Best Lightweight Bike Lock

Best Lightweight Bike Lock

Last Updated on July 12, 2024 60 Comments

A lightweight bike lock. That’s what we all want, isn’t it? And the best lightweight bike locks will be easy to carry around and will also keep our bikes safe. It’s not too much to ask, is it?

Well, there are loads of lightweight bike locks. The shops are full of brightly colored cable locks and spindly armed u-locks. And they’re usually really cheap too. But the problem is: none of them will protect your bike!

Why? Well, unfortunately, there’s a direct link between weight and security. And generally, the lighter a bike lock, the less secure it is.

But hold on, hold on! Before you run off, there are lightweight bike locks that will protect your bike. They’re just not the feather-light junk you’ll find in the cheap shops.

So keep reading, and I’ll introduce you to six bike locks that don’t weigh a ton, but will actually keep your bike safe.

But before we start, a quick clarification. All the lightweight bike locks on this page offer at least Sold Secure Silver levels of protection. I don’t recommend locks that are less secure than this, as they won't stop your bike from being stolen!

If you’re not sure who Sold Secure are, or how to decide what level of protection you need, check out my complete guide to choosing the best bike lock.

In the meantime, here are 6 of the best lightweight bike locks you can buy:

1. Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6: Best Lightweight Mid-Security U-lock

The Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6 [Amazon] is one of the lightest Sold Secure Silver locks currently available. Yes, there are a couple of lighter Silver rated bike locks (see below), but they are much more expensive and a little more niche.

The Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6 weighs just 1.65 lb (0.74 kg), making it around the same weight as 2 cans of Coke, which is incredibly light for a decent bike lock.

Kryptonite Evolution Lite Mini 6

Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6

My score:

4 stars

Check price:

Shackle thickness:

11 mm

Weight:

1.65 lb (0.74 kg)

Size (internal):

2.75 x 6"

(7 x 15.3 cm)

Other Security Ratings:

Sold Secure Silver

However, it’s clearly a mini u-lock, measuring just 2.75" x 6″ (7 x 15.3 cm). And while that doesn’t make it particularly short for a mini u-lock, it does make it very narrow. In fact, it’s one of the narrowest u-locks on the market.

So make sure it’s suitable for your bike and the places you’ll be locking your bike before you buy it. Because you’re pretty much limited to bike stands with this one. However, if you’re prepared to adapt your locking technique, you should be OK.

Lightweight Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6 in use on bike

Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6: too narrow to get around seat post and wheel

The shackle is only 11 mm thick, but it’s made from a “MAX-Performance” steel that’s as strong as some of Kryptonite’s other 13 mm shackles.

And this is reflected in the security ratings: it’s the only 11 mm shackle u-lock with a Sold Secure Silver award.

However, it’s not double-bolted (it features Kryptonite's famous "bent foot" shackle). Which means it’s vulnerable to leverage attacks, and only needs to be cut once to open it up. So this is not a primary lock for high risk areas.

But it’s a great lightweight lock for less valuable bikes, less dangerous areas and shorter stops. Or it would also work well as a secondary lock.

In fact, this is exactly how I use mine…

I pair it with the much heavier (and more secure), OnGuard Brute [Amazon]. When my bike is left for long periods, I use both locks together, with the OnGuard securing the frame and back wheel, while the Kryptonite secures the front wheel.

But when I nip out to the shops or the pub, I just take the Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6, as it’s much lighter and more convenient. The shackle is so thin I can thread it through my saddle rails when I’m riding, so I don’t even have to bother with the frame mount.

So if you’re looking for a very light bike lock at a very reasonable price, for low risk circumstances, then I think the Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6 is one of the best lightweight bike locks currently available.

2. Foldylock Mini: Best Lightweight Folding Bike Lock

Folding bike locks are not generally a lightweight option. They're certainly not as heavy as chain locks. But they're usually heavier than similarly sized u-locks. And while the Foldylock Mini is no exception to this rule, it is the lightest folding lock currently available.

The Foldylock Mini [Amazon] weighs 1.96 lb (0.89 kg), which is equivalent to 2.5 cans of Coke and makes it one of the heaviest locks on this list. But that’s still only half a can of Coke heavier than the Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6!

Foldylock Mini

Foldylock Mini

My score:

4 stars

Check price:

Bar thickness:

5 mm

Weight:

1.96 lb (0.89 kg)

Length:

29.5" (75 cm)

Other Security Ratings:

Sold Secure Silver

And the best thing about folding locks is the way they collapse down into a really small package, which makes them the easiest bike locks to carry around. And don’t forget, ease of transport is probably one of the main reasons we’re looking for lightweight bike lock in the first place!

If you use the frame mount (which you can either screw into the holes meant for your water bottle, or fasten round your frame with Velcro), the lock lies very close to the frame, which means there's no movement or rattling while you're riding.

And again, because it's so small when folded down, if you throw it in a bag you'll barely notice it's there!

If you don’t like any of those transport options, there’s even a version with a clip (called the Foldylock Clipster [Amazon]), that allows you to attach the lock to your belt or the outside of your bag. It’s only 10g heavier than the regular Foldylock Mini, so it’s another great lightweight option.

The Foldylock Mini is also incredibly easy to use. When extended, it gives you a slightly smaller locking area than a standard size u-lock. But because it's flexible, it will give you loads more locking options than most u-locks.

It's rated Sold Secure Silver, so it's suitable for lower risk circumstances. And it's probably the most practical, easy to use option on this page!

So if you're looking for a lightweight mid-security lock, that's easy to carry and that provides lots of locking opportunities, the Foldylock Mini is a great choice!

3. Litelok GO: Lightest Sold Secure Silver Bike Lock

The Litelok GO is the lightest Sold Secure Silver rated bike lock currently available and the lightest bike lock on this list.

It’s made from the same “Boaflexicore” material as their other “cable” locks, but there’s less of it, so the GO is obviously lighter (but less secure) than their Sold Secure Gold and Diamond rated locks.

Litelok Silver: lightest silver rated lock

Litelok GO

My score:

4 stars

Check price:

Belt width:

1.4" (3.5 cm)

Weight:

1.6 lb (0.73 kg)

Length:

27.6" (70 cm)

Other Security Ratings:

Sold Secure Silver and ART  2 stars

The lighter construction has allowed Litelok to make some usability improvements too. A vertical locking motion makes it easier to close, and a more flexible, thinner shape makes it easier to get around whatever you’re locking your bike to.

Significantly, the Litelok GO is also designed to be worn around your waist like a belt. So it's really easy to carry around when you're riding.

Lightweight Litelok Silver in use on bike

Plenty of locking options with the generously sized Litelok Silver 70

I tested the 70 cm version. But it's available in 2 other sizes. Plus there's 2 "U" shaped versions which are smaller (and can't be worn like a belt).

Note: it’s the 50 cm circular version and the 19 x 10 cm “U” shaped version that are the lightest of all the Sold Secure Silver locks, with each weighing 1.43 lb (0.65 kg), which is about the same as 1.5 cans of Coke!

But even the much longer 85 cm circular Litelok GO weighs just 1.87 lb (0.85 kg), which is around the same as 2.5 cans of Coke.

Litelok Silver 52

Litelok GO 52
641g
52cm

Litelok Silver 70

Litelok GO 70
750g
70cm

Litelok Silver 85

Litelok GO 85
843g
85cm

Litelok Flexi-U

Litelok GO Flexi-U
641g / 750g 
19x10 cm / 27x11 cm

So they’re all incredibly lightweight!

It has to be said: all the Litelok GO locks are significantly more expensive than most of the other locks on this list. But they do provide a pretty unique combination of very low weight, “wearability” and a large locking area.

This might make them a bit more niche than the other locks. But for very particular uses they will be the perfect choice. For example, I can imagine they would make very good café stop locks for security conscious weekend road riders.

So if you don’t need a super secure bike lock, and you’d like easy portability and lots of locking options, this is one of the best lightweight bike locks around. Read my full review of the Litelok GO (formerly Litelok Silver).

4. Tex-lock X-lock: Lightest Sold Secure Gold Bike Lock

A bit unusual, this one! The Tex-lock is an innovative German bike lock that combines a textile sheathed, 6 mm chain with a mini u-lock that they call the "X-lock".

It's worth reading my full review to get your head around how this works!

But the most important thing here, is that the X-lock is currently the lightest Sold Secure Gold rated bike lock, weighing just 1.41 lb (0.64 kg), which is about the same as 1.5 cans of Coke.

tex-lock

Tex-lock X-lock

My score:

4 stars

Check price:

Shackle thickness:

12 mm

Weight:

1.41 lb (0.64 kg)

Size (internal):

1.93 x 5.0"
(4.9 x 12.7 cm)

Other Security Ratings:

Sold Secure Gold

And that's because it's tiny!

Measuring just 5" x 1.93" (12.7 x 4.9 cm) it really is small. It only just goes around a Sheffield bike stand. And even then, the rubber sheath catches slightly, and you’ll have to force it through.

I'd imagine that the people at Tex-lock didn't design it to go over a Sheffield bike stand. But it's a pity they didn't make the lock just a couple of millimeters wider, as then it would be a perfect fit.

I may end up removing the rubber sheath that covers the shackle on mine. This would get rid of the stickiness, but a naked metal shackle is obviously more likely to scratch your paint work!

Lightweight Tex-lock X-lock in use on bike

The Tex-lock X-lock only just fits around a Sheffield bike stand

As it is, it just about fits. Which means for those of us in cities and towns that almost exclusively use Sheffield bike stands, the X-lock is a great option. It's so small it can genuinely slip into your pocket.

You won't be able to secure either of your wheels (you could use the textile/chain lock for that, or look at other options). And you've got to apply a bit of pressure to get it around the stand.

X-lock with chain

You can use it with a textile sheathed chain too

But if you're looking for the smallest, lightest, Gold rated lock that's usable on its own, then the X-lock could be the best lightweight bike lock for you!.

If it sounds a bit too restrictive, then the Trelock U5 Mini [Amazon] is the next lightest Gold rated bike lock, and is a more "regular sized" mini u-lock.

However, the Trelock U5 Mini weighs 1.98 lb (0.9 kg), which is about the same as 2.5 cans of Coke, and measures 3.27 x 5.51" (8.3 x 14 cm), which still makes it a mini u-lock. This is OK, but there are similar, more secure bike locks that are cheaper and only slightly heavier…

5. Seatylock Mason 140: Lightweight Sold Secure Pedal Diamond Protection

The Seatylock Mason 140 is a similar size and a similar weight to the aforementioned Trelock U5 Mini. It’s also a similar price, although the last time I checked, the Mason was actually slightly cheaper (check Mason price [Amazon])!

The difference is: the Seatylock Mason 140 is significantly more secure!

Seatylock Mason 140

Seatylock Mason 140

My score:

4 stars

Check price:

Shackle thickness:

13.7 mm

Weight:

2.13 lb (0.97 kg)

Size (internal):

3.35 x 5.5"
(8.5 x 14 cm)

Other Security Ratings:

Sold Secure Gold

It has a Diamond rating from Sold Secure. And it’s one of the lightest Sold Secure Pedal Diamond bike locks you can currently buy, weighting 2.13 lb (0.97 kg), which is still around the same as 2.5 cans of Coke.

There is one Diamond rated lock that’s lighter: the Master Lock Mini 8278 [Amazon]. But I’m not a big fan of this lock, as it comes with this bizarre plastic shell around the bottom of the shackle that significantly reduces the internal locking space.

On a standard size u-lock, it wouldn’t make much difference, but on a mini u-lock it really reduces your locking options. And it’s totally pointless. You can remove it, but then you’re left with some bare metal that will probably scratch your bike paintwork.

As far as I know, there is no frame mount available for the Master Lock Mini 8278 either, so you’re pretty limited in how you can carry it about.

I think the Seatylock Mason 140 is the better choice all round.

It’s only about 40g heavier. And it’s a little bit wider, which I prefer to the extra length of the Master Lock, as it makes it easier to get the lock around my bike. And although it doesn’t come with a frame mount, there is a decent one available [Amazon] separately.

Seatylock Mason 140 in the frame mount

The Seatylock Mason 140 in the frame mount

I also prefer the slider key mechanism of the Seatylock Mason 140 as it doesn’t suffer from misaligned discs (which slow down locking and unlocking), like the disc detainer mechanisms on locks like the Master Lock Mini 8278.

Just like the Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6, the Seatylock Mason 140 is a mini u-lock. So you will be pretty much limited to locking your bike to bike racks. And for chunkier bikes, you might not be able to lock the wheel and the frame together.

But there are alternative ways to secure your wheels. And you should always be able to get the lock around your frame and the bike rack.

Seatylock Mason 140 around front wheel

The Seatylock Mason 140 around front wheel

As a Sold Secure Diamond rated lock, it’s unlikely to be defeated by anything except an angle grinder. So you’re getting a really secure bike lock, in a very small, easy to carry package, that is easy to use (bearing in mind the small size).

And since it’s so reasonably priced, I think the Seatylock Mason 140 is one of the best high security lightweight bike locks currently available. Read my full review of the Seatylock Mason 140.

6. Litelok X1: Lightest Angle Grinder Resistant Bike Lock

No one is going to pretend that the Litelok X1 is a lightweight bike lock. It weighs 3.77 lb (1.71 kg), which is about the same as 4.5 cans of Coke. And it’s by far the heaviest bike lock on this page.

However, this week, I was photographing all the angle grinder resistant bike locks that are currently available. And I was struck by how lightweight the Litelok X1 felt in comparison to the other locks.

Litelok X1: Best Bike Lock

Litelok X1

My score:

4.5 stars

Check price:

Shackle thickness:

16 mm

Weight:

3.7 lb (1.7 kg)

Size (internal):

3.97 x 7.7"
(10.1 x 19.6 cm)

Other Security Ratings:

Sold SecurePowered and Pedal Bike Diamond

And really it’s only slightly heavier (18%) than a standard size u-lock like my old favorite, the Abus Granit X Plus 540 230. And it’s only slightly shorter (2 cm) than a standard size u-lock as well.

But it’s much, much more secure.

While it will only take a thief a matter of seconds to cut through any regular bike lock with a portable angle grinder, it would take them several minutes and (more significantly), at least one disc change to cut through the Litelok X1.

Litelok X1 test video still

Watch my angle grinder test of the Litelok X1

In real world theft scenarios, this is going to prevent a thief stealing your bike in most circumstances.

And this reality is reflected in the security ratings: the Litelok X1 and the other angle grinder resistant bike locks are the only u-locks to achieve a Sold Secure Powered Cycle Diamond rating.

Unlike the other angle grinder resistant bike locks, the Litelok X1 comes with a reasonable frame mount, and if you’d prefer to throw it in a bag, it’s not so heavy or bulky that it’s going to be a pain.

Litelok X1 on back wheel

The Litelok X1 has generous dimensions

The decent internal dimensions also mean you will have loads of locking options. The Litelok X1 is significantly bigger than the other u-locks on this list and should work well with many ebikes and chunkier bicycles.

Yes, it’s pretty expensive. And yes, it’s impossible to call it genuinely lightweight!

But if you need protection from angle grinders (and lots of us do), then this is by far the lightest option.

And I like it so much, I made it my best bike lock of 2024!

Best Lightweight Bike Lock Summary

So those are the 6 best lightweight bike locks available today. Locks that don’t weigh a ton, but will actually protect your bike!

When you’re choosing your lock, think carefully. All bike locks offer a balance of three qualities:

  1. price
  2. practicality
  3. security.

You need to find a balance where your lock is affordable and easy to use and (most importantly), secure enough to prevent your bike from being stolen.

If you want a particularly lightweight bike lock, then you’ll need to make sacrifices elsewhere. Maybe it will be smaller. Maybe it will be more difficult to use. Maybe it will be more expensive.

Maybe it will be slightly less secure. But just remember that security is the most important job of any lock!

Make sure you’re aware of the security level you need for your circumstances and choose the lightweight bike lock that meets that security level.

Never buy a cable lock. And never go less than Sold Secure Silver!

Need more help understanding what level of security you need? Check my extensive 3-step guide to finding the best bike lock for you.

This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. You will not pay any extra. More details here.


More Good Stuff:

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Cable Lock: why you shouldn't use one!

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Win a Free Bike!

Best Folding Lock

Best Folding Bike Lock

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 Jeff

      Yes I’d really like to review the Ottolock! From what I’ve read it will make a great cafe stop lock for racers etc.

      But I don’t think it will be strong enough to use on a day to day basis, as anything other than a secondary lock.

      Thanks
      Carl

  • Just noticed a review on the Ottolock website. For UK (and presumably, EU) customers there’s a 65% markup to clear customs. That’s not worth it to me. Shame. I’ll wait until there’s an EU distributor.

    • Hi Demiahe,

      The Texlock looks really interesting. But they haven’t had it evaluated by any third party testers so it’s difficult to know how secure it really is. If they get it tested, I’ll review it.

      However, even without such an evaluation, I’d say it’s much tougher than a cable lock and may be suitable as a secondary lock for wheels and seats. I definitely wouldn’t use it as my primary lock at the moment though!

      Thanks
      Carl

  • I’ve been using Master Lock’s Streetcuffs for 10 years and no one has tried to tamper with them. They have to be used correctly though, I lock 1 shackle round the bike stand and the other around the rear wheel but within the rear triangle. If they cut the one round the stand or the link they still have to deal with the one on the wheel! They weigh about 2.5kg so not super light, but they fold in two and you don’t need the key to lock them. I carry them in a deuter frame bag. I’m thinking of getting a second one for high risk areas, I’d use this one for the front wheel meaning the thief would have to make 2 cuts minimum to ride away, but then 1 shackle would still be on the frame requiring an extra cut before the bike can be sold! So, for me it’s not just about how strong the lock is but making life very difficult for the thief.

    • Good points Sean!

      I think for me, at Sold Secure Bronze, the Streetcuffs are just not secure enough. Presumably the low rating is because the links between them can be easily cut?

      However, as you point out, if (after having cut through the links) they’re still not able to ride the bike away (because of the cuff around the wheel), they’re much less likely to bother.

      It’s all about finding a system that works for you I suppose!

  • How does the Abus Granit Futura 64 compare to the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-6? It’s just 726 g with an 11 mm shackle. So the specs are very similar to the Kryptonite.

    They both seem to be a perfect compromise between weight and security. I’d just like to know if one of them is stronger or harder to pick.

    • Well, I’d say the Abus is probably more secure as it’s double bolted, while the Kryptonite is only locked on one side. That means the Kryptonite is more susceptible to leverage attacks.

      I’m not sure which would be easier to pick but I wouldn’t worry about that too much … they’ll be both difficult enough to pick to stop it happening in the street.

      Hope that helps!

  • I see Altor have just released a steel version of their lightweight Apex. Still no sign of an independently-tested security rating. Many of these lightweight locks are fairly pricey and would probably be of interest to those with high-end bikes looking for good security and low weight. However, no Sold Secure rating basically means no sale in the UK if the bike is to be covered by most insurers!

    • Fair point, but whilst I’d rather not have my bike stolen by a scumbag, I certainly don’t want the issue compounded by my insurer refusing to pay out. So it’s not so much a case of putting faith in Sold Secure, it’s the need to meet the conditions of my insurance which require Sold Secure Gold.

      Sure, a determined thief can break/pick/circumvent a Gold lock, but a Bronze or no-mark lock is even easier to defeat. So I’m also pushing the problem elsewhere by choosing a better quality lock. Another bike nearby will have an inferior lock on it, or won’t be secured properly through the frame, etc etc

      Fully acknowledge however that if a scumbag wants to steal my bike, they will if they’re determined enough. I can’t stop that happening, regardless of lock choice.

      • Indeed Carl – it seems to be this forthcoming Kickstarter item https://tigrlock.com/blue/ which says it’s a blue steel variant and harder to cut than the Ti version with some tools. Still 2 stars on Art, and now Bicycle Bronze on Sold Secure. From that description and rating, I’d be surprised if the Ti versions were anything better than Bronze if they were put forward for Sold Secure testing, if this one’s harder to cut.

        I like the idea of this lock, the Art score is ok, but for me it just isn’t a strong enough bike lock compared to the others on this page. However if I’m wrong and a TiGr lock gets at least a Silver rating, that would be very much worth a look given the low weight.

        • Yeah, I hear what you say. But I’m not sure there are any 2 star ART locks that are also Sold Secure Bronze.

          In fact it usually goes the other way…

          The Kryptonite New-U Mini 7 which is the Wirecutter’s favorite lock (partly because they reckon it can’t be defeated by bolt cutters, (I’m not so sure!)), is Sold Secure Gold and has only got 2 stars from ART.

          Now you could say that this just shows that the rating systems are defective. And I’d agree they’re certainly frustrating!

          I think they’re too broad to be wholly useful. But getting a load of locks and trying to break them yourself has drawbacks too.

  • What do you think about this one: https://www.abus.com/eng/Mobile-Security/Bike-Safety-and-Security/Locks/U-locks/Ultimate-420
    0,9 kg and Sold Secure Bicycle Gold sounds pretty awesome. I’m planning to use this + Ulac The Bee Go (0,18 kg) as a super light combo for long trips. https://www.ulaclock.com/collections/neo-alarm/products/the-bee-go

    Sure, its just a cable lock, but it has an alarm that is activated both when cut or jostled around. And the Abus Ultimate will be there too. Thoughts?

    • Hi Mika,

      I think that’s a pretty good combination. As long as you always use both locks! And the Abus will obviously always go around the frame.

      Cheers
      Carl

    • Just an update on my comment. I’m not satisfied with the Ulac lock: The batteries get drained very fast, and they also keep loosing connection with the lock so that you never know if the alarm function is really on or off. The alarm has also been activated by movement even if i the alarm function was off. And the lock is incredible easy to pick open.

      Because of the super light weight i will keep using it, but only on long trips, and i will have to try to use duct tape to keep the batteries in place, and remove the batteries when i’m not on a long trip so they do not get drained.

      I am happy with the Abus Ultimate. Its very light and strong. The Abus Granit X-Plus 54 Mini, even if its 260 grams heavier might be an even better choice, as it is even stronger, has a dust cover and is extremely pick resistant.

  • Can I get a horseshoe rear wheel lock for my Dawes lightweight? has anyone tested one of these locks? Ta.

  • Hi Carl. Thank you for your excellent reviews. I’m principally a tourer. I live in a low risk area. Have you ever looked at combination locks? What i want is is a well mounted lock that will withstand lots of rough roads – preferably under the seatpost like the rockbros, or if not there then on the top tube but clear of the cables running underneath. All my bottle holders are in use. I’m looking at the big lufu folding but would it mount on the top tube ? or on top of the top tube? I like the foldylock but the same applies and it isn’t a combination. not having a key is one less thing to worry about when touring.
    thanks for any advice, Peter

    • Hi Peter,

      So sorry about the late reply!

      Yes I’ve written about combination locks here.

      Abus do combination folding locks. None of them are Sold Secure Silver standard (or higher) though. So you’d need to be sure you’re very low risk.

      Or what about one of the Hiplok combination chains you can wear around your waist? Although again it’s not super secure.

      The problem is combination locks tend to be less secure.

      If you’re prepared to forego the combination then the Litelok is a good option for touring. And you can wear it round your waist.

      I hope that helps!

      Carl

  • Confused – this article says that the LITELOK is lighter than the mini U-locks, but it is actually the same weight or more…..

    • Hi Sunshine,

      When I wrote the original article the Litelok was the lightest Sold Secure Gold rated lock.

      So lighter than any Gold rated mini u-lock.

      The other locks on this page weren’t Gold rated.

      Since then I’ve added the Seatylock Mason which is both Gold rated and lighter than the Litelok.

      So yes it’s no longer accurate!

      I need to weigh both locks myself to confirm. And then I’ll update the article.

      Thanks for pointing this out 🙂

      As far as I know the Seatylock Mason is the only Gold rated lock that’s lighter than the Litelok.

      Cheers

      Carl

      • Carl,
        Thank you so much for the response! I’m trying to decide between the Litelok and the Abus. I saw an amazon reviewer post a picture for the Abus showing how it had been cut with an electronic cutter in broad daylight in an urban center. It was a clean cut for sure! Crazy. Since no lock really seems to deter the criminals in any situation, which lock do you think you would more prefer – the Litelok or the Abus?

  • Just bought the x-lock Tex-Lock direct had it shipped from Germany to UK. Didn’t want the textile bit just the lock.
    To clarify, the lock you’ve pictured above isn’t the one that weight 450g (mini u-lock), you’ve pictured the one which I’ve bought (x-lock) which is 650g – https://www.tex-lock.com/en/shop/4-04-01-00067-x-lock-mini-u-lock-622?category=3#attr= Also you’re referencing the fabric and u-lock combo which actually weighs 1160g including the fabric strap.
    It’s still the lightest and thank you for this site as I used it to pick a lock 🙂

  • Thanks for the reviews.

    After trying a few locks I agree that the Abus Granit 540 is the best overall bike lock. The Kryptonite Evolution seems just as good as a lock but has a terrible mounting and rattled. The Litelok Gold is more flexible but at 2.4kg is heavy and for fitness cycling not great to wear and also can be cut with large bolt croppers.

    However, I would like to have a secondary lighter, smaller lock just for securing the front wheel and making the bike overall a bit more secure.

    I did consider the Abus 54 mini. However, it is about £80 and does not come with the USH mount that the 540 came with. It also weighs about 1.15kg

    The X-Lock Shackle looks like a great option as a secondary lock. It is about half the weight of the 54 and also half the price. I am sure it is not as secure as the 54 but even a less secure Gold lock is probably good enough as a secondary lock.

    Perhaps a 540 and an X-Lock Shackle is the ideal combination – at about £100 and 2kg.

    • Hi Gary

      Thanks for your message.

      The thing you need to be careful of with the X-lock is that it’s very narrow. So it will only work with Sheffield stands. And even then, you may find that the rubber cover eventually wears off!

      But if you’re OK with that, then it’s a great lightweight choice.

      Thanks

      Carl

      PS: the Litelok can’t be defeated with large bolt cutters, it’s large cable cutters. The importance of this distinction is that these giant cable cutters are much less commonly used by thieves.

    • Have you considered pitlock skewers for your front wheel? (you could then get a heavier and more secure primary lock rather than having two)

      • Pitlock skewers stop someone stealing a wheel but do nothing to secure the bike oeverall.

        From what I have seen there isn’t anything much more secure than my existing Abus 540 as a single U-lock. One review said it took longer to cut through a Kyrytonite lock that had a thicker 18mm shackle whereas another found that the Abus took longer to cut through – they speculated that while the shackle was thinner it may have been made with harder steel.

        I think that two locks (of at least Sold Secure Gold rating) will always be more secure than any single lock.

        Actually there is one lock that is more secure than any Abus or Kryptonite U-lock or chain and that is the £300 Altor SAF (Strong as F*uck) U-lock. This weighs over 6 kilos and is the only U lock that claims to be angle grinder proof. Tests seem to confirm this – technically you can get through it with an angle grinder but it takes over an hour and uses up multiple batteries and grinder disks.

  • Thanks Carl

    According to this NY Times review they cut through the Hiplok Gold with bolt cutters – they show a picture of the 24″ and 36″ bolt cutters they used and they are not cable cutters.

    https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bike-lock/

    “Hiplok Gold: This chain [can be worn.] It’s a nice feature, but the cut time for this lock was among the quickest, and the real dealbreaker was our ability to snip it quickly with large bolt cutters.”

    (However, 24″ cutters seem to be more commonly used by thieves than 36″ bolt cutters. Plus – I bought the Hiplok a few eeks ago when Amazon were selling them for £30.99 so it was very good value.)

    The NY Times review is limited though as it only focuses on how easily locks can be defeated. They did not consider aspects such as ease of use and weight like you do. For example, the Abus 540 was lower rated than the Kryptonite NY 18mm lock as it could be cut in less time. However, the Kryptonite is considerable heavier and does not come with any frame mounting options.

    Overall I do think that there needs to be some education/rebranding of Sold Secure Gold. Some of these locks, like the Litelok Gold seem quick and easy to defeat (look at all the Amazon reviews where people have pictures of these locks after thieves have cut them) whereas others like the Abus and Kryptonite D Locks are much more secure and only really vulnerable to angle grinders – which can defeat any lock. Sold Secure really need to get on with splitting these Gold rated locks into Gold and Diamond to differentiate them – or instead rating the locks out of 5 like ART do.

    • Hi Gary,

      The Hiplok Gold can definitely be defeated buy bolt cutters: it’s a 10mm thick steel chain. The Litelok Gold would be very difficult (if not impossible) to defeat with bolt cutters as it’s a cable type construction and the jaws of a bolt cutters tend to squash the cables rather than cut them.

      A lot of the bad reviews of the Litelok on Amazon refer to the LockPickingLawyer video (in which he used a very large pair of Japanese cable cutters), rather than personal experiences. The ones with their own photos look like they’ve been cut with an angle grinder, which will for sure go through the Litelok a lot faster than a u-lock.

      But as you say: an angle grinder will go through anything. And there are plenty of bad Amazon reviews of my favorite lock (the Abus Grant X-Plus 540), with photos of cut locks.

      I think the Litelok gets a bit of a hard time to be honest. I think this is the most level headed assessment of the Litelok I’ve seen.

      Totally agree with you about the NY Times article though. To dismiss the Abus 540 because the 13 mm shackle took less time to cut through than the 18 mm Fahgettaboudit shackle is so strange it seems suspicious.

      And yes the arrival of Sold Secure Diamond is definitely welcome! Hopefully it will lead to more clarity.

      Cheers

      Carl

      PS Just for the record (and hopefully it is clear from the site) I still think a D lock is the best choice for most people.

      • One interesting point from the NY Times article was that they found it easy to cut through the Litelok Gold with their small (24″) bolt cutters. (Not cable cutters as others have done.) They could not cut the cable itself with bolt cutters but they WERE able to cut through the lock mechanism with bolt cutters, showing that was a significant weakness.

        Walking around central London I notice that pretty much every bike is locked with a U-Lock now. (The vast majority of these are Kryptonite locks.) I am guessing that anyone who locks their bike with a cable lock or thin chain learns a painful lesson pretty quickly. I still see the odd bike though where they have used the U lock to just lock the wheel to the frame – without locking it to the bike rack. 🙁

        I think that there is value to having a small secondary lock that locks a wheel of the bike – as long as it is used together with a decent U lock for the frame. Locking say just the front wheel with a small liteweight U lock (like the Gold rated TexLock X Lock which is about 600g) will make a bike thief either have to defeat two locks or just defeat the frame lock and walk away with a bike without a wheel.

        I found it interesting that in every CCTV video I saw of bikes being stolen, no matter what tool was used be it bolt cutters or angle grinders they always rode off on the bike. So a secondary wheel lock (or even just a disk lock?) – would make your bike less attractive to a thief than the bikes around it. Although i am sure some bike thieves use vans to load bikes in to that seems to be a small minority – I suppose because vehicles are easier to track from CCTV than a person with their face covered.

  • The Abus 420 comes up at 780g (checked on two sets of scales), and the (Sold Secure Silver) Kryptonite Evolition Lite at 690g. Maybe their listed weights include the frame mounts.

  • The Abus Bordo 6055 Lite weighs 440g (with a holder to strap it to your bike for 60g); you can get one for 40GBP average, it’s solid & there are different varieties. There’s no competition!

  • Carl! I love your whole website. I need a lock for touring hotel to hotel in Europe. I’d like under 500 grams. My bike cost about usd $1600 all in, a Diamant hybrid with some nicer parts (Hunt Wheels, 12sp SLX drivetrain, etc).

    I’m careful with it, not left alone outside in big cities. Riskiest place for instance parking lot of large supermarket in outskirts of Dijon France for 30 minutes. Not often. If I can’t bring to my room (I ask for forgiveness not permission) it gets locked in the hotel garage, or bike room. I won’t bring a lock to defeat dedicated thieves, more like opportunistic workers or fellow guests looking to trade up for free.

    I like chains because the easy storage and versatile , but probably the Abus Bordo Lite 85cm is my best bet? If you can suggest a chain or similar at similar weight and length I’m all ears. I’d certainly do lighter if there is lighter that will reasonably fit my circumstances. I climb a lot of alpine passes, and low weight is a big help.

    Also, what’s your take on locking skewers etc, and if yes then which? Again, just want to defeat opportunists who like the look of my okay Hunt wheelset and Zipp seatpost.

    Thanks! Again, your website is a phenomenal service to the cycling public.

    • In terms of locking skewers, I’m a big fan, Hank. Simply because they eliminate the need for a second lock (or a primary lock that’s big enough to enclose the frame and the wheel).

      Yes, they can all be defeated in different ways, if a thief has the know how. But in practice, this almost never happens.

      On my bike, I’ve been using the Hexlox for many years, and these have eliminated any component theft (which used to happen all the time as I leave the bike in the street overnight).

      You can see a full range of the different options here: https://thebestbikelock.com/wheel-locks-and-seat-locks/. I think they will work really well for your particular needs.

      For your lock, if weight is a priority, then chains are a no-no (they are the heaviest type of lock).

      A folding lock can work quite well, but I’d recommend one of the Foldlocks over the Abus Bordo Lite, as they are more secure.

      You may well be able to get away with the Abus Bordo Lite, if you rarely leave your bike unattended and only for short periods, but I don’t feel altogether comfortable recommending it, just in case!

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