The Best Bike Locks for Protecting Your Wheels

Litelok’s trusty X1 offers serious security and impressive versatility for a wide range of users, bikes, and racks. As an angle-grinder-resistant U-lock, the X1’s security scores are among the highest available, with only a few locks claimed to hold out longer against power-cutting criminals. The lock’s mix of high-strength ceramic composite material (which the brand calls “Barronium”) and its anti-rotation locking system—a thief has to cut both sides—means it lasts “at least” five times as long as top traditional U-locks against grinder attacks. No one has yet tried to grind through the lock into my (now) months of testing, but multiple users have reported Litelok's models have frustrated thieves for up to an hour, whereas a standard steel U-lock is likely to last only a few minutes.

Just as importantly, the X1 is easy to take along and use. Unlike its close competitor, the thicker Hiplok D1000, this is a full-size U-lock, so it loops over larger e-bike frames like the Propella 9S Pro V2 I used in testing. At 3.7 pounds, it's on the lighter side for high-security locks, fitting securely into its included mount or slipping into a backpack or holster. It’s not cheap, but it's an easier ask than Litelok's larger (and tougher) X3 to help put your fears to rest. —Ryan Waniata

On the one hand, the new generation of grinder-resistant locks has preserved urban bike riding for a new generation of riders. On the other: Lord, do they have to be so heavy? At 3 pounds, the sturdy OnGuard RockSolid is no featherweight. But it is the lightest bike lock we've tested that's rated Pedal Diamond by certifying body Sold Secure—certified as resistant to dedicated, specialized attacks from grinders. RockSolid stood up to a slew of informal angle-grinder tests we've reviewed by other testers, in many cases besting U-locks with the more stringent Powered Diamond rating reserved for motorcycle and ebike locks. The RockSolid is also secured at four points within the shackle, meaning thieves would have to cut through both sides of the lock to get clear of it.

The RockSolid's svelte profile nonetheless makes it better suited to smaller-framed pedal bikes, at 6.9 inches long and 3.5 inches across. Though it lacks a mount, the RockSolid is compact enough to just latch around a bike's handlebars while your'e riding. The RockSolid is not as highly vetted as our top high-security picks. But it's the most compact U-lock I'd still trust on the street with a high-value bike, while eating or shopping or drinking a pint. The lifetime warranty, and whopping ring of five key duplicates, don't hurt. —Matthew Korfhage

I'm a former daily bike commuter in Portland, a city that is to bike thieves what Rome is to Catholics, and I tested a number of locks during my time there. The best I found was a unique titanium U-lock from a company called TiGr, which makes them by hand in a small workshop outside Philly. The TiGr was strong, light, and unique enough to send thieves looking down the rack, as they generally prefer a known target to an unknown one. I still have that lock, but it was discontinued shortly after the start of the Ukraine war put a crunch on titanium imports.

The new model from TiGr is made of carbon steel and is actually a few grams lighter than the titanium version, with a little more flex. The new lock otherwise performs the same, and I've used it on both normal bikes and ebikes with thinner frames, like the Aventon Soltera2. It conveniently mounts on your frame where a water bottle cage would otherwise go. You can see how the TiGr does against various attacks in videos on the company's site, which is about as well as a standard steel U-lock from brands like Kryptonite and Abus—for an extra few bucks you're cutting 70 percent of their weight and getting the advantage of presenting a less common and predictable target. —Martin Cizmar

This Abus folding lock works extremely well for larger bikes like cargo ebikes, or for locking up multiple bikes with a single lock. I like that it folds down to a manageable size when not in use, and you can easily slide it into its holster on your bike or into a pack or back pocket when needed. At a little over three and a half pounds, it's not light by any means, but it is a bit more svelte than many U-lock options I have tried. The mechanism to lock it is easy: Just slide the end of the chain into the slot and use the included high-quality key to secure it. It comes with two keys, including one with a built-in light for finding the keyhole in the dark. —Parker Hall

Seatylock’s miniaturized Foldylock Compact is a great choice if you want minimal fuss on your daily route. Its included mount attaches to your bike’s built-in rivets or, if you like to keep a water bottle there, you can use the included straps to attach it to your frame for a secure and silent setup. I love the lock’s smooth-glide design, making connecting and unfolding it slick and simple, and while it can be a little unwieldy to expand, its long reach made it easy to secure my bike's frame and back wheel to multiple anchor points. Its collapsible body easily fits in any backpack, fanny pack, or even your back pocket.

It’s reasonably robust for a folding lock, with bolts designed to be saw- and cut-proof, but they still provide a natural weak point for would-be thieves, and its frame is no match for severe attacks like an angle grinder. That said, the best bike lock is the one that’s always with you. As WIRED reviewer Adrienne So notes, the Foldylock Compact provides “the ideal compromise in terms of size, weight, security, price, and ease of use.” —Ryan Waniata

Chain locks are great for locking to large or inconvenient objects. But they're usually heavy, and a pain to transport. Theoretically, you could wear any chain you like as a sash or a belt, but word to the prudent? Don't lock a chain to yourself. This is the genius of the Hiplok Gold wearable chain, which threads a conventional strap and buckle through the sleeve of its 10-millimeter hardened steel chain, so you can belt yourself without locking the chain. The strap serves waist (or hip) sizes between 28 and 44 inches, and amounts to a 5-pound fannypack.

In practice, this works pretty well while riding: The weight is hardly noticeable when you're sitting on a bike seat, though note that unless you've got a pronounced hip-to-waist ratio, the weight of the chain will tend to pull it down your legs if you try to wear it while walking. Also, the strap can sometimes get in the way while trying to lock the thing up, causing you to invent new words. This said, the Hiplok is an elegant solution to lock transport that doesn't require a mount or a bag, for a medium-security lock. If you've got a bike that doesn't submit to U-Lock mounts, or a locking point that needs some flexibility, this is a pretty good solution. Just remember to lock your chain up away from the ground, so thieves can't get leverage with large bolt cutters. —Matthew Korfhage