Heist film fans know that for every security system that can’t be beat, there’s someone who can beat it. Protecting your bike is no different. If someone really wants your red vintage Schwinn, they can probably figure out how to steal it. However, good bike locks can offer powerful deterrents to bike rustlers on the prowl, especially when there’s another bike just a few feet away that’s carelessly secured. These solid choices will help ease your mind as your bike patiently waits for you to direct it on your next adventure together.
If you have a well-loved bicycle that’s worth a few hundred dollars and mostly secure it in high traffic, low-risk areas, this lock package is a good value. The 12.7-millimeter steel shackle is the primary theft deterrent of this u-bolt and cable combo. Cables are easy to cut through, so treat the 10-millimeter cable as added protection for your bike’s wheels rather than as a first line of defense. The lock has a Sold Secure Gold (2018) rating, which may be a requirement for your insurance company, and ranks 6/10 in Kyrptonite’s own security ratings, offering moderate protection for running a quick errand in a city. You can attach the u-bolt to your bike’s frame with the included bracket for convenience.
There are a couple of unique advantages of this lock that make it a clever choice if bicycle theft isn’t rampant in your area. First, you can travel without a backpack and save space on your bike frame by wearing this adjustable 4.5-pound chain lock around your waist. Second, the chain lock is covered with a reflective fabric to make you more visible when riding in the dark. The Sold Secure Bronze rating makes it less-than-ideal for high-risk areas, but you could use it as a second lock in conjunction with a u-bolt that attaches to your frame.
This unique foldable design uses steel links and rivets to address the inflexibility of u-bolt locks and the bulkiness of chain locks. It’s rated Sold Secure Silver (2019) and weighs just 2.2 pounds. It comes with a case that mounts to your bike’s frame for easy storage, and fits e-bikes as well as traditional bikes. People who prefer a quiet, solitary cycle along country paths to observe birds and wildlife will appreciate the designer’s attention to creating a rattle-free ride when your lock is in its case.
Kryptonite is so confident in this lock that they offer optional anti-theft protection with purchase (be sure to check out the terms and conditions vs. any insurance you might have). It’s rated a 9/10 on their own security scale, and features a steel shackle that’s 16 millimeters thick. The interior dimensions on this lock are 4 inches wide by 8 inches long, and it’s designed to resist bolt cutters and leverage attacks with tools like crowbars. With every u-bolt lock, you’ll want to leave as little room as possible between your lock and what you’re securing it to, so there is less room for tools to be used to separate you from your trusty wheels.
