Sign in Pro
Best Bike Locks Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Features
When you are shopping for a protection device to use with your bicycle, one of the things that you will want to think about is what sort of securing mechanism is used on the device. Although there are many different styles of bicycle protection devices, all of them need a way to open and close so that the authorized user of the bicycle can remove the bicycle protector when it is no longer needed.
Each kind securing mechanism has its benefits and its drawbacks so you will need to consider the pros and the cons of each kind of protector when you are picking out a bicycle protection device that is best suited for your needs. One of the most common styles of protectors is the combination protection device. These are protectors that are cylinder-shaped and have a dial where you can input four or five entries to open the protector.
The key style protector is the other most common style of protector and it provides you with a more secure option when compared to a combination protector. Rather than having to remember a unique passcode that you input into the protector, the key protector has a place where you insert a key into the protector that will open the protector. The final kind of protection device is a more recent invention which is the electronic protector. Electronic protectors are still evolving but some of them allow you to enter a code or use a smartphone application to open or close the protector.
Effectiveness
One of the most popular kinds of bicycle protectors is the cable protector. The cable protector is essentially a protector that is made from a steel cable and has a protection mechanism that when shut, closes the cable in a loop. This makes the protection device easy to use and also helps to make sure that it is lightweight. Most of these protectors are at least four feet in length so that you can wrap the protection device around a tree or a bicycle rack which allows you to secure the bicycle. Although cable protectors are easy to use, they will only provide you with a small amount of security.
If you are looking for more protection than what you will get from a cable protection device, then you will want to consider a u-protector or a d-protector. Both kinds of protection devices are essentially the same kind of protector but the shape of the protector is different.
Durability
As always, the quality will make a large difference in how well the bicycle protection device performs while you are using it. A low-quality bicycle protector is more prone to failure than a high-quality bicycle protector which can end up costing you a considerable amount of money if your bicycle is stolen or you need to get a tool to break into your bicycle protector. No matter how much money you spend on your bicycle protector, you will also want to make sure that it is a quality protector that you can count on to perform when you need it.
Brand
Third party testing is a great way for a bicycle manufacturer to ensure the credibility of their product. By submitting their bicycle protectors to a third party test, a consumer can look and see how the product performed while it is being tested. The higher the bicycle protector is rated, the better you will be able to trust that the bicycle protector will be able to protect your bicycle from theft while the protector is in use. This will help give you the peace of mind that your bicycle will be safe when you have secured it properly with your bicycle protector.
Weather Resistance
Bicycles are typically stored outside in the weather either some or all of the time, which means that your bicycle protector will also likely be stored in the same conditions as your bicycle. That means that your bicycle protector has to be designed to withstand corrosion that is caused by water, humidity, and even dirt. If the bicycle protector corrodes easily, then it is more likely to break and fail when you need it to work. You may find that your protector is no longer able to protect your bicycle from an attack or your key may no longer work in the protector cylinder. For this reason, you will need to make sure that your bicycle protector has been designed to resist rusting or other kinds of corrosion.
Best Bike Locks
1. UShake Cable Lock
UShake makes a cable lock that protects your bike by supplying you with a long and flexible steel cable that you can use to secure your bike. The cable can be fed through the spokes of the wheels or it can be tied around the bike frame and secured to a bike rack. This will protect your bike from getting stolen while you are not using it making it into a great choice for a bike lock.
Combination Lock
This cable lock uses a four-digit combination lock that allows you to easily remove the lock from your bike when you are ready to use it. A combination lock means that you will need to remember to bring a key with you when you use the lock.
PVC Coating
The cable is coated with a flexible PVC which serves a number of functions, the most important of which is to keep the cable from scratching your bike. This will help your bike continue to look great because you don't need to worry about the cable scratching it.
Cost and Value
The UShake cable lock is sold at a price that is lower than the average price for a bike lock which makes it into an excellent value for the price since you can have security and peace of mind without spending much.
2. Kryptonite U Lock
If you are looking for something that is stronger than a cable lock on its own, then you will want to take a look at this u-lock with cable by Kryptonite. The u-lock is made of thick steel that is almost impossible to cut through. If you need a little more reach than what you can get from the u-lock on its own, then you can use the provided cable for extra length.
Thick Steel
The u-lock is made from a 13mm steel that has been engineered to resist cutting or getting broken apart with leverage. This makes it impossible for someone to steal your bike quickly if they are able to steal it at all.
Double Loop Cable
There is a cable that is looped on both ends and coated with PVC that you can use the extend the reach of the lock. The loops are made to fit through each end of the u-lock itself so that they work together.
Cost and Value
The Kryptonite is sold at a price that is well above the average price for a u-lock because you have two layers of security. The first comes from the u-lock itself and the second layer of protection is provided by the cable.
3. Sigtuna Gear U Lock
This U-Lock made by Sigtuna is made from a thick 16mm steel that will help protect the lock from saws and bolt cutters. That means that you can count on this lock to protect your bike or other personal property from getting stolen. Like many other high-quality u-locks, this lock also comes with a looped cable that you can use to add additional security or extend the reach of the lock.
Double Deadbolt
The lock has a double deadbolt system that is combined with a disc-style lock cylinder. This makes the lock effective at preventing leverage attacks which will help deter and reduce theft of your items while they are secured with this lock.
Quick Release Mounting Bracket
The lock also has a mounting bracket that attaches to the frame of your bike when the lock is not being used. This will make it easy to keep the lock on the bike at all times and keep it easily accessible.
Cost and Value
Like other premium bike locks, you will see this lock sold at a price that is higher than the average price for a bike lock. The higher price is due to the thicker materials and anti-theft features that are provided by this lock.
4. Blusmart Lock Cable
If you live in a low crime area and are looking for something that will deter petty theft, then this cable lock that is made by Bluesmart is a great choice for a simple, yet effective, bike lock. It uses a combination lock so that you don't have to keep a set of keys on you all of the time and it even comes with a mounting bracket for easy storage.
Twisted Metal Cable
The cable part of the lock is made from strong twisted steel that is resistant to cutting and sawing. This will deter theft because it makes it hard to break through the cable quickly and easily.
Long length
The cable lock is six feet long which will provide you with more than enough length so that you can tie up your bike. This allows you enough length to wrap your bike around trees or other objects for security.
Cost and Value
The Bluesmart is a low-cost option that is sold well below the average price for a bike lock. The lower cost is due to the fact that it is only a cable lock which makes it less expensive.
5. Winner International UTL800
The UTL utility lock is an extendable steel lock that can hold up to 1,500 pounds of pressure. This allows you to have the best protection against theft because it is much stronger than using a chain or a cable to secure your bike. The lock is easy to open using the keys that are provided and it can extend up to over 20 inches so that you can reach a bike rack.
Multi-use
You can use this utility lock for bikes, patio furniture, or even securing a steering wheel. The lock has been designed to secure just about any item that you need to keep protected so that you don't lose your valuables.
Extendable
The lock has an initial length of 13-3/4 inches but it can be stretched out to 20-1/4 inches when you need additional length. This allows the lock to be flexible and can be used in different situations as needed.
Cost and Value
The UTL800 is sold at a price that is average for a bike lock. This allows you to purchase security for your bike without having to spend a lot of money on a high-quality bike lock.
6. Amazer Cable Lock
The Amazer Cable lock is a great way to protect a bike in low crime areas. It is a four-foot cable lock that will give you enough room to wrap your lock around a bike rock, light post, or a small tree. You will not need to worry about carrying a key since this lock uses a combination lock instead which makes it easy for you to use.
Zinc Lock Cylinder
A common issue with lock cylinders is that they start to get rusty after they have been exposed to the weather which makes it hard to unlock the cylinder. This lock uses zinc allow which helps it to resist corrosion.
Steel Cables
The cable is made out of flexible steel fibers that allow the lock to bend as needed but is also strong enough to resist cutting. This will help keep your items safe and secure while under the lock's protection.
Cost and Value
The Amazer is sold at a price that is well below the average price for a bike lock which makes it into an excellent value. The lower price is due to the more basic features and shorter cable length.
7. Wordlock WLX Cable Lock
This is another type of cable lock that uses a unique key color and identification scheme so that you can easily identify which key goes with which lock. This can make it useful for when you need to lock different bikes or purchase multiple locks to secure items around your home or business. You will easily be able to identify which key goes with which lock based on the color and work.
Key Match System
Each key matches the color of the lock and there is a laser etched word on the key and the lock that have to match as well. This allows you to quickly pick out which key is used for the lock.
5 Feet Cable
The cable lock has a length of five feet and is 8mm thick which allows you to tie the lock around a variety of different surfaces such as bike racks, trees, sign posts, or other secure items so that your bike isn't stolen.
Cost and Value
This item is sold at a cost that is below the average price for bike locks. The lower price is due to the simple design that helps to hold the cost down without you having to give up security to use the lock.
8. Lumintrail U-Lock
The Lumintrail ULock is a heavy-duty U-shaped style lock that will help keep your bike secured to the rack. It has been designed to keep your bike from getting scratched by the lock thanks to the rubber coating that surrounds the lock itself. You also won't need to worry about bringing your keys thanks to the combination lock cylinder that is used by this lock rather than a key cylinder.
Steel Shackle
It is made from a 14mm thick steel that is high quality and has been hardened. This makes the lock resistant to cutting and prying attacks so that people can't steal your bike while you are not around.
Rubber Coated
Most U-Locks are not coated so they could end up scratching your bike or even rusting. This lock is protected with a rubber coating which keeps your bike and the lock itself looking great even in climates where it tends to rain.
Cost and Value
The Lumintrail is sold at a price that is lower than the average price for a bike lock which makes it a great value for the money. You will be able to get peace of mind and security without having to spend a lot.
9. Sportneer Chain Lock
This is a chain lock that you can use to secure your bicycle to a bicycle rack or some other secure object. The total length of the lock is 3.2 feet which allows you to wrap the lock around a variety of different surfaces so that it is highly versatile. You will not need to worry about it rusting or corroding since the lock itself is protected with a waterproof cover.
Waterproof Cover
The entire lock is protected by a cloth cover that is water and dust proof. This will keep your bicycle from getting scratched by the lock and it will also make sure that the lock lasts for a long time.
Secure Lock
The lock has a five digit combination lock that allows you to enter up to 100,000 different codes into the lock. This will prevent anyone from guessing your unique combination and opening the lock when they are unauthorized to do so.
Cost and Value
You will see this lock sold at a price that is much lower than the average price for a bicycle lock. It is an excellent value for the price because the lock is made to last for a long time.
10. Abus U-Lock
This is a great u-lock for people who are looking for a small and portable bicycle lock option. The size of the lock makes it easy to transport it and you can store it in just about anything thanks to its small size. It works easily with bicycle cables so if you need additional length you can just purchase a steel cable to go with the lock.
Small Size
The small size of the lock makes it ideal when you need to carry a sturdy lock around. It is small enough to fit into the back pocket of your jeans or in a cargo pocket on the side of your pants.
Keyed Entry
The lock opens with keys which means that you will not need to worry about having to remember a combination. This makes it easy to open the lock quickly as well since you only need to use the key.
Cost and Value
You will see this lock sold at a price that is above the average price for a bicycle lock. The higher price is due to the high-quality steel that is used to make this lock which raises the price.
Sources
- , Choose a Bike Lock, Website
- , About, Website