Best bike locks (2025)
I compared 2024–2025 independent tests, insurance-oriented ratings (Sold Secure), brand spec sheets, and current Amazon listings for weight, materials, and real-world availability. I weighed grinder resistance, usability (including mounts and size), and owner feedback on reliability.
Top picks
1. ABUS Granit Super Extreme 2500 — Best for e-bikes & high-risk city parking
If you need stout, modern grinder resistance with a usable frame mount, the Super Extreme 2500 is the one I trust most. It carries a Sold Secure Diamond rating, utilizes a carbide-reinforced shackle and ABUS’s XPlus cylinder, and strikes a balance between serious security and workable daily carry.
- Further details: awarded the Eurobike Award 2023 - highest ABUS security level 15 for bicycle locks - plastic coating to protect against scratches
- Safe and robust: specially hardened steel and a double locking of the 20 mm thick square shackle in the lock body ensure additional safety
- Versatile resistance: ABUS Power Cell technology protects against impact and access - the ABUS XPlus cylinder offers high protection against tampering
Pros
-
Sold Secure Diamond; extended grinder resistance compared to conventional U-locks
-
Carbide-reinforced shackle and high-security XPlus core
-
Practical reach and a quality on-bike mount
Cons
-
Heavy for daily carry
-
Premium price; US availability can fluctuate
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
Skip if you want the lightest setup—consider the OnGuard Brute below for Diamond security at a friendlier carry weight
2. Kryptonite New-York Fahgettaboudit Mini — Best for compact “park anywhere” security
A classic for good reason: the 18 mm shackle, tiny internal space, and double-deadbolt design make leverage and bolt-cutter attacks far harder. It’s Sold Secure Diamond and remains a city favorite when you want maximum bite in a small form factor.
- ANGLE GRINDER RESISTANT: Kryptonite New York Diamond Bike U-Lock delivers ultimate protection with a 26mm diamond coated double-layered steel shackle, engineered to resist even battery-powered angle grinder attacks. Ideal for bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters
- PATENTED LOCKING SYSTEM: Features a unique hardened double deadbolt design that gives additional protection against twist attacks, with a high-security disc-style cylinder, resistant to picking and drilling
- 10/10 SECURITY RATING: Kryptonite's highest-rated lock ever made, trusted by top cyclists and designed to meet the Diamond Standard. Real-world tested to deliver maximum security
Pros
-
18 mm hardened shackle; tiny “mini” geometry thwarts pry/leverage
-
Sold Secure Diamond rating
-
Proven track record; widely available and supported
Cons
-
Small shackle can limit parking options; no frame mount included
-
Still grindable (like all locks)—anti-grinder models simply buy more time
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
Skip if you often lock to fat posts or need more reach; a larger Diamond U-lock or a chain offers more options
3. OnGuard Brute 8001 — Best Diamond security value (budget pick)
If you want Diamond-rated protection without a Diamond-level bill, the Brute 8001 is the bargain tank. Its beefy TriRadius shackle and X4P quad-locking mechanism deliver top-tier certification at a friendlier weight and cost than many anti-grinder locks.
- Extended Reach Protection: 1780 mm (70 in) titanium-reinforced chain secures multiple bikes or large vehicles for heavy-duty urban and motorcycle security.
- Quad Lock System: Boxer U-Lock anchors on four sides with the X4P mechanism to block twisting, pulling, and prying for maximum anti-theft defense.
- Rugged 10 mm Hex Chain: Hardened steel hexagonal links provide exceptional resistance against bolt cutters and leverage attacks.
Pros
-
Sold Secure Diamond rating at a strong value
-
Thick hardened steel shackle with quad-locking crossbar
-
Reasonable carry weight for commuting compared with the anti-grinder model
Cons
-
Not designed specifically for anti-grinder resistance like premium locks
-
Mounting hardware and finish feel more budget than premium
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
Skip if your bike sleeps outside overnight in a hot spot, favor grinder-resistant options
4. Kryptonite New-York Cinch Ring Chain 1213 (with Evolution 4 Disc Lock) — Best for home or long stops
For racks that a mini U-lock can’t handle—or overnight storage—a serious chain shines. The NY 1213 uses hefty six-sided manganese-steel links with a cinch ring to take up slack, paired with Kryptonite’s stout disc lock, and it carries independent Sold Secure certification.
Pros
-
Flexible length (about 130 cm) reaches awkward anchors; great for e-bikes/cargo
-
High-security chain + disc-lock combo with independent certification
-
Clear, published specs and good support
Cons
-
Very heavy; best left at home or in a garage
-
Slower to deploy than a U-lock
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
Skip if you carry your lock on the bike all day; choose a compact U-lock instead
Check price on Amazon.
No products found.
5. ABUS Bordo SmartX 6500A — Best for smart features & alarmed commuting
- SMART LOCK: Opens via Bluetooth wireless as soon as the smartphone is nearby (hands-free) - free "ABUS SmartX" app for iOS and Android users
- STABLE & SAFE: Folding lock with highest ABUS security level 15 - 5.5 mm thick steel bars to unfold with soft casing to protect against scratches
- ALARM: 5-second warning tone sounds at the first movements on the lock, followed by the main alarm - 100 dB loud alarm tone equivalent to the volume of a chainsaw
If you value convenience, this folding lock opens via Bluetooth and triggers a loud 100 dB alarm when jostled—handy deterrence at bike racks. Security is high for a folder (Sold Secure Gold), but it’s not a substitute for a Diamond U-lock in the highest-risk areas.
Pros
-
100 dB alarm + keyless app unlock
-
Folds small; generous length for tricky posts
-
Independent Sold Secure Gold rating
Cons -
Heavier than it looks and lower security than Diamond U-locks
-
App/phone dependence isn’t for everyone
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
Skip if parking in grinder-prone hot spots; pair it with a Diamond U-lock or choose one of the picks above
Buying guide
-
Match rating to risk: In busy urban cores or for expensive e-bikes, go Sold Secure Diamond; for moderate risk, Gold may suffice. Some insurers require a minimum rating—check your policy.
-
Think in pairs: Use a compact Diamond U-lock on the rear wheel + frame, then add a chain or folding lock up front. Two different lock types force thieves to carry more tools.
-
Angle-grinder reality: No lock is grinder-proof. Diamond locks with anti-grinder tech (carbide/ceramic layers) buy you more time and attention during an attack.
-
Carry vs. security: The best lock is the one you’ll bring. If weight is a dealbreaker, a Diamond-rated value U-lock (OnGuard Brute) is a strong compromise.
-
Avoid cables as primaries: Cables are fine as secondaries for wheels/helmets, not as your main deterrent.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you
FAQs
Q: What’s “Sold Secure,” and which rating should I buy?
A: Sold Secure is an independent test house that rates locks Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond; Diamond is the highest and includes power-tool tests. Choose Diamond for high-risk city use or expensive bikes; Gold for lower-risk stops.
Q: Are anti-grinder locks worth it?
A: If you park in theft-prone zones, yes—they resist grinders longer than standard U-locks, increasing the chance a thief gives up or gets noticed. They’re heavier and pricier, though.
Q: Mini U-lock vs. standard size?
A: Mini locks (like the Fahgettaboudit) reduce leverage points and pack easier, but they limit what you can lock to. Standard sizes offer more reach for rails and fat posts.
Q: Are folding locks safe for daily commuting?
A: High-end folders like the Bordo 6500A are Gold-rated and convenient, especially with alarms, but they’re still easier to defeat than Diamond U-locks; treat them as mid-to-high security, not maximum.
Q: Do I need two locks?
A: It’s the single best upgrade to your security—lock frame + rear wheel with a U-lock, and front wheel with a chain or folding lock. Thieves prefer quicker targets.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.