Best Bike Locks and Anti-Theft Tips
A good bike lock is more than just a deterrent—it’s a critical defense against increasingly resourceful thieves. To understand what makes a lock effective, we analyzed the common methods used to steal bikes, such as bolt cutters, pry bars, and angle grinders. This research helped us evaluate which locks stand up to these attacks and why.
While no lock is completely theft-proof, some are far more effective than others in delaying or discouraging thieves. Our approach combines technical insights, practical testing, and user experiences to identify locks that balance strength, usability, and convenience.
This guide will recommend the best bike locks for various situations and explain the reasoning behind each choice, from material quality to design features.
Types of Bike Locks and Their Security Comparisons
Choosing the right type of bike lock is essential to balance security, convenience, and portability. Each type of lock offers distinct advantages and limitations, making them suitable for different environments and theft risk levels.

- U-Locks: Durable and highly resistant to theft, making them ideal for high-risk areas. However, they are bulky, rigid, and less convenient to carry.
- Chain Locks: Flexible and secure, capable of attaching to various objects, but heavy and often expensive, which affects portability.
- Folding Locks: Compact, lightweight, and versatile, but less secure than U-locks or chain locks, making them unsuitable for high-theft areas.
- Cable Locks: Lightweight and easy to use for quick stops or low-risk areas but the least secure type, easily cut with tools, and not recommended for long-term use.
- Smart Locks: Feature-rich with GPS tracking and alarms, offering advanced security, but they are expensive, require maintenance, and need regular battery charging.
Common Theft Methods Used by Thieves
Thieves typically use a variety of methods, adapting their approach depending on the type of bike lock they are attempting to bypass. One of the most common techniques is the use of cutting tools, such as bolt cutters or electric shears, which can easily be cut through steel cables or thinner chains. In this case, hardened steel U-locks or high-strength chain locks provide better protection, as their materials and design make cutting significantly more difficult.
Additionally, some thieves use crowbars to pry open locks. The crowbar leverages force to pry apart looser locks, particularly lighter U-locks and folding locks. The effectiveness of this method depends on the lock’s design, with shorter U-locks typically offering better resistance to this type of attack due to their more compact locking arms.
Technical lock picking is another common method, often involving professional tools to manipulate the lock’s internal mechanism. Techniques like “bumping” or using lock-picking tools can easily open less secure locks. This is why it’s crucial to choose locks with high-security lock cores, which are designed to resist such methods.
Lastly, some thieves use brute force, employing hammers or power tools (like angle grinders) to physically destroy the lock. This approach works effectively on most lower-end locks, which is why using high-strength alloys and thicker designs can offer greater resistance against such attacks.
Recommended List of Best Bike Locks for 2025

When it comes to bicycle safety, we conducted a real destructive test on some of the most representative bicycle locks on the market to evaluate how well each lock is protected against cutting tools. Based on a set 10-minute time limit, the test uses common violence tools to test the lock’s resistance to destruction and help everyone understand the actual protective effect of the lock.
Best U-Lock Bike Lock
U-locks (also known as D-locks) are like giant padlocks that attach to our bikes and anything else we try to attach them to.
1. Squire Stronghold D16 Max

Specifications
- Price: £289
- Security Rating: Sold Secure Diamond
- Product Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 3.3 cm
- Weight: 2.3 kg
- Internal Lock Dimensions: 94mm width x 218mm length
- External Lock Dimensions: 150mm width x 300mm height
The Squire Stronghold D16 MAX is a top-tier, reinforced D-lock designed with angle grinder-resistant armor, specifically crafted to withstand multiple angle grinder attacks. This heavy-duty lock features a 16mm boron-hardened steel shackle, encased in a sturdy TPE molded layer for added protection. With a lock body thickness of 25mm made of hardened steel, it can resist crowbars, bolt cutters, and other heavy-duty tools, making it an excellent choice for premium bicycle security.
The lock core employs a high-security 6-pin design, offering over 500,000 key combinations, and incorporates anti-drill, anti-pick, and anti-bump technology. It comes with two keys and a personal key card, effectively preventing unauthorized duplication.
Test Performance: In destruction tests, this lock endured over 10 minutes against angle grinder attacks, making it one of the most cut-resistant locks currently tested. The D16 Max’s angle grinder-resistant outer layer significantly delays cutting time, making it ideal for extended parking in high-risk areas. For users seeking ultra-high protection, this lock is an ideal blend of value and performance.
2. Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7

Specifications
- Price: $79
- Security Rating: Sold Secure Gold
- Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 7 inches (17.8 x 8.3 cm)
- Shackle Thickness: 13 mm
- Weight: 3.55 lbs (1.61 kg)
The Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 is a high-security U-lock that integrates multiple protective features to ensure bicycle safety. It includes a 4-foot KryptoFlex double loop cable, which can secure the front wheel or other accessories, adding an extra layer of anti-theft capability. The lock’s crossbar and cylinder feature reinforced cuffs and a high-security disc-style cylinder for enhanced protection against leverage attacks. Its center keyway design further prevents forced entry, and the unique bent foot shackle design improves ease of use. The lock body is coated with a vinyl layer to protect the bike frame from scratches.
Additionally, an anti-rattle bumper effectively minimizes noise during transportation, while a rotating dust cover protects the cylinder from dust and debris. The Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 also includes the new Transit FlexFrame-U transport system, offering versatile carrying options for cyclists. Equipped with a 13mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle, it resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks effectively, making it an ideal high-performance lock for daily use.
Test Performance: In cutting tool tests, the Evolution Mini demonstrated solid resistance, taking 4 minutes and 4 seconds to be fully compromised, offering outstanding protection compared to other locks. With a high-strength core and reinforced steel, it can endure prolonged cutting attempts, making it a great choice for daily commuting and use in high-risk areas.
3. OnGuard Pitbull

Specifications
- Price: Approximately £37.99
- Security Rating: Sold Secure Diamond
- Weight: 1.61 kg (3.55 lbs)
- Shackle Length: 11.5 cm (4.5″)
- Shackle Width: 23 cm (9.06″)
- Shackle Diameter & Material: 14mm Hardened Steel
The OnGuard Pitbull is one of the most affordable high-security bike locks on the market, providing features typically found only in higher-end models. Made from durable materials and designed to withstand various attack methods, this lock utilizes a 14mm hardened steel shackle, offering excellent protection against prying and cutting. Its high-security lock core resists multiple types of attacks, including drilling and bumping, ensuring reliable protection for cyclists.
The OnGuard Pitbull is also waterproof and dustproof, making it suitable for use in all weather conditions and extending its durability. A protective coating on the lock body prevents scratches on the bike frame. Compact and easy to carry, it provides ample locking space, ideal for securing the frame to fixed objects and ensuring optimal security.
Test Performance: Despite its affordable price, the OnGuard Pitbull performed impressively in cutting tests, withstanding 3 minutes and 2 seconds before being compromised. For commuters, this lock offers outstanding value and solid protection in urban environments.
4. Hiplock DX1000

Specifications
- Price: £299.99
- Security Rating: Sold Secure Diamond
- Shackle Thickness: 20 x 15 mm
- External Dimensions: 290mm x 180mm (L x W)
- Internal Locking Dimensions: 205mm x 112mm (L x W)
The Hiplock DX1000 is a high-security D-lock designed to offer cyclists both convenience and robust theft protection. It features a 15mm hardened steel shackle that effectively resists crowbars, cutting tools, and other tampering attempts, making it ideal for use in high-risk areas. The lock body includes a drill-resistant design to deter destructive attacks, providing reliable security.
Unlike other D-locks, the Hiplock DX1000 has a waist-worn design for easy portability without needing extra mounting brackets. It also has a protective outer coating to prevent scratches or damage to the bike frame. Overall, the Hiplock DX1000 is an excellent choice for riders who prioritize high security and portability.
Test Performance: In angle grinder resistance tests, the DX1000 performed exceptionally well, withstanding over 10 minutes of cutting attempts. Its design targets high-value e-bikes and motorcycles, making it ideal for extended parking and high-security settings. Though costly, this lock offers the strongest protection.
Best Bike Chain Lock
A chain lock usually consists of a long metal chain (fitted with a casing to protect the paint) and a large lock.
5. Squire Chain Lock 10

Specifications
- Price: £105
- Security Rating: Sold Secure Diamond
- Lock Length: 850 mm
- Weight: 2.29 kg
- Link Diameter: 10 mm
The Squire Chain Lock 10 is a high-strength chain lock designed for protecting bikes, electric scooters, and other personal transportation devices, offering superior anti-theft security. It features a 10mm hardened steel chain with tightly linked segments for increased resistance to prying and cutting. Its lock core is specially reinforced with anti-drill and anti-tamper technologies to resist common break-in tools.
A scratch-resistant sleeve covers the chain, preventing damage to both the lock and bike frame. The Squire Chain Lock 10 is easy to carry, fitting neatly on the bike frame or in a basket, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a portable and secure lock.
Test Performance: The chain lock demonstrated impressive performance in break-in tests, withstanding over 4 minutes and 12 seconds of attack. Its high-strength alloy steel chain offers excellent cut resistance, making it ideal for high-value bikes in complex parking environments.
6. Squire Stronghold IC/850

Specifications
- Price: £154.99
- Security Rating: Sold Secure Diamond
- Product Dimensions: 85 x 65 x 10 cm
- Weight: 2.04 kg
- Material: Alloy steel
Squire’s Stronghold IC/850 integrated chain lock is designed to provide top-level bike security. This robust chain lock uses 10mm square-hardened alloy steel, delivering exceptional resistance to cutting and tampering. With an 850mm locking length, it’s suitable for a range of bike types and versatile in use. It includes a hardened steel lock body and a high-security six-pin lock core with over 500,000 unique key combinations, ensuring reliable bike protection. Additionally, the lock has a Sold Secure Bicycle Diamond rating, meeting the highest industry standards for bike security.
Test Performance: This heavy-duty chain lock excelled in tests, requiring 6 minutes and 25 seconds to be broken. The IC/850’s 12mm thick chain and high-strength steel construction effectively resist cutting and tampering, making it ideal for long-term parking in high-risk areas.
Best Folding Bike Lock
The folding lock consists of a series of metal plates joined together with rivets. They fold up to form a tight package for carrying and then unfold to form a flexible shape that can be attached to the bike.
7. Squire Stronghold FL 850

Specifications
- Price: £154.99
- Security Rating: Sold Secure Gold
- Product Dimensions: 85 x 65 x 10 cm
- Weight: 2.04 kg
The Squire Stronghold FL 850 is a lightweight, portable folding lock ideal for short-term parking. Made from high-hardness steel, its compact folding design is easy to carry, and a durable protective coating prevents scratches on the bike frame. However, in security tests, the lock was compromised within 54 seconds, indicating limited protection in high-risk areas.
The Stronghold FL 850 is best suited for low-risk areas or short-term parking. For high-risk areas, it is recommended to pair it with an additional security lock for more comprehensive theft protection.
Test Performance: In break-in tests, this folding lock was breached in just 54 seconds, highlighting its limitations in high-risk settings. While lightweight and easy to carry, additional locks may be needed for high-risk areas.
Recommended Bike Locks Based on Specific Needs
- Short-Term Parking:
For brief stops in low-risk areas, such as a quick visit to a convenience store, a lightweight cable lock or small U-lock can be ideal. These locks are compact and easy to carry, but they’re best suited for short-term use only. - Daily Commuting:
For daily city commutes, a U-lock or folding lock from brands like Kryptonite or Abus offers a good balance of security and portability. These locks can be mounted on the bike frame or stored in a bag, making them convenient for frequent use. - Long-Term Parking in High-Risk Areas:
For long-term parking in high-theft areas like train stations or busy commercial districts, a diamond-rated heavy-duty chain lock or high-strength U-lock, such as the Squire Stronghold IC/850 or Kryptonite Evolution series, is recommended. These robust locks resist most break-in methods and are ideal for protecting high-value bikes. - Outdoor Storage:
For long-term, unsupervised outdoor storage, it’s best to choose heavy-duty chain locks with anti-cut features, paired with a high-security U-lock like the Squire or Abus Granit X series. Longer chain lengths provide flexibility to secure the bike from multiple angles to a fixed structure. - Tech-Savvy Security Needs:
For users interested in smart features, consider smart locks with Bluetooth, fingerprint recognition, or anti-theft alarms, like the Lattis Ellipse or Linka Smart Lock. These locks offer convenient unlocking options and theft alerts, perfect for those who want real-time monitoring.
FAQ
Conclusion
Choosing the right bike lock is essential for protecting your bicycle. By considering different needs and usage scenarios and weighing the security, portability, and price of various locks, you can find the lock that best suits you among numerous products. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, the right lock can safeguard your ride. We hope this guide helps you find the best bike lock in 2025.
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