By Forbes Staff,Molly Calhoun,Steven John

Copyright forbes

Every year, thousands of bikes are stolen across the country, amounting to millions if not billions of dollars in lost value. As bikes continue to evolve and prices continue to climb, the stakes for cyclists have never been higher. Whether you’re biking to stay active or commute to work, the best bike locks are designed to deter would-be thieves from targeting your ride. Based on our years of experience using a range of different locks, we consider the Hiplock D1000 to be the best bike lock on the market right now. It’s expensive, but the robust design makes it well worth the peace of mind.

The best bike locks deter a would-be thief from even trying to steal your bicycle.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers

To evaluate and compare bike locks, we looked at materials, locking mechanisms, sizing and security ratings. Even if you have a hand-me-down bike for errands around town, a basic lock can go a long way towards ensuring it doesn’t become a target. Read on to learn more about the bike locks we recommend and why they’re worth the investment.

Our Top Recommendations

Best Bike Lock Overall: Hiplok D1000 Shackle Lock

Best Value Bike Lock: Sportneer Combination Bike Chain Lock

Best Bike U-Lock: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bike U-Lock

Best Bike Lock For Bikepacking: Ottolock Cinch Lock

Best Bike Chain Lock: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 Lock

Best Bike Lock For Electric Bikes: Kohlburg Massive Motorcycle Security Chain Lock

Best Folding Bike Lock: Seatylock FoldyLock Compact Folding Bike Lock

Best Bike Lock Overall

A Ferosafe Core Foils Even Angle Grinders

Hiplok D1000 Shackle Lock

Locking mechanism: Key | Primary material: Ferosafe | Weight: 3.9 pounds | Span: 8.8 inches

The Hiplock D1000 is designed to resist sawing, cutting, drilling and grinding, and that’s true even if bike thieves attack it with an angle grinder—a tool that cuts through most bike locks like butter. While angle grinders can make quick work of steel bike locks, the D1000’s core is made of Ferosafe, a proprietary material composed of tungsten carbide and graphene composite that resists angle grinders and drills. This makes the lock incredibly tough, yet it remains light at less than four pounds.

While already corrosion resistant, the Ferosafe core is also coated in a layer of thick, weather-resistant rubber, allowing you to leave the lock outside without worry. The rubber exterior also protects your bike from the lock itself, so it won’t damage the frame or the paint once secured in place. At $300, it’s incredibly expensive, and there’s no such thing as a lock that can’t be broken, but countless videos demonstrate the D1000’s prowess. Ultimately, if bike thieves are looking for an easy target, this isn’t it.

Best Value Bike Lock

An Easy-To-Use Combination Lock

Sportneer Combination Bike Chain Lock

Locking mechanism: Combination code | Primary material: Manganese steel | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Span: 19.2 inches

This sub-$20 bike chain lock from Sportneer isn’t going to stop a skilled and determined bike thief from stealing your ride, especially if they have time to cut it in a dark or secluded area with an angle grinder. But if you need to lock up your bike before running into a shop or grabbing a coffee, it will serve as a great deterrent. And if you pick one of the many bright colors, the lock will be more visible, making it a bit more obvious that your steed is secure.

Though I haven’t used this exact lock from Sportneer before, I have used similar styles, and I’ve tested other products from Sportneer over the years. Despite the brand’s rock-bottom prices, most of its offerings are good enough to get the job done, and at the end of the day, this five-digit combination lock is easy to set up and use. It won’t stop a truly determined bike thief with the right tools, but it will buy you peace of mind.

Best Bike U-Lock

A Burly Design From A Trusted Name

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit Mini Bike U-Lock

Locking mechanism: Key | Primary material: Alloy steel | Weight: 4.5 pounds | Span: 6 inches

This bike lock from Kryptonite may have the word “Mini” in its name, but at just over 4.5 pounds, it’s hardly a lightweight. That’s because it’s made primarily from alloy steel that’s 18 millimeters thick at the lock’s thinnest point, and the steel “U” connects to the locking shackle bar to resist repeated blows from a hammer, rock, wrench or other hard object. Plus, the crossbar is coated in a layer of steel that’s resistant to drilling, so thieves can’t simply drill out the cylinder.

The lock’s six-inch span may be too short to hook bikes onto larger fixed objects—and some bike frames, for that matter—but it’s still a great option if you don’t have anything to lock your bike to. Simply hook the lock around your bike’s back wheel and seat tube, for example, and you’ll effectively render it a large paperweight that a thief needs to carry off unnoticed. Kryptonite is a well-established brand in the bike lock world with a roster of lock styles to choose from if this one doesn’t quite meet your needs.

Best Bike Lock For Bikepacking

Compact And Light Yet Tough To Hack

Ottolock Cinch Lock

Locking mechanism: Combination code | Primary material: Aramid fiber | Weight: 0.38 pounds | Span: 15 inches

You might think the layers of stainless steel contained within this flexible, lightweight lock serve as the main material preventing would-be crooks from hacking, chopping or snipping through it, but in fact, the aramid fibers that coat those steel layers are the real secret to this lock’s strength. That’s because aramid fibers are a group of strong, heat-resistant fibers developed by the military that deliver an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Kevlar, for example, is a synthetic fiber made of para-aramid. In other words, this is a tough, time-tested material that’s perfect when you need a lock for lightweight travel.

Th flexible Ottolock can create a span as long as 15 inches thanks to its maximum 30-inch length, yet it wraps into a three-inch diameter circle when you pack it away. It also weighs all of 0.38 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down like the other heavy-duty locks in this guide. While a set of bolt cutters or an angle grinder will defeat it in time, it will deter thieves when you’re on the road and away from your bike for brief periods.

Best Bike Chain Lock

A Heavy-Duty Lock For Big Cities

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 Lock

Locking mechanism: Key | Primary material: Manganese steel | Weight: 10.8 pounds | Span: 30 inches

The heavy-duty version of the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1415 Lock weighs in at nearly 11 pounds, which is only a few pounds less than the weight of some high-end racing bikes. Realistically, it’s too heavy if you’re working out, but it’s a perfect choice for keeping a prized bike safe when it’s locked up on the streets of a busy city neighborhood. And in fact, the lock’s 30-inch span is plenty long enough to secure two or even three bikes together, so you might consider investing in it with roommates or family.

The lock’s hardened oval-shaped crossbar resists drilling and smashing attacks, while the chain itself is made of manganese steel that’s 15 millimeters thick and resistant to hack saws and angle grinders. Most bike thieves who attempt to cut through this setup will give up and look for easier targets, though most won’t even try. Again, it’s much too heavy for workouts and commuting, but if you need to secure your bike in front of your apartment at night or in the bed of your truck, it’s an excellent choice. Opt for the Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain Lock if you like the flexibility of a chain lock but want something lighter—it weighs less than four pounds.

Best Bike Lock For Electric Bikes

A Steel Chain Lock For Expensive Rides

Kohlburg Massive Motorcycle Security Chain Lock

Locking mechanism: Key | Primary material: Manganese-chromium steel | Weight: 18 pounds | Span: 42 inches

The Kohlburg Massive Motorcycle Security Chain Lock was originally designed to lock up motorcycles and similar motorized transportation, but seeing as e-bikes cost as much as motorcycles these days, it’s also a great option if you ride a pricey e-bike. Weighing in at 18 pounds, the seven-foot chain can create a loop that’s 42 inches in diameter, and thanks to a large last link on the chain through which the other links pass through, it can secure your bike to almost any fixed object.

The chain’s hefty manganese-chromium steel links will resist all but the most determined of saws or grinders, while the u-lock that secures the chain features a multi-disc mechanism to foil experienced lock pickers. This setup is so secure that just locking it through your bike’s wheel and frame is often enough to deter theft, even if the e-bike isn’t secured to a fixed object, though we recommend finding a fixed object anyway.

Best Folding Bike Lock

Stores Away In Seconds

Seatylock FoldyLock Compact Folding Bike Lock

Locking mechanism: Key | Primary material: Steel | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Span: 16.7 inches

This compact bike lock folds down into a package about the size of a book, and it weighs just 2.2 pounds. That may not sound very promising, but the FoldyLock swings open and transforms into a bike lock with a 16.7-inch span that can wrap around a bike’s frame and secure it to a pole, rack or other bike. The lock is made primarily from hardened steel and features a layer of nylon to protect your frame—this layer also boosts the design’s weather resistance and helps it stand out if you opt for a bright color, making it obvious that your bike is locked up.

A FoldyLock easily secures to your bike’s frame when it’s not in use, so you can always carry it with you, and due to its small size when folded up, it’s a good choice for road or racing bikes if you want to secure your ride during pitstops.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The team of gear writers and editors at Forbes Vetted has dozens of years of combined experience covering bicycles and biking accessories. From folding electric bikes to hitch racks to cycling shoes, we evaluate the basics to ensure you have everything you need to ride in safety and comfort.

This guide was written by Forbes Vetted staff writer Steven John, who has been a regular cyclist for decades and has used myriad bike locks over the years, including many different U-locks and chain locks.

The guide was edited by Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta. He spends hours each week riding road, gravel, electric and mountain bikes, and as an avid bikepacker, he relies on bike locks every now and then to keep his bike secure while traveling.

John spoke to several cycling industry experts, including Levi Conlow, CEO of Lectric Bikes, and Jonathan Inaba, a buyer with Sun & Ski Sports.

We regularly return to this story to ensure our recommendations remain relevant. In September 2025, gear writer Steven John evaluated bike locks and spoke with experts before putting together this list of recommendations.

How We Chose The Best Bike Locks

A bike is often one of the most expensive items you own, so we made sure to seek out only the most robust and reliable locks on the market.

We considered different types of locking mechanisms and materials suitable for real-world applications, looking beyond hardened steels and alloys. We also considered coatings and sleeves that protect against the elements, as corrosion can be as damaging to a bike lock as a pair of bolt cutters over time.

We established different categories of bike locks, including locks for those on long rides who prioritize weight savings, and locks for those with electric bikes that cost as much as a used car.

We tapped into personal experience using bike locks and leaned on several experts with extensive knowledge of bike accessories to learn more about locks and which ones are more reliable than others.

Finally, we came up with a list of locks worth buying and compared our notes with online reviews. The result: an assortment of top-tier bike locks that keep your ride secure and are easy to use.

What To Look For In The Best Bike Locks

Locking Mechanism

Almost all bike locks rely on a key or combination code to unlock them, and the locking mechanism shouldn’t be overlooked. Ultimately, key bike locks are more secure than combination locks, as they are more resistant to blunt force damage, like smashing. That said, if you lose your key, you effectively lose your bike, at least until you call a locksmith or get a new key, so a combo lock may be a better choice if you live, work or study in a safe area that doesn’t require the security of a key lock, or if you only need to lock up your bike for a few minutes at a time.

A U-lock is usually going to be stronger than a chain lock or any other type of flexible bike lock, though a U-lock also limits what you can attach your bike to. Think about where you intend to park your bike and the type of fixed infrastructure around it before settling on a lock style. “U-locks offer strong resistance against cutting and prying, while chain locks provide flexibility,” says Conlow.

The size of the lock refers to the distance it can bridge, which is also an important consideration impacted by the type of bike you ride and where you intend to secure it. Also consider the weight and bulk of a bike lock if you need to carry it around town or on longer workout rides. A bigger lock provides more flexibility, but it’s also heavier and therefore harder to carry.

Security Rating

Many bike lock companies, like Kryptonite, use an independently verified lock safety rating scale to give you a better idea of how secure a lock is. “Kryptonite locks that are part of this program must have a minimum five out of 10 security rating,” says Inaba, and many other brands set minimum standards as well. When in doubt, invest in a lock with a high security rating to ensure it’s safer.

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