The Best Bike Locks of 2024

The OnGuard Brute is similar in size and function to other U-locks we tested, although its squared-off shackle makes the locking area a bit larger and makes it easier to lock to a wider range of bike racks and fixed objects. Like other U-locks, it’s easy to lock around the frame, a wheel, and a pole, and the added space within the locking area just makes it a little more user-friendly. The hardened steel shackle is coated in non-marking rubber and is tough enough to have earned a Diamond-level rating from Sold Secure and nearly tops OnGuard’s own security rating charts with a 95/100.

Breaking into the Brute required two cuts with an angle grinder, each taking 38 seconds – the second longest time for the U-locks we tested. Given the X4P Quattro Bolt Locking Mechanism, the shackle needs to be cut on both sides to be fully compromised. The two cuts wore through about ⅔ of a grinder wheel, significantly more than any other except for the Litelok X1, which is twice the price. The Z-Cylinder key system is also pick-resistant and makes picking the lock an arduous process, even for a skilled thief.

The OnGuard Brute comes with an “all-tube mounting bracket” that is designed to work on a variety of frame tube shapes and diameters. We didn’t love the frame mount option as it doesn’t play nice with wide or formed tubes or externally routed cables but had no problems carrying the 8001 Brute STD in a backpack or messenger bag. It also comes with 5 keys, one of which has a micro-LED light, so you should have plenty to go around even if you lose a couple.

With its ease of use, comparatively large locking area (for a U-lock), and sub $100 price, the OnGuard Brute 8001 STD is a great value that should deter most thieves. It also has a $5,001 anti-theft program (registration and participation required, see OnGuard website for terms and conditions) that can add a little extra peace of mind and potential reimbursement in the event of theft.

The Foldylock Forever is the top-level folding lock in Seatylock’s range of folding models, and it boasts the highest security rating of 18/18 on their own rating scale. It backs this up with an impressive Gold-level Sold Secure rating, which is very high for a folding model. The rubber-coated hardened steel bars are thick and strong, and they are connected by “ultra-protected rivets” that resist sawing, cutting, and prying attacks. We used several methods to try and break the Foldylock Forever, and it did not succumb to any drill or leverage testing. Like pretty much any lock, however, it can be compromised with an angle grinder, but it did require 40 seconds with the angle grinder to be cut, which is more than 10 seconds longer than the other folding models we tested.

The keys have a great feel with smooth operation and well-defined open and closed positions, and although we wish the slot to close the lock rotated fully, the 90 cm locking perimeter length allows you to attach to larger obstacles than most U-locks. Even with the larger locking area, the Foldlylock Forever is still fairly lightweight and folds down quite small and fits nicely into the included frame mount bracket that is super secure and virtually noise-free in transit and it comes with its own mount straps or attaches directly to your bottle cage mounts.

While folding locks will always be quicker to cut than U-locks, the Foldylock Forever did take the longest to cut open for the folding locks we tested and has a high-quality build that should last, well, forever, unless someone with an angle grinder comes for your bike. This lock has a premium feel with ultra-smooth key operation, and, at $125, is a great option for riders who do not require the absolute highest level of security. In any low to medium-risk scenarios (quick stops in friendly, low-crime places), the Foldylock Forever should provide more than enough security and is a super convenient and well-executed model that is the best folding lock we tested.

With a 100cm locking perimeter, the rubber-coated hardened steel bars are easy to get around a wide range of features and the ability to fully rotate the lock mechanism makes the Kryptolock 610 S the most user-friendly of all the folding models we tested. And, when it comes to user-friendliness, the frame mount makes it very easy to deal with the lock on the bike and fit into small spaces due to the pivoting entry, while being secure in transit and easy to install. Like other folding models, convenience, ease of use, and portability are some of its best attributes, and where the KryptoLok 610 S really shines.

In terms of security, the KryptoLok 610 S provides a moderate level with a rating of 6/10 on Kryptonite’s own rating scale. At the time of publication, this lock has not been rated by Sold Secure, although similar Kryptonite locks have a Bronze rating. In our destructive testing, we were not able to break it with 24″ bolt cutters, though it does seem possible with a longer pair and a bit more leverage. Moving on to the angle grinder, it required only 23 seconds to cut through one of the steel bars and remove it from the bike. This was expected, as we don’t know of a single folding model that is capable of withstanding such an attack.

While it can be cut pretty quickly with an angle grinder (like every other folding lock), the Kryptonite KryptoLok 610 S is the most affordable, lightest, and easiest-to-use folding lock we tested. It makes good on its promises of medium security, and we feel it is a solid choice for riders looking for a lightweight, user-friendly, and easily portable lock for low to medium-risk situations.

Like the other OnGuard U-lock we tested, the key operation is smooth and reliable and we appreciate the velcro strips that weaved through the chain links and stopped the fabric cover from creeping along the chain. The 180cm, or 6-foot, long chain offers plenty of length and easily loops through two bike frames and a bike rack, and it is also sold in two shorter, and lighter weight, versions. The fabric covering on the chain helps prevent it from scratching your bike frames, but it is still not recommended to leave it locked to your bikes in transit to avoid any potential abrasion.

The ends of the chain are secured with a small but burly U-lock that has a 14mm shackle diameter. Breaking this lock requires the use of an angle grinder, and it took two cuts at 43 seconds each to get through it. The chain itself is a little bit easier to compromise, taking a single 36-second cut to get through both sides of a link. So, while it is possible to break this lock, it does require the use of power tools to do so. It isn’t the most secure chain lock around, but it definitely takes some effort to get through. That said, it has a Gold-level Sold Secure rating and a 90/100 on OnGuard’s own security rating scale.

As with the OnGuard Brute U-lock, we appreciate that OnGuard provides five keys, including an LED key, with the 8019L Mastiff. Given its heavy weight and dimensions, however, it is far from the most portable or convenient. But, for anyone looking for a well-considered, reasonably secure (requires power tools), long chain to keep in the car or use at home, the OnGuard Mastiff 8019L is a great choice and a relatively good value, particularly considering the $3001 anti-theft offer from OnGuard.

Kryptonite takes bike security seriously and that is evidenced by the Diamond-level Sold Secure rating and Kryptonite’s own 10/10 security rating for the Fahgettaboudit Chain. In addition to looking super secure, the 14mm gauge Manganese Steel links are super hard to cut through, requiring 1 minute and 17 seconds with our angle grinder wheel to cut one clean through. Likewise, the U-lock shackle required two separate cuts taking 48 seconds each to open it up. Opportunistic bike thieves don’t stand a chance, and even skilled thieves will need power tools and little time to compromise this chain lock.

The 100cm chain length makes it easy to lock your bike to a bike rack, but it isn’t quite long enough to lock both wheels and the frame or even two bikes together on the same car rack. That’s one of the primary drawbacks of this otherwise super secure model and one of the reasons we don’t choose it as our favorite chain lock. We’d love to see a longer version of the Fahgettaboudit 1410, though it would likely be prohibitively heavy. Fortunately, Kryptonite does make the Fahgettaboudit 1415 and 1515 models in 150cm lengths for anyone seeking a slightly longer option.

While it is heavy, difficult to carry, and fairly expensive at $180, the Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410 takes the brute-force approach to locking your bike and earns its Sold Secure Diamond rating. It also comes with a $ 5,000 Anti-Theft Protection Offer (see the Kryptonite website for details) that adds value and peace of mind to help justify the price tag. If you lock your bike in high-risk areas or simply want the highest security chain lock available, look no further than the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410.

The standout feature of the Hiplok Gold is that it is designed to be worn around the waist. It has a small webbing “belt” that attaches the two ends around the body and can be adjusted to fit 30 to 44” waist sizes. We found it to be reasonably comfortable and convenient to wear while riding short distances, something we can’t say about other chain locks we tested. Though it is much lighter than the other chain locks tested, it still weighs 2,315 grams and may cause some discomfort and possibly even chafing on longer commutes or excursions or if worn under a backpack or messenger bag. And, while it most definitely makes it easy to carry, a minor gripe with the webbing “belt” is that it can get in the way of the padlock when locking up, but this should not be a deal breaker by any means.

A lock is only as strong as its weakest link, so we put the Hiplok Gold through our cutting tests to see how it compares to the competition. Hacking at it with bolt cutters barely even left a mark, so we went after one of the 10mm gauge chain links with the angle grinder as the 12mm padlock shackle is larger and difficult to access. With the angle grinder, fully cutting the hardened steel chain took 48 seconds, falling in the middle of the chain locks we tested and showing that it would take a determined and well-prepared thief to get away with your bicycle.

If you’re looking for a quality chain lock that offers a practical solution to portability, the Hiplok Gold Wearable Chain is very worthy of consideration. With a Gold security rating, it can shrug off most attacks short of an angle grinder and provide adequate security for most applications. The Hiplok Gold comes in the standard black color we tested for $130, and it is also offered in “Superbright” with high visibility reflective fabric for $140.

The ABUS Combiflex Travelguard is the lightest weight, most affordable, and lowest security option of the models we tested. It sells for $35 and weighs a scant 80 grams. While it essentially looks like a very large zip tie with a combination lock on the end, it hides a flexible steel core inside. It has a 45cm locking length, and while that is fairly short, it is still easy to loop around a bike frame and fixed object. It also works well for other purposes, like locking your skis for a few minutes while you head into the lodge, or securing your helmet to your bike while you grab a mid-ride espresso.

Rated with a Light/Low-security rating from ABUS, and given the superlight weight and size, it comes as little surprise that the Combiflex Travelguard was quite easy to compromise with hand-held tin snips. While we wouldn’t recommend leaving your bike unattended with only the Combiflex Travelguard, it is a great option for quick stops where you can see your bike in safe areas, and at $35, it can’t hurt to have one or two in your bag. The three-digit combination is smooth and easy to use, and it’s tough enough that it isn’t easily pulled open by hand.

Locking up is always safer than no lock at all, and the ABUS Combiflex Travelguard could discourage opportunistic, grab-and-run type theft if you have an unexpected stop and need to run inside somewhere quickly. If the bike security risk is low, this lock is a convenient, lightweight, easily portable, and user-friendly option.

As with other folding locks, one of the highlights of the Bordo Granit 6500K is its small collapsed size and ease of portability. It folds down small and is easy to carry in a messenger bag or backpack, and even easier to transport on your bike using the included frame mount. At 1767 grams, it isn’t exactly a featherweight, and it was the heaviest folding lock we tested, but it is far from prohibitively heavy either.

The 90cm locking perimeter of the Bordo Grait 6500K is similar to other folding models and adequate for looping through the frame, a wheel, and around a fixed object, while the soft coating on the steel bars prevents any damage to your frame. Compared to other folding locks, the locking mechanism was a little fiddlier in use, but very solid and secure once it was locked (ABUS says this is because the XPlus key cylinder is a disc retaining-style and the most difficult to pick. This style of cylinder does take some breaking in, and should be easier to use after the break-in period).

In our cutting tests, we were unable to break the Abus Bordo Granit 6500K with hand tools, including the 24” bolt cutters. Attempting to drill out the rivets or break them with leverage also proved to be futile. That said, the angle grinder quickly sliced the hardened steel bar in 28 seconds, longer by 5 seconds than the less expensive and easy-to-use Kryptonite KryptoLok 610S, but 12 seconds quicker than the Seatylock Foldylock Forever. So, while it can be compromised, it would take a determined thief with hand tools to do so.

While it is a bit heavier and more expensive than the other folding options we tested, the Abus Bordo Granit 6500K offers a good level of security for a lock of its type, and its ease of portability makes it a great option for anyone seeking a gold-level rated lock that’s easy to take anywhere.

The Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 with 4’ Flex cable provides a slightly undersized U-lock and a 4-foot long (122 cm) 9.5mm braided and coated steel cable. Though cable locks are not our first choice given the fact they can typically be cut with hand tools, when combined with the U-lock it gives more flexibility for locking up both wheels or multiple bikes is the theft risk isn’t super high. Still, the Evolution Mini-7 U-lock has a Gold-level Sold Secure rating (the cable is not rated), and the package gets a 7/10 on Kryptonite’s security rating scale.

The Evolution Mini-7 U-lock that is included in this package is a bit smaller than other U-locks we tested with a locking area of 8.4cm x 17.8cm. This limits its ability to fit around larger posts or fixtures, although most standard bike racks still work just fine. It’s easily able to capture the frame and one of the wheels, though it can be a little tougher to include the locking fixture (rack or post) than U-locks with larger shackles. The cable can then be looped through the other wheel or another bike, with the knowledge that it is the weakest part of the lock system.

This lock comes with a frame mount that is attached with a fabric loop around the frame. While this works okay, we found it difficult to ever get it tight enough that it didn’t shift around in use. It also wouldn’t hurt if the mount itself was a little lower profile, as it sticks out a bit and slightly limits the other space within the frame for water bottles and the like. During testing, we usually opted to toss the locking into a bag and carry it that way, which works just fine as well.

When put up against our cutting tests, it took nearly 5 minutes to cut the cable with hand-held tin snips and 30 seconds to get through it with our bolt cutters. The U-lock, however, required the use of the angle grinder and two cuts that took 26 seconds each to fully compromise given the Double Deadbolt design that resists twisting of the shackle. While this was the quickest U-lock to cut through with an angle grinder, it still required the use of one to break it, so opportunistic thieves who aren’t carrying power tools will still be out of luck.

All that said, at $98, the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 with 4’ Flex cable is a good deal for a reliable package for those with medium to low-security needs that will surely deter most opportunistic bike theft. The combination of the U-lock and the cable gives you flexibility in what you’re locking up or locking to, and while the cable can be more easily compromised, it still takes some effort and an angle grinder to get through the U-lock.

The ABUS Granit XPlus 540 has a hardened steel shackle with a locking area that measures 10.8cm x 23cm. This gives plenty of space to fit around a frame and wheel, and the pointed end of the shackle gives a little extra length to fit around skinny poles or bike racks. It features ABUS’s XPlus locking cylinder which they say provides the greatest protection against tampering, plus it has an automatic keyhole cover to keep out dirt and/or the elements. It also features a parabolic shackle design to resist “pulling attacks”.

The Granit XPlus 540 we tested comes with the SH B mounting bracket that takes a unique approach to loading. It is designed to have the lock inserted horizontally from the side and locked into position by rotating so it sits vertically within the frame. While this is relatively easy to use and works fairly well, the frame mount itself is higher profile and may limit its ability to sit within the front triangles of smaller frames. Such was the case with the bike we used for testing, so we opted to carry it in a bag or backpack which is always an option.

Given the Grant XPlus 540’s Diamond Sold Secure rating, we expected it to be a little harder to compromise in our cutting tests. We were not able to do much damage to the hardened steel shackle with bolt cutters, of course, though it succumbed to our angle grinder test in short order with two 27-second cuts. That’s about 13 seconds quicker per cut than the Litelok X1 and its armored Barronium shackle that also managed to damage the cutting wheel more dramatically in the process and required it to be changed to make the 2nd cut. Still, a thief will need to be determined and be carrying power tools to break this lock.

Regardless, the ABUS Granit XPlus 540 is a solid U-lock that will ward off attacks from hand tools and will keep your bike protected in all but the highest-risk situations. Its reasonable weight and moderate price make it an attractive option for anyone seeking a U-lock with a Diamond Sold Secure rating.

Being that it is extremely easy and comfortable to route through frames, wheels, and anchors, and because the locking mechanism snaps into the locked position automatically when the loose end is put into position, the Goose was one of our favorite locks for quick stops in relatively safe places. When using the lock, it has very little risk of user error, is quick and easy to use, holds its shape, and is comparatively lightweight for a chain lock. 

While we couldn’t find a perfect way to carry it on the frame or our body – the 85mm length is a little too short to wear around the waist or crossbody over a shoulder – twisting the lock into a figure-eight makes it easy to carry in a bag. The lock also comes in a 110cm version, and both version can be wrapped around the top tube or handlebars thanks to the soft covering.

The Goose hasn’t yet been rated by Sold Secure and it gets a 7/15 security rating on ABUS’s own scale. It isn’t the most secure lock we tested, and, like its design, breaking it was unique. We were able to break it using only hand tools, but it required a bit of time and a few different tools to do so. Both the chain and steel cable were cut with 24” bolt cutters, but not until the webbing and padding were cut with scissors, a knife, or a sharp razor blade to get them out of the way. With the padding and webbing intact, there was too much padding to cut through the chain/cable. And, while the chain and cable were easy to cut with the 24” bolt cutters, it did require three separate cuts because they sit so close together it was difficult to break them all simultaneously.

If you need a lock for low-medium risk situations, the ABUS Goose 6206K is an interesting and unique option to consider. With a light weight, padded chain, and easy-to-use design, it makes locking your bike for quick stops simple and hassle-free.