If you use your bicycle to go to work, for sport, or in your free time, and you want to avoid unpleasant surprises, here are the best bike lock for bikes and anti-theft chains on the market to keep your vehicle safe.
Bike locks are real anti-theft devices designed to guarantee vehicle protection; they are available in different types and prices and are indispensable for anyone who uses a bicycle.
The brand that guarantees the greatest degree of security is Kryptonite, and the best bike lock is, in our opinion, the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit, a U-Lock of just over 4.5 lbs and classified with a security level of 10/10.
Table of Contents
The best brands of bike locks
Kryptonite, Abus, Onguard, and MeetLocks are some of the best brands of bike locks and anti-theft chains for bicycles.
- Kryptonite – Kryptonite’s U-Lock is recognized today as the best security lock for bikes. It is robust, heavy, and complicated to cut with simple nippers.
- Abus is popular for producing the best bike chain with paper and key locking, which is super sturdy and equipped with Secure Gold and Anerkannt certifications.
- Onguard – In tempered and tempered Tri-Radius steel, it is the On-Guard U-Lock, widespread among occasional users of bicycles and cyclists. The brand usually sells the U-Lock in combination with steel cables to guarantee double safety for the bike.
- MeetLocks is among the most competitive brands in the medium /economical price range. It produces U-Lock and solid bike locks and anti-theft devices for bicycles.
How to choose a bike lock
To choose the best bike lock, it is necessary to consider different aspects of the use made of the bicycle, the places you visit, and the time you leave the parked bike. I must say that a 100% secure lock does not exist.
As with all security systems, nothing is totally and completely secure, but it is equally true that a good lock can get very close to 100% and protect our vehicle by avoiding very unpleasant situations. So let’s see all the features to keep in mind to understand how to choose which bike lock to buy.
Resistance and class
Before buying the bicycle lock, the first feature to evaluate is the anti-theft device’s resistance to cuts. Normally, those who steal bikes use the same wire cutters used in construction to cut iron rods as very effective tools.
Check the resistance and evaluate which further treatments the locked steel was subjected to are the first to check. The commonly performed treatments are thermal ones such as oil quenching, nitriding, and cementation.
The resistance is specified in each anti-theft device’s technical characteristics for bicycles, highlighted in 34.3 kN. In addition, the resistance class is indicated on a scale ranging from 0 to 3. For example, zero has almost no resistance, 1 has a cutter resistance of about 9.9 inches, and can cut class 2 with wire cutters not less than 47 inches. In contrast, Class 3 bike locks need more sophisticated tools and a professional thief to use them.
Weight and bulk
When traveling by bike, an element to consider is the anti-theft system’s weight, as it is an element that must be transported. Resistance necessarily imposes heavy materials. To date, even innovative materials, duly treated, can guarantee good resistance for reduced weight. It is good to make sure of the weight because it will have to be pushed by pedaling.
Operation mechanism
A good bike lock is the one that allows you to fix the bike to a fixed and immovable element. If this is not the case, consider that anyone can take the bike on his shoulder and take it away with all the anti-theft devices inserted.
Disassembly and assembly speed
Bike locks, chains, and anti-theft systems for bicycles, in general, must be able to be fastened and removed in a fast way, especially in cases where one gets in and out of the saddle very often. Therefore, check the speed of opening and closing.
Aesthetically solid
One of the essential characteristics of a good bike lock is its aesthetic solidity. Because it acts as a deterrent, it must seem so resistant that it allows the bad guys to give up on sight and even before trying. This means that the more the burglar alarm is large and noticeable, the less it will attract thieves’ cravings to try to take it apart.
[divider style="solid" top="10" bottom="10"]The types of anti-theft devices for bikes and the types of bike locks
U-lock anti-theft device
Considered by many to be the best type of anti-theft device among bike locks, U-Lock has an unmistakable design. It is a steel arch with the characteristic U shape with a small joint body that closes with a key.
The manufacturers of this bicycle alarm ensure safety: to open it, an acetylenic torch or a hose is required. Is this, then, the best bike lock? In reality, even U-Lock can be torn down: if too much space is left between the bow and the bike frame, a skilled thief can discard it (even if with many difficulties).
However, don’t skimp on the price to ensure the best U-Lock bike lock. Buying an inexpensive U-Lock would mean buying a low-strength steel product. U-Lock is the safest type but also the most expensive.
Chain
The bike chain is the most classic bike lock. It consists of several steel rings of varying thickness, inserted into a rubber or plastic tube and closed at the ends with a bike lock with a key. Unfortunately, the chains are the least safe and easiest to break into regardless of the rings’ thickness, even with simple wire cutters.
Square link chain
The square link chain differs from the traditional bolt due to the shape of its links. As a result, it is a more robust anti-theft device for bikes, usually covered with special fabric and considerable overall weight.
Even the bike lock is more sophisticated as it provides a lock with double or triple latches. Usually, these chains’ size discourages bike thieves from sight, but they are very bulky and cumbersome to carry.
Steel cable
It is a metal spiral cable made up of precisely twisted steel wires, with the main advantage of being very resistant to cutting. The cable has at the ends of the hooks to which the bike lock is attached, and it is preferable to opt for cables with large dimensions.
A large cable must then match a good bike lock with an anti-theft lock. If you buy a cable of this kind, you will have to deal with the cable’s bulk and weight, which cannot be overlooked while on the move.
Metal extensible cable
This cable is suitable for those who want to fix both wheels. In fact, it is capable of spreading. The cable has a lock with a fairly sturdy lock. One should use it in conjunction with a U-lock bike lock to be effective. It is not the safest, but it remains ideal for frequently moving because it weighs very little.
Spiral cable with combination
The extensible metal cable has a rubber or plastic coating but is closed by a combination lock. Although it is a light and easily transportable instrument, it is not the safest (a professional can easily trace the combination). Still, it is an ideal anti-theft device for those who make short bike breaks going up immediately afterward in the saddle.
Python burglar alarm
The python anti-theft device consists of small movable cylinders inserted in a rubber casing. It is flexible, practical, and solid. It has considerable dimensions and, even visually, discourages attempted theft.
On the other hand, it is bulky and heavy. So it is a good type of anti-theft device for those who have to keep the bike for a long time, but not for those who move frequently and get on and off the bike often.
Snake
This anti-theft device differs from the traditional ones due to its steel sheet structure, connected by different pivot points. The joints are present to allow you to extend and bend the alarm on itself. Thanks to this mechanism, the space required is minimal.
Although the steel structure is excellent and at sight, it appears very robust, the joints are the weak point: could easily uproot a mild steel anti-theft device in those points. The lock is lockable.
Anti-theft device for sound bikes
One of the novelties of recent years is the anti-theft device for sound bikes. This anti-theft device is equipped with an audible alarm that is activated even if the bike is moved, sending a signal to the owner.
The sound alarm has the ” Find me ” function: the alarm sends a position signal within a range of 300 meters via an enslaved person positioned on the bike itself. These bike locks work on a battery with a duration ranging from 45 to 70 days and can be a good choice for those who carry out rapid movements and short breaks.
[divider style="solid" top="10" bottom="10"]The best bike locks for high-security anti-theft chains
Below is the best bike locks‘ ranking with their respective characteristics and prices.
- LOCK APPLICATION: For indoor and outdoor use; Adjustable cable lock is best used for...
- EASE OF USE: Patented adjustable locking mechanism holds the cable tight at any position...
- DURABLE DESIGN: Cable is made from braided steel for strength and flexibility;...
- SECURE & RESETTABLE: 5-digit resettable combination bike chain lock, much safer than other...
- STURDY & DURABLE: It's hard to break through as the lock cylinder of the bike lock is made...
- SCRATCH-PROOF FABRIC PROTECTION: The bicycle chain lock is wrapped by a high quality...
- Portable & Rugged: The Sportneer bike u lock is both portable and heavy-duty. It measures...
- Easy to Install & Use: Equipped with a 5ft steel cable and a bracket, the bike lock can...
- Boosted Security & Anti-Theft: Thanks to the zinc alloy lock core and alloy steel lock...
- High Security & Keyless Design: Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying keys and hello to...
- Rock-solid & Built to Last : The Sportneer bicycle lock is as tough as nails. Crafted from...
- Scratch-Resistant Cover & Dustproof Cap: The flexible high-quality polypropylene fabric...
- Keyless convenience lock: Never have to worry about forgetting to bring the key because it...
- Keep your bike safe: Smart 4-Digit Resettable cable lock, Made of high strength braided...
- Multipurpose for any occasion: 2.6 ft, (80cm) long enough to lock 2-3 bikes together. Lock...
- HEAVY-DUTY CHAIN: Made from 7mm hardened steel with four-sided links, this bike lock...
- PATENTED LOCKING SYSTEM: Features a high-security disc-style cylinder, resistant to...
- PROTECTIVE FEATURES: Durable rubber coating around helps prevent scratching and wear and...
- DURABLE ALL-WEATHER PROTECTION – Via Velo bike U-lock with hexagonal PVC cover resists...
- EASY AND STRONG TO LOCK YOUR BIKE – The bike lock with thickness(including rubber...
- AMAZING CONVENIENCE AND SECURITY – 2 keys for convenience! The bike U-lock comes with 2...
- 3ft chain lock for bike: With 6mm thick security heavy-duty chain links, our bike chain...
- Protective cloth sleeve & dust cover: The chain of this bike lock is enclosed in...
- Easy to lock: You can just snap it together to get it locked without the keys. Safety...
- Weather resistant plastic coating
- Made of durable steel and includes key cover
- Includes two keys
- Outdoor bike cable lock with combination is best used as a bicycle lock and to secure...
- Cable bike lock features a preset, four-digit combination lock; Provides a basic security...
- Bike lock is made with braided steel for flexibility, and includes a protective vinyl...
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