How do I find the right bike lock?
What's actually the difference between bike lock types? Find out which bike locks offer the best protection and how to keep your bike safe from theft.
Whether in front of the supermarket, at work, while bikepacking, or even at home: as soon as you leave your bike somewhere where thieves might lurk, you should secure it against theft. Which type of bike lock is best suited depends on several factors. To give you an overview, we're comparing different types of locks here and providing tips for their simple and secure use.
Protection against thieves
Locking up your bike properly
No matter the type of bike lock, there’s an important rule of thumb to protect against theft: don’t just lock, always secure it to something. “Securing" means that you’re not only preventing the bike from being ridden away but also preventing it from being carried away by locking it to a stationary object – like a bike rack, a lamp post, or railings, for example. Also, make sure not only to lock the front or rear wheel but always the frame as well. If you're out with friends or family, you can lock multiple bikes together.
Remember, always lock your bike to something.
The price question and security grades
You might have heard the tip that a bike lock should cost about ten percent of your bike’s price. The reason behind this: manufacturers categorize bike locks into security grades, and with that, the price usually increases as more high-quality materials and cylinder locks are implemented. And the more expensive your touring bike, e-bike, road bike, gravel-, or mountain bike, the better you want to protect it, right? For high-end bikes, we therefore recommend using multiple locks, securing components against parts theft, or even investing in a GPS tracker and insurance.
The types of bike locks
The different types of bike locks mainly differ in their handling and transportability. The construction and the materials used determine the security grade – you can compare different locks with each other based on it. Let’s take a detailed look at the different types of locks:
U-locks
U-locks are among the most secure bike locks. Since the shackle is completely rigid, you sometimes need a bit of creativity to find a good spot to secure it. U-locks come in various sizes. The longer and bigger the shackle, the easier it is to get around lamp posts for example, but the lock also becomes bulkier and heavier. With a mount, you can carry a U-lock directly on your bike – on the frame or the luggage carrier. This way, the weight and size hardly bother you anymore, and you always have a very secure lock with you.
A U-lock is a great choice for everyday city bikes and any other high-value bikes – provided you can transport it well.
U-locks
Chain locks
Chain locks are very flexible and can be easily threaded around bike parts and objects. The longer the chain, the more options it provides for securing. How secure a chain lock is, is significantly determined by the material and thickness of the chain links. At first glance, this is not always visible since the chains are usually coated with fabric or plastic to protect your bike from scratches. Both the length and the security level affect the weight. For transport, you need a bag.
If you're always on the go with a backpack or panniers, chain locks are a secure and flexible option. If the length is right, you can also strap some chain locks around your waist for transport.
Chain locks
Folding locks
Folding locks combine the advantages of U-locks and chain locks. With individually connected segments, folding locks are almost as flexible as chains. Folded up, they can be fixed to almost any frame with the appropriate holder and take up less space than a U-lock. Folding locks are available from most manufacturers up to the highest security levels.
If you value being able to stow your lock compactly but still need high security, a high-quality folding lock is a good choice.
Folding locks
Cable locks
Cable locks are mostly lightweight and very flexible. The longer they are, the more options they provide for securing and linking multiple bikes together. Under the plastic or textile sheath, they have a steel cable. The thicker it is, the more secure the cable lock. In the case of armored cable locks, the steel cable is reinforced with overlapping steel sleeves. This makes them slightly less flexible, but significantly more secure. You can easily store spiral cable locks thanks to their compact size and take them with you everywhere. Locks with a thin cable that you can pull from a small and handy cassette, and which rolls back into it for transport, are ideal as an ultra-light option for bikepacking.
A cable lock is a great choice when you just need to leave your bike briefly in an area where the risk of theft is relatively low. Light versions are also good for traveling, when you don't want to carry a big and heavy lock.
Cable locks
Frame locks
A frame lock is attached directly to your bike and stays there – usually on the seat stays. When locking, a steel bar runs between the spokes, blocking the wheel. The big advantages: It's always with you, and locking is just a matter of flipping a switch. That's especially handy for everyday bikes that are frequently parked. If you want to secure your bike further, you can use additional plug-in chains or loop cables. Often, they are also available in a set with a frame lock.
A frame lock is a good choice for your bike if you often make many short stops in a relatively safe area – and you always want your lock at hand.
Loop cables as an add-on for your bike lock
A loop cable can be a great addition to any type of bike lock. It allows you to secure additional components (e.g., front and rear wheels), link several bikes together, or lock your bike to objects that are out of reach of your lock. A popular combination is a U-lock with a loop cable, which you can take with you as needed.
Bike locks with key or combination locks
Aside from the type of bike locks, another consideration is the locking mechanism. Both keys and combination locks have their advantages. In the highest security levels, most manufacturers offer bike locks with keys only. These sometimes include lock cylinders that are especially secure against “lockpicking”. Some locks can be ordered “keyed alike” – compatible with the same key. This means, for example, you could outfit your entire family's fleet of bikes with locks whose keys are interchangeable. Combination locks have the advantage of not adding another key to your keychain. You can usually set the combination yourself, and here too, you have the option of multiple people using the same lock.
Smart locks
Digital or smart features can add real value to a bike lock. Technologies are used that you may already be familiar with from other areas of your life, seamlessly integrating into a digitized daily routine:
- Contactless locking via smartphone and/or remote control
- Unlocking via fingerprint
- Alarm feature in case of theft attempts (audible and/or sent quietly to an app)
GPS trackers and smart tags
In addition to a secure bike lock, you can use a (GPS) tracker to at least be able to locate your bike should it be stolen. Some e-bikes allow for trackers to be integrated factory-direct – which has the advantage of being invisibly installed and powered by the large battery. Some accessory companies offer clever mounting options for an “Airtag” from Apple on any bike.
Theft protection for bike parts
You've probably seen bikes in the city missing their front wheel or saddle along with the seatpost. To thwart thieves intending to steal parts, you can first avoid quick releases – but you can also secure wheels, seatposts, and other components that you don't already lock with the bike lock, with mounting locks that can only be opened with special tools, sometimes coded.
