When it’s time to park a bike, especially in the middle of a bustling city, you need one of the best bike locks to prevent theft. By using a strong and secure enough lock it ensures that no one walks away with your bike. We spent over 15 hours researching the best bike locks out there to make sure your bike doesn’t get stolen. While searching, we targeted locks that were suitable for use in all weather conditions, are super reliable with strong components and designs, and easy to install. From the best cheap bike lock to a more versatile folding bike lock, we’ve got you covered.
The Via Velo Bike U Lock with Cable is our top pick because it has one of the best overall weather-resistant designs, it’s priced competitively and offers a lot of exceptional features. For example, it comes with a bike mounting bracket to store the lock during rides. Our honorable mention is the Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy-Duty Bicycle U Lock with strong anti-theft features. It offers a unique “pass-thru” crossbar that can withstand leverage and angled-type attacks. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks.
Top 7 Best Bike Lock
#1 Via Velo Bike U Lock with Cable
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Via Velo Bike U Lock with Cable is our top pick because it’s the best all-around lock on the list. It offers the best overall weather-resistance with a long list of features and comes at an affordable price. It includes two keys, and also a bike mounting bracket.
Read Full Review: Via Velo Bike U Lock Review
- Best weather-resistance
- Includes 2 keys
- Comes with bike mounting bracket
- The cable is a weak point
The Via Velo Bike U Lock with Cable is our best bike lock. It offers the most well-rounded feature set with excellent overall security. It’s also incredibly affordable being one of the cheapest options on the list. The frame offers durable all-weather protection, and it’s made of a durable PVC covering. Both the shackle and cable are made of hardened steel, with the latter being woven. The lock is easy to use and you can secure it quickly. Plus, it comes with two keys, one of which serves as a backup. A double bolt crossbar locking mechanism keeps the shackle from opening without the key.
The Via Velo lock comes with a bracket that you install on your bike. Once installed, the bracket serves as a mount or quick storage option for bringing the lock with you. The lock cylinder is extra secure as it’s pull and drill-resistant, as well as pick resistant — you cannot open it without the keys. A lock debris cover keeps dust, dirt and other particles from getting into the keyhole. The PVC covering keeps the entire unit safe and offers corrosion resistance, too. It’s important to note that the cable, while strong, is thin enough to cut with the right tools. With a lock this nice, you’ll be running out to grab best electric bike for your next ride.
#2 Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy-Duty Bicycle U Lock
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy-Duty Bicycle U Lock offers incredible protection, namely thanks to its ultra durable steel design and “pass-thru” crossbar feature. Plus, the company offers a full year of up to $4,000 in reimbursement in the event your bike or items are stolen.
Read Full Review: Kryptonite New York Standard Heavy-Duty Bicycle U Lock Review
- $4,000 in coverage for 1 year
- Most trusted brand
- Includes three keys and LED key fob
- Does not include cable
- Expensive
Kryptonite bike locks are known to be extra secure and reliable, and the New York Standard Heavy-Duty Bicycle U Lock is no exception. A 16mm hardened steel shackle offers protection from hand tools, bolt cutters and even leverage attacks. There’s just no way to reliably get this thing open without the included keys. The lock comes with three stainless steel keys, but you can order more if you lose them. Also included is an LED replaceable key fob. Plus, the company offers up to $4,000 in reimbursement money for up to 1 year after purchase, in the event your bike or other items are stolen.
A unique feature of the Kryptonite New York Lock is the “pass-thru” crossbar design for anti-rotation features. It’s an added layer of protection against twist and single-cut style attacks—thieves can use odd angles to snap the lock with the right tools. The Kryptonite New York lock is only the shackle, it does not include a cable, but it’s also a much more secure option alone than it would be with one. From the best adult tricycle, to your regular mountain bike, this lock will be able to secure all of your biking needs with no issue.
#3 SIGTUNA Bike Locks Heavy-Duty U Lock with Shackle
Award: BEST COMBO
WHY WE LIKE IT: The SIGTUNA Heavy-Duty U Lock Bike Lock with Shackle is the best combo bundle, as it comes with a shackle and cable. The 1200mm long steel cable is strong enough to withstand most attacks, while the shackle is nigh-impenetrable. Also included is a bike mount for the shackle and velcro for the cable.
Read Full Review: Sigtuna Bike Locks Heavy-Duty U Lock Review
- Includes heavy-duty 1200mm steel cable
- Includes bicycle mount and velcro for cable
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Higher price than most
The SIGTUNA U Lock is a bit more expensive than most of the other options on the list, but still not as pricey as the Kryptonite bike locks. This is honestly the best bike lock at this price point on this list. It includes a 16mm heavy-duty U lock shackle and 1200mm steel chain cable. It also includes three laser-cut keys and a bicycle mount or holder which you can use to carry the lock with you. Both the shackle and cable are weather-proof, and employ anti-theft features like an anti-picking lock mechanism, double loop flex cable, and resilient composition—the shackle cannot be cut.
SIGTUNA offers a 100% money-back guarantee if the lock is purchased through authorized dealers, meaning you can get a quick and painless refund if you’re not satisfied. Altogether, the high-security disc-style cylinder and double deadbolt locking mechanism provide exceptional protection from tampering so your bike or belongings should be safe.
#4 Sportneer 5-Digit Combination Chain Cable Bike Lock
Award: BEST COMBINATION
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Sportneer 5-Digit Combination Bike Lock is the best combination lock on the list, with up to 100,000 potential access codes making it difficult for thieves to guess. The cable is cut and attack resistant and covered by a waterproof and dust-proof cloth sleeve.
Read Full Review: Sportneer 5-Digit Combination Chain Cable Bike Lock Review
- Cut resistant cable
- Excellent Price
- Waterproof and dust-resistant cloth sleeve
- No accessories included
- No keys
The Sportneer 5-Digit Combination Chain Cable Bike Lock is merely a waterproof cable with an embedded combination mechanism. There is no shackle, and instead, the locking mechanism is built right into one end of the cable. The manganese steel lock is 0.27-inches thick, and durable against cuts and other attacks. It’s also 3.2-feet long, offering ample room to secure a bike around stationary objects. The cable is also protected by a waterproof and dustproof covering, in the form of a flexible cloth sleeve.
The Sportneer’s keyless combination lock employs a 5-digit code, much longer than comparable options. Just the added digit alone expands potential codes up to 100,000 total, making it quite difficult to guess—provided a safe number is chosen. It does not come with any accessories like a bike mount or holder, but the whole thing is relatively lightweight and small enough to toss into a day bag or backpack. This lock will give you peace of mind that your best kids mountain bikes will stay locked up, and secure.
#5 Titanker 4-Feet Combination Bike Lock Cable
Award: BEST MULTIPURPOSE
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Titanker cable has one of the most versatile designs and it can be used for a variety of applications, not just locking up a bike. It’s lightweight and portable, affordable, and has a built-in 4-digit combination lock.
Read Full Review: Titanker 4-Feet Combination Bike Lock Cable Review
- Cut resistant cable
- Excellent Price
- Affordable price
- Combination lock only uses 4 digits
The Titanker 4-Feet Combination Bike Lock Cable is the best multipurpose option. It works great for bicycles, of course, but it can also be used for skateboards, gates, grills, lawnmowers, and much more. The flexible cable design means you can wrap it around just about anything that needs to be locked. A steel cable core prevents cuts and attacks, while a PVC coating on the top offers durability and anti-scratching.
The Titanker cable includes a built-in combination lock supporting up to 4-digit codes. The lower digit count is not as secure as some of the other locks but still offers decent protection. Thieves are going to have a difficult time guessing security codes regardless. The lock comes bundled with a bike mount which can be used to attach and secure the cable to your bike during trips.
#6 SIGTUNA Foldable Hardened-Steel Bike Lock
Award: MOST SECURE (ALT: BEST SECURITY)
WHY WE LIKE IT: This SIGTUNA bike lock is made entirely of hardened steel making it one of the most secure, overall. It has a pick-resistant lock and durable, anti-scratch coating. It’s a folding bike lock that’s easy to store and carry, but can also be mounted to a bike.
Read Full Review: Sigtuna Folding Hardened-Steel Bike Lock Review
- All-steel design
- Folds-up extra small
- Pick-resistant lock
- Anti-scratch coating
- Small keys, easy to lose
SIGTUNA’s foldable hardened-steel lock is composed entirely of metal, with no cabling whatsoever. That makes it one of the most secure and strongest bike lock options hands-down, especially with its pick-resistant mechanism. It comes with two small keys, which would be easy to lose, unfortunately. Besides that, it’s priced well and offers an incredible level of protection for bikes, fences, loose objects, and just about anything it can be attached to.
The individual steel links unfold so it can be wrapped around what you want to lock. There is no reliable way to cut it, and bolt cutters are not getting through this thing. A scratch-resistant coating protects the stylish black and yellow finish, and also prevents damage from the elements — the lock won’t rust either. If ultra-reliable protection is the game, and it should be, then this lock is the best choice.
#7 NDakter 4-Feet Combination Bike Lock Cable
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: The NDakter combination lock is an excellent option for anyone with a tight budget. It’s affordable yet feature-rich, thanks to a braided steel self-coiling cable design, a secure 5-digit combination lock mechanism, and a mounting bracket.
Read Full Review: Ndakter 4-Feet Combination Bike Lock Cable Review
- Easy to use self-coiling cable
- Includes mounting bracket
- Available in multiple colors
- No shackle
The NDakter 4-Feet Combination Bike Lock Cable is a steel security cable with an attached combination lock. It is the cheapest lock on the list, earning it the “best budget” title. It doesn’t skimp out on features, either. The 5-digit combination mechanism offers strong protection with an incredible list of potential codes. The braided steel cable and PVC coating can withstand 2.4KN tension and 7KN shear force, which means it’s well-protected against cuts and other attacks.
The NDakter bike lock comes with a mount that you can use to attach it to your bike. It’s also available in several colors like pink, green, yellow, blue, and more. That adds a minor degree of personalization, as you can choose your favorite style. Plus, the cable-only design means it’s a versatile lock that you can use elsewhere. For example, you can lock gates, sheds, multiple bikes, small items, and much more.
How We Decided
While no lock is completely impenetrable, every lock on our list offers adequate protection and security. Whether it’s a thick braided steel cable that’s safe from cuts or a PVC coated shackle that’s suitable for use in all weather conditions, every lock offers incredible protection.
We tried to balance our selection of combination and key-based locks, ensuring both types end up on the list. Ultimately, they offer the most protection from thieves, especially when they employ anti-picking features like the Via Velo Bike U Lock or Kryptonite’s New York Standard U Lock.
Also, we considered both versatility and additional protections. To elaborate, we looked for locks that can be used just about anywhere, meaning they can withstand a variety of environmental and inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, they can all be used for more than just locking up bikes. You could easily use these locks to secure gates, fences, other small items, sheds, and much more.
The weight of the lock or shackle was a minor consideration, too. You want the lock to fit in a bag or attach to a mount without adding much resistance as it’s something you’ll be carrying along on your bike rides. Everything on the list is lightweight and portable enough to carry, without sacrificing durability or security.
Finally, product guarantees and reimbursement programs also add value, so we tried to choose locks offering them. For example, Kryptonite offers up to $4,000 in reimbursement costs for up to one year if a locked bike or belongings are stolen.
Best Bike Lock Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Durability and Weather Resistance
When it comes to a bike lock, durability and security go hand-in-hand. A bike lock could have the strongest lock mechanism known to man, but if the rest of the device is weak it’s not going to make any difference. A thief could merely cut the chain or shackle portion with bolt cutters, leaving the lock technically still secured and downright useless. Therefore, one of the most important features to consider when choosing a lock is the build material and durability of the entire unit, not just a single portion. In most cases, a hard PVC cover will provide weather resistance, while also adding a secondary layer of protection. The shackle is usually made with heavy-duty steel, while the chain or cable is made of woven steel or some variation of that. - Locking Mechanism and Anti Picking
Coming in at a close second for important features is the type of lock or locking mechanism of choice. Most cable-based locks will use either a key entry system or a combination lock. There are some smart bike locks available these days, which allow you to use a mobile device and companion app to engage and disengage the lock. Keys tend to be safer but they’re easy to misplace, while combination locks also work well. However, with a combo lock, you’ll need to choose a secure code or pin and not something easy to guess. - Accessories
This feature is hit or miss, so it depends on the lock in question. For the most part, locks will typically include one or two accessories to sweeten the deal. Many include a bike mount, for example, which you can use to fasten the lock or shackle to your bike during trips. Others might include an extra key, key fob, or similar small items. While accessories are not the primary selling point, they do add extra value and are worth considering, especially when it comes to selecting a suitable price range.
The best bikes require locks to keep your investment safe. That goes for the best electric bike too or even the best electric scooter. You can never be too safe.
