No matter your bike's value, having it stolen is a terrible feeling that we'd all rather do without. A sensible bike lock is the key to avoiding heartache and unlocking the true utility of a bicycle.
Real talk—while no lock is 100% unbreakable given enough time and the right tools, a tough lock will slow thieves down and make them think twice.Here are the best ways to protect your ride:
Lock it smart: A high-quality lock buys you precious time and acts as a great deterrent. For the best protection, always pair a solid lock with the most secure location you can find.
Bring it inside: The ultimate security is keeping your bike with you. That's why we love top-rated folding electric bikes—they're incredibly easy to take indoors.
Our testing of bike locks evaluated various performance aspects, and the secret to buying a great bike lock is to balance the amount of security that is right for the environment with the lock's user-friendliness and portability. In this article, we will offer advice based on our experience as bike lock testers and avid cyclists and bike lovers.
Choosing a Basic Lock Type
Bike locks come in many flavors, and the right lock will deter thieves without being a pain to carry. There are four main types of bike locks: U-locks, chains, folding locks, and cable locks. Some bike locks even combine two of these types. Each type of lock offers a different level of security, ease of transport and use, and parking flexibility.
U-Locks
These are constructed of hardened steel molded into a “U” shape and are usually covered in rubber or plastic to protect your bike's paint and reduce rattling while riding. The two ends of the “U” (the shackle) connect to the locking mechanism (a crossbar that closes the “U” into a "D"), and it opens and closes with a key or a combination dial. The most secure U-locks have a tight dual-locking system, whereby if the “U” is cut with a portable angle grinder (or another power tool), the ends remain locked tightly. This means there won't be much movement in the bar ends if it is cut through. In this case, the bike thief has to make two cuts to get it off the frame or bike rack. Less expensive models usually take one cut before they are pried apart.
This type of lock will require a committed or professional bike thief with power tools to crack open, making the theft more difficult but not impossible. As a general note, U-locks tend to be heavier than other lock types and, due to their rigid shape, are more difficult to carry. Also, depending on the size of your frame and tires, the U-lock's size and rigidity might limit where and how you lock up your bike.
Chain Locks
These consist of a steel chain with a sheath to protect your bike's paint. The ends are connected via a padlock of sorts. The security here varies with the chain's thickness and the padlock's quality. A thick, hardened steel chain, with smaller gaps between the links and a top-quality padlock or disc lock, is the toughest chain to break. Chains can be broken by torsional forces, so a small gap between the links leaves little room for a lever to be inserted. However, if a thief has the right tools, it takes one cut from the padlock to defeat a chain lock. Chains are flexible and have a large diameter, making them easier to secure to immovable structures. However, they tend to be bulky and weigh more than other security devices.
Folding Locks
The most distinctive bike lock design is the folding lock, which consists of multiple steel bars connected by rivets, allowing them to pivot independently. This provides much more flexibility than rigid U-locks, which is most useful when the structure you're securing your bike to is abnormally shaped. This type of lock is excellent for easy transportation because it weighs much less than U-locks and chains and folds up into a compact size. They won't weigh you down or take up tons of space in your favorite messenger bag. The main drawback is their security level, which falls in the low-to-middle range. They tend to be weakest at their pivoting joints.
Cable Locks
Let's be honest: we seldom recommend a cable lock for anyone who cares about their bike. This lock type offers very little security and can be compromised in seconds with commonly available hand tools. The only exception here is if you have only the most basic needs, or if you want a separate cable lock to secure your bike saddle or the front wheel,in addition to a stronger lock securing your frame and rear wheel.
Made of twisted or braided steel with a rubber or plastic coating, the ends connect in a lock (sometimes connect with hinges, while other cable ends are secured firmly inside the lock). Variability within this category includes cable thickness, lock strength and type (combo or key), and if the cable is coiled or non-coiled. Generally speaking, cable locks with more braided wire strands are the strongest, as they are more difficult to cut than those with fewer strands. Cables tend to be lightweight, with the coiled versions being the simplest to transport, either in a bag or wrapped around your bicycle's frame. Their large diameter and flexibility give them more versatility in securing your wheels to immovable objects.
Yet keep in mind that cables are the quickest and easiest to cut through using simple, inexpensive hardware. As a result, we rarely recommend them for lockups lasting more than a few unsupervised minutes. What is the best way to think of these locks? These are the solutions to the “snatch-and-grab” opportunist who sees an unattended bike, hops in the saddle, and rides away, leaving you stranded and at least a few hundred dollars in the hole.
When Should You Use a Bike Lock?
Chances are, if you've ever had a bike stolen, your reaction to this question is very different from that of someone who hasn't. A bike lock should be used when parking your bike in a public setting, even when you're sitting in a coffee shop and can see it. Bike thieves operate on opportunity; it's your job to deny them the opportunity. Even in a crowded public place, a thief may not hesitate to quickly cut through a wimpy lock and make off with your bike.
Transporting Your Lock
We recommend you select your transport style and security level together. Where will you carry your lock?
On the FrameIf you're new to cycling and use your bike to commute, mounting your bike lock to your frame is a solid recommendation. Many locks include an easy-to-install bracket (and if you buy it at a shop, they might install it for you) that mounts to your seatpost or another part of your bike frame, where you then clip your lock while you ride. The frame absorbs the extra weight of the lock, and with the correct installation, you shouldn't notice it much. A heavy lock on a bike frame feels lighter than a heavy lock in a backpack.
That being said, not all frame mounts are created equal, and if the one that comes with your lock doesn't perform well, there are aftermarket options available. Some of these aftermarket options provide a better fit and less rattling than the included mounts.
Folding locks are much smaller, take up less space on the bike frame, and weigh less. These locks easily fit in a backpack, fanny pack, or can be attached to a water bottle mount on your bike's frame.
Cable locks are lightweight and easy to carry, but they offer very little security. If you want a lock that mounts directly to your bike frame while you ride, your best options are U-locks, folding locks, or cable locks.
On Your PersonAlternatively, you can toss your lock into a bike bag or wear it on your body. This allows you to use any lock style, though you'll want to keep weight in mind. A heavy-duty U-lock weighs about three to four pounds, which can quickly feel like a lot in a backpack. If you want a more comfortable commute, try a wearable belt lock—carrying that weight around your hips is much easier on your shoulders and back.
How Burly?
No bike lock is invincible. It's sad but true. However, there is considerable variability in how quickly different locks fail. When it comes down to choosing a lock, first determine your level of risk. We like the way Kryptonite breaks it down in their How to Choose Your Bicycle Security chart. A rough estimate of crime level (from most to least bike theft) is: “Major Metropolitan Area,” "Metropolitan Area," “College Campus,” "Suburbs," or “Rural Area.” Next, you decide which lockup is riskiest (from most likely to be stolen to least risky): “Overnight Lockup,” "All Day Lockup," “Couple of Hour Lockup,” or “Quick Stop Lockup.” For perspective, the riskiest scenario involves locking your bike up on the street in a large metropolitan area and leaving it overnight. The least risky scenario is locking your bike up for a few minutes in a small town.
How Much Should You Spend on a Bike Lock?
The bike industry throws around the 10 percent rule, which says to spend about 10 percent of your bicycle's worth on a suitable bike lock. Although we think this is reasonable, consider the security you need. Many of the lock companies offer protection guarantees with their locks. Major caveat: read the fine print on these. There are several requirements to make these policies worthwhile. Ultimately, it might be better to invest in a high-quality lock rather than depend on any of these “guarantees.”
This is good news for the folks on the more expensive side of the spectrum, but what if you own a $300 bike in San Francisco? You still want a U-Lock costing about $50, 17 percent of your bike's worth. View this purchase as insurance and prioritize your security needs over the arbitrary 10 percent guideline. Consider the time, effort, and money it costs you if your front (or[ rear - even costlier) wheels are stolen. Worse yet: imagine if the whole bike is gone. Again, it's not just the cost of the bike but the time and effort required to replace it and (in the meantime) figure out a way to get yourself from home to work or school. Buying a decent lock is worth the money, time, effort, and frustration of having all or a part of your bike go missing.
Aside from weight, think about how a lock fits into your life — or, more accurately, how it will fit into your bag or on your bike. In some ways, bigger is better (a larger lock lets you lock it to more things), but if you already carry a small messenger bag or a purse, you might not be able to carry it around. Most bike locks come with a frame mount, but be sure the one you purchase does and that it will fit your bike.
How to Use Your Lock Most Effectively
Once you decide on the right product, check if your new lock has an insurance policy. Some manufacturers offer insurance to reimburse customers in case of theft. However, you have limited time (sometimes just a week!) to sign up, so be sure to register it immediately. Also, if this is a significant factor in your decision-making, read the insurance policy. The stipulations tend to be rather strict. For example, some exclude customers living in New York, and some require you to send in the busted lock for inspection before any compensation is doled out.
Furthermore, check how much money you stand to receive if your bike is stolen—it might not be all that much. Once you've taken this step, file your receipt and registration info in a safe place so you can find them again if they're stolen. The week you buy a lock is also the time to register your keys if the manufacturer offers a key replacement program.
Once you're ready to ride and use your new gear, be sure to research how to lock it up properly! Many bicycle thefts result from user error. It's important to know how to use your lock to maximize security. The most secure lock won't protect your bicycles if you use a weak locking technique. Furthermore, improper locking techniques might void your insurance policy in the event of theft. Here are some basic pointers to get you started on your quest to make your bike a tougher target:
How to Lock Your Bike
Secure as much of the bicycle as possible to the immovable object. If possible, secure both wheels and the frame. One option is to remove the front wheel, secure it along with the back wheel, and frame it to an immovable structure. However, if your lock doesn't provide this level of security, consider the value of each part of your bike and lock the highest-value parts first. Always secure the frame first, then the rear wheel, then the front wheel. Never lock only one wheel.
Be sure to get a tight fit and secure as much of your bicycle as possible. This limits the space thieves can use their tools, making it harder to break open. Also, take removable items with you, such as lights, saddlebags, water bottles, and even your bike seat, if it isn't secured to the lock.
Locking Wheel Skewers
If you think a bike lock or two isn't enough, there are additional ways to secure your bike's components, particularly your wheels. Many older bikes have quick-release skewers that let you remove the wheels quickly and easily; however, they can also let a thief snag a wheel in seconds. Locking skewers can replace traditional quick-release skewers and require a hex key to remove the wheel. This adds a bit of security (the thief will need the right tool to remove them—so it's not a guarantee, but it's something). If you don't mind the expense of this aftermarket product, this extra security is worth consideration. However, if you have a newer bike, you likely have through-axle hubs, which already require a tool to remove.
Where to Lock Your Bike
Always secure your bicycle to immovable objects or structures. Bike racks, lamp posts, and trees are good examples, as they are fixed in the ground or concrete. Some bicycle roof racks are also considered immovable objects when used correctly. Avoid using structures held in place by only a few bolts, such as “No Parking” signs. With a few quick turns of a ratchet wrench, the sign is removed, allowing the thief to slide the bike up and over the post. We also don't recommend locking to wooden or chain-link fences, or anything that can be easily cut through.
Seek out areas where other bikes are locked up, and ensure the area is well-lit if left out past dark. Lock up your bike on streets with heavy foot traffic. A lonely set of wheels on a quiet, dark street might attract the wrong kind of attention. For more insight into proper bicycle security, online videos, such as those from Art's Cyclery, offer additional guidance.
Lock Maintenance
To prolong the life of your security device, regular maintenance is key. How frequently you do this mainly depends on your climate. Monthly maintenance may be necessary if you live in a harsh climate with heavy rain and snow, or in an area near saltwater. In other climates or regions, a little lock love every year or two should suffice.
Focus your cleaning and lubrication efforts on moving parts and areas where parts attach, such as keyholes, deadbolts, the ends of U-lock shackles, and cylinders. Clean these parts first with a rag, using a spray product like WD40, if there is any visible corrosion or heavy grime. After cleansing, apply a lubricant. We generally recommend using a dry, Teflon-based lubricant on lock cylinders.
Conclusion
Our final piece of advice might be counterintuitive: if you own an expensive bike or bike-related gear that would be very costly to replace, never lock it up and leave it for an extended period. All bike locks can be defeated. The best way to keep your bike safe is to use a bike lock and exercise common sense about where you park it. Following that simple rule, your beloved bike will likely remain yours.
