Bike Lock Buying Guide - U-Locks, Chains & Folding
Find a bike lock matched to your theft risk - Sold Secure ratings, U-lock, folding, and chain options for commuters and ebike owners.
Top locks picks
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
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Abus
ABUS Granit X-Plus 540
Inner dimensions: 5.5" x 8" (14 x 20cm). Premium size for frame + wheel security. Heavy-duty for high-theft areas.
$159.00
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Bell
Bell Watchdog Cable Combo Lock
Best for low- to medium-risk stops; cable length works for frame-plus-wheel locking.
$11.494.4
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Bell
Bell Catalyst 300 U-Lock
Compact U-lock format suits frame-to-rack locking in campus and city settings.
$26.844.4
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Kryptonite
Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 Standard
Inner dimensions: 4" x 9" (10 x 23cm). Fits frame + single wheel through U + around fixed object. Standard commute size.
$47.954.4
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Master Lock
Master Lock Python 8228D
Lengths: 5mm x 6ft (1.8m), 8mm x 8ft (2.4m). Armored cable with protective nylon coating. Casual/low-risk use.
$167.104.6
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Onguard
OnGuard Brute LS 8004
Inner: 3.5" x 7.5" (9 x 19cm). Mid-size U-lock suitable for commute + light recreation. Affordable high-security option.
$19.594.5
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Schwinn
Schwinn Bike U-Lock with Cable
Key-operated U-lock plus 4 ft extension cable lets you secure both wheels through a rack or post. Comes with a frame bracket so you can carry it on the bike.
$27.994.4
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Seatylock
Seatylock Mason 220
Inner dimensions available in 4 sizes: 3" x 6" to 4" x 9". Premium hardened steel shackle. Design award winner.
$84.984.6
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Woom
Woom Lokki Bike Lock
24" chain is sized for kids' bikes - long enough to lock through wheel and frame to a small rack but light enough for a child to handle.
$29.904.8
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Sizing & fit guidance
Match lock value to bike value (rule of thumb: spend ~10% of bike value). Inner U-lock dimensions need to clear frame + wheel + secure object. Standard U-lock: 4" x 9" fits most frames/single wheels. Compact: 3" x 6" for lightweight bikes/portability.
What to look for when buying
- Security rating (Sold Secure Gold/Silver/Bronze or ART 1-5 stars or Kryptonite 1-10 scale)
- Lock type vs use case (commute vs storage vs casual)
- Weight & portability for daily carry
- Key vs combination (key: better security, combination: no lost keys)
- Shackle/chain diameter and material (14mm+ for high-security)
- Anti-theft warranty and registration benefits
Locks head-to-head comparisons
Side-by-side locks match-ups - specs, fit, and which one to pick for your kind of riding.
Bell Catalyst 300 vs OnGuard Brute LS
Two sub-$30 U-locks aimed at students and casual commuters. Both come with frame brackets and anti-theft offers, but the OnGuard's quad-locking shackle and Sold Secure Silver rating put it a notch above the Bell on real-world security.
Kryptonite Evolution vs Abus Granit X-Plus 540
The two most-recommended U-locks for city bikes. Both have 16 mm hardened-steel shackles - the difference is keyway design, weight, and which insurance-approved security rating they actually carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep planning your build
Locks by rider type
Persona-tailored locks guides with fit, style, and feature notes for how you actually ride.
Sizing your bike first?
Your frame size changes what fits - get the bike right and the accessories will follow.