Bike theft is a rampant problem, but a quality bike lock can deter or thwart even the most determined bike thief. With dismal statistics surrounding bike theft, having the best bike lock is imperative to keep your precious ride(s) safe.
Fortunately, there are many great bike locks on the market that fit a variety of security needs and budgets. Our team of testers carefully tested and evaluated each of the locks in this guide to find the best options for every rider and bike theft risk scenario.
From the innovative, wearable LITELOK Core Plus or the folding Foldylock Forever to the super portable Ottolock Original Cinch Lock and everything in between, we’ve got recommendations to suit your bike security needs.
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide for bike season on April 14, 2025, with the addition of the wearable LITELOK Core Plus, the Foldylock Forever, and the LITELOK X1 U-lock.
The Best Bike Locks of 2025
- Lock style: U-Lock
- Lock type: Key (2 included)
- Security level: Very high
- Sold Secure rating: Diamond
- Dimensions: 3.97" X 7.7" (101 x 197 mm)
- Thickness: 21 mm (incl. rubber coating)
- Weight: 1,678 g (3.7 lbs.)
Pros
- Good sized locking area – for a U-lock
- More affordable than other angle grinder resistant locks
- Takes at least 4 minutes to cut with an angle grinder
- Requires at least 2 cutoff wheels to cut with an angle grinder
- Super-smooth key action
Cons
- Only comes with 2 keys
- There are tougher locks available
- Lock style: U-Lock
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Medium
- Sold Secure rating: Silver
- Dimensions: 9 in. x 4.5 in.
- Thickness: 11 mm
- Weight: 1,134 g (2.5 lbs.)
Pros
- Good value
- Good theft insurance
- Comes with frame mount bracket
- Comes with 5 keys
Cons
- Not the highest security
- Lock style: Wearable
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Very high
- Sold Secure rating: Diamond
- Dimensions: 75cm long loop
- Thickness: 25 mm
- Weight: 4.1 lbs.
Pros
- Diamond rated by Sold Secure
- Larger locking area than U-locks
- Wearable design fits around the waist
- Comes with frame mounts
- Comes in 75 or 100cm sizes
Cons
- "Click to Lock" feature can cause issues — don't forget your key
- Not super-flexible or easy to get through spokes
- Moderately heavy
- Somewhat expensive
- Lock style: Folding
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: High
- Sold Secure rating: Gold
- Dimensions: 90 cm long (35.4 in.)
- Thickness: 6.5 mm plates
- Weight: Lock: 1622 g (3.6 lbs.), mount: 128 g, total: 1,750 g (3.85 lbs.)
Pros
- Gold-level Sold Secure rating
- Relatively large locking area
- Very resistant to common attacks
- Great frame mount
Cons
- Moderately heavy
- Can be cut with an angle grinder
- Lock style: Chain
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Very high
- Sold Secure rating: Not rated
- Dimensions: 6 foot chain length
- Thickness: 14 mm diameter chain links
- Weight: 8,800 g (19.4 lbs.)
Pros
- Super secure
- 6-foot length is long enough to lock 2 bikes on a car rack
- Comes with 5 keys
- $5K anti-theft guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
- Very heavy – not easily portable
- Not the smoothest key action
- Lock style: Strap
- Lock type: Combo
- Security level: Low
- Sold Secure rating: Not rated
- Length: 18 in., 30 in. (tested), 60in.
- Thickness: 3 mm
- Weight: 177 g or 6.2 oz. (30")
Pros
- Very easily portable
- Quick and easy to use
- Comes in 3 lengths
- Useful for applications other than bikes
Cons
- Not good for high security applications
- Lock style: U-Lock
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Very high
- Sold Secure rating: Diamond
- Dimensions: 6.1 in. x 3.6 in.
- Thickness: 20 mm
- Weight: 1,360 g (4 lbs.)
Pros
- Sold Secure Diamond rating
- Very hard to compromise
- Rubber coating is safe for bike frames
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Very expensive
- Kinda heavy
- Rattles a bit in transport
Other Bike Locks We Tested
- Lock style: Chain
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: High
- Sold Secure rating: Gold
- Dimensions: 33.5 in. chain length
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Weight: 2,359 g (5.2 lbs.)
Pros
- Super-secure 10 mm chain lock
- Highly visible reflective sheath
- Waist carry option makes it more easily portable
Cons
- Shorter length limits locking options
- Fairly expensive
- Lock style: U-Lock
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Very high
- Sold Secure rating: Diamond
- Dimensions: 3.55 in. x 6.9 in.
- Thickness: 15 mm
- Weight: 1,406 g (3.1 lbs.)
Pros
- Super secure – diamond rating
- Angle grinder resistant
- Rubber coating protects bike finish
- Comes with 5 keys!
- Light for security level
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the smoothest key feel
- Lock style: Folding
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Low
- Sold Secure rating: Bronze
- Dimensions: 33.5 in. length
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Weight: 1,043 g (2.3 lbs.)
Pros
- Great for quick, low-security lock-ups
- Relatively light
- Wearable – clip allows it to hook onto a belt, bag, or strap
- Versatile and user-friendly mounting system
- 85cm locking length makes it easier to lock to things
- Rattle-free bike mount
Cons
- Bronze-rated security is less robust than other options
- Belt-clip was finicky on really thick belt
- Lock style: Cable + U-Lock
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Medium – High
- Sold Secure rating: U-Lock: Gold, Cable: Not rated
- Dimensions: U-Lock: 9 in. x 4 in., Cable: 48 in.
- Thickness: U-Lock: 12.7 mm, Cable: 10 mm
- Weight: 2,359 g (5.2 lbs.)
Pros
- Strikes a great balance between portable and secure
- Good theft insurance
- Solid value for U-Lock and cable combo
Cons
- Poorly designed frame mount
- Not the most secure
- Lock style: Folding
- Lock type: Key or Combination available
- Security level: Low-Medium
- Sold Secure rating: Not rated
- Dimensions: 23.6 in.
- Thickness: 5 mm
- Weight: 709 g (1.6 lbs.)
Pros
- Super portable
- Good security-to-weight ratio
- Fun colors available
Cons
- Not as secure or robust as a U-lock
- Pivot design may be vulnerable
- Lock style: U-Lock
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Medium
- Sold Secure rating: Not rated
- Dimensions: 5.75 in. x 2.75 in.
- Thickness: 12 mm
- Weight: 760 g (1.7 lbs.)
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Compact and lightweight
- Can fit in a pocket
- Silicone coating is easy on your bike
- Smooth key action
- Comes with 3 keys
Cons
- Small shackle size is somewhat limiting
- Not the highest security
- Lock style: Chain
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: High
- Sold Secure rating: Gold
- Dimensions: 35.5 in. chain length
- Thickness: 10 mm
- Weight: 2,767 g (6.1 lbs.)
Pros
- Great security rating
- New deadbolt design enhances security
- Comes with 3 keys
- Light enough to carry
Cons
- Heavier weight – but not too heavy to carry
- Less portable than others
- Lock style: Chain and U-Lock
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Medium – High
- Sold Secure rating: U-Lock: Gold, Chain: Silver
- Dimensions: U-Lock: 2 in. x 5 in. , Chain: 31, 47, 63 in. (tested)
- Thickness: U-Lock: 12 mm, Chain: 6mm, wrapped in braided textile
- Weight: 1,315 g (2.9 lbs.)
Pros
- Sawproof, Cutproof, Fireproof
- Textile chain sheath protects bike frame
- Long chain makes it easy to lock to things
- Lightweight
- Sold Secure Gold Rating for U-Lock portion
Cons
- Shackle and eyelets still vulnerable to attack
- Lock style: U-Lock
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Medium
- Sold Secure rating: Not rated
- Dimensions: 9.5 in. x 4 in.
- Thickness: 14 mm
- Weight: 1,083 g (2.4 lbs.)
Pros
- Reasonable weight for size
- Silicone coating is easy on your bike
- Large opening makes it easier to use
- Comes with 3 keys
- Smooth key action
Cons
- Larger size
- Not the highest security
- Lock style: U-Lock and Cable
- Lock type: Key
- Security level: Medium
- Sold Secure rating: U-Lock: Silver, Cable: Not rated
- Dimensions: U-Lock: 9 in. x 4 in.
- Thickness: U-Lock: 12 mm, Cable: 10 mm
- Weight: 1,049 g (2.3 lbs.)
Pros
- A good lock system for a good price
- Size accommodates a wide range of frames
- Added cable for securing your front wheel
- Fair price for the U-lock and cable combo
Cons
- No theft insurance
- Not the highest security
- Mounting bracket isn't great
Bike Locks Comparison Chart
Bike Lock | Price | Lock Style | Thickness (mm) | Weight | Lock Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
LITELOK X1 | $170 | U-lock | 16 mm (not incl. rubber) | 3.7 lbs. | Key |
OnGuard Bulldog | $36.50 | U-lock | 11 mm | 2.5 lbs. | Key |
LITELOK Core Plus | $170 | Wearable loop | 4.1 lbs. | Key | |
Seatylock Foldylock Forever | $125 | Folding | 6.5 mm | 3.8 lbs. | Key |
OnGuard Beast 8016L | $198 | Chain | 14 mm | 19.4 lbs. | Key |
Ottolock Original Cinch Lock | $59 to $89 | Strap | 3 mm | 6.2 oz. | Combination |
Hiplok D1000 | $300 | U-lock | 20 mm | 4 lbs. | Key |
HipLok Gold | $130 – $140 | Chain | 10 mm | 5.2 lbs. | Key |
OnGuard RockSolid | $250 | U-Lock | 15 mm | 3.1 lbs. | Key |
Hiplok Switch | $85 | Folding | 5 mm | 2.3 lbs. | Key |
Kryptonite New-U STD U-Lock w/ Cable | $75 | U-Lock | 12.7 mm | 2.8 lbs. | Key |
ABUS Bordo 5700 | $90 | Folding | 5 mm | 1.6 lbs. | Key or Combination |
Ottolock Sidekick | $39 | U-Lock | 12 mm | 1.7 lbs. | Key |
Kryptonite Evolution 1090 | $116 | Chain | 10 mm | 6.1 lbs. | Key |
Tex-Lock Eyelet with X-Lock | $159 | Cable/U-Lock | 6 mm | 2.9 lbs. | Combination |
Ottolock Sidekick XL | $59 | U-Lock | 14 mm | 2.4 lbs. | Key |
ABUS Ultra 410 U Lock + Cable | $65 | Cable/U-Lock | 12 mm | 2.3 lbs. | Key |

How We Tested Bike Locks
Our Expert Testers

Our Testing Process
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Bike Lock
Styles of Bike Locks

U-Locks


Chain Locks

Folding Locks

Strap Locks

Cable Locks

Lock Types

Key
Combination

Ease of Use

Size and Portability


Security Ratings
- Diamond: The highest level of security. Diamond-rated locks must be able to withstand dedicated attacks with specialized tools for at least 5 minutes, including 1.5 minutes with an angle grinder. These locks are intended for expensive bikes and extended periods in high-risk areas.
- Gold: A high level of security. Gold-rated locks must be able to withstand attacks with specialized tools for at least 5 minutes (not counting angle grinders). For use in high-risk areas.
- Silver: A moderate level of security. Silver-rated locks must be able to withstand attacks from an enhanced tool list for at least 3 minutes. These locks are intended for use in moderate-risk areas for shorter periods of time or as secondary locks.
- Bronze: A low level of security. Bronze-rated locks must be able to withstand attacks from a basic tool list for at least 1 minute. These locks are intended for use for short periods in low-risk areas to prevent opportunistic theft.

Price & Value
Budget

Mid-Tier
Premium

Frequently Asked Questions
Lock your bike through one of the two triangles made by the frame with a high-security lock. Using a cable or chain lock, also lock the wheels to the frame or to the post you are locking up at.
Never lock your bike using the seat post, handlebars, or just a wheel, as the bike can still be easily stolen leaving those parts behind.
No. With enough time and the correct tools, any lock can be cut. Even the most expensive angle grinder-resistant locks can eventually be compromised, it just takes a long time and the thief needs to be carrying enough cutting wheels to do it. While they aren’t unbreakable, it takes long enough that some of them might as well be.
Locks like the Hiplok D1000, the OnGuard RockSolid, and the LITELOK X1 are some angle-grinder resistant models that can be cut, but it will take long enough that most thieve will porbably move on.
Depending on the situation, you can lock your bike frame to its wheel for a very short time. If it is an extended period of time, you should find a pole, tree, gas meter, light pole, street sign, or other fixed object to lock to, even if it means you have to walk a block or two.
In our experience, U-locks can be made to be the most secure. With the use of special coatings on top of thick, hardened steel shackles, U-locks can resist all types of attacks from the tools that bike thieves use, including angle grinders. Still, the locking areas of U-locks is relatively small, so other parts of your bike — wheels, seat, handlebar, etc. — may still be susceptible to theft.
It depends on numerous factors, but chain locks are the next most secure option. The burliest chain locks on the market will turn most thieves away, but they usually are easier to cut with an angle grinder than a super-expensive U-lock.

The Best Bike Pumps of 2025
We tested 17 models from top brands like ToPeak, Blackburn, Silca, Bontrager, and more to find the best bike pumps.

The Best Bike Multi-Tools of 2025
We tested 12 of the best bike multi-tools on the market to help you find the right model to keep you rolling on the road or trail.