Choosing bike locks can be very confusing. But it will get much easier once you know which features to consider, which brands are reliable to drop your money on, and which products are good to try. This post will help you with that.
Here are the most secure bike locks you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Chain Lock): Kryptonite Keeper 785
- Best for Kid’s Bike (Chain Lock): Sportneer Bike Lock
- Durable (Chain Lock): RamPro 3ft Heavy Duty Square Link Bike Chain
- Best Overall (U-Lock): UBULLOX Bike Lock Heavy Duty Bicycle Lock Bike U Lock
- Best for Mountain Bike (U-Lock): Via Velo Heavy Duty Bicycle U-Lock
- Best for Electric Bike (U-Lock): USHAKE Bicycles U Lock
| 6 Most Secure Bike Locks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Kryptonite Keeper 785
| |
Best for Kid’s Bike | Sportneer Bike Lock
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Durable | RamPro 3ft Heavy Duty Square Link Bike Chain
| |
Best Overall | UBULLOX Bike Lock Heavy Duty Bicycle Lock Bike U Lock
| |
Best for Mountain Bike | Via Velo Heavy Duty Bicycle U-Lock
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Best for Electric Bike | USHAKE Bicycles U Lock
| |
Best Overall (Chain Lock): Kryptonite Keeper 785
- Indestructible & superbly secure – made of 3T manganese steel & the patent-pending end link design
- Give more holding power - hardened deadbolt
- Prevent scratches efficiently - the added weather-resistant nylon sleeve
- A little fussy to reach around
For moderate security needs, the Kryptonite Keeper 785 will give you peace of mind and flexibility.
It is significantly more secure than the ordinary flexible locks, which can’t be cut by hand tools. Want to know the secret?
It all lies in the lock’s material and construction. While being made of durable 3T manganese steel, the patent-pending end link design combined with hardened deadbolt enhances the lock’s holding power as well as prevents efficiently critical vulnerability.
We do appreciate the added sleeve which is made of high-quality nylon fabric with weather-resistant properties for scratch prevention.
What’s more, there comes with two new ergonomic “I” keys as a backup plan, which is a sweet bonus.
| Kryptonite Keeper 785 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Chain Size | 7.87 x 3.15 x 1.97 inches |
Length | 33.5” (85cm) |
Weight | 3.50 lbs. (1.59kgs) |
Highlight Features | Made of 3T manganese steel & the patent-pending end link design |
The Kryptonite Keeper 785 is a simple bike lock that has all the needed secure features, making it the best overall performer in this category.
Best for Kid’s Bike (Chain Lock): Sportneer Bike Lock
- Affordable – priced around $20 for a 3.2’ bike lock with a weather-resistant nylon cover
- Convenient to use – keyless lock mechanism with advanced 5-digit combination
- Cut-resistant – made of 0.27” ultra-thick manganese steel coated with zinc-plated material
- A bit heavy
- Slightly short
The Sportneer Bike Lock is more like a medium-duty hardware store chain. It is a bit thin compared to the two other options in this category, but you can't tell from the outside.
It, in turn, is inexpensive and super-easy to use for a kid to use in his/her high school.
What makes it different from others is the keyless lock mechanism, meaning that you don’t have to remember to bring a bike lock key along with you all the time. By featuring advanced 5-digit combination lock, you can freely pick one out of 100k possible codes.
A big bonus is its cut-resistant material, which is 0.27” ultra-thick manganese steel coated with zinc-plated material for scratch protection.
| Sportneer Bike Lock Specifications | |
|---|---|
Chain Size | 39" L x 0.27" D |
Length | 3.2 feet |
Weight | 1.48 pounds |
Highlight Features | Keyless lock mechanism with advanced 5-digit combination |
If you’re finding the most secure bike lock for your kids to use in their high school, there’s nothing better than this Sportneer Bike Lock.
Durable (Chain Lock): RamPro 3ft Heavy Duty Square Link Bike Chain
- Strong and ultra-durable - 3” by 3/8” hardened steel square link chain
- Reliable – tested properly for its quality and durability
- Extra protection – scratch-protection canvas cover
- Quite heavy
In terms of durability, we can confidently confirm that this chain bike lock is unrivaled.
It is created from 3” by 3/8” hardened steel square link chain, which is nearly indestructible and cut-resistant to keep potential thieves at bay. It was also tested properly to ensure there would be no interruptions during the use.
For the price, this bike lock is far better than anything else comparable. It's also covered in durable fabric and does not rattle.
| RamPro 3ft Heavy Duty Square Link Bike Chain Specifications | |
|---|---|
Chain Size | L x W x H 16.85 x 4.06 x 2.6 inches |
Length | 34 inches |
Weight | 3.94 pounds |
Highlight Features | 3” by 3/8” hardened steel square link chain |
Aside from finding the most secure bike lock, if you’re concerned about its durability and longevity, the ultra-thick hardened steel square link chain is just like the icing on the cake.
Best Overall (U-Lock): UBULLOX Bike Lock Heavy Duty Bicycle Lock Bike U Lock
- Versatile, able to lock the bike frame and both wheels – measured exactly by 7.68”x4.9” & 4 feet long
- Durable and indestructible - double looped ends steel cable with 0.63” eco-friendly silicone coating, and C grade pure copper blade lock cylinder
- Not ideal for fat bikes
For a price point at around $25, we nearly have no complaint about this U-shaped bike lock.
It comes in a perfect size that’s not too big and hefty to cramp up my backpack whereas too small and flimsy to not even protect anything.
Its measurement is around 7.5” by 5” – moderate to not only secure the bike frame but also both wheels.
The construction includes double looped ends steel cable with 0.63” eco-friendly silicone coating, and C grade pure copper blade lock cylinder. This alloy metal is known for its resistance to dill, cut, and leveraging to provide your bike with extra safety.
The overall length is up to 4 feet so you can worry-free about its versatility.
| UBULLOX Bike Lock Heavy Duty Bicycle Lock Bike U Lock Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 195mm(7.68inch)*125mm(4.9inch) |
Weight | 2.749 pounds |
Highlight Features | Measured exactly by 7.68”x4.9” & 4 feet long |
We love the UBULLOX Bike Lock for its flawless blend of durability, ease of use, versatility, and affordability. In other words, it’s the best overall U lock in our test.
Best for Mountain Bike (U-Lock): Via Velo Heavy Duty Bicycle U-Lock
- Ultra-long and ample room for MTBs – measured by 5.9’ long
- Give full security – include a U-shaped lock and a cable
- High value – provide some keys with a barcode
- The mount is useless for those bikes featuring a water bottle holder
- Heavy
- The supplied cable is fairly thin
For fat bikes or MTBs, you’ll need an ultra-long bike lock for the highest security. The Via Velo is worth a try in this case.
It is measured by about 5.9 feet, which also becomes the longest lock in this field. Together with the provided ample room, you can freely lock your mountain bike up against the rack like a breeze.
We also love that aside from a U-shaped lock, it provides a cable to go around the tires and gives our bike full secured protection.
Regardless, there are some keys coming with a barcode for a replacement set if necessary.
| Via Velo Heavy Duty Bicycle U-Lock Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 195mm*125mm/7.68inch*4.9inch |
Weight | 2.749 pounds |
Highlight Features | Measured by 5.9’ long |
If you’re a mountain bike rider and finding the most protective bike lock for it, then we greatly suggest this model from Via Velo.
Best for Electric Bike (U-Lock): USHAKE Bicycles U Lock
- Extremely strong and secure - ultra-thick 14mm hardened zinc alloy shackle combined with a 4mm PVC coating
- Lock the bike easily with no keys needed – key-free 4-digit combination lock mechanism
- Good protection – dust-protection plastic-covered cylinder
- Not rust-resistant
This bike lock is boasted to be able to resist most leverage attacks and cutters due to its ultra-thick 14mm hardened zinc alloy shackle combined with a 4mm PVC coating.
Making it different from others and also more secure is the key-free lock mechanism using the 4-digit combination with smooth dials turning. It's easy to set a new combination.
For souped-up protection, it features a plastic covered cylinder with good dust-resistant properties.
Based on such decent protection, the USHAKE Bicycles U Lock is our proud recommendation for e-bikes.
| USHAKE Bicycles U Lock Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 4.8 x 1 x 8.8 inches |
Weight | 1.25 pounds |
Highlight Features | Ultra-thick 14mm hardened zinc alloy shackle combined with a 4mm PVC coating |
Some e-bike riders overweigh the lock’s security levels by its hefty weight while others don’t. If you do, then you’ll absolutely enjoy the USHAKE Bicycles U Lock.
How To Choose The Most Secure Bike Lock?
Choose the Appropriate Level of SECURITY
In most cases, bikes are stolen by opportunity thieves who take advantage of an easy chance to hack a bike that’s poorly locked. Thieves often use bolt cutters to open locks, hammers, or simple saws, which is why you need a lock that secures the bike against bolt cutters.
You should look for a lock that’s as thick as possible (>13 mm), if you can get 15mm or thicker locks, it would be even better. If possible, you should test the lock to find out which one is the hardest to cut.
Types
There are three types of lock that you can choose from:
U-lock: affordable, lighter. But this type is more difficult to carry around and it cannot fasten around bigger objects.
Folding lock: easy to carry, practical length. However, there aren’t many options and it’s not very durable.
Chain lock: easy to carry, can fasten around different sized objects. This type is heavy and the most expensive.
Among these three, chain lock seems like the best option provided that you can afford the price. If you’re thinking about cable lock, it’s not safe at all and shouldn’t be considered.
Bonus: how to know how strong a bike lock is?
Locks are tested by experts too, so you can know how strong a lock is by checking its rating from experts’ testing. Lock rating can be indicated in the number of stars or Bronze/Silver/Gold.
You should always opt for more stars and the Gold rating because that means the lock is the best quality. On the other hand, a 2-star rating for a Silver rating is already sufficient.
Which Brands Make The Most Secure Bike Lock?
Kryptonite
Over the past 40 years, this brand has been working on improving security for your bike. It’s committed to offering only the safest locks with expert guidance, innovation, and smart tech.
Sportneer
Since 2016, this is a new brand, but it has already served a lot of users around the world. It’s best known for successfully combining high quality and affordability.
Via Velo
Via Velo is proud to be a leading brand in bike accessories. It mainly makes chain locks and U locks to secure your bicycle with a focus on addressing customer needs. It became popular for delivering safety and security.
FAQs
Do I need more than one lock?
No, not necessary. If you have two or more locks, it’s okay, it increases security for your bike. However, if you already own the best lock, you don’t really need a second one.
Are any bike locks theft proof?
We mentioned this part in previous articles. Chain locks and U-locks are the best against thefts.
How much money should I spend on bike locks?
The recommended amount is 10 percent of the total cost of your bike.
Can bike locks be cut with bolt cutters?
A bolt cutter can cut bike locks, but there are bolter cutters that cannot handle a lock under 16mm thick.
Can bolt cutters cut grade 70 chain?
They can, but hey, not all bolt cutters can cut 9mm lock made of alloy. This thickness should be impossible to be cut no matter which bolt cutter is used.
Conclusion
This is the end of our ultimate guide to choosing the most secure bike lock for your bike. We hope that through these instructions, you will be able to find a good-quality lock to secure your bike with ease. Remember that the thicker the locker, the harder it is to cut.
Nancy Lang
