Best Lightweight Bike Lock

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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