You have the bike thats the envy of all that can see it. The only problem is your worried that some grubby light fingered thief is going to steal it.

You have two options; a) remortgage the house and fortify your garden shed into something that resembles a medieval castle. Option b) is you employ a bouncer from that local dive you frequent every Saturday night and task him with protection of your beloved bicycle until the end of time.

OK, maybe you have a third option, you purchase the best bike lock you can find.

Bike security has come a long way in the last 10 years with innovation being at the forefront of design. It is now possible to get D Locks with integrated alarms, and companies such as Kryptonite Locks leading the way with impenetrable bike, scooter and motorcycle security.

With such an array of locks available it can be a little confusing knowing which is the best lock to choose. So we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best.

For your convenience we have broken this post down into two sections. The ‘Quick Buy Guide’ (Below) allows you to view a small selection of locks which we have chosen and ranked.

If you want a little more information you can see each lock, including dimensions, material and design details further below which allows you to make a more informed decision.

Quick Buy Guide

Know what you want? Skip the details and get the lock…

This quick buy guide gives you a selection of our most rated locks based on design, material and price. For more details scroll down for a comprehensive review of the best locks in the market.

RATED FOR DESIGN Litelok Gold

RATED FOR STRENGTH Abus Granit Extreme 59

RATED FOR SPEED Ottolock

RATED BEST BUY OXFORD ALARM-D MIDI

As you read through our list of best bike locks you we will see that we mention the Sold Secure Rating. There is 3 mains categories; Bronze, Silver and Gold which provide an insight into how effective a lock is in preventing theft (gold being the best).

When buying a new bicycle lock it is important to consider a few things:

How long you plan to leave your bike locked up?

How much weight are you prepared to carry?

How much are you prepared to pay?

How many bikes do you want to lock up?





Best Bike Lock Review

A full and comprehensive guide to choosing your next bike lock.

A heavy Duty Chain That Can Be Used As A Belt. Who Doesn’t Love That!

Info: This big boy is made in good old blighty (UK) and certainly lives up to its name with a weight of 4.6kg, making it one of the heavier locks in its class.



Designed with convenience in mind the HIPLOK GOLD bike lock can be worn around your waist, which is perfect for shorts journey.

However if you are on your bike all day as some Deliveroo or Courier riders are this may become a little cumbursom.



The washable nylon sleeve and Sold Secure’s Gold rating gives you peace of mind that (A) you won’t damage your clothes and (B) you can have piece of mind against theft.



Details: Weight: 2.4kg

Mechanism: Key and barrel

Length: 85cm

Positives: + Sold Secure Gold rated

+ Protective sleeves prevents damage



Negitives: – Heavier than other locks in this list.



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An unconventional looking D-Lock with design at its heart.

Info: By far one of the most unconventional looking D Locks in the market.



Weighing only 850g it is one of the lighter locks in this list, but due to its design gives the perception of being bigger than it is.



It also has a very respectable Sold Secure Bronze rating which means it is certainly up to the task of protecting your bike from theft when your making short visits to the shops.



Some bike locks can cause damage to your bike but not the KNOG BOUNCER D-LOCK due to its excellent silicone coating protecting your bike from scratches and dents.

Details: Weight: 850g

Mechanism: Key and Barrel

Size: 18.5 x 12.5 x 3.5cm

Design: Silicone cover over hardened steel D-Lock

Positives: + Fantastic design which allows this lock to stand out from the crowd

+ External Silicone layer protects the vehicle from damage

+ Available in 3 colours

Negitives: – Design limits the locks ability to lock to anything

A chain lock with added flexibility.

Info: Kryptonite has a reputation for strength, and can now add design to the list of qualities with this fine specimen of a bike lock.



The KRYPTONITE KEEPER FOLDING LOCK 810 boasts flexibility with its folding capability, meaning it can be easily stored in a bag.



Strength comes in the form of its 8mm hardened steel chain protecting your bike from opportunistic theft. If however you are looking for a lock with much beefier credentials check out our Best Of Kryptonite Locks article.



Details: Weight: 770g

Mechanism: Key and barrel

Size: 100cm

Design: Hardened steel

Positives: + Built for strength

+ Compact and small when folded

Negatives: – Fiddly locking mechanism

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A pocket rocket when it comes to folding bike locks

Info: The impressive thing about the ABUS BORDO LITE 6050 lock is its design that does not compromise security or functionality.



When you leave your bike you want peace of mind that it is safe, and this bike lock achieves that with its steel fixings.



The plastic coating protects your clothing as this locks is compact enough to be stored in your pocket.

Details: Weight: 650g

Mechanism: Key

Size: 85cm

Design: Steel with protective plastic casing



Positives: + Flexible

+ Fits into your pocket due to it compact design

+ High security rating



Negatives: – Limited size due to design

The Ottolock has kevlar incorporated in its design. So you know its good.

Info: The OTTOLOCK is a welcome addition to this list and is perfect for those riders which want to travel light.



Weighing only 120g it is perfect for Deliveroo or Ubereats Riders who are on the pedals for long periods of the day, and only leave their bike unattended for short periods of time.



The combination locking mechanism is ideal if you don’t want to worry about carrying more keys, just make sure you remember the 3 digit code.

Details: Weight: 120g

Mechanism: Combination wheel

Design: Steel and kevlar

Positives: + Small design for easy storage

+ Bright colours deter thieves

+ Cut resistant

+ No Keys

+ light weight

Negatives: – Too small to lock multiple bikes

The D lock that gives you peace of mind when you leave your bike.

Info: This is a brute of a lock and while the price tag is a little higher than some of the bike locks in this list you are paying for quality.



The ABUS GRANIT EXTREME 59 fully deserves its Sold Secure Gold rating thanks in part due to it 16mm sure hardened steel parabolic shackle.



Your paying for peace of mind with this D-Lock. Enough Said.

Details: Weight: 2.7kg

Size: 25cm x 11cm

Material: 16mm Steel

Positives: + Sold Secure Gold Rating

+ Key hole cover prevents dirt getting into barrel

Negatives: – Heavier than other locks in this list

Litelok Gold Original is the lightest, flexible Sold Secure Gold bike lock

Info:

The LITELOK GOLD has to be the most innovative lock in this list.



Resistant to cropping and sawing its no wonder this has earned the Sold Secure Gold rating.



Flexible in design and weighing just over a 1kg it is a perfect addition to your cycling stash. Short or long stops this lock has your back from would be thieves.

Details: Weight: 1.1kg

Size: 74cm x 6.5cm

Design: Flexible high tensile metal and polymer composite

Positives: + Mounting strap included

+ Flexible high strength

Negatives: – Due to size you may struggle to lock more than one bike

Designed for strength with the added benefit of being alarmed

Info: Everything you want in a D-Lock with the added benefit of being alarmed.

The OXFORD ALARM-D MIDIcan certainly hold its in own against other locks in its class but the integrated alarm gives you added protection from theft. If you are after a larger selection of alarmed locks why not check out our review of best alarmed motorcycle disk locks.

Details: Weight: 1.2kg

Size: 26 x 17 x 1.4cm

Design: hardened steel

Positives: + Built in alarm

+ Compact design



Negatives: – Size limits what you can lock your bike to

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best location to lock up a bike?

If possible consider locking your bike up in a location that is covered by CCTV, or where there is a high footfall of people e.g. outside a shopping centre entrance. This is an ideal area because thieve become nervous when other people are moving around, and don’t like that security staff could be gathering evidence through CCTV viewing.

What is the best way to lock up a bike?

Having two locks is going to act a major deterrent to would be thieves. However if you don’t want the hassle of carrying around two bulky locks all day you may want to consider leaving a lock in place (locked of course) at your home, place of work or both.