Where To Buy A Bike Lock that balances security and ease of use is a key concern for motorcycle enthusiasts. At usabikers.net, we understand this need and offer expert advice to help you find the perfect lock. This comprehensive guide explores the best bike locks of 2025, covering various types and security levels to ensure your prized possession remains safe. A robust locking system deters theft, protects your investment, and allows you to enjoy the biker lifestyle with peace of mind.
1. Litelok X1
The Litelok X1 continues to be a top choice as an all-around bike lock in 2025 due to its robust protection against angle grinders. But what makes the Litelok X1 such a popular choice for bikers?
The Litelok X1 stands out as one of the few bike locks offering effective resistance against cordless angle grinders, a common tool used by thieves. In 2025, it maintains a strong balance of security, practicality, and price, making it ideal for cyclists needing high-level protection.
However, new releases like the SkunkLock Carbon and the OnGuard RockSolid are giving it close competition.
Litelok X1 on front wheel
Litelok X1: the best all round bike lock
Angle grinders are increasingly used in many towns and cities to steal bikes secured with flimsy cable locks. To protect your bike, a lock offering angle grinder resistance is essential.
So, how does the Litelok manage this?
The Litelok X1 functions like a standard U-lock but features a ceramic composite material fused onto its 16 mm shackle. This material effectively wears down angle grinder discs during cutting.
Litelok X1: Best Bike Lock| Litelok X1 |
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Testing the Litelok X1 revealed it took over four times longer to cut through one side compared to the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit, previously the market’s most secure lock. Initial tests even wore out the discs before completing the cut.
It’s not the most resistant of the anti angle grinder locks.
Litelok X1 test video still
Watch my angle grinder test of the Litelok X1
The Litelok X1 provides enough angle grinder resistance to deter most street attacks while remaining affordable for most cyclists.
Most angle grinder-resistant locks are expensive, but the Litelok X1 is priced close to regular Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond U-locks like the Abus Granit X Plus 540.
Litelok X1 vs Litelok X3 vs Hiplok D1000
Litelok X1 vs Litelok X3 vs Hiplok D1000
The Litelok X1 also offers a great frame mount, often available for free with the lock or at a 50% discount. Its size suits most regular bicycles and e-bikes, with a weight of 3.7 lb (1.7 kg), equivalent to 4.5 cans of Coke.
Comparable angle grinder-resistant locks include the SkunkLock Carbon (usually the same price) and the OnGuard RockSolid (usually more expensive).
The SkunkLock Carbon showed impressive performance against regular discs, requiring 14 to cut through one side.
SkunkLock Carbon
SkunkLock Carbon
However, its poor performance against diamond discs, unique design vulnerabilities, lack of Sold Secure testing, and bulky size make it less preferable to the Litelok X1.
The OnGuard RockSolid is the closest competitor to the Litelok X1, performing significantly better against regular angle grinder discs and being more compact and lighter.
OnGuard RockSolid
OnGuard RockSolid
However, the absence of a frame mount, smaller size, potential shackle vulnerability after one cut, and higher price make it less appealing than the Litelok X1.
In summary, the Litelok X1 provides the best combination of security, price, and practicality for most cyclists. For very expensive e-bikes needing maximum protection, stronger locks are recommended.
2. Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U
An angle grinder-resistant lock isn’t always necessary. The Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U, an upgraded version of the Kryptolok Series 2, remains a great, cost-effective option for those not needing extreme security. So, is the Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U a good fit for your needs?
Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard: best medium security bike lock
Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard: best medium security bike lock
The Kryptolok has enhanced its Sold Secure rating from Silver to Pedal Cycle Gold by improving the shackle to lock on both sides. However, its 2/5 rating from ART signifies it remains a medium-security lock.
The best thing about the Kryptolok though, is that it’s a great all-rounder…
The Kryptolok is lightweight (comparable to 3.5 cans of Coke) and easily carried with a correctly attached frame mount. Its size offers flexibility in securing your bike, and it often includes a supplementary cable to protect your wheels.
Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U best mid-security lock
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OnGuard locks have superior keyhole covers and slider keys that simplify use and eliminate disc misalignment. However, there isn’t an OnGuard equivalent of the Kryptonite Kryptolok New-U.
If the key system is unappealing, the KryptoLok Combo provides the same security with a 4-digit code instead of a key.
Kryptonite offers the best customer service among bike lock brands, providing benefits like free keys and reduced-price lock replacements in specific situations.
For a more secure Kryptonite lock, the Evolution range is available, but these locks are heavier or smaller and still won’t resist angle grinder attacks.
3. Foldylock Compact
Folding locks are becoming a popular alternative to traditional bike locks because they are easier to carry and offer more locking options, although choices are limited and many aren’t secure enough. But is the Foldylock Compact the right choice for you?
Foldylock Compact: lightest folding lock
Foldylock Compact: lightest folding bike lock
The Foldylock Compact is the lightest folding lock that offers a reasonable level of protection (Sold Secure Silver). It’s not for high-risk situations but is sufficient for many cyclists when used correctly.
Moreover, of all the folding locks I’ve tested, it’s also the easiest to use.
The Foldylock Compact, at 33″ (85 cm) long, provides similar internal locking space to a standard U-lock. Its flexibility offers numerous locking options.
Weighing 2.2 lb (1 kg), it’s comparable to 2.5 cans of Coke. A shorter (75 cm) version with a belt clip is also available for those preferring to avoid a frame mount.
Foldylock Compact| Foldylock Compact |
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Compared to the Abus Bordo 6000, the Foldylock Compact is lighter and easier to use, with smoother unlocking, unfolding, and better frame mount. Plus, it’s usually cheaper!
This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, flexible, and lightweight alternative to a U-lock in lower-risk environments.
4. Foldylock Forever
Foldylock offers a high-security folding lock called the Foldylock Forever, a robust version of their standard folding locks. So, what makes the Foldylock Forever a worthwhile investment?
Foldylock Forever around traffic light
Foldylock Forever. You won’t get a u-lock around a traffic light!
Measuring 35.4″ (90 cm), it’s slightly longer than the Foldylock Compact, which will give you loads of locking opportunities (in the photo above it easily fits around a traffic light, which would be impossible with a u-lock).
And if you ride a particularly chunky ebike, or you need to secure two big bikes at once, there is even a longer 43.3″ (110 cm) version they are calling the Foldylock Elite. Just be aware it’s a fair bit heavier too.
Significantly, the arms of the Foldylock Forever are 6.5 mm thick (compared to 5 mm on their standard models). This contributes to its Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold rating, unlike the Silver rating of other Foldylocks.
The Foldylock Forever’s arms are also 1 mm thicker than other Sold Secure Gold-rated folding locks. Patented rivet protection complements this extra thickness to prevent nut splitter attacks, a known weakness in locks like the Abus Bordo 6500.
These added security features make the Foldylock Forever the only folding lock awarded 3/5 stars from ART.
Foldylock Forever| Foldylock Forever |
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All in all, this makes the Foldylock Forever the most secure folding lock currently available, and it’s the only folding lock that is secure enough for mopeds and scooters as well as bicycles!
Indeed, in my tests, I was unable to crop the Foldylock Forever, even with a ridiculously big set of 42” bolt cutters, and I think the only way this lock is likely to be defeated in the street is with a portable angle grinder.
The high security level comes at a cost in weight, though. At 3.88 lb (1.76 kg), it’s a heavy lock, weighing slightly more than 4.5 cans of Coke.
Like all Foldylocks, it’s easy to unlock, smooth to unfold and refold, and provides more internal locking space than a standard U-lock, offering numerous locking opportunities.
Moreover, although it’s not cheap, if you check the prices, it’s usually cheaper than the Abus Bordo 6500 and the other high security folding locks.
5. Kryptonite Kryptolok 955 Mini
The Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 955 Mini is a short, medium-security chain lock designed for mobile security. But is it a suitable option for your needs?
Kryptonite Kryptolok 955 Mini: best medium security chain lock
Kryptonite Kryptolok 955 Mini: best medium security chain lock
It has slightly less internal space than a standard U-lock when locked, but its flexibility allows for more diverse locking options.
Like all chains, it’s much heavier than u-locks that provide a similar level of security (it weighs about the same as 4.5 cans of Coke). But it’s still light and short enough to carry wrapped around your seat post or thrown in a bag.
The integrated locking mechanism simplifies the locking process compared to chains requiring separate padlocks.
With 9 mm links, it’s not the most secure bike lock, but it is rated Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold, and it offers far more protection than any cable lock.
Kryptonite Krptolock Series 2 955 Mini best mid-security chain
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Keep it elevated to protect against bolt cutters, such as by wrapping it around your seat stays.
Alternatively, secure it around your top tube and use other methods to protect your wheels.
This lock is a reliable and cost-effective option for those seeking easy portability and the flexibility of a chain lock in low-risk situations.
For similar but more secure options, the Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1055 Mini features 10 mm links, a stronger body, and is the Lock Picking Lawyer’s preferred lock.
6. Litelok Core Plus
One of the biggest challenges with bike locks is how to best carry them around. Locks are bulky and heavy. Frame mounts are often ugly and unreliable. And if you need a bigger lock to provide more locking options, these issues are compounded.
Wearable bike locks offer a solution to the challenge of carrying bulky bike locks. Is the Litelok Core Plus a viable option for you?
Litelok Core around bike frame and back wheel
Litelok Core Plus: strongest wearable bike lock
The Litelok Core Plus, the most secure wearable bike lock, has a Pedal Cycle Diamond rating from Sold Secure.
Liteloks are made from “Boaflexicore”, a complex cable composite. The Litelok Core Plus uses an upgraded Boaflexicore Plus, designed to resist advanced cable cutters.
The Litelok Core is unlikely to be cut by anything other than an angle grinder.
What I like most about the Litelok Core Plus, though, is that when it’s not securing your bike, you can carry it around on your waist like a belt! It’s not the first bike lock to provide this type of functionality; the Hiplok Gold chain can be worn around your waist too.
Compared to the Hiplok chain, the Litelok Core Plus is more secure, boasting a higher Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold rating and resistance to bolt cutters. It’s also lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Litelok Core| Litelok Core Plus |
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It’s definitely not perfect….
The Litelok’s end can be difficult to maneuver through wheel spokes, unlike the Hiplok chain. While available in two lengths, the belt-wearable option is limited to the wearer’s waist size.
The Litelok Core provides ample locking circumference for securing your bike and is easy to carry.
The Litelok Core Plus is a very secure and versatile choice for those who prefer wearing their bike lock, though it can also be strapped to the frame.
How to Choose the Right Bike Lock for You
The best bike locks protect your bike and are easy to use daily. The best bike locks balance convenience and security. Your bike, usage, and budget are key to this balance. So how can you ensure you pick the correct lock for your bike?
Follow these three simple steps:
- Choose the right level of security
- Choose the right type of lock
- Choose the right size lock.
In Step 1, determine the security level you need and find locks that provide the right amount of protection.
In Step 2, learn about different types of bike locks and choose one that suits your needs.
In Step 3, select the right size lock for your bike and preferred locking method.
Step 1: Choose the Right Level of Security
The primary purpose of any lock is to prevent bike theft. Determining the level of protection needed is the first and most important step. How can you determine the level of security your bike lock needs?
The choice isn’t about picking the strongest lock. Added strength means greater weight or smaller size. Or usually, both!
Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini
Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini: very strong, but also very small and very heavy
If a lock isn’t secure enough, your bike will be stolen quickly.
If a bike is more secure than necessary, the added weight or limited size will make it impractical. You might use it less, incorrectly, or not at all.
Your bike may still be stolen!
Match the lock’s strength to your actual risk level.
Who are Sold Secure?
Sold Secure is an independent organization that tests and rates bike locks and other security products according to the levels of protection they provide. Why should you consider Sold Secure ratings when purchasing a bike lock?
Sold Secure rate locks from Bronze to Diamond depending on how long they take to defeat.
Bike locks are rated Bronze (least secure), Silver, Gold or Diamond (most secure), depending on how long they can withstand an attack in the Sold Secure workshop.
These classifications are complicated by distinctions between Pedal Cycles (regular bicycles) and Powered Cycles (e-bikes and motorbikes) for Gold and Diamond ratings.
There are actually 5 different levels of security, spread across 6 classifications (from most to least secure):
- Powered Cycle Diamond
- Powered Cycle Gold & Pedal Cycle Diamond
- Pedal Cycle Gold
- Pedal Cycle Silver
- Pedal Cycle Bronze
The Powered Cycle Gold & Pedal Cycle Diamond ratings are the same. The tests for Powered Gold and Pedal Diamond are exactly the same, so the ratings are equal, too.
Why Should We Trust Sold Secure?
Sold Secure tests and rates more bike locks than anyone else. They use standardized tools, and methods that are informed by what real thieves are using in the street. This includes both brute force and picking techniques. How does Sold Secure maintain its relevance in the face of evolving theft tactics?
They maintain close relationships with both the police and insurance companies to keep their methods up to date. And the locks must be resubmitted for testing every year, or they lose their rating.
The Sold Secure Lab
Inside the Sold Secure workshop
Most insurance companies require you to use a Sold Secure rated lock before they’ll insure you, (with the level of cover dependent on which rating your lock has). If you don’t use a Sold Secure rated lock, they won’t cover you.
We should trust the Sold Secure ratings. They know what they’re doing!
However, there are other ways to measure the strength of bike locks, and we should at least consider these too…
Other Independent Testers
Sold Secure is not the only independent organization that tests and rates bike locks. In Holland, ART provides the same service. What are the key differences between ART and Sold Secure ratings for bike locks?
ART employ both machine tests (tensile strength, torsion strength, cutting, corrosion, dust and freeze tests), and tests by engineers (brute and intelligent attack tests) to produce their ratings:
- 1 star is minimum security (“take away security”)
- 2 stars for bicycles
- 3 stars for mopeds and scooters
- 4 stars for motorcycles (on the road)
- 5 stars for motorcycles (parked at home)
Sold Secure vs ART
ART test and rate far fewer locks than Sold Secure, and their classification is narrower. However, we can use their ratings in conjunction with Sold Secure to get a more granular idea of a lock’s security. How can combining Sold Secure and ART ratings provide a more comprehensive understanding of a lock’s security level?
For example, if two locks both have a Sold Secure Gold rating, but one’s been awarded 2/5 stars from ART, while the other has 3/5 stars from ART, then the second lock is obviously the most secure.
This is actually a really common situation, and is a useful way to filter locks further by security.
Online Tests (are a bit rubbish)
There are tons of different cycling, product review websites and YouTube channels which publish articles describing how they attacked a few bike locks with different tools, in order to tell you which one is the best. Why should online bike lock tests be approached with skepticism?
Lock testing tools
Tools used to test bike locks
They make entertaining reading. But there are a few reasons to be wary of these articles…
They don’t test many locks. They don’t use standardized tools or methods. And without inside info, they don’t necessarily attack the locks in the same way a thief would. So it’s difficult to be sure of the results.
This is a really important point: it doesn’t matter if you defeated a lock with a tool that thieves don’t use. Thieves carry a limited tool set (cable cutters, medium size bolt cutters, pry bars and angle grinders).
They don’t use nut splitters or expensive Japanese cable cutters. They don’t use drills (anymore). And they don’t pick locks!
Plus, these tests tend to largely ignore, issues around practicality (such as how easy the locks are to carry and use), which are really important, because there is no “one size fits all” solution.
In fact, beyond “all cable locks are rubbish” and “an angle grinder will cut through anything”, the conclusions they draw are neither certain nor particularly useful.
And there are so many recommendations, on high profile websites, that are clearly wrong, that I just don’t trust them!
Lock Brand Ratings (are confusing)
All the top brands have created their own rating systems to help us compare the different security levels of their own locks. What are the limitations of relying solely on lock brand ratings when choosing a bike lock?
Different lock brand security ratings
Kryptonite, OnGuard and Abus all use different security ratings. Confused?
And while these are useful for choosing a lock from that one manufacturer, because the rating systems are all different, they’re no good when you want to compare different brands.
How I Use the Sold Secure Ratings
Establish your risk level and follow the questions in the quiz above. If you’re “high risk” you’ll need a Gold or Diamond rated lock. If you’re “lower risk”, you’ll probably be OK with a Silver rated lock. What are the recommended Sold Secure ratings for high-risk versus low-risk environments?
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I don’t recommend Sold Secure Bronze locks for any circumstances because they offer very little practical protection.
You might be OK with a Bronze rated lock in a really low risk area, but I don’t feel comfortable recommending locks that can be defeated so easily.
And there’s such a huge variety of locks at different sizes, weights and prices, that you should be able to find one that’s rated Sold Secure Silver or better, that suits your specific circumstances.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Bike Lock
This is almost as important as Step 1. The type of lock you choose will determine how easy it is to use. If it’s difficult, you’ll stop using it. And that’s when your bike will be stolen! What key considerations should guide the choice of bike lock type to ensure both security and convenience?
Choose a lock that’s not too heavy or too small, is easy to carry, simple to secure, and offers numerous locking options.
Obviously, this will depend on your individual circumstances. But if we look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of lock, it should quickly become clear which is the best one for you.
There are four, well established types of bike lock to choose from:
- U-locks
2. Chain locks
3. Folding locks
4. Cable locks
And each of these locks offers a compromise between three fundamental qualities:
- Price
- Practicality
- Security
The main thing to notice in the chart above, is that while u-locks, chain locks and folding locks all offer a reasonable balance of price, practicality and security, cable locks don’t!
Yes, they might be cheap, and they might be easy to use, but they offer very little security. So please…
Do not buy a cable lock!
Let’s look at each one in more detail.
U-Locks / D-Locks
U-locks (also known as D-locks) are like giant padlocks that fasten around our bikes and whatever we’re trying to secure them to. What are the main benefits and drawbacks of using U-locks for securing bikes?
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Good u-locks provide a nice balance between price, practicality and security. They’re generally cheaper, lighter and a little bit easier to use than chain locks, while still providing a high level of protection.
Their rigidity can make them more challenging to carry than chain locks. Their limited size and shape means you’ll find fewer things you can secure your bike to.
However, in general, if you’re only going to buy one bike lock, then I would recommend you get a u-lock.
They range in price from around $40 / £30 for a decent budget lock, up to $350 / £300 for the most reliable and secure, anti-angle grinder models.
There are a number of things you should think about carefully before you buy a u-lock, including which size you’ll need and how you’re going to carry it around.
The two u-locks I recommend at the top of this page are standard size. This means they’re big enough to fit around a whole load of objects, and are therefore suitable for almost everyone, no matter what type of bike they ride and where they lock it!
That’s why I recommend them.
There are other sizes of u-lock, and smaller sizes are increasingly popular. So let’s take a quick look at one of the best…
Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7
The Evolution Mini-7 has been the Wirecutter’s best lock recommendation for several years now, and it is a fantastic lock. But it won’t be suitable for everyone… What specific situations or bike types might make the Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 unsuitable?
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