Question 1

How much should I spend on a bike lock?

Accepted Answer

A widely used rule of thumb is to spend about 10-15% of the bike's value on locks. A $300 commuter warrants a $30-50 lock; a $3,000 ebike warrants $250+ worth of locks plus a proper ground anchor at home. Budget U-locks under $25 can be picked or cut in seconds with bolt cutters - every insurance report confirms this.

Question 2

U-lock, chain, folding, or cable - which is actually secure?

Accepted Answer

U-locks (Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit, Abus Granit X-Plus) and hardened chains (Kryptonite Noose, Abus CityChain) rate highest against angle grinders and bolt cutters. Folding locks (Abus Bordo Granit) trade some absolute strength for convenience and carry well in a frame mount. Cable locks are only good for securing accessories (saddle, wheels) to a primary lock - never as your only lock. Never rely on a combination cable lock for an ebike parked in a city.

Question 3

What is Sold Secure, and which rating do I need?

Accepted Answer

Sold Secure is an independent UK testing body that rates locks Bronze (deters opportunist theft), Silver (resists common hand tools), Gold (5+ minutes against pro tools), and Diamond (the highest, angle-grinder resistant for several minutes). ART ratings (Dutch) are the European equivalent: 2 stars for a typical bike, 3+ stars for an ebike. If you park outdoors in a high-theft city, Gold or Diamond / ART 3+ is the minimum. Anything less and your insurer may refuse the claim.

Question 4

How do I lock my bike so it cannot be stolen?

Accepted Answer

Use the Sheldon Brown method - U-lock through the rear wheel and the frame around a solid, non-removable piece of street furniture (proper bike rack, not a signpost you can lift the bike over). Add a second lock (chain or cable) through the front wheel. Face the keyhole downward so rain and picks have a harder time, and keep the lock off the ground to stop a thief from smashing it with a hammer against concrete. Never lock to a tree, a fence slat, or anything a thief can unscrew.

Question 5

Do I need a different lock for an ebike?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ebikes average $2,500+ and are the fastest-growing stolen-bike category in every major city. Use a Diamond / ART 3+ rated chain (Kryptonite New York Noose or Abus CityChain X-Plus 1060) that cannot fit in a backpack tucked out of sight, and if you park regularly at the same spot, add a ground anchor + chain at home. Many ebike insurers explicitly require two separate Gold-rated locks.

Question 6

Should I use a lock with an alarm?

Accepted Answer

Alarms (Abus Alarmbox, Hiplok D1000 Alarm) add a 100 dB deterrent when the lock is jostled. They will not stop a determined thief with an angle grinder, but they will scare off opportunists and draw attention in a crowded area. Pair an alarmed secondary lock with a silent high-security primary - a good middle ground for commuters who lock up in busy spots every day.

Bike Lock Buying Guide - U-Locks, Chains & Folding

Lock, register, and check your coverage

Lock it

Register it

Check your coverage

Top locks picks

ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 - 9-Inch with USH Holder

Bell Watchdog 100 Combo Cable Lock

Bell Catalyst 300 U-Lock

Kryptonite Evolution Standard - 14mm

Master Lock Python 8419DPF Cable Lock

OnGuard Brute LS U-Lock - 16.8mm

Schwinn Bike U-Lock with Cable

Seatylock Mason 220

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