The Best Bike Locks of 2024

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 ($140) solves this problem with an innovative carry option that keeps its 2.4 kg centered and secure around your waist as you ride.

Hiplok designed this lock with an adjustable seatbelt-like clasp that adjusts to waists between 30-44”, which eliminates the need to size your chain according to your belt size, and also 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.  

The diameter of the Hiplok chain and shackle is 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 certainly slow down any would-be bike thief trying to make off with your whip. The Hiplok Gold is sold Secure rated with a Gold security rating (level 3 of 4, able to withstand a 5-minute attack with hand tools) and a lifetime warranty.

While some folks may prefer a different style lock or something that weighs a little less, our testers were highly impressed with the Hiplok Gold for its combination of safety and security in a compact and innovatively portable (albeit slightly heavy) package, which is why it’s our favorite bike lock.

The OnGuard Bulldog is another solid option for folks looking for a reliable and trustworthy U-lock. At $35, it swings well above its weight class for the price. Our tester has long since been a fan of OnGuard locks, and the Bulldog U lock is a welcome addition to this round of testing. 

At 9 x 4.5″, the shackle is similar to both the ABUS and the 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 clocks in at 11 mm thick, which should offer plenty of protection against bolt cutters and grinders. 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. 

The Bulldog is substantially heavier than its competitors at around 8 lbs and loses some points in the portability department, but our tester felt the added weight just added to its sense of security. If you ride with your lock in your pack or bag, this is definitely a consideration, but 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 $1501 on most models of the BullDog. All Onguards locks come with five keys — one with an LED for use after dark, and four more standard keys to stash as you see fit.

Our tester was 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 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.

Kryptonite has been a major name in the bike security space for as long as any of our testers 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 ($110).

At 6.5 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, — 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 is Sold Secure with a Gold 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 their 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 and 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 deciding between the Kryptonite 1090 and the Hiplok Gold locks, 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 best overall.

But, we are awarding the 1090 Best Chain lock for its super high-security rating and the piece of mind it offered our testers, 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.

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 ($71) is the latest iteration of the Kryptonite U-lock. We had that standard model, also known as the Kryptolock, in for this round of testing, and to nobody’s surprise, it scored high 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 our tester 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 our tester 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 of its ability to at least deter would-be thieves.

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 and is supported by the Kryptonite key program (two free keys in the event of losing them) and a 6/10 security rating. This might not be a great option for long-term security, but we think it offers excellent peace of mind at a good price.

The Tex-lock ($159) 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 which 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 cable 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. Our tester threw the Tex-lock in his bike basket and had few complaints about portability. The cable and U-lock weigh in at 1,300 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 the lock, our tester 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, our tester was 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’s 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 ABUS Bordo 5700 ($85) 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 far and away the lightest and most portable lock we’ve tested, 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 excellent considering its small size and ease of portability. Our tester likes 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 our tester had very little trouble finding a secure spot to lock up.

We tested the combo 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 and off you go. Like we said — super simple. Our tester did have some concerns about the 5mm thick shackle, though, as it is substantially thinner than any other lock on this list.

We’d hate to see what a pair of bolt cutters or grinder could do to this thing. Additionally, our tester felt that the rivets between shackle segments presented a potential vulnerability and wondered if the ABUS Spray Test included the rivets in addition to the combo. 

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

We liked the Abus 8808C ($85) for its combination (get it?) of ease of use and solid security rating. Combo locks are great for folks who are frequently locking and unlocking their rigs in suspect areas, and also for folks who regularly lose or misplace their keys. Our lead tester thinks the Abus 8808C is the perfect lock to throw in the front basket for a quick run to the grocery store.

At 5.22 lbs and 110 cm, the 8808C is a little lighter and a little bit longer than other 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, the chain isn’t as thick as other chains on this list which makes it more vulnerable than both the 1090 and the Hiplok. That said, the 8808c is still a great lock. 

Our tester 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 on this list, the 8808C offers more than adequate protection for beer runs or quick lock-ups between stops in town, and if that sounds like you, the 8808C is definitely worth your consideration.

For those of you looking for a budget-oriented option to keep your trusty steed safe, there is the ABUS Ultra 410 U Lock and Cable System ($60). ABUS has a solid reputation in the market for making sturdy and reliable locks and the 410 Ultra is no exception. Our tester found it functionally comparable to the Kryptonite New-U, but felt that it might not be on the same level in terms of security. It’s a little lighter than the Kryptonite Version and a little thinner, but the hardened steel shackle still inspires confidence.

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″ shackle, the 410 happily accommodates a wide range of frames and offers enough space to lock through your frame and rear wheel providing the structure you’re using 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 which ABUS claims decreases the ability of thieves to pick the lock, and 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 our tester found himself 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 at a solid 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. 

So, you’re in the market for an inexpensive cable lock. Maybe you need a lock to keep your panniers safe, or to lock the kid’s bikes to yours on your ride to the park. Cable locks are a simple and practical way to add a margin of security to your ride when you need it, but lack the same kind of security and peace of mind offered by more substantial locks and chains.

There is certainly a value to having a small cable lock on hand, and the ABUS Numero 5510C ($30) is an excellent option to keep wrapped on your bike for quick trips or to bolster another lock. At $30, it’s inexpensive and weighing 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″ 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.