The Best Bike Locks

Buying Guide

Bicycle theft is a serious issue in the U.S., with more than 125,000 bicycles reported stolen in 2019. If you or your children have a bicycle, you likely worry about leaving it unattended somewhere, even in your own backyard.

A good bicycle lock can give you the freedom you need to step away from your bicycle to work or play. When you arrive at your destination, you simply use the included cable to secure it to a fixed surface with a lock and you can go inside, worry free.

There are two elements to any bicycle lock. You’ll need a cable that you secure to a fixed surface with the second element, which is a lock. Many bicycle locks use four- or five-digit combinations, arriving with a preset code that you can often easily change. Some come with a key-based lock, though, eliminating the need for a combination. Some prefer using a key, while others don’t want to have to carry something around with them.

One thing to consider before you buy a bicycle lock is how you’ll secure it. Locks need to connect to a reliable, locked-down surface wherever you’ll be leaving your bike. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a bike rack at each location, but those aren’t always available. If you can’t find a bike rack, look for a permanently attached structure that’s so tall, someone couldn’t easily get your bike out of it. Trees, street signs, fences and light poles are all viable options.

If you want a little extra protection, a bicycle alarm could do the trick. If someone tries to tamper with the lock on your bicycle, the right alarm will bring awareness to it, likely causing the thief to flee. It’s important to pair an alarm with a bicycle lock, though, to prevent someone from rushing off with the bike after the alarm sounds.

• Before you leave the house, you can check for bike racks close to where you’re going using a database called The Bicycle Parking Project. If you frequently visit locations that don’t have bike racks, and you feel a bike rack would enjoy plenty of use, consider asking the property owner to install one.
• If you go with a key-based bike lock, make sure it comes with an extra key in case you lose the one you’re carrying around with you.
• Bicycle lock cables vary in length. A longer cable gives you more flexibility as you’re locking up your bike, but a shorter cable gives you less to store until you get to your destination.
• Look at the materials used to make the cable. You’ll want extraordinarily strong steel to make sure it won’t be subject to tampering.
• Some cables come with a coating that protects the cable from scratches and other types of damage. This can help increase the longevity of your bike lock.
• Bike locks will typically either come with a combination lock or a lock that requires a key. With combination locks, a four-digit code is the norm, but you can find them with five-digit combinations to give you a little extra security.
• If you opt for a key-based lock, make sure you leave an extra key somewhere that you can easily get to it in case you lose your key at some point along the way. You might even want to leave one at home and one at the office.
• Bicycle locks aren’t limited to bikes. Some can be used for securing items you store outdoors, including lawn equipment.
• You’ll need to consider how you’ll carry your bicycle lock while you’re riding your bike. Some come with mounts that let you attach it to your bike to keep it out of the way while still ensuring it’s accessible when you’re ready to lock it up.