Category Archives for Bike Locks

One of the most critical parts of owning a bike? The bike lock, of course. That piece of metal or plastic that you affix to your bike and to a secure object around it, so no one pilfers your ride when you're leaving your bike. We’ve had bikes stolen so many different times, both locked and unlocked, but a lock is the best insurance you have against bike thefts. And some locks are eons better than others in terms of durability, ease of use, and cost effectiveness. No matter how much your bike cost, it can be an incredibly frustrating and sad experience to lose yours to theft. There’s the inconvenience of finding another one, the loss of any attachments like that bell your cousin gave you for Christmas, or that water bottle you got at a friend’s wedding, or the custom leather saddle seat. Plus, we bond with our bikes and spend so much time with them that it breaks our hearts to know someone else is now cruising on our Kona across the Brooklyn Bridge.

So, needless to say, locks are important

A few things to consider before purchasing a lock are how much muscle you’ll need (do you live in Bushwick, Brooklyn, or a retirement community in Ohio?), what you want to spend (always an important factor), whether you want any other uses out of it (lights, for instance), style, and ease of use. For some of us, remembering a four-letter word can be pretty tough. For those who are better with numbers, a padlock-style lock is impossible. Some of us can’t keep ahold of a key to save our lives, and are more likely to lock ourselves off of our bikes than a would-be thief. Some of us maybe bike safely home after a beer or two to avoid driving, and want a lock that’s simple to disengage and carry home, so that we don’t look like idiots undoing the lock. Some of us just want something light that will, as a former landlord of mine put it when he recommended I stay at home while the plumber worked, keep honest people honest.

So, with all of these factors in mind, here are a few of our favorite ways to lock up the items most precious to us in this world. These are the strongest bike locks of all the locks we tested. When properly locked, you'll have no fear of leaving your bike. Gollum would have used one of these suckers for his ring, if he had the technology we have today (if they would have fit through a ring).

There are a few different options when it comes to finding a secure lock. The U and D locks are popular, though we find them a little annoying sometimes to fit to certain stands. They don’t work well when there are already a ton of bikes on the stand, for instance. And someone with a power tool or bolt cutter will be able to cut through them. And people can pick cylindrical locks with a pen, so you might want to avoid those. Locking skewers are nuts and bolts that protect parts of your bike, which can be great for those who customize with expensive parts. Chain locks are also popular, though they can be quite heavy, and can be sliced through with a bolt cutter. Some hardened steel chains will naturally be sturdier than others. Cable locks are another option, and they come in different varieties. You can use them in combination with other locks as well. Wheel locks keep someone from taking a wheel off your bike. Now, we even have locks that you can use a smartphone to disengage, which will send you a message if someone messes with them. In the future, we predict these locks will grow in popularity, and that the “dumber” locks will eventually be phased out.

Here are a few of our favorite models when it comes to the bike lock:

Bicycle Chain Lock, Sportneer 5-Digit Resettable Combination Anti-theft Bike Locks

Top pick. This model is a keeper. We like how you don’t have to worry about losing a key to open it (it has a resettable combination, too), and we love the cloth sleeve. It’s over three feet long, and it’s made from something called manganese steel. It’s flexible, which makes it easy to thread through tires and around whatever you're locking your bike to. It weights a mere 1.5 pounds, and costs just $13 on Amazon.

AKM Bike Lock Cable 4-Feet Bike Cable Basic Self Coiling Resettable 5-Digit Combination with Complimentary Mounting Bracket

This model is a little cheaper, and like the Sportneer version, you can also reset the combination. It has a five character passcode, and it’s great for things like skateboards or lawnmowers as well. Plus, it’s tiny and easy to carry around; it weighs 410 grams. Of all the locks tested, this one was by far the most easy to transport.

Heavy Duty Combination Bike U Lock, Amazer 12mm Bike Lock Bicycle Heavy Duty Combination U Lock Bike Lock Anti Theft

For something a little more burly, we like this lock. It’s ingenious. It’s keyless and has a dust cover to protect it from dust and wear. And if you aren’t satisfied, you can always just return it. Users liked how it’s simple to enter the code in. We like the sleek look as well. It retails for $25 on Amazon.

Bike Lock GoFriend High Security 5 Digit Resettable Combination Coiling Cable Lock

This lock is great for kids. It’s light (it weighs just over half a pound), and it comes in so many different colors, from pink to white to purple. It’s 120 cm, and it has a mount as well.

And have you heard of the Skunk Lock ? It’s motto is, “the lock that fights back.” This U-lock is fine to carry around, but it sprays a mixture of chemicals if anyone tries to mess with it. Watch the videos online to see how it works; they’re good for a laugh. Their premise is that any lock out there can be cut in under 60 seconds, so you need to be more proactive in preventing the theft of your beloved bike. Prices vary, as it’s an Indiegogo campaign.

Even with the best lock out there, however, there’s no guarantee that someone won’t find a way to steal your bike. If your bike does get stolen, report it right away, and check craigslist and your local pawn shops.​

With an immense number of product options available like chain locks and cable locks on the market to stop the bike thief. However, finding the right bike cable lock for your individual needs can be a cumbersome process as there are so many contenders.

With myriad brands producing specialized steel cables aimed at consumers looking to protect their bicycles and other valuable equipment, it can be more than a little frustrating knowing what product will best meet your needs.

Cable bike locks are highly versatile tools that offer many adaptability opportunities. Generally regarded as less secure than the more robust U-lock style bike locks, cable locks still remain a popular purchase for consumers looking for a convenient way to secure their valuables and to provide just enough deterrence to theft for peace of mind.

With the plenitude of options available on the market today, there are cable bike locks that come with keyed locks, integrated combination locks featuring four digits or more, armored coating for unparalleled protections, slide-style sizing, and even aggressively-themed aesthetic components designed to further thwart thieves.

Read on below for our top bike lock cable picks for 2017 and let us help you find the best bike lock for your individual requirements.

With plenty of options to choose from, our at-a-glance informative reviews with pros and cons will ultimately help you make the best choice for your security needs.

Read on below to learn more about the top 5 bike lock cables available on the market today in 2017!

1. UShake Bike Lock Cable

Topping best seller lists across retail sites throughout the Internet, the UShake Bike Lock Cable is a trusted consumer favorite backed by plenty of glowing reviews and product-affirming accolades.

Offering a lengthy 4 feet of self-coiling cable with fully resettable combination bike locks results in heightened security for users. An included mounting bracket measuring 4 feet by .5 inch ups the convenience factor for easy transport.

The combination lock has a 4-digit locking mechanism for ultra-convenient keyless use and offers users up to a whopping 10,000 numerical possibilities, thus making this lock code virtually uncrackable by thieves.

Fully resettable, your personal number combos can be set back to default within minutes. Despite primarily being used for bicycle security, the Ushake is also a popular option for consumers looking to add protection to their skateboards, ATVs, grills, sports equipment, lawnmowers, ladders, tool boxes, gates, and more.

​Distinct from many competing bike lock cables, the Uhsake features cutting-edge performance with its top-of-the-line, premium-grade braided steel cables that are flexible, strong-cut for paramount levels of resistance and coated with durable PVC material to heighten overall durability and prevent scratches and dings.

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Master Lock 8417D Python Adjustable Locking Cable

This adjustable steel cable measures a robust 3/16-inch in width by a lengthy 6 feet. Eponymously named for its python-printed facade, this cable bike lock features an abundance of features including a pin tumbler mechanism that is 100% pick-resistant. Fully-coated cable and ultra-durable ABS-style lock cover bumper.

With an easy to use mechanism requiring users to merely pull the cable tight and lock it down, the Python secures all of your valuables with an adjustable cable allowance of anywhere from six inches to six feet in length, depending on the item you use it for.

Noted by many users to its ability to secure valuables and property tightly with threading mechanisms not found on competing cable locks, this cable remains a top value among those looking for the perfect combination of affordability, performance, and durability.

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Master Lock 72DPF Heavy-Duty Looped End Cable

Heavy, durable, and featuring a whopping 15 feet of your choice of self-coiling cable or braided steel cable, the Master Lock 72DPF has heavy-duty performance elements backing up its industrial appearance.

With its 10-millimeter diameter braided steel, this cable offers consumers an incredible amount of strength and durability. Self-coiling options create effortlessly easy storage opportunities for users and the protective PVC-style coating will protect your many tools and pieces of equipment from scratches.

Perfect for securing larger, bulkier items as well as offering industrial-grade protecting control over smaller valuables, the Master Lock 72DPF is a heavy-duty behemoth in a class all its own.

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Master Lock Python Trail Camera Adjustable Camouflage Cable Locks

Camouflage patterned locking heads adds a rugged look to these powerful cable locks offered by Master Lock. Coming as a complete set that includes two identically keyed locks along with keys, this set can be customized by ordering the keys and locks keyed differently for maximum levels of security.

Offering a fearsome look, these locks will make thieves think twice before attempting to steal your valuables. With the Master Lock Python’s fully adjustable locking mechanism, you are able to fully secure anything that is threaded through its Python-style braided steel cables.

Great for protecting bikes, treestands, all terrain equipment, tools, grills, ATVs, motorcycles, lawn mowers, furniture, skis, boats, and even leather jackets, consumers are able to find a wide variety of uses for these absolutely essential cable locks.

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Kryptonite Kryptoflex 815 Combo Cable Bicycle Lock

​The Kryptonite Krytoflex 815 Combination Cable Bike Lock is a great deterrent for thieves.

With its fully integrated resettable locking head that has 4 digits and provides seemingly infinite numerical combinations in addition to its flexing hinge mechanism that prevents leverage-style attacks, the Kryptonite Kryptoflex is a superb choice for those consumers seeking the ultimate combination of affordability and performance.

Reasonably priced, the Kryptonite Kryptoflex offers many of the same features as its much higher-priced competitors. Along with a 4-digit numerical lock that is fully resettable, consumers are provided with a protective vinyl coating to eliminate scratching, and infinite numerical combinations available for the utmost in security.

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When you are going on a bicycle tour, the chances are you are worrying about whether or not your bicycle wheels will be missing when you come back. Most bikes nowadays are fitted with a quick release skewer to easily allow you to remove your wheels without the use of tools. While they are incredibly helpful if you end up with a flat tire, they are also an easy way for people to steal your rear wheel bike tires, the bike wheel, or even the entire bike frame itself from the bike rack.

So, how do you prevent this from happening if you have a bike with wheels that have a quick release skewer, or even just plain old wheel attachments? The best thing that you can do is to purchase a quality bicycle lock for your wheels.

Since there are so many different types on the market, it can be pretty overwhelming trying to figure out which one is a good buy. We are going to help you out. In this article, you will find a guide that will help you find the right type of bicycle lock for your wheels and help you protect your bike wheels!

Cable Locks

While cable locks do help to prevent your bike from being stolen, they also tend to be super easy to cut with wire cutters. Cable locks tend to be a cheaper option when compared to most other bike locks, which is a plus for most people but don’t just buy it because of that reason. They are a good buy if you are not too worried about your bike pieces being stolen in the area that you are. However, if you are really worried about your bike being stolen stay away from cable locks.

Wheel Locks

Wheel locks are also known as o-locks, ring locks, and frame locks. These types of locks are found on all bikes in the Netherlands, Japan, and most of Europe. These types of locks attach directly onto the frame of your bike to help prevent it from being stolen. Once it’s installed, you will just insert your key and push down the level so that a metal ring slides between the spokes of your back tire to prevent it from being stolen.

They are incredibly convenient too because they are installed right onto your bike. No longer will you have to worry about ensuring that you packed your bike lock when you go on trips or lugging around heavy chains. It’s right there on your bike, all you need is the key.

While these types of locks are great, they are not ideal for overnight security in a big city; anyone could just lift up the back wheel of your bike and be gone. They work best for if you are just stopping for a little break, running into a shop, or taking in a view.

D-Locks or U-Locks

These types of locks are more secure than cable locks, plus more than likely if a potential thief were to see one of these they would walk away. Instead of a cable that can easily be cut with a wire cutter, these types of locks use metal as the loop and then have a lock attached to it. Because of this, they can easily resist just about any type of tool that someone would use to remove it.

If you decide to go with this type of lock, you need to find one that leaves little to no space between it and the area that you are locking it around; this helps ensure that your bike is safe.

Some downsides to D-locks (U-locks) are that they are incredibly bulky and heavy. Therefore, they are rather cumbersome to carry around when you are on a bike tour. They can also be rather expensive and might not actually work to protect the area of your bike that you are hoping to protect.

Heavy Chain Locks

These are a great buy if you are living in a big city and are worried about your bike wheels being stolen. They are incredibly durable and keep your bike secure—you can leave it on overnight and know that everything will still be there in the morning. They resist any type of tool that someone would use to remove it, just make sure that you get a padlock that is just as sturdy.

While these are incredibly secure, they can be super expensive and heavy and bulky to carry around on your trips.

Locking Wheel Skewers

Locking wheel skewers disable the quick release skewer feature on your bike which prevents thieves from using that convenient function to steal your wheels. They are easy to install and they don’t take up any extra room on your bike or on your person. Plus, you can use them on your seat if it has a quick release skewer as well!

A downside to this type of lock is that they can require a special wrench that comes with it in order to install. If you lose this wrench, then you are either stuck without the quick release function on your bike, or without a really good bike wheel lock.

Bike Lock Keys vs. Combinations

Keyed locks are exactly as they sound: Bike locks that require a key to unlock it. They are easy for someone to pick if they want to, sometimes all they need is a ballpoint pen. They usually come with two keys so that you will have a backup if you lose one, but you could also get a new one made by a key maker. You will find these types of locks on U-locks and chain locks.

Combination locks are locks that require a certain code to be entered into them in order for them to unlock. They are super convenient because you don’t have to try to remember to grab your lock keys as you are leaving, but they can also be annoying because you should remember a code. They are a step up from keyed locks, but they can have the same issues as them. You will usually find these on cable locks.

Keyed locks and combination locks work well if you are really not worried about it being picked or if you live in a low crime area, but not ideal if you live in a big city with a lot of theft.

In the end, it’s up to you and your needs to help you figure out which bike wheel lock is perfect for you. But, hopefully, this guide helped make it a little easier for you when you’re out shopping!​

Protecting your bike is crucial if you’re hoping to keep it for any length of time and that means understanding the best locks you can find. Bolt cutters, angle grinders, and simply forgetting to lock your bike help bike theft. To stop a potential bike thief in their tracks, a quality rear wheel chain lock shackled to a bike rack makes a virtually immovable object. A chain lock can be one of the easiest to use and most secure types when it comes to doing just that. Of course, with so many different padlocks, security chains, locks and disc locks available, it can be difficult to find the right type of lock you’re looking for, which is why we’ve done some of the work for you. Each of these security chains will help you keep your bike frame secure and will be easy to transport. Chain locks, and cable locks like Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-locks and the Abus Granit X-Plus make great bicycle locks, but which are the best? Here is our list for 2017.

Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Mini

The Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Mini is designed to give you a high-quality rear wheel lock at a moderate price. While more expensive than some locks you’ll see around, this one does have some good features. It’s not too heavy to carry with you when you’re biking or traveling, but it is large enough and quality enough to make it difficult for those who may want to steal your bike away from you. That’s definitely the entire point after all, right? With this, you get manganese steel 9 mm chain links that are four sided and provide a disc-style cylinder that resists anything a thief may throw at it.

If you’re in an area where a lot of rain or freezing temperatures are likely you may want to protect the lock from this as much as possible as it may seize up under these conditions. On the positive side, you can use it for just about anything as the lock itself has a 21.5” chain.

Abus Locks Chain 1010 Key City

The Abus Locks Chain 1010 Key City is more expensive than other options, but it does have a lot of different features that help with that. You can choose from two different chain types and sizes and with either one, you’ll get the patented Abus-Plus cylinder, which is definitely going to deter anyone looking to grab your bike or anything else you lock up with it. At the same time, it’s super easy for you to use and offers a lighted key and automatic keyhole cover. Somewhat heavy, this lock is definitely secure and has a covering over the entire thing that makes sure your bike won’t get scratched.

No matter what your plan is with your bike, you’re going to have no problem with this lock. It will help you keep the bike protected when you’re not using it and is simple enough to carry around with you when you want to ride. That’s definitely going to pay for itself in the long run.

Kryptonite Evolution 4 Integrated Chain Lock

The Kryptonite Evolution 4 Integrated Chain Lock comes in about moderate on price but features plenty of options on size. You also get a patent-pending link design that doesn’t use pins but still creates a secure connection between the chain and the deadbolt. You won’t have any weak sections and you’ll definitely have the power to secure anything you want with the manganese steel and six-sided chain links. Not only that but it uses a disc-style cylinder that will resist just about anything and has a weather resistant nylon coating that keeps your bike from getting damaged while you’re trying to protect it.

There are three stainless steel keys as well as two standard and one LED key so you can always have one with you and always see what you’re doing. What’s really nice is that the lock is lightweight and easy to carry with you no matter where you want to go or how you’re getting there.

Abus Granit Citychain

The Abus Granit Citychain is definitely one that you’ll want to take a look at as well. It has plenty of length as well as plenty of durability to make sure no one is going to get your bike without a fight. It has a high-quality lock as well as the cover that keeps the chain itself from scratching your bike or causing any trouble. You’ll have no problem attaching this to your bike any way you want and making sure that it’s going to stay where you want it to. Even better, it’s got a moderate price tag that you’re definitely going to love.

It can be a little bit heavy to carry around with you for an extended period of time, but you’ll be getting a lot for the effort that you put in, which is definitely going to be worth it.

OnGuard 8017 Beast Lock

Finally, the OnGuard 8017 Beast Lock is less expensive than the other options here, though still a moderate price. It comes in a range of different sizes, so you can always get whatever you need to lock up your bike or anything else you might want to secure. Not only that but it uses an X4 Quattro bolt locking system and has a moderate weight. The chains themselves are made with reinforced steel that’s resistant to cutting and the hexlinks have a narrow width that makes it more difficult to get into as well. On top of that, it has a double layer of nylon fabric that is resistant to scratching and more.

You won’t have a problem carrying this around and you’ll be able to keep your bike safer than you might have thought. It’s definitely going to be worth the cost and it’s going to be easy to use with 4 keys and an LED key that lets you see what you’re doing all the time.

A bike chain lock is great because it lets you get plenty of protection from a bike thief or anyone else. Not only that but it’s small, which means you can easily store it wherever you want while you’re traveling and biking. Rather than a large, heavy lock that weighs you down on your bike or in your pack, this one is easy to put in a bag or hook over the frame of the bike while you’re riding and then lock up whenever you want. You’ll definitely be ready to go whenever and wherever you want.​