A quality bike lock is the best investment you can make to protect your bike from theft, but like so many pieces of outdoor gear, there’s seldom one “best” item, making it tough to know what to purchase. Choosing the right lock depends on several factors, including where you park, how long you plan to leave your bike unattended, and how much weight you’re willing to carry. While no lock is 100 percent theftproof, choosing the best bike lock for your particular use case can significantly reduce the risk.
At a Glance
Best Overall
Litelok X1
Weight: 3.7 pounds
Size: 10.35″ x 5.62″
Pros and Cons
⊕ Able to withstand repeated angle grinder attacks
⊗ Bike mount sold separately
The Litelok X1 is part of the new crop of U-locks specifically designed to resist angle grinder attacks—one of the biggest threats to bike locks. Unlike traditional U-locks made of hardened steel, the X1 uses a composite material called Barronium, which flexes instead of snapping under cutting pressure. This design makes it significantly more difficult, though not impossible, for thieves to break it with power tools.
In our testing, the X1 stood up well to hacksaws, and it took considerably longer to breach with an angle grinder compared to standard steel U-locks. While no lock is completely invulnerable, the X1 forces a thief to spend more time and make more noise, both major deterrents in real-world scenarios. Unless they’re really determined, would-be thieves are likely to run out of angle grinder blades before defeating this lock.
The price is steep, but the extra protection is worth the investment for those who must frequently lock up in high-theft areas.
Best U-Lock Cable Combo
Kryptonite KryptoLok
$75 at REI $73 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Size: 9″ x 4″
Pros and Cons
⊕ Cable and U-lock combo makes it easier to lock up both wheels
⊗ Cable can be cut easily
Though not the most secure lock in our test, Kryptonite’s KryptoLok strikes a respectable balance between security and versatility. The lock is compact and relatively easy to carry in a backpack or pannier, though it’s not the best option for on-bike mounting. It includes a 13mm hardened steel U-lock, which provides good protection against most common theft attempts, and an additional cable to secure wheels or accessories. The included braided steel cable makes it easier to lock your bike to racks and other structures than a U-lock alone.
During testing, the U-lock resisted bolt cutters and leverage attacks effectively, but as expected, the cable was the weakest link. A determined thief with the right tools can cut through it in under a minute.
While this lock isn’t designed for high-risk areas, it’s a good option for daily use in low-to-moderate theft environments.
Best Wearable Lock/Best Chain Lock
Hiplok Gold
Weight: 5.4 pounds
Size: 33.5″ long
Pros and Cons
⊕ Wearable design makes transport easier than traditional chains
⊕ High security with 10mm hardened steel chain
⊕ Quick-release buckle for easy use
⊗ Heavy
Carrying a heavy chain lock can be a hassle, but Hiplok solves that problem by making it wearable. Designed to be worn around the waist like a belt, this lock offers the security of a traditional chain while improving portability. We appreciate that the sleeve on the Superbright colorway features reflective materials to improve low-light visibility when commuting in the early morning and evening.
The Hiplok Gold features a 10-millimeter hardened steel chain and a 12-millimeter shackle, providing solid resistance against bolt cutters. In our testing, it took significantly more effort to breach than standard U-locks, making it a strong choice for high-theft areas. The adjustable waistband makes it easy to carry, and the quick-release buckle allows for fast locking and unlocking.
However, at five pounds four ounces, this lock is very heavy, so you’ll feel the weight on longer commutes. For those who need a high-security lock and want a practical way to transport it, the Hiplok Gold is an excellent alternative to traditional chain locks.
Best Lightweight Lock for Low-Theft Situations
Ottolock Hexband Cinch Lock
$65 at Backcountry $69 at Ottolock
Weight: 145g
Size: 18″ long
Pros and Cons
⊕ Ultra-lightweight and easy to carry
⊗ Not resistant to bolt cutters or power tools
The Ottolock Hexband is a lightweight, flexible lock best used for quick stops and low-risk areas. (It’s also a great way to secure your skis or snowboard when you stop for a lunch break.)
The cinch-style mechanism is quick and easy to use. However, it’s not strong enough to be your primary security solution in high-theft areas. The Hexband was the least secure lock in our test, being extremely vulnerable to tin snips as well as power tools, and able to be disabled in a matter of seconds.
In our opinion, this is the lock you take with you when you weren’t planning to bring a lock at all. Weighing just a few ounces, the Hexband is incredibly easy to carry. It coils up neatly and fits in a jersey pocket or saddlebag. It’s best suited for scenarios where convenience and portability are priorities, such as locking up your bike during a quick coffee stop or securing accessories at a race pit.
Best Folding Lock
ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500
$200 at Backcountry $200 at Amazon
Weight: 3.7–5.5lbs
Size: 35″
Pros and Cons
⊕ More compact than a standard U-lock
⊕ More portable than U-Locks
⊗ Expensive
⊗ Heavy
Folding locks offer a compact alternative to traditional U-locks, and the ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 is one of the most secure options available. It features hardened steel links with reinforced rivets, making it resistant to cutting and leverage attacks.
In testing, the Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 held up well against bolt cutters and hacksaws. It took considerable effort to breach, making it one of the toughest folding locks available. The XPlus key system is also designed to provide excellent protection against lock picking.
Portability is another major advantage. When folded, this lock is much more compact than traditional U-locks or chains, making it easier to carry in a backpack or mount on a bike frame. However, at four pounds, it’s heavier than many expect. The price is also high, but this is one of the best choices for riders who want U-lock-level security in a more compact package.
Best Home Bike Storage Lock
Hiplok Ankr
Weight: 2.6lbs
Size: 3.9″ x 3.3″
Pros and Cons
⊕ Creates a secure locking point at home or in a garage
⊕ Rotating design allows for easy locking from multiple angles
⊗ Requires drilling for installation
⊗ Only as theft-resistant as the lock you use
A lock is only as strong as the object it’s attached to, which is where the Hiplok Ankr comes in. This anchor system is designed for home or garage use, creating a fixed locking point that can’t be easily removed.
The Ankr can be installed on floors or walls using heavy-duty bolts. Once secured, it provides a solid base for attaching a chain or U-lock. In testing, it resisted tampering and provided a much more secure option than simply locking a bike to a rack.
The rotating design makes it easier to lock and unlock bikes, and the compact size means it doesn’t take up much space. While it’s not portable, it’s an excellent investment for those who store bikes at home or in a shared storage area and want to add an extra layer of protection against theft. Pair it with a high-quality chain for maximum security.
Things to Consider When Buying a Bike Lock
Security vs. Portability
In general, the most secure locks also tend to be heavier and less convenient to carry. U-locks and chain locks provide the highest level of protection, but they can be bulky. Folding locks offer a compromise, while lightweight cinch locks are best for very low-risk situations.
Locking Mechanism: Keys vs. Combination Locks
Keyed locks offer the most security, but quality varies. Some locks have pick-resistant keyways, while others are more vulnerable to simple lock-picking tools. Combination locks can be convenient, but they are generally easier to bypass.
Attack Resistance
Thieves typically use bolt cutters for quick, low-effort thefts, while more determined criminals may use car jacks to break locks or battery-powered angle grinders to cut through even the toughest materials. Look for locks with hardened steel shackles, anti-rotation locking mechanisms, and materials designed to slow down attacks. Angle-grinder resistance locks are generally the most expensive options, but they’re your best bet in high-theft situations.
Where You Park Matters Most
If you leave your bike locked in a high-theft area, invest in a heavy-duty U-lock or chain. If you only need temporary security for a quick stop in a low-risk location, a lighter lock may be sufficient.
How We Test
We conducted controlled break-in tests on 18 locks using common theft tools, including bolt cutters, tin snips, a hacksaw, and, most importantly, an angle grinder. In recent years, battery-powered angle grinders have become the biggest threat to bike security. The goal wasn’t just to see if a lock could be breached—given enough time, any lock can be disabled—but rather, to assess how much resistance each lock provided and how effectively it could deter theft.
Meet Our Tester
Josh Patterson has been riding and wrenching on bikes for 20 years and, with a master’s degree in journalism, has been writing about the sport for more than half of that time. He’s a cycling generalist who finds joy in riding road, gravel, and mountain bikes.
