Best Bike Lock 2021
If you’re going to ride your bike and leave it on the streets, you’ll need a bike lock. But not just any bike lock – a reliable and safe one. When it comes to buying a new bike lock, you have to choose wisely. Otherwise, your bike will be stolen.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a bike lock such as weight, size, length, durability of the lock system and ability to lock more than one bike. We’ve selected reliable and affordable bikes locks for a top list to help you choose the best bike lock available, and prevent your bike from being stolen.
Top 10 Best Bike Lock Overview Chart
| Picture | Name | Type | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Master Lock 78DPF Looped Cable, 6-Foot x 3/8-inch | Cable | $ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Illumilock Bike Lock - Quick & Easy to Use - Ultimate Protection Combination Cable Lock | Cable | $$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. XTREME BRIGHT ILLUMILOCK BLADE Bike U-Lock | U-Lock | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | 4. Kryptonite 999492 Black 14mm x 60" (1415) New York Fahgettaboudit Chain and New York Disc Lock | U-Lock | $$$$ | 4.5 |
 | 5. Kryptonite 720018210610 KryptoFlex 3/8" x 7' 1007 Double Loop Security Cable | Cable | $ | 4.4 |
 | 6. Etronic ® Security Lock M6 Self Coiling Resettable Combination Cable Lock | Cable | $ | 4.3 |
 | 7. Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Standard Bicycle U-Lock | U-Lock | $$$ | 4.3 |
 | 8. Kryptonite 997986 Black 18mm New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock | U-Lock | $$$$ | 4.3 |
 | 9. Master Lock 8291DPS Tuff Links Keyed 3-Foot Chain Lock | Chain | $$ | 4.1 |
 | 10. Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Mini Bicycle U-Lock with Transit FlexFrame Bracket | U-Lock | $$$ | 4.0 |
U-Lock vs Cable vs Chain
- U-Lock. U-Lock is the most commonly used lock as it is considered the most reliable one. U-Lock’s horseshoe shape reduces the amount of space in which a thief is able to put a crowbar and pop it apart. Its solid locking system is able to easily resist hammers and clippers, but when it comes to sawing or breaking by prying apart the arms with a jack or levers – it’s not that resistant. But who in their right mind carries a saw? Small and medium U-Locks lock one wheel and your frame to any fixed object. Large U-Locks, on the other hand, are able to lock both wheels and the frame to a fixed object.
 - Cable Lock. Although very reliable and multifunctional, Cable locks offer less theft deterrence than U-Locks. They are great when combined with U-Locks to protect easily removed parts of the bike. Cable locks are available in different diameters, designs and even colors. The thicker the Cable lock, the stronger it generally is. Some Cable locks have sheaths which make the theft more difficult. If not used in combination with U-Locks, Cable locks are pretty good for friendly neighborhoods and low-crime areas. Although many Cable locks have built-in locks, there are a lot of others which require a stand-alone padlock. It’s important to note that the padlock is much easier to cut than the Cable.
 - Chain Lock. Chains are less convenient to use than Cables and U-Locks as they are bulky and the links can get caught on different things. A reliable Chain is always heavy, so it’s not the best option for carrying with you on long rides. Also it’s important to remember that thieves can easily cut through thin Chain locks, no matter how sturdy it is. Go for a thick one if you prefer chains.
Top 5 Best Bike Lock Reviews
1. Master Lock 78DPF Looped Cable
Master Lock 78DPF Looped Cable is a 6 feet long and 3/8 inch diameter cable. The cable is very thick and scratching-free thanks to its durable smoke vinyl coating.
The cable’s wire is made of braided steel which offers a great deal of strength and flexibility. It is also rusting resistant, which is really great when you leave your bike (and therefore, bike lock) when it’s raining outside.
Handling during placement and removal of Master Lock is piece of cake thanks to its convenient loops that are equipped with rusting-resistant sleeves and scratch guards.
Using this lock with mini U-Locks or solid steel locks is highly recommended as it will provide 100% guarantee your bicycle won’t be stolen. When combined with a U-Lock it looks very intimidating to thieves.
Master Lock 78DPF Looped Cable can definitely be named one of the best bike locks of all time as it is reliable and comfortable to use.
2. Illumilock Bike Lock
This quick and easy to use Illumilock Bike Lock equipped with LED light will keep your bike safe in all conditions as it is pick & drill resistant as well as shock- and water-proof.
It is made of military grade braided steel and allows you to see in the dark with its bright LED light. It is also great as Illumilock offers you a lifetime guarantee and fits all bikes.
The numbers on the cable’s tumbler have good contrast of white and blue colors, which allows you to read them easily in both daylight and at night.
This stainless cable is 3.5 foot long and offers up to 650 pound of pull strength. The cable also has a clip which offers you to attach it to your frame instead of carrying it in your backpack, basket or what have you. Overall, it’s a stylish, solid and heavy duty lock.
3. Xtreme Bright Illumilock Blade Bike U-Lock
XTREME BRIGHT ILLUMILOCK BLADE is yet another lock equipped with LED light system. Although this time it’s a U-Lock. This bike is very secure and easy in handling.
The lock is ultra durable as it’s made of military grade steel and its components. It is also pick, drill as well as shock resistant and waterproof.
The U-Lock is very lightweight and looks cool. Its light can be attached as front and rear lights to allow you to see and be seen at night. Furthermore, it’s easy to fit and you don’t have to carry any tools to attach it.
The lock is really well-built and will keep your bike safe. Another useful feature of the lock is that you can remove the key only after you attached the clamp. And that’s a great thing since there’s always a high chance of you dropping the key in the dark while locking / unlocking your bike.
The lock can be attached to either the center or the back of your bike.
4. Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain Lock
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock will allow you to forget about getting your bike stolen. Although it would be great if it wasn’t SO heavy. But you always have to sacrifice something, don’t you?
The lock is very well-built and will survive literally anything. Even if a bomb goes off – and while your bike will be gone – this lock will be still there.
The lock is 5 feet long and is simply a beast. But, unfortunately, it’s not that perfect. It weighs about 15 pounds.
So as you can imagine, carrying it around your shoulder (which is the only way to carry it, really) won’t be the most pleasant experience in your life as it easily bruises your shoulder as well as your neck with its links.
Therefore, when choosing a bike lock, you have to make a decision – whether you want something lightweight offering optimal safety, or you want a true beast which weighs as ½ of your bike but is extremely heavy duty and practically impossible to cut it.
5. Kryptonite Double Loop Security Cable
Kryptonite KryptoFlex is a 7 foot long double loop security cable. This is a pretty good lock for low-crime areas, however, it can’t be used alone in high-crime areas.
It has a convenient hoop-n-loop strap which allows for easy carrying. The cable’s looped ends allow to easily lock it to any padlock or disc lock.
Kryptonite KryptoFlex also has a 3/8 inch braided steel cable offers better cut resistance than any twisted cable. Although its thick vinyl coating is supposed to protect the lock against scratching your bike, it doesn’t always do an excellent job at it.
