The Best Bike Locks of 2024

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.

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, it seems like bolt cutters and a hack saw could get through it, too. The other weak point of folding locks is the pivot points, which can be susceptible to drilling or prying. 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.

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.

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

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.

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 (go ahead, ask us how we know). 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 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.

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. We wouldn’t recommend leaving your bike locked up and unattended with this lock for extended periods of time.

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.  

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 OnGuard RockSolid, 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.

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.

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

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.

At 5.2 pounds and 43 inches, the 8808C is a little lighter and a little bit longer than some other chain locks on this list. It is certainly easier to carry than the Kryptonite 1090, but it does not carry anywhere near as well as the Hiplok Gold. It’s also less secure, offering a 9 out of 15 security rating from ABUS.

The combination shackle is also quite a bit less robust than a standard steel hook or deadbolt like the one found on the Kryptonite 1090. At 8 mm thick, the square-link chain isn’t as thick as other chains on this list, which makes it more vulnerable than both the aforementioned locks. That said, the 8808C is still a great lock for medium-security applications. 

We appreciated the lighter weight and simplicity of the combination tumbler. The 8808C is fully wrapped in a nylon chain cover, and the combo tumbler has a helpful dust shield that keeps dirt, water, and debris from gunking things up. While it’s certainly not the most robust lock we’ve tested, the 8808C offers more than adequate protection for beer runs or quick lock-ups between stops in town (depending where you live). If that sounds like you, the 8808C is definitely worth your consideration.

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 grams, 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.

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 dissuaded 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.

Like the New-U, the Ultra 410 also comes with a cable lock to secure your front wheel or, at the very least, deter someone from trying to make off with it. Again, we don’t consider cable locks secure and urge users to exercise caution and good judgment when using one to protect their valuables.

With a 9 by 4-inch shackle, the 410 happily accommodates a wide range of frames and offers enough space to lock through your frame and rear wheel, providing the object you’re locking to isn’t overly large. It comes with two keys that lock and unlock smoothly, but it doesn’t have a dust cover for the keyhole, so users will need to be attentive to keeping their lock clean. 

The 410 has a “double-locking” mechanism that ABUS claims decreases thieves’ ability to pick the lock. Their website claims that the lock passed the spray ice test with flying colors. ABUS rates this lock at 8/15 on their in-house security scale. That said, we struggled to find any information pertaining to theft insurance from ABUS, and in that regard, Kryptonite definitely wins out.

Another gripe we had with this lock is the frame mount — it isn’t great. It broke almost immediately and we found ourselves back to relying on a ski strap to tote the lock. In the end, however, these are minor complaints, and the 410 is a solid lock system at a reasonable price. And, while it might not offer the same fit and finish or the same kind of insurance as other locks on this list, the ABUS 410 is still a great option — especially for folks on a budget who need to protect their bike. 

There is certainly a value to having a small cable lock on hand, and the ABUS Numero 5510C ($30) is an affordable option to keep wrapped on your bike for quick trips or to bolster another lock. At $30, it’s inexpensive, and at just over a pound, the Numero is almost unnoticeable in your bag or on your bike. 

As far as features go, the Numero is a pretty standard cable lock with good ergonomics and a few well-thought-out features. Its 70.9-inch long 10 mm cable is wrapped in a PVC coating to avoid damaging your frame. The tumbler indexes well and is easy to see after dark, thanks to the ABUS darktouch feature.

ABUS rates the Numero at a 3/15 security rating, meaning that it’s the most vulnerable lock on our list. We definitely wouldn’t recommend locking your rig up out of sight with this lock, and doubly so for high-end bikes. But, if you need a cable lock for securing your front wheel or a bag to your bike while you’re away, the Numero will certainly serve in that application.