rating and has a patent-pending lock head design that makes it more resistant to theft. Kryptonite also stands behind the product, including a lifetime warranty and an anti-theft protection offer that reimburses part of the expense to replace your bike in the event that it’s stolen while using the lock. And if you happen to forget your lock’s combination? As long as you register your lock with the brand’s Combo Safe program, the company will send you your combination so you can open the lock. That said, the 7.3-pound weight and the roughly 4-foot chain make it harder to transport and store than some other locks on our list. Price at time of publish: $85Key Specs:Style: Chain | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Material: Hardened steel | Locking mechanism: Combination | Sold Secure rating: Gold | Warranty: Lifetime Best for Commuters ABUS 551604 Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500 Amazon View On Amazon View On REI Pros Foldable for easy transport Bike-mountable Sold Secure Gold rating Cons May be hard to mount to smaller bike frames Expanded length is less than 3 feet Transportability is a big concern for commuters, and foldable locks offer the low profile of a D-lock with expanded lengths more akin to chain locks, making them an appealing option. But many foldable locks lack the security typically seen with chains and D-locks. The ABUS BORDO Granit X Plus 6500 provides a Gold-level Sold Secure rating and a key card to register your lock’s keys so you can order new ones in the event that you lose the originals. The almost 3-foot expanded length is good for securing your bike to most poles and racks, although some users indicate that a longer lock would be ideal. The 4.4-pound weight is also a mid-level weight, so it’s much more manageable than some bike locks, but it’s still not the lightest-weight option out there. The lock is highly rated, with almost 4,000 reviews on Amazon amassing a solid 4.5-star rating overall. Price at time of publish: $190Key Specs:Style: Foldable | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Material: Hardened steel | Locking mechanism: Key | Sold Secure rating: Gold | Warranty: Not listed The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2023 Best Cable Lock Litelok Core Plus Litelok View On Litelok.com Pros Flexible and lightweight Sold Secure Diamond rating Click-to-lock design doesn’t need a key to lock Cons Expensive Shorter than other options The Litelok Core Plus is one of the only cable locks on the market to receive the Sold Secure Diamond rating for security. The lock is wearable (pay attention to the size selected because its wearability is related to waist-size), lightweight, and features layers of protection, including a patented exoskeleton that protects the tensile steel core. We like that it can also be linked with other locks to provide added protection or the ability to lock multiple bike parts at the same time. Given that there are no other cable locks on the market that provide the Sold Secure Diamond rating, the higher price for this model makes perfect sense, especially when considering the additional, unique features the lock provides. The biggest drawback, however, is that the cable length is short. You should check the measurements and think about how long you need the cable to be before you pick this lock. Price at time of publish: $170Key Specs:Style: Cable | Weight: 3.5-4 pounds | Material: Patented exoskeleton internal tensile steel | Locking mechanism: Key (only necessary to unlock, as the lock clicks in place) | Sold Secure rating: Diamond | Warranty: Not listed Best Lightweight Litelok Core Flex Litelok View On Litelok.com Pros Wearable Sold Secure Gold rating Cons Expensive Not as flexible as many cable locks The Litelok Core Flex is a lightweight lock with a high-security rating. For someone who wants a lightweight, wearable lock that has some of the benefits of a chain lock, U-lock, and cable lock, the Litelok Core Flex is a good choice. It’s more flexible than a U-lock, lighter weight and more easily wearable than a chain lock, and surpasses the security of most cable locks available. We like that the bright, safety-green color also provides riders with additional visibility while on their bikes. For those who don’t want to wear their lock, it can also be mounted and stored on your bike frame. That said, the lock is one of the most expensive on our list, but given the lock’s unique features, patented design, and high-security level for a cable lock we think the higher price lines up with its benefits. Price at time of publish: $160Key Specs:Style: Cable | Material: Patented exoskeleton internal tensile steel | Locking mechanism: Key (only necessary to unlock, as the lock clicks in place) | Sold Secure rating: Diamond | Warranty: Not listed How We Selected When researching bike locks, we made sure to only select ones that have received the highest security ratings from the third-party Sold Secure organization. They also align with the suggested standards provided by the experts in the field we spoke to, and offer features that position them at the top of the market. We talked to experts in the field to explore what to look for in bike locks including: Cofounder Bryan Hance of Bike Index in Chicago, Illinois. Joe Taylor, head of content at Laka, a cycling insurance company in London, England, United Kingdom. What to Look For Style Bike locks come in different styles, each of which has its pros and cons, just like any type of exercise equipment like balance boards, treadmills, and even yoga blocks. The most common styles of bike lock include chain locks, cable locks, D- or U-locks, and foldable locks. While foldable locks are highly transportable and lightweight, they tend to be less secure. Chain locks are harder to manage, but they tend to provide higher levels of security. Knowing the pros and cons of each style will help you choose the lock that’s right for you. Also, you may want to look for combo packs that include several lock style options in a single purchase. “Ideally riders would be using a mix of U-locks and thick ‘chain’ style locks, especially with e-bikes or cargo bikes that are more expensive and make more appealing targets for thieves,” says Hance. “This is sort of a ‘defense in depth' approach—the tools a thief may need to use to get through the U-lock are different from the tools they would need for the chain, so it just becomes too difficult for them to deal with if your bike has both.” Size and Shape Bike locks range in size and shape, and this can affect how you use them. Chain and cable locks tend to provide greater length, making it easier to attach them to poles, trees, or other bikes. U-locks and foldable locks have a more limited and smaller structure and shape, making it harder to use them when locking a bike to a light post or tree. Material It’s important to pay attention to what the lock is made out of, as some materials are stronger than others, making them harder for a thief to break into. “All locks have different strengths. What makes a lock secure is primarily the material used. Thick steel is the most secure bike lock material. Cable locks and combination locks are often less strong because they’re often composed (at least partly) of plastic,” says Joe Taylor, head of content at Laka, a cycling insurance company. Security Rating If protecting your bike investment is important (and it should be), you should look for products with a high security rating tested by third-party organizations for theft prevention. “Always look out for a lock’s ‘Sold Secure’ rating. Sold Secure is an independent organization that tests bicycle locks according to their strength. Gold and Diamond provide the best protection and are the most difficult to break,” Taylor says. “Sold Secure Gold-rated locks are the minimum requirement for most insurance companies, so it’s a good starting point.” Locking Mechanism Some bike locks require a key, others require combinations, and there are some locks that use “smart” features to lock and unlock with your phone. Again, it’s important to think about what will work best for you. While keyed locks tend to offer greater security, losing your keys can put a damper on your ride real fast. Combination locks don’t have that problem, but they tend to be less secure. Weight Remember that in most cases, you’ll be riding your bike with your lock in tow, so weight can make a real difference. Chains tend to weigh more and to take up more space than other bike locks, but what they lack in portability, they make up for in security. Foldable and cable locks tend to weigh significantly less and are easy to take with you, but you end up compromising to some degree on security when relying on these locks. Special Features and Programs High-quality locks often come with added benefits or features, so pay attention to what you’re getting. For instance, some companies offer replacement keys with worldwide shipping if you happen to lose your lock’s keys. Other companies offer insurance benefits if your bike is stolen while using their lock. Frequently Asked Questions What are the different types of bike locks? Generally speaking, there are four main types of bike locks—chain locks, foldable locks, cable locks, and U-shaped or D-shaped locks. These all refer to the material or style of the part of the lock that wraps around the bike and can be secured to an external support.There are also different lock styles, which include keyed, combination, or smart locks, which refer to the locking mechanism of the lock itself. Each style has its own set of pros and cons, with cable and combination locks typically being the least secure, and chain and D-shaped locks offering a greater level of security. How do you use a bike lock? The purpose of using a bike lock is to help prevent bike theft. A bike can be locked to an external support (like a light pole or bike rack), to other bikes, or, to some degree, to itself. This is particularly true if you’re trying to protect certain components from being stolen—for instance, by using a cable or U-lock to lock a tire to the bike frame to prevent the tire from being removed."The most effective way to lock a bike is to lock parts of your bike according to value. The biggest priority here is making sure your frame is locked to an immovable object. Then, if you can lock other parts of your bike (wheels, saddle, or handlebars), go for it,” says Taylor. How do you reset a bike lock without the combination? Resetting a bike lock without the combination depends in part on the brand and quality of the bike lock. One reason combination locks tend to be less secure is that it’s possible for those who aren’t owners of a bike to master the ability to “crack a lock” and open the lock without the combination. If you need to reset your combination bike lock, check with the manufacturer to see if they’ve provided instructions or a registration program for how to reset your specific bike lock. How much do bike locks cost? Most of the bike locks on our list cost between $100-200, but we do recommend one budget-friendly pick—the Yale Maximum Security U Bike Lock Plus Cable—which was only $49 at time of publication. That said, most quality locks are expensive because the best materials and secure construction aren’t cheap. “Don’t go with the off-brand ones just because they are cheaper,” says Hance. “Go with recognized brand names and pay attention to their ratings.” Why Trust Verywell Fit As a seasoned health and fitness writer with a master’s degree in exercise and sport science, Laura Williams Bustos understands how the right products can make or break your active experiences. She is careful to vet and recommend only the products that she would actually use, and that have been well-reviewed and approved by others who have tried them. 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Larceny-theft. FBI. Sold Secure. About us. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit