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If you live in a city, then you know the anxiety that comes along with riding a bike. But worrying about how to secure your bike shouldn’t be one of your concerns.
We’ve all seen bikes left outside that have been scavenged and stripped for parts—or, even worse, the ones stolen and ditched somewhere along the way. I recently found an amazing vintage bike out with the trash, and after fixing it up for me, my boyfriend made sure I was all set with the type of lock I could trust, no matter where I was locking up.
After researching thousands of reviews on Amazon, we compiled a list of the best bike locks you can get to keep your head and eyes on the road, instead of worrying about bike thieves.
Withstands a lot
Key safe program
Expensive
Lock might jam
Double deadbolt lock
Mounts to bike for storage
Key might stick
Affordable
Easy lock mounting
Might be tricky to mount lock on some bikes
If you’re looking for something ultra-theft proof, U-locks (sometimes called D-locks) are the lock for you. Compact and easy to carry, they offer a high level of resistance to bolt cutters and leverage attacks as well, making them a great choice if you’re parking your bike in an area known for theft. They work well with bike racks; however, given their rigid shape, they may not be a good option for the largest bike frames or for anyone who needs to lock their bike to thick posts.
For riders who need the flexibility to lock their bikes to whatever object is handy – a tree, lamppost, bike rack, or anything else – chain locks are a versatile option. The chain link construction offers more resistance to bolt cutters and other cutting tools than cable-style locks do, but they are heavier and bulkier than other options.
Thanks to their adaptability, chain locks can wrap around a variety of objects—parking meters, trees, or lampposts. Made from hardened steel links, they resist cutting tools more effectively than cables.
Folding locks take a page from chain locks, using steel bars attached together by rivets that lets the lock fold down. Like a chain, they’re good for wrapping around a variety of objects, and like a cable, they don’t take up a lot of room when not in use. They’re not as resistant to cutting as U-locks or thick chains, but they offer better protection than a cable lock in a flexible format.
Cable locks, made of metal wire usually coated in plastic, are ubiquitous for a reason: They’re affordable, lightweight, easy to use and easy to carry. However, they’re more for deterrence than anything else: Any potential thief armed with a cutting device can cut through almost any cable lock in seconds.
Even a small amount of weight starts to feel burdensome when you’re carrying it around, and a heavy bike lock is no exception. Unfortunately, the heavier locks are often the most secure – thick chain locks, for example, can weigh more than 5 pounds. Before you buy, consider how much security you need (are you parking your bike in areas known for theft? Will your bike be unattended for long periods?), as well as your normal riding routine (how far do you ride, and how hilly is the terrain? Do you normally have a bag with you or do you need something that can fit in a pocket or around your waist?) and make sure that the lock you choose will be one you can happily carry around.
We put our bike locks through the wringer, outside all day where rain, snow, salt, dirt, and direct sunlight can all cause damage, corrosion, and rust that can render your lock ineffective. To get the most use out of your lock, look for elements like rubber or vinyl coatings that protect the metal underneath (and protect your bike frame from scratches, too), sleeves made from polymers or composite materials that cover locks and chains, and hardened stainless steel shackles that can resist damage.
Knowing where you normally lock your bike can dictate what kind of lock you buy – while you may be attracted to the compact shape and strong cut resistance of a U-Lock, no U-Lock will help you lock your bike wheels and frame to a tree, if that’s what you normally use. Similarly, a chain lock might give you maximum flexibility for locking your bike up in a variety of locations securely, but if its length and size make it hard to squeeze into a narrow slot in the bike rack you use every day, you may not end up using it. Whether you’re a recreational rider who stays to paths and local spots with racks; a hardcore adventure rider who needs to find unorthodox spots in nature to lock up; or a seasoned commuter with the whole city as their playground, there’s a lock that fits if you’re looking.
When locking your bike in a city setting, your best option is to put your bike where people are looking at it – a highly trafficked area where people or visible security cameras are watching is an unattractive spot for thieves to operate. Bike racks at subway and bus stations, as well as in retail or commercial centers, can also be excellent spots. If you’re in a neighborhood setting or another area where racks aren’t an option, lamp posts, railings, and fences can be a good choice so long as they’re in plain sight and securely attached themselves.
In less densely-populated areas, riders sometimes let down their guard – but bike thefts can happen anywhere, especially to bikes left unlocked for “just a few minutes” while their owner is elsewhere. Just like in urban areas, finding a well-lit and secure place to lock your bike is key – to a bike rack if one exists, and if not, handrails, lamp posts, and sturdy fences are a good option.
The good news is that schools and parks often have bike racks provided for cyclist use – where they don’t, locking your bike to a railing or sign post, ideally near an entrance or playground or other place where there’s consistent foot traffic, is your best bet. Some trails have racks, or even bike lockers, which are both excellent options. If not, take extra care to lock your bike securely (wheels and frame where possible) to signposts or other permanent structures, especially if you’re riding an expensive, technical bike.
Ceara Perez-Murphy is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time she likes trying out new recipes in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors with her dogs.
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