The Best Bike Locks of 2025-2026

The OnGuard Bulldog ($33) is a solid, affordable option for folks looking for a reliable and trustworthy U-lock. It swings well above its weight class for the price. We’ve been fans of OnGuard’s locks and the value the brand brings to the table for some time, and the Bulldog is a great example. 

At 9 x 4.5″, the shackle is similar to the ABUS and Kryptonite U-locks featured in this guide, albeit slightly wider. While half an inch isn’t a game changer, the extra space is a welcomed feature on this lock. The shackle is 11 mm thick, which should offer plenty of protection against bolt cutters and hack saws, but doesn’t take long to cut through with an angle grinder. Like other locks on this list, Onguard uses a double lock shackle feature for enhanced security, and Onguard claims the cylinder is resistant to bumping and lock picking. 

For such an inexpensive lock, it’s nice to see that it carries a Silver-level Sold Secure rating. While that’s best for medium security risk lock-ups, we appreciate that it’s been tested and rated, which can’t be said of many others in this price range.

The Bulldog is a competitive weight at 2.5 pounds, so it isn’t too obtrusive to toss in your messenger bag or backpack. For those of you who strap the lock to your bike, you likely won’t notice it. Like both the Kryptonite and ABUS locks, the Bulldog comes with a frame mount to keep your lock with your bike.

Of the tested lock mounts, the Onguard scores best by offering the easiest and smoothest operating frame mount. Onguard also offers theft protection on registered locks — up to $1,501 on most models of the BullDog. All Onguards locks come with five keys — one with an LED for finding a keyhole after dark and four more standard keys to stash as you see fit.

We were impressed with the simple, no-fuss function of the Bulldog, and doubly so for the included mount. At $35, this lock offers tremendous value and outshines other locks in its price class. If you are looking for a simple and secure lock that won’t break the bank, the Onguard Bulldog might just be the lock for you.

As the security level of bike locks increases, that typically corresponds to a reduction in the size of the locking area. You’ve likely noticed that the vast majority of high-security bike locks also happen to be U-locks. An outlier is the LITELOK Core Plus ($180). This is the only wearable lock on the market that has earned a Sold Secure Bicycle Diamond rating.

Sold Secure’s Diamond rating is the best available, meaning this lock is capable of withstanding at least 5 minutes of attack, including 1.5 minutes with an angle grinder. No other wearable lock can claim that level of theft resistance. It can still be compromised, of course, it will just take power tools and more time than lesser locks.

To achieve that, the Core Plus has a unique design that separates it from other wearable locks on the market. Instead of a chain, it is a semi-flexible loop made from a Boaflexicore core layered with a steel exoskeleton and a plant-based polymer sheath that’s easy on your bike. The loop connects in the middle with a beefy aerospace-grade hardened steel lock.

The Core Plus is offered in 75 cm and 100 cm lengths. The former is intended to fit around 28 to 41-inch waists, while the latter should work for those with 42 to 54-inch waist sizes. Rather than locking around the waist, it comes with an adjustable strap and plastic fitting that’s surprisingly secure yet also very easy to remove. 

If you’d rather not wear it, it also comes with frame mounts so you can attach it to the bike. The frame mounts aren’t the most elegant solution, but they work well enough, assuming you have enough space in your frame. It requires a fairly large front triangle to fit.

The 75 cm circumference of the Core Plus makes it easier to lock around more bikes or larger objects compared to a U-lock. The “click to lock” feature means that it is always ready to be locked, so it’s quick to lock up and be on your way. It’s also just plain beefy, with a look that says, “Don’t mess with me.”

While the Core Plus is slightly flexible, it has quite a bit of resistance and was harder than expected to loop around bikes or when connecting both sides of the lock. The width of the locking ends also makes it slightly challenging to fit the spokes of wheels. We got better at it with practice.

At 4.1 pounds, the Core Plus is light for its security level, but it still isn’t exactly lightweight. We noticed around the waist, of course, but it was a bit more comfortable to wear than the Hiplok Gold, which weighs over a pound more. 

The “click to lock” feature makes it quick and easy to secure your bike, but it opens the possibility of locking your bike when you don’t have the key — ask us how we know. While we appreciated the ease and speed of locking, we’d rather guarantee we have the key by needing it to lock the lock.

Those concerns aside, the Litelok Core Plus is a very impressive bike lock. It combines a high level of security with a wearable design, making it convenient to bring with you just about anywhere. At $170, it’s fairly expensive, but it’s affordable compared to many other Sold Secure Diamond-rated options.

Folding bike locks are known for combining a portable form factor with an adaptable locking area. That convenience, however, typically comes at the cost of security. The general design of folding locks is inherently more complex and less secure than many U-locks and chains. The Seatylock Foldylock Forever ($135) is one of many Sold Secure Gold-rated folding locks on the market. But it’s the only folding model to get a 3-star rating from ART — a Dutch lock testing organization — making it the most secure folding lock currently available.

That means this lock has been tested to withstand attacks from non-powered tools for up to five minutes. Sure, it can be cut with an angle grinder, but that’s what it takes to get through this lock. Not even bolt cutters are getting through the 6.5 mm thick, rubber-coated hardened steel plates. The beefy pivots were also specially designed to resist sawing, cutting, splitting, or leverage attacks. 

Those pivots were super smooth, and the steel plates moved easily when opening and closing the lock. The 90 cm length created a fairly large locking area, making it much easier to fit around larger objects or more bikes than any U-lock. The freely moving pivots also made it easier to fit through spokes and around frames than the stiffer LITELOK Core Plus, for example. 

The Foldlylock Forever came with three keys, and the key action was impressively smooth. When you register your lock for your free 3-year warranty, you can enter the unique key duplication codes from your lock in case you ever lose them.

While the locking area is sizeable, the Foldylock Forever still folds down to a compact package for transport. The included mounting bracket fits on any water bottle mount and holds the lock securely and quietly. It’s also small enough to carry in a backpack or messenger bag, but its 3.6-pound weight is certainly noticeable on your body.

Folding locks will pretty much always be easier to break than the toughest U-locks, but the Foldylock Forever is the most secure folding lock you can buy. This high-quality lock is incredibly easy to carry in its frame mount bracket and boasts the highest Sold Secure and ART security ratings of any folding model. If portability and ease of use are high on your list and angle-grinder attacks aren’t a huge concern, the Foldylock Forever is about as good as it gets.

The aptly named Onguard Beast 8016L ($155-198) chain lock is truly a beast. This burly lock is meant for those high-security situations where you want to ensure your bike(s) don’t disappear. Given its bulky size and heavy — 19.4 pounds — weight, it is definitely not a lock that you’ll carry around with you on the bike. This beast is best suited to duties like locking your bikes on your hitch bike rack or chaining up in a shared storage space in an apartment building. In those types of situations, it really shines.

The Beast chain locks come in several variations, but we tested the 8016 in the 6-foot length — a 3.5-foot version is also available. This lock consists of two components: a beefy 6-foot long chain and an equally beefy U-lock style padlock. That adds up to 19.4 pounds, which is shockingly heavy. That weight and the obvious stoutness of the package, however, speak to the security level it provides. This lock is likely to intimidate would-be thieves and make them move on to an easier target.

The chain itself consists of 14 mm thick, titanium-reinforced, hexagonal hardened steel links that are cut and pry-resistant. They don’t specify angle-grinder resistance, but it seems like it would take quite a while to cut through both sides of one of these links to compromise it. The chain has a sturdy nylon cover to keep the chain from damaging your paint. The padlock has a 16.8 mm thick hardened steel shackle and uses OnGuard’s X4P Quattro Bolt Locking Mechanism. This secures the shackle on four sides, requiring two cuts to fully break through the padlock shackle.

The Beast 8016 hasn’t been tested by Sold Secure, but it carries a rating of 99/100 on OnGuard’s in-house scale. OnGuard’s Mastiff chain lock is rated at 90/100 and has a Sold Secure Gold rating, so it’s safe to assume the Beast would rate higher. Still, this lock can be compromised by an angle grinder, but it would definitely take several minutes to do so.

The 6-foot length we tested is long enough to loop through two bike frames on a hitch bike rack. This is great for stopping at the store after a ride or parking in front of a friend’s house for an extended period. Given the weight of the lock, however, we certainly wouldn’t recommend driving with it locked to bikes, as we could see friction causing damage to paint over time.

Unlike the Hiplok Gold, which is much lighter and more wearable to bring with you, the Beast is much more secure but far less versatile. Like other OnGuard locks, the Beast’s keys don’t have the smoothest action, but it comes with five, including one with an LED light. Regardless, it does its job well within its intended application, and ours lives in the back of the truck where it’s ready for action when we need it.

Sometimes, you just need a lock to deter opportunistic grab-and-go bike thieves from running off with your bike, and that’s where the Ottolock Original Cinch Lock ($59-89, depending on length) comes in. This portable and user-friendly lock is ideal for those low-risk situations where you can’t keep your eyes on your bike the whole time but aren’t too worried about anyone with cutting tools coming for your ride. The best part, it weighs just 177 g (30-inch size) and rolls up into a neat little package that you’ll barely even notice and can even fit into a jersey pocket.

If you’re dropping by the coffee shop on the way to the office or stopping at a gas station mid-century ride to grab some sugary snacks, the Ottolock Cinch is small and light enough to bring along with you. The 30-inch length we tested rolls up to a size that fits in your hand, and you can stuff it into your jersey pocket, frame bag, or messenger bag and basically forget you even have it until you need to lock up.

The flexible strap design is super user-friendly, and our 30-inch version loops around your bike and a fixed object quickly and easily. It works very similarly to a really big zip tie. You just slide the end into the lock mechanism — while pushing the button — turn the combo dials, and you’re good to go. Just reverse the steps to unlock it. The 3-digit combo is easy to set, and you don’t need to carry around a key.

The low weight and portability come with one major caveat: this lock is only appropriate for low-risk situations. While the grab-and-go thief will be deterred, anyone with bolt cutters can compromise this lock in just a few seconds. The 8 mm wide band is 3 mm thick and houses three flexible stainless steel band layers inside an aramid fiber jacket. This will put up a fight against lighter cutting implements, but its security is definitely limited.

Regardless, the Cinch Lock is a great option when the threat of bike theft is low, but you still want the peace of mind that locking your bike provides. Its portability makes it especially useful for those on the move with limited lock-carrying space. The Original Cinch Lock comes in three lengths — 18, 30, and 60 inches — so you can get the size that best suits your needs. Or, for a slightly tougher version, check out the HEXBAND Cinch Lock with six steel bands.

Read review: Best Bike Lock Ever? Hiplok D1000 Anti-Angle Grinder U-Lock Review

Angle grinders have changed the bike theft game, so many brands are making heavy-duty locks to withstand these cutting tools. Among them, the Hiplok D1000 ($300) stands out as one of the best. This sturdy U-lock is impervious to attacks from traditional cutting tools like bolt cutters and saws, and most would-be thieves will give up before they are even close to getting through it with an angle grinder. We should know, we tested it, and it went through a total of 10 cutting wheels to make the two cuts needed to fully compromise the D1000.

Hiplok was one of the first to market with an anti-angle grinder lock, but the D1000 is as relevant and robust today as it was when it launched in 2021. While it has more competition, it still stands up to powered cutting tools well enough to earn a Diamond-level Sold Secure rating. Like most U-locks, the D1000 has a thick, hardened steel shackle, but this one features a coating of a graphene composite called Ferosafe. The steel is tough enough on its own to resist traditional cutting methods and prying, but the special coating grinds cutting wheels down over and over again.

In our destructive test, we tried several methods to break the D1000, eventually resorting to the angle grinder when the others failed. As advertised, it chewed through cutting wheel after cutting wheel, but we eventually got through on the fifth wheel — and that was just for one of the two cuts needed. That took a significant amount of time, more than most thieves will be willing to spend, plus you have to cut it twice to get the lock off.

Since the shackle is rectangular, even if one side is cut, you still can’t turn it to open it. Thus, it needs to be cut twice. In our experience, the time and effort needed to do this will send even the most determined thief packing. Who carries 10 grinder wheels anyway?

The D1000 is similar in size to comparable U-locks with a 3.6 x 6.1-inch locking area. It’s not huge by any means, but it’s big enough to capture your frame — and maybe a wheel — and a bike rack. The rubber coating is easy on your bike frame, and it comes with three high-security keys.

The only things we didn’t love about the D1000 are the price and the fact that it rattled a bit during transport. Both of those complaints are things we can look past if it keeps our bikes safe and lasts forever, which we expect it will.

The Sportneer Bike Lock ($17) is a smart, kid-friendly option for everyday bike security in low-risk environments. While it’s not meant to outsmart determined thieves (and it won’t), it strikes the right balance for young riders who need something lightweight, easy to manage, and just secure enough for after-school stops.

GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort bought this bike lock for her 8-year-old daughter who routinely rides her bike from school to the library with her friends. The good: her daughter can operate it completely on her own, without any parental assistance. The no-key combination is a game-changer (assuming your little can remember the code!) and the numbers turn easily for small hands. Plus, the color patterning on the numbers helps attract little eyes so the whole experience feels like a fun puzzle rather than a security measure.

It’s a chain lock, so it is heavier than the basic cable locks that children often use. But, it’s still light enough to toss into a backpack without weighing down your kid, as well as much safer. Our 8-year-old tester was so excited about the rainbow colors that she never once complained about the jump in weight. And, the fabric sleeve keeps it from scratching her bike, which is a total win for the parents who paid for said bike.

Bonus: It’s affordable, too. In an ideal world, safety shouldn’t come with a high price tag but it’s nice to know that you won’t be out a chunk of change if your little loses a lock….or two.

It’s important to note: the Sportneer bike lock is a basic deterrent, not a high-security solution. It’s ideal for supervised school racks, short library visits, and suburban neighborhoods, but we wouldn’t rely on it for high-theft areas or overnight locking. Our tester lives in a small mountain town with very little crime. It’s perfect for that type of environment.

All that said, we still think it’s a great pick for parents who want to encourage good locking habits early — and for kids who want to learn how to carry and use a bike lock all on their own.

Chain locks are considered by many to be the premier option for securing your bike, but they have a few drawbacks — specifically, chains are heavy and unwieldy and can be a real pain to bring with you everywhere. The Hiplok Gold ($130-140) solves this problem with an innovative carry option that keeps its 5.2-pound weight centered and secure around your waist — or slung over your shoulder — as you ride.

Hiplok designed this lock with a seatbelt-like clasp that adjusts to waists between 30 and 44 inches. This eliminates the need to size your chain according to your belt size and keeps the weight down. Additionally, the chain is wrapped in a durable and highly reflective nylon chain cover, which increases your safety and visibility as you ride, adds a bit of comfort when worn, and adds a barrier between the chain and your bike.  

The length of the Hiplok chain and shackle is 33.5 inches (85 cm), which is enough to lock a frame and wheel to a stand or pole, but it may be difficult to make larger-diameter objects such as trees work. The links measure in at 10 mm thick, while the shackle is slightly thicker at 12 mm. And while this lock is not impervious to vandals, hooligans, and/or rapscallions sporting nefarious intent, it will absolutely slow down any would-be bike thief trying to opportunistically make off with your whip.

The Hiplok Gold has a Gold-level Sold Secure rating (able to withstand a 5-minute attack with hand tools) and a lifetime warranty. It’s not impervious to angle grinders, so we wouldn’t leave your bike locked out of sight or overnight in a high-risk area, but this conveniently portable chain lock is great the vast majority of the time.

The LITELOK X1 is the other wearable lock we tested. Comparatively, it costs a bit more but boasts a Diamond-level security rating. It’s not quite as flexible or easy to loop around things, but it weighs a pound less and resists angle-grinder attacks. The X1 is a bit more comfortable to wear, as well.

While some folks may prefer a different style of lock or something that weighs a little less, we were very impressed with the Hiplok Gold for its combination of safety and security in a compact and innovatively portable (albeit slightly heavy) package.

The OnGuard RockSolid ($270) is one of the new breed of angle grinder-resistant U-locks on the market. OnGuard has been making quality locks for a long time, but this is by far the burliest and most secure they’ve ever produced. We love this U-lock for its quality construction, diamond-level Sold Secure rating, lighter weight, and more approachable price — compared to some angle grinder-resistant locks.

The not-so-secret behind the RockSolid’s angle grinder resistance is the addition of a 2mm thick diamond ceramic coating on the outside of the 15mm-thick hardened steel shackle. Cutting blades on angle grinders basically just bounce off and grind themselves down to nothing when trying to cut through it and saws and prying tools don’t stand a chance either.

The shackle removes completely from the locking base which means that OnGuard was able to employ its X4P Quattro Bolt Locking Mechanism. The shackle locks at four points, so even if someone manages to cut one side, they still won’t be able to turn it — it requires two full cuts to compromise it. Additionally, the Z-Cylinder lock is bump-proof and pick, pull, and drill-resistant — you’re not getting this thing off without the key.

Speaking of keys, the RockSolid comes with a whopping five keys, so you should be set for a while, even if you lose a couple. The keys can’t be copied, however, but the barcode on the key tag can get you replacements from OnGuard. Overall, the keys work pretty well, but we found they aren’t quite as smooth or consistent in the cylinder as some other locks we’ve tried. Occasional lubrication helps a lot, and that’s really our only complaint about the RockSolid.

A thick rubber coating on the shackle is kind to your bike’s paint job, and the 3.5 x 6.9-inch shackle size makes it easy to lock around your frame, rear wheel, and standard-size bike rack tubes. It’s also comparatively lighter than other angle-grinder-resistant locks at 3.1 pounds. You’ll notice you’re carrying it, but not quite as much. And, while $250 is definitely not cheap, it’s less expensive than buying a new bike and is $50 less than similarly secure options like the Hiplok D1000.

Read review: Finally, a Bike Lock That’s Easy to Carry: Hiplok Switch Review

The Hiplok Switch ($85) is a conveniently portable folding bike lock for low to medium-security applications. Unlike the Abus Bordo, however, the Switch has been tested by Sold Secure and carries a Bronze rating. One of our favorite things about it: it comes with three options to attach it to your bike or wear it clipped to your belt — and you can easily switch between the two. However, we’ll be quick to point out that this lock is more about convenience than the highest level of security.

Unlike U-lock and chain locks, which can be bulky and heavy, folding locks like the Switch are much more compact and typically lighter in weight. Not only does it fold down into a compact, tidy package, but the Switch fits nicely into its holster, which mounts unobtrusively to the fixed bracket on your bike frame’s bottle cage mounts.

The holster is easy to unclip from the bracket, and alternatively, you can carry it on your belt, a pack strap, or even the top of your pants. If you’re not carrying your Switch lock on your bike, you can fit the Switch plate to a bottle cage and swap between them — you don’t need to remove the bracket from the bike.

Like other folding locks, the Switch consists of several steel plates that unfold to form a larger loop. The six hardened steel plates are 5 mm thick and fold out to a 33.5-inch length. This makes it easy to fit the lock around your bike frame, rear wheel, and a fixed object — especially compared to U-locks with much smaller locking areas. The keyed lock is easy to use, and it comes with three keys. That said, you’ll need to remember to carry one and keep track of it.

With a Bronze Sold Secure rating, this isn’t the burliest or most secure lock out there. Those steel plates are no match for an angle grinder, and given a little time, bolt cutters or a hack saw could get through it, too. That said, this lock doesn’t claim to be the most secure, and it is intended for those medium-risk scenarios where a lock like the Switch will deter opportunistic thieves. If you’re after a higher level of security in a folding lock, the Foldylock Forever is the best on the market.

The Switch’s real beauty is its versatile carry design. You can mount it on your bike, clip it to your pants, or switch between the two. This makes it particularly convenient and easy to bring along on any type of ride.

U-locks are popular among bike commuters in metro areas for a good reason — they strike a great balance between portability and security. You’ve probably seen someone utilizing the popular belt-carry, and there are even some cycling pants on the market that come with a loop to slip your U-lock in while you ride.

The Kryptonite New-U ($78) is the latest iteration of the Kryptonite U-lock. We had the standard model, also known as the Kryptolock, in for this round of testing, and to nobody’s surprise, it scored well in both security and portability. 

The New-U has received a few upgrades to make it more secure, namely the new “double deadbolt” locking mechanism which Kyrptonite claims is more resistant to twisting attack. At a little under 3 pounds and measuring in at 9 x 4″, the New-U is easy enough to throw in your bag, slip in your belt, or, as we did — strap it to your pannier rack. The New-U also comes with a frame mount to more easily tote your lock on your rig, but we found it to be a little more finicky and less secure than a ski strap on the rack.

One of the downsides to the U-lock is the lack of security for things like your front wheel. Fortunately, the New-U is available with a cable lock to secure your front wheel or loop through a bag or basket. We wouldn’t consider cable locks secure because of how easy they are to cut through, but for a quick pop-in to the grocery store or brewery, we’re confident in its ability to at least deter would-be thieves. We especially appreciate the ability to lock up more components on our bikes and feel the value of this combined package is pretty hard to beat.

The New-U is on the larger side of the U-locks that Kryptonite makes and has ample room to loop through the chainstay/seat stay and rear wheel of most bikes, though mountain bikes, for the most part, were too large, and we’d recommend a different lock for your shred sled anyway. 

The New-U comes with $1,750 theft insurance, is supported by the Kryptonite key program (two free keys in the event of losing them), and has a 6/10 security rating. This might not be a great option for long-term or high theft-risk security, but we think it offers great versatility and peace of mind at a good price.

The ABUS Bordo 5700 ($90) is a nifty piece of kit for folks with limited space. It’s super easy to slip into your bag, or even to stick in a back pocket for a quick rip down to the pub. At 1 pound, 9 ounces, the Bordo is very light and easily portable, but don’t let its small size beguile you into thinking it isn’t secure.

ABUS rates this lock at 7/15 on its in-house scale, which we think is solid considering its small size and ease of portability. We like to think of the Bordo as “light-duty” security. ABUS also tests its locks using the spray method to ensure appropriate protection against modern break-in tactics. While it is definitely not as secure as a U-lock or a chain, the Bordo is far and away more secure than a simple cable. 

Available in 60 or 80 cm, the Bordo offers a convenient and super portable way to protect your bike, and it’s available in eight different colors and two different configurations — keyed or combo. The 60cm version has plenty of room to slip between your seat stays and wheel, providing your anchor is small enough. Trees, pylons, or thicker anchors may require some creativity, but we had very little trouble finding a secure spot to lock up.

We tested the combination version of the Bordo. Setting the combination was super simple, a theme that carried with both the ABUS combo locks we tested. The Bordo also scored well in ease of use — fold it up and slip it in a secure pocket or its frame mount bracket, and off you go. Like we said — super simple. That said, we appreciated the additional holster carry option of the Hiplok Switch.

Unfortunately, the Bordo 5700 hasn’t been tested and rated by Sold Secure, but we put it in the low-medium level of security. Any determined thief with a pair of bolt cutters or an angle grinder could compromise this lock in short order. Like the Hiplok Switch, this lock should be considered as more of a deterrent to opportunistic, grab-and-go type bike theft. If you’re after the most secure folding lock, the Foldylock Forever is a better bet.

Still, the Bordo 5700 is a great little lock for quick trips and could be an excellent option as a backup lock for your front wheel or panniers in less secure areas. However, if you live in an area with low theft rates, leave your bike locked up in sight, or need the convenience and portability of a lock like the Bordo, it’s an enthusiastic yes from us.  

The Ottolock Sidekick ($39) is a compact and affordable U-lock that shines for its portability. Its smaller size and lighter weight — just 1.7 pounds — make it easy to bring along with you but limits your locking options a bit, too. Still, if a convenient, medium-security U-lock sounds like what you need, the Sidekick has you covered.

Like its larger sibling, the Sidekick XL, this lock is good-looking and well-made. While a bike lock’s appearance is somewhat irrelevant, it’s refreshing to see a decent-looking option. While it may have been unintended, the full-coverage silicone coating just looks nice and will also play nice with your bike’s frame.

Compared to other U-locks, the super-portable Sidekick is on the smaller side. The locking area measures 5.75 x 2.75 inches, which limits what you can fit in there. We found that it’s really only big enough to fit around the frame — we locked to the seat tube or the seat stay while testing — and a thinner fixed object. You’d be very hard-pressed to fit much else in there. If you have expensive wheels, we’d recommend using some additional locks to supplement the Sidekick.

That said, the smaller size makes it very easy to carry with you, and if that convenience makes you more likely to use a lock in the first place, then that’s a huge bonus. At 1.7 pounds, it’s barely noticeable in your bag or backpack, and we were even able to stuff it in the back pocket of our pants for shorter trips to the store and/or the local brewery. This is good, considering it doesn’t come with a bracket to mount it on your frame.

Unlike burlier — and much more expensive — options like the LITELOK X1, the Sidekick is intended for medium-security applications. This is more of a quick stop at the coffee shop or locking up in the office building bike room kinda lock. The 12 mm hardened steel shackle and anti-rotation deadbolt mean that tools short of an angle grinder will require some time and effort to compromise it, but it’s not impervious to determined thieves.

If convenience and portability are key concerns and you don’t need the highest level of security, the Ottolock Sidekick truly shines. This compact and lightweight U-lock is easy to carry and user-friendly, and at $39, it’s well worth the price, in our opinion.

Kryptonite has been a major name in the bike security space for as long as any of us can remember, so much so that ‘kryptonite’ locks are often associated with top-tier security. Kryptonite continues to bolster that reputation with the Evolution 1090 ($121).

At 6.1 pounds and 35.5 inches, this is a properly big chain lock that might not appeal to everyone reading through this list. For our uses, however — like securing an expensive mountain bike in a busy resort town — there isn’t much more we could ask for. 

Like the Hiplok Gold, the Evolution 1090 carries a Gold-level Sold Secure rating, meaning that it will withstand up to 5 minutes of attack with hand tools. Kryptonite has revised the link design and the metals to increase the security for this lock, but probably the most important update to its locks is the new end-link design which eliminates a critical vulnerability in other locks by replacing the shackle with a deadbolt.

We’re not going to give you the specifics here, but this lock is essentially air-can and hammer-proof, which is one of the fastest, easiest, and most inconspicuous ways to break a lock. Would-be thieves will have to cause a scene to break this lock or chain.

Kryptonite offers anti-theft protection up to $3,000 for registered locks along with a lifetime warranty, as well as their helpful key program — which means that when you finally lose your last key, you’ll be able to get a replacement. 

We had a tough time choosing a favorite between the Kryptonite 1090 and the Hiplok Gold, but in the end, the Hiplock won out. The Evolution 1090 is a little bit heavier and a little bit less portable than the Hiplok Gold, which kept it from taking the top spot for the chain locks we tested.

But, we still appreciate the Evolutions 1090 for its high-security rating and the peace of mind it offered, and also because the deadbolt end link is more secure than the shackle on the Hiplok (which is also why it is heavier). If you are going to keep a lock in your car for an après bike beer, the Kryptonite 1090 is the lock to buy, but if you need portability, check out the Hiplok Gold.

The Tex-lock ($169) is an innovative U-lock and cable system that meets a particular niche in the cycling security world. We tested the X-lock and large Tex-lock cable, but there are a variety of sizes and lock options available. If you live or ride in an area where security is an issue, the Tex-lock is an excellent contender for your next U-lock and cable combo.

What makes the Tex-lock particularly innovative is the textile sheath that covers the 6mm chain. Not only does the sheath prevent damage to your frame or paint, but also it is cut-resistant, saw-resistant, and fireproof. The textile-covered chain by itself receives a Sold Secure Silver rating, and when combined with the 12mm X-lock mini U-lock, the system receives a Sold Secure Gold rating.

Of the cable locks included on this list, the Tex-lock cable is far and away the most robust and secure that we’ve tested. Like other chains and cables on this list, the Tex-Lock carries well over the shoulder, and riders can purchase a frame mount separately if they wish. We threw the Tex-lock in a bike basket and had few complaints about its portability. The cable and U-lock weigh in at 1,315 g, making this a lightweight, portable, and highly secure option.

The folks over at Tex-lock clearly thought out the design of this lock. Immediately upon receiving it, we noted that the eyelets are shaped and sized differently; this is so users can loop the cable through a wheel and around a rack before securing it with the X-lock.

While the X-lock is pretty small (currently the smallest and lightest sold-secure gold lock on the market), it’s more than adequate in size to secure the frame of your bike to a rack and the end of the cable.

Indeed, this is how the Tex-lock is intended to be used. And, we were impressed by the easy and intuitive design of this combo. We also like the X-lock by itself. It’s super compact and transports easily — a great option for an evening spin to the brewery or a quick stop at the market.

In terms of security, the eyelets on the cable are likely the most susceptible to attack in this latest iteration. Tex-Lock has switched to hardened steel to slow down attacks with saws. However, it seems likely that a good strike with a heavy hammer could break the eyelet at its smallest point if positioned properly.

The X-lock’s 12mm hardened steel shackle is significantly more secure but also likely susceptible to the classic freeze-and-smash attack. It’s also important to note that like every lock on this list, the Tex-lock isn’t meant to completely prevent theft, but rather to deter and slow down would-be thieves.

The Ottolock Sidekick XL ($59) started out as a limited-run model but became a full-time member of the brand’s lineup of locks. It is essentially a larger version of the compact Sidekick described above, offering an increased locking area and more flexibility in what you can fit inside and lock your bike onto. It’s still relatively lightweight, easy to use, well-made, and affordable, making it a great option for those with medium security needs.

One of the primary drawbacks to U-locks is that they can be difficult to fit around your frame, rear wheel, and an object to lock onto, but the Sidekick XL’s larger size aims to make that easier. The 9.5 x 4-inch locking area simply fits around more of your bike and the poles that you’re likely to lock onto quickly and more easily than with smaller U-locks like Ottolock’s own Sidekick or the super-sturdy OnGuard RockSolid.

We found we could typically lock it around both the seat tube and rear wheel when locking up to standard city bike racks, adding a bit more security than locking to the frame alone.

Without any advertised angle-grinder-resistant technology or a Sold Secure rating, we view this lock as more of a medium security option. It has a 14 mm thick hardened steel shackle and an anti-rotation deadbolt that will require two full cuts to compromise. This means it would take some real effort to get through it with bolt cutters or a saw, but an angle grinder can slice right through it pretty quickly.

Still, thieves seeking an easy target are likely to be diss귭 and move on, but we wouldn’t use it as the only line of defense in a high-risk area or overnight on a city street.

For quick stops on the way to work or generally low-crime locations, however, the Sidekick XL is a great option. Its size makes it quick and easy to use, and its smooth key action — it comes with three — won’t have you fumbling around to lock and unlock it. The entire thing is covered in non-marking silicone, so it’s easy on your bike’s paint and other items that you carry it with.

On that note, its size dictates that you’ll probably be stashing it in a messenger bag or backpack for transport, as it doesn’t come with a mounting bracket. At 2.4 pounds, it’s on the lighter side for its size, so it won’t really weigh you down.

If you’re seeking a high level of security, be prepared to pay more for something like the Sold Secure Diamond-rated Hiplok D1000 or the OnGuard Rocksolid. Those locks are roughly five times more expensive but will send even angle grinders packing. Otherwise, if the theft risk is lower, the Ottolock Sidekick XL is a great option to consider.