The Best Bike Locks To Keep Your Wheels Safe

If you use abike, scooter, or any other kind of self-propelled vehicle to get around town, getting your ride stolen is a massive bummer. And hence, you need a bike lock. So dont leave it naked in the street, and dont settle for anything but one of the best bike locks. That cheapie you picked upat the closestsporting goods store simply wont do the trick.

But which locks are the best for keeping your ride safe? We kept a few things in mind. For one thing, we only looked at steel locks. We also aimed to include a variety of designs. As different vehicles, riders, and locations require different locks, no one design is right for everyone. We also wanted to pick locks at a variety of price points, as investing in a quality lock doesnt have to mean breaking the bank, and it might not make much sense to slap a $120 lock on a $200 bike, for instance. But most of all, we looked for the most secure locks out there.

Heres what we found, the best locks for your bikes, scooters, and more. Stay safe out there.

Best Bike Locks

Billed as the lightest bicycle lock on the market, this bike lock is easy to tote around when you're not using it.

Pros: This bike lock weighs about one pound. Its flexible, so you can secure your bike pretty much anywhere. And its actually wearable, if youre into that type of thing. The lock is integrated into the strap.

Cons: None, except the price.

This is a smart bike lock, with a hidden locking mechanism covered with durable aluminum alloy. It keeps your bike secure and also keeps you updated on the effectiveness of your workout.

Pros: You use the app to unlock this bike lock. It has a built-in alarm. And it shows you real-time riding data analysis such as speed, distance, time and calories burned.

Cons: This specific bike lock only works on standard spoke styles, so check your spokes before you buy it.

This compact U-Lock comes with a four-foot flex cable, three keys, and solid support from one of the best-known brands in the industry.

Pros: In the unlikely event someone is able to get through the 13-millimeter-thick steel shackle, Kryptonite offers anti-theft protection that will pay you money. The company will also ship two new keys to you globablly in the event you lose the three it comes with.

Cons: Some users complained that the updated key design on this model wasnt smooth to operate and could be prone to jamming.

If youre not a huge fan of the bulky, U-style lock, try one of these chains, made up of seven-millimeter, four-sided steel chain links. If youre in need of something a little lighter than your standard-fare bulky lock, the Kryptonite chain is an ideal solution.

Pros:Its light, weighing in at only 3.5 pounds, and it coils up for easy transport. It all links up via a hardened deadbolt making it virtually unbreakable. A weather-resistant nylon outer-sleeve stops dings and scratches to your bike or scooter. Plus, when you buy Kryptonite, you can register your keys and if you lose them, theyll send you a new pair for free.

Cons:It might not last as long as youd like it to some users report them breaking after a few months. And the lock is known to stick.

If you want a simple, inexpensive lock that still provides solid protection, this silver-on-silver model from Dsteng is a good choice.

Pros:This thing is nice and lightweight at just 10.58 ounces so it wont weigh you down on long rides. You can also set the combination to something thatll be easy to remember (though we dont recommend you use 1234).

Cons: Not the thickest or most secure lock out there, and if you have a pricey ride youll probably want to invest in something a little sturdier.

The folding design and 2.2 pound weight of this lock make it easy to slip in your messenger bag. It's made of hardened steel, and the rivers are designed to withstand sawing and cutting, and its links are coated in plastic to prevent scratching your frame (or whatever is in your bag).

Pros:Theres a rattle elimination that makes this lock nice and quiet on even the bumpiest of rides. It comes in six different colors in both single- and double-packs, so you can pick up a couple of locks that match the color of your frame to double your security.

Cons: If you do buy a pair of locks they dont share the same key, which would be way more convenient.

Sick of keys? Dont worry about em with this sturdy cable. Its made from six feet of flexible steel thatll resist thieves with ease, and unlocks with your own unique four-digit code. We recommend against setting it to 1234.

Pros:The long, six-foot cable gives you the ability to wrap and wrap it to secure your bike or scooter to anything. We love that you dont need a key to open it four digits offers 10,000 possible combinations. It comes with an included mounting bracket that lets you attach it to your bike or scooter. Coiling it up tight also makes it great for travel.

Cons:According to some owners, it can smell. So if youve got a sensitive nose, maybe skip this one.

Two words: Heavy. Duty. Theres nothing like the knowledge that your bike or scooter is locked by something basically unbreakable. And at an above-$100 asking price, it better be. Made from 16 millimeters of pure steel, its an intimidating lock made for the kind of bustling urban streets you'll find in New York and Chicago.

Pros:Sixteen millimeters of hardened steel make this lock one of the sturdiest on this list. The disc-cylinder is pick and drill resistant. It comes with three complimentary stainless-steel keys, so dont freak out if you lose one. Its also resistant to twisting and single cut attacks.

Cons:Its definitely a little heftier than many bike locks, at nearly five pounds, so that makes it a little less easy to tote around. And the price is a wallop but we think its worth it.

Yep, thats right: made from both steel and Kevlar, this slick-looking lock is undeniably lightweight and coils tight. Its not quite as sturdy or impenetrable as a U-style lock, but is perfect for quick stops.

Pros: Layers of steel and Kevlar make it pretty tough to cut and impossible to twist off. The three-digit combination lock means you dont have to worry about remembering any keys. Its design makes it versatile locking anything from bikes to scooters to your tailgate cooler. And it weighs under a pound and coils three inches in diameter, making it probably the most portable lock on this list.

Cons:Its not the best lock for overnight or long-term use, as it lacks the longevity of a U-lock.

A unique design and grade A3 carbon steel construction make this lock beyond pesky for wannabe thieves. It links together via ultra-strong rivets that let it fold to fit in your bag. Plus, we cant resist a lock with a pop of color.

Pros:The SIGTUNA slips around a bike or scooter effortlessly thanks to the unique design and is long enough to link two bikes together, so its great for riding around town with your kid. It comes with three complimentary keys, and the coating is soft, so it wont ruin your bikes paint job. It also weighs only a pound-and-a-half impressive for a steel lock. Furthermore, SIGTUNAs locking mechanism is designed to protect against less aggressive (and less obvious) attacks like picking.

Cons:The lock wears out at some point no telling when that is but users report the key no longer fitting into it.

This affordable chain lock is made of 0.27 inch-thick manganese steel, an alloy that is known for its toughness. It's 3.2 feet long, enough to secure a bike or scooter comfortably to any standard public rack.

Pros: The cable is flexible for awkward parking situations, and the flexible cloth sleeve both protects your bike from scratching. Its also easy to set and reset your own custom combination.

Cons: Its not hard to wrap this lock around your handlebars, but wouldnt mind having kind of specialized clip or mount to keep it out of the way, particularly on bikes with handlebar-mounted accessories and brake cables that run along the frame.

The advantages of a wearable bike lock are obvious, and this one made of 12-mm steel is a great option.

Pros: This lock is great because when youre riding you can strap it around your hips like a belt. No bracket can offer that level of security, and its also way better than leaving a U lock swinging from your handlebars. The nylon coating around the steel protects your frame and serves as an extra reflector during any night rides.

Cons:Wearing four and a half pounds of steel around your waist means youll definitely notice the difference with this lock.

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