How to choose a bike lock (in 3 simple steps)

Last Updated on August 19, 2022 7 Comments

So, just in case you don’t have time to read my (exhaustive) guide on how to choose the best bike lock, I’ve compressed most of it into a handy infographic. Three simple steps. It couldn’t be any easier!

Feel free to share and if you’d like to embed it in your website, you can use the handy code at the bottom of the page…
How to choose a bike lock

Copy and paste this code into your page to add my infographic…

What next?

Well, if you want to know more about the pros and cons of the different brands, check out the Abus vs Kryptonite vs OnGuard page.

You might want to look at a long list of Sold Secure Silver or Sold Secure Gold bike locks.

You could also read more about the best U-locks or the best chain locks. And don’t forget: once you’ve got your lock, make sure you know how to use it properly!

About the author 

Carl Ellis

I've had bikes stolen in London, New York and Barcelona. Yep, I was a serial, international, bike theft victim. In 2015 I decided to stop the rot. And not a single bike's been stolen since! Brakes, yes. Bells, yes. But they're another story. Everything I learn, I document on this website. More about my story. Contact me. LinkedIn.

  • Hi Carl, I am working on a document at work about combating bike theft for our cycling commuters – do you mind if I use your infographic? I see you provided the link, but figured it was still best form to ask.

  • Hi Carl!
    Great page of yours! ..Though I just scanned through up till now.. (I’ll spread it anyway further to my biking friends in Würzburg..!‍♂️)
    1. I understand you don’t trust in cable locks seeing 90% of stolen bikes had one.. Just 2 days ago I saw a cable lock (Master Lock) at a local shop (Media Markt, Germany), now for 27 €. Thought of buying it for my (older) EBike (this 1st Bosch system and battery is nowadays no more available, so guess thieves are not really amused about this type) or for another of my not too expensive bikes (they have all their ‘Rahmenschloß’ and other, smaller cable locks, too..
    This ‘Master Lock ‘ has sort of cuffs on one side. I couldnt see how the transition to the cable is designed. Comes with 5 small keys.
    On the package they rate its security level as 6/10.
    I don’t like all these other very heavy systems.
    Question is, of course: IS IT IN SOME WAY SAFER than usual cable locks??
    On my photo I can’t see any model name or type.
    Can I mail you the picture somehow?

  • Hi , Carl!
    [Continue];)
    2. Following my experience from al.ost 50 yeats of cycling in umiversity towns.. (but not with expensive bikes!):
    The question whether thieves take a 2nd look at my or any bike also very much depends on the location where it’s parked / fixed..
    – It doesn’t have to be too busy/ too much crowded
    – Also it doesn’t have to be too lonesome/ deserted..
    Usually I try to find a place where I can park it (if it’s for longer than a quarter of an hour) amongst say 8 to 10 bikes. Busy pedestrian zone, but no party or hangaround location!
    Not on Friday evenings or weekends.
    Also I take my bike home for the night and lock it up at home in a secure place!
    The longer you leave a bike unattended for days and more the higher is the risk of losing it.. or parts of it.
    So this as a short compilation.
    What are your data and exprriences?
    Could you add this topic concerning both
    A) place and
    B) time ?
    I (and more people in my opinion) would live it!
    Thanks for alm your work here!
    :DDDD
    Stefanie

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