A wise old biker once told me: “If someone wants your bike badly enough, they’ll find a way to get it.”
Knowing that, we looked at several locks on the market to help you determine which might meet your cycling style. U-locks are the default standard, usually used in conjunction with cables to secure your tires.
Keep in mind these things when selecting locks:
*While a company can claim to have $$$$ insurance offers associated with their locks, the caveats to claiming that money in the event of theft are many. For example, if you don’t return the broken lock (and sometimes keys) to the manufacturer, you’re out of luck. If your bike is used for commercial means, you may not qualify for coverage. Signing up for coverage can also be a hassle.
*Cables and cable locks are not insured. Get at least a U-lock, and keep the toughest part of your lock around the part of your bike you’d like to see most upon your return.
*Always secure your bike to something immoveable. Mini U-locks don’t usually allow you to secure your bike to anything other than itself.
Master Lock Street Cuffs
2 small keys, none lighted
2.6 pounds
1 foot long, end-to-end
No
$33.75 at amazon.com
Must buy separately ($6.75 at amazon.com)
Creates a cramped space to jam your hands into, so if you have big hands, try a different lock. Also, several pinch points, so watch your fingers.
Casual riders who don’t have to use it frequently.
Master Lock Force 3 Ton with bonus cable
2 house key size, none lighted
3.3 pounds
1/2-inch shaft, 111/4-inches long, 41/4 -inches wide
Yes
$22.42 at amazon.com
Included. Narrow hard plastic secured with screws, has a lip to situate lock in so it doesn’t swing in mount when you turn.
Dust cover on lock cylinder. Not as pretty, but longer than most Kryptonites and OnGuards. Coating appears more susceptible to rust than others.
Best low-cost option for everyday and casual riders.
Mega chain locks (Kryptonite, OnGuard, MasterLock)
Varies by company, 2 to 5, some lighted.
10 to 161/2 + pounds
Chain lengths start at 2 feet, average is 31/2 feet
No
$60 to $160 on amazon.com
You are the bike mount. Putting such a heavy item on a bike frame or around your body could affect balance and steering ability. Store in a backpack.
Dust covers on most lock cylinders, nice chain sheath to protect your frame and wheels from mammoth-chain impact.
Locking your bike up for the season, or using the lock where you needn’t move it.
Kryptonite New York Lock STD
3 (one huge, bulky lighted key, two smaller, slim keys)
4.3 pounds
0.63-inch shaft, 8 inches long, 4 inches wide
No
$57.20 at amazon.com
Included. Narrow, hard plastic secured with Allen bolt (wrench included). Sometimes swings if you take a turn hard.
Dust cover on lock cylinder. It will withstand weather well. Pair with cable to up illusion of deterrent.
People who don’t have to transport the heavy lock often or for those looking for an intimidation feel.
Kryptonite Evolution
Series 4
3 (one huge, bulky, lighted key, two smaller keys)
3.8 pounds
0.55-inch shaft, 9 inches long, 4 inches wide
No
$45.95 at amazon.com
Included. Narrow, hard plastic secured with Allen bolt (wrench included). Sometimes swings if you take a turn hard.
Dust cover on lock cylinder. Weight is manageable, look is intimidating and will withstand weather well. Pair with cable to up illusion of deterrent.
Best midrange cost lock for daily and weekend riders.
OnGuard 5003 Pitbull STD
5 (1 lighted key, size of car key, and 4 smaller ones)
2.9 pounds
1/2-inch shaft, 9 inches long, 41/2-inches wide
No
$39.56 at bike
somewhere.com
Included. Nylon strap secures large bracket with Allen bolt (wrench not included). Sometimes swings if you take a turn hard.
Rotating dust cover on lock cylinder. Pair with cable to up illusion of deterrent.
Daily and weekend riders who lose their keys often.
OnGuard 5006M Pitbull Medium
5 (1 lighted key, size of car key, and 4 smaller ones)
2.8 pounds
Half-inch shaft, 6.9 inches long, 3.5 inches wide
No
$26.36 at amazon.com
Included. Nylon strap secures large bracket with Allen bolt (wrench not included). Sometimes swings if you take a turn hard.
Rotating dust cover on lock cylinder. Pair with cable to up illusion of deterrent.
Daily and weekend riders who tend to lose their keys and are securing their lock to something narrow and nearby.
