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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Bike Locks

A bike without a lock is a bike you used to own. We compared locks from cable to U-lock to chain, finding what stops thieves.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock

Kryptonite

New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock

4.7 (6,789 reviews)

The lock that makes thieves move to the next bike. Heavy? Yes. But your bike will be there.

Shackle

18mm hardened steel

Security

10/10

Weight

5.5 lbs

Guarantee

$5,500

Pros

  • βœ“ 18mm hardened steel
  • βœ“ Double deadbolt
  • βœ“ Anti-theft guarantee

Cons

  • βœ— Heavy (5.5 lbs)
  • βœ— Small clearance
  • βœ— Expensive

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock
New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock Best
Kryptonite
4.7
$147 View
Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock
Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock Value
ABUS
4.8
$115 View
Evolution Mini-7 U-Lock
Evolution Mini-7 U-Lock
Kryptonite
4.6
$79 View
Combination Bike Lock Chain
Combination Bike Lock Chain
Via Velo
4.2
$26 View
Compact Folding Bike Lock
Compact Folding Bike Lock
Foldylock
4.4
$89 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock

Kryptonite

New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock

4.7 (6,789 reviews)

The lock that makes thieves move to the next bike. Heavy? Yes. But your bike will be there.

Shackle

18mm hardened steel

Security

10/10

Weight

5.5 lbs

Guarantee

$5,500

Pros

  • βœ“ 18mm hardened steel
  • βœ“ Double deadbolt
  • βœ“ Anti-theft guarantee

Cons

  • βœ— Heavy (5.5 lbs)
  • βœ— Small clearance
  • βœ— Expensive
Best Value
Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock

ABUS

Granit X-Plus 540 U-Lock

4.8 (3,456 reviews)

German engineering meets bike security. Half the weight of the Fahgettaboudit with nearly the same security.

Shackle

13mm parabolic

Security

ABUS 15/15

Weight

3.5 lbs

Includes

Frame mount

Pros

  • βœ“ ABUS X-Plus cylinder
  • βœ“ Power Cell technology
  • βœ“ Good weight balance

Cons

  • βœ— Still quite heavy
  • βœ— Premium price
  • βœ— Key can stick
Premium Pick
Evolution Mini-7 U-Lock

Kryptonite

Evolution Mini-7 U-Lock

4.6 (8,765 reviews)

Small shackle = small attack surface. Forces thieves to work in a tiny space.

Shackle

13mm hardened steel

Security

7/10

Size

3.25" x 7"

Guarantee

$2,500

Pros

  • βœ“ 13mm hardened steel
  • βœ“ Compact size
  • βœ“ 4-foot cable included

Cons

  • βœ— Small internal size
  • βœ— Tight fit
  • βœ— Moderate security
Budget Pick
Combination Bike Lock Chain

Via Velo

Combination Bike Lock Chain

4.2 (12,345 reviews)

Honest theft deterrent for low-risk areas. Stops opportunity theft.

Chain

8mm hardened steel

Security

Medium

Length

3 feet

Type

5-digit combo

Pros

  • βœ“ No keys to lose
  • βœ“ Flexible chain
  • βœ“ Budget friendly

Cons

  • βœ— Lower security
  • βœ— Combination forgettable
  • βœ— Chain is cuttable
Compact Folding Bike Lock

Foldylock

Compact Folding Bike Lock

4.4 (2,345 reviews)

U-lock security with chain lock flexibility. Folds into a water bottle-sized package.

Links

Hardened steel

Length

33.5"

Weight

2.2 lbs

Security

High

Pros

  • βœ“ Folds compact
  • βœ“ Lightweight
  • βœ“ Versatile length

Cons

  • βœ— More complex mechanism
  • βœ— Price for category
  • βœ— Takes practice

Buying Guide: How to Choose Bike Locks

How to Choose a Bike Lock

Lock Types Ranked
U-Locks: Most secure per pound. The standard for high-risk areas.
Folding Locks: Good security, more flexible, heavier.
Chain Locks: Very flexible, heavy. Security depends on thickness.
Cable Locks: Light, easily cut. Emergency backup only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Locks

What if I lose my bike lock key?

Register your lock with manufacturerβ€”they can send replacements.

Should I use two locks?

In high-theft areas, yes. Different types require different tools to defeat.

Are smart locks worth it?

Convenient but not more secure. Electronics can fail.

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