At the foot of this page there’s a table full of the best Sold Secure Silver bike locks (updated November 2020). We have u-locks, chains and folding locks. But no cable locks, cos they’re rubbish!
But first, if you don’t know about Sold Secure and what they do, here’s a short explanation…
Sold Secure test and rate locks for security. This makes it easier for us to compare different types and brands. And easier to find a good one! They're based in the UK and are an independent, non profit organisation.
Where bike locks come to die: the Sold Secure workshop
When manufacturers submit a lock to Sold Secure, they’ll attack it using a range of different tools and methods.
Once it’s defeated, Sold Secure classify it according to how long it look to beat. There are three classifications: Bronze, Silver, Gold and (new for 2020!) Diamond.
Sold Secure rate the security of bike locks from Bronze to Diamond
Previously, Sold Secure said Bronze was “for locks that can withstand a minute with basic tools”, Silver for “locks that can resist for three minutes with a wider selection of tools” and Gold for “locks that last five minutes with a sophisticated array of tools”.
But more recently they’ve abandoned this definition for a more generic one:
- Diamond rated locks “provide the highest level of security ... aimed at very high value bicycles and e-bikes.”
- Gold rated locks “offer the next highest level of security, aimed at mid-to-high value bicycles.”
- Silver rated locks “offer a compromise between security and cost”
- Bronze rated locks “offer defence against the opportunist thief”
There has been some criticism of their testing techniques and ratings but there are several very good reasons we should use Sold Secure classifications when we’re looking for the best bike lock:
- They use standardized tools and methods. So we can compare different locks with confidence
- Inside info from the police and insurers helps to keep their tools and methods up to date
- Lots of insurance policies now insist you use a Sold Secure rated lock
- They rate far more locks than any other independent testers
- Testing locks is the sole purpose of the organisation. They know what they’re doing.
Because of this, the Sold Secure rating system is the simplest way to judge the security of a lock when we’re looking for the best locks for our bicycles.
Do you need a Sold Secure Silver bike lock?
So how do you know whether you need Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond? Well, it’s going to depend on your own circumstances. I recommend you answer the three questions below…
(The quiz above is new! If you have any problems with it, please send me a message to let me know. Thanks)
But it should recommend either Silver, Gold or Diamond bike locks based on your answers to the three questions. Sold Secure Bronze locks aren't secure at all so I don’t recommend them for any circumstances!
Finding Silver rated Bike Locks
If your risk level in the questionnaire suggests a Sold Secure Silver rated lock, where can you find them?
Well, their website has a complete list, but it’s not very user friendly! So I’ve provided a table of all the Sold Secure Silver locks below.
If you click on the names of the locks in the table, you’ll be taken to Amazon where you can further compare prices and reviews. Some of these may be affiliate links.
Note: locks can go up or down in their ratings over time. If you have doubts or confusion about the rating of a particular lock, let me know in the comments below and I'll get back to you very quickly!
Header | Model | Shackle Thickness | Weight | Cans of Coke | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 11 mm | 1.65 lb | 2 | 6.0 " | 2.75 " | |
 | 11 mm | 2.60 lb | 3 | 6.5 " | 3.75 " | |
 | 13 mm | 3.15 lb | 4 | 7.0 " | 3.25 " | |
 | 13 mm | 3.15 lb | 4.5 | 7.0 " | 3.25 " | |
 | 13 mm | 2.75 lb | 5 | 9.5 " | 3.25 " | |
 | 12 mm | 2.05 lb (0.93 kg) | 2.5 | 8.0 " (20.3 cm) | 4.0 " | |
 | 12 mm | 2.80 lb (1.27 kg | 3.5 | 11.5 " (29.2 cm) | 4.0 " (10.2 cm) | |
 | 12 mm | 1.65 lb (0.75 kg) | 2 | 6.0 " (15.2 cm) | 3.25 " (8.3 cm) | |
 | 13 mm | 2.43 lb | 3 | 9.06 " | 4.53 " | |
 | 13 mm | 3.17 lb (1.44 kg) | 4 | 9.06 " | 4.53 " | |
 | 13 mm | 3.12 lb | 4 | 11.5 " | 4.53 " | |
 | 12 mm | 2.2 lb (1.0 kg) | 2.5 | 9.06" (23 cm) | 4.33 " (11.0 cm) | |
 | 12 mm | 2.42 lb (1.1 kg) | 3 | 11.8 " (30 cm) | 4.33 " (11 cm) | |
 | 12 mm | 1.71 lb (0.78 kg) | 2 | 7.08 " (18 cm) | 3.15 " (8 cm) | |
 | 12 mm | 1.65 lb (0.75 kg) | 2 | 5.51 " (14 cm) | 3.15 " (8 cm) | |
 | 12 mm | 2.62 lb | 3 | 9.0 " | 4.29 " | |
 | 12 mm | 2.83 lb | 3.5 | 12.0 " | 4.29 " | |
 | 12 mm | 1.98 lb | 2.5 | 9.0 " | 3.27 " | |
 | 12 mm | 1.90 lb | 2.5 | 6.0 " | 3.27 " | |
 | 12 mm | 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) | 4 | 9.06 " (23 cm) | 4.25 " (10.8 cm) | |
 | 12 mm | 2.43 lb (1.1 kg) | 3 | 6.31 " (16 cm) | 3.35 " (8.5 cm) | |
 | 12 mm | 2.43 lb | 3 | 9.0 " | 4.29 " | |
 | 12 mm | 2.76 lb | 3.5 | 12.0 " | 4.29 " | |
 | 13 mm | 2.20 lb | 2.5 | 5.31 " | 2.76 " | |
 | 13 mm | 2.43 lb | 3 | 5.31 " | 2.76 " | |
 | 12.7 mm | 1.85 lb | 2.5 | 8.27 " | 4.09 " | |
 | 12.7 mm | 2.16 lb | 2.5 | 10.24 " | 4.09 " | |
 | 13 mm | 3.81 lb | 4.5 | 9.06 " | 4.13 " | |
 | 13 mm | 4.08 lb | 5 | 11.42 " | 4.13 " | |
 | AXA Newton 230 | 14 mm | 2.51 lb (1.14 kg) | 3 | 11.02 " (28 cm) | 6.69 " (17 cm) |
 | 14 mm | 2.78 lb (1.26 kg) | 3.5 | 11.8 " (30 cm) | 6.69 " (17 cm) | |
 | 16 mm | 2.67 lb (1.21 kg) | 3 | 7.87 " (20 cm) | 5.9 " (15 cm) | |
 | 14 mm | 3.97 lb (1.8 kg) | 5 | 12.6 " (32 cm) | 6.81 " (17.3 cm) | |
 | 14 mm | 4.69 lb (2.13 kg) | 5.5 | 12.6 " (32 cm) | 6.81 " (17.3 cm) | |
| 14 mm | 3.53 lb (1.6 kg) | 4.5 | 10.24 " (26 cm) | 6.81 " (17.3 cm) | |
 | 14 mm | 2.65 lb (1.2 kg ) | 3 | 8.07 " (20.5 cm) | 6.1 " (15.5 cm) | |
 | 13 mm | 2.65 lb (1.2 kg ) | 3 | 5.9 " (15 cm) | 2.76 " (7 cm) | |
 | Lifeline Steel Core Medium | 14 mm | 3.08 lb (1.395 kg) | 3.5 | 9.05 " (23 cm) | 4.33 " (11 cm) |
 | Lifeline Steel Core Mini | 14 mm | 2.26 lb (1.025 kg) | 2.5 | 5.63 " (14.3 cm) | 3.15 " (8 cm) |
 | 15 mm | 2.06 lb (0.94 kg) | 2.5 | 9.05 " (23 cm) | 4.25 " (10.8 cm) | |
 | 15 mm | 2.41 lb (1.09 kg) | 3 | 11.8 " (30 cm) | 4.25 " (10.8 cm) | |
 | 11 mm (14 mm) | Cell | 9.05 " (23 cm) | 4.02 " (10.2 cm) | ||
 | 13 mm | 2.43 lb (1.1 kg) | 3 | 9.05 " (23 cm) | 4.5 " (11.5 cm) | |
 | 13 mm | 1.98 lb (0.9 kg) | 2.5 | 5.51 " (14 cm) | 3.5 " (9 cm) | |
 | 13 mm | 2.82 lb (1.28 kg) | 3.5 | 9.05 " (23 cm) | 4.53 " (11.5 cm) | |
 | 13 mm | 3.44 lb (1.56 kg) | 4 | 9.05 " (23 cm) | 4.53 " (11.5 cm) | |
 | 7 mm | 3.75 lb (1.7 kg) | 4.5 | 47.3 " (120 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 3.05 lb (1.38 kg) | 3.5 | 39.37 " (100 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 3.86 lb (1.75 kg) | 4.5 | 33.46 " (85 cm) | Cell | |
| 8 mm | 5.62 lb (2.55 kg) | 7 | 43.3 " (110 cm) | Cell | |
| 8 mm | 6.17 lb (2.8 kg) | 7.5 | 55.11 " (140 cm) | Cell | |
| 8 mm | 7.08 lb (3.21 kg) | 8.5 | 66.93 " (170 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 4.26 lb | 5 | 33.0 " | ||
| 8 mm | 5.5 lb | 6.5 | 43.0 " | ||
 | 8 mm | 3.97 lb | 5 | 33.46 " (85 cm) | ||
 | 8 mm | 5.73 lb (2.6 kg) | 7 | 47.24 " (120 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 2.87 lb (1.3 kg) | 3.5 | 23.6 " (60 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 3.75 lb (1.7 kg) | 4.5 | 35.43 " (90 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 3.73 lb | 4.5 | 35.4 " | ||
 | 25 mm cable | 2.98 lb (1.35 kg) | 3.5 | 70.87 " (180 cm) | Cell | |
 | 25 mm cable | 4.96 lb (2.25 kg) | 6 | 47.3 " (120 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 3.75 lb (1.7 kg) | 4.5 | 36.02 " (91.5 cm) | Cell | |
 | 6 mm | 2.73 lb (1.24 kg) | 3.5 | 31.5 " (80 cm) | Cell | |
 | 6 mm | 3.33 lb (1.51 kg) | 4 | 47.2 " (120 cm) | Cell | |
 | 6 mm | 3.88 lb (1.76 kg) | 4.5 | 63.0 " (160 cm) | Cell | |
 | 10 mm | 5.07 lb (2.3 kg) | 6 | 35.43 " (90 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 2.2 lb (1.0 kg) | 2.5 | 47.24 " (120 cm) | Cell | |
 | 7 mm | 2.87 lb (1.3 kg) | 3.5 | 33.46 " (85 cm) | Cell | |
| 7 mm | 3.64 lb (1.65 kg) | 4.5 | 43.3 " (110 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 4.19 lb (1.9 kg ) | 5 | 43.3 " (110 cm) | Cell | |
| 8 mm | 3.68 lb (1.67 kg) | 4.5 | 33.46 " (85 cm) | Cell | |
| Trelock BC 560 110 | 8 mm | 4.5 lb (2.04 kg) | 5.5 | 43.3 " (110 cm) | Cell |
 | Foldylock Classic | 4.5 mm | 2.95 lb (1.34 kg) | 3.5 | 37.4 " (95 cm) | Cell |
 | 8 mm | 1.4 lb (0.64 kg) | 1.5 | 20.5 " (52 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 1.6 lb (0.75 kg) | 2 | 27.6 " (70 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 1.8 lb (0.84 kg) | 2.5 | 33.46 " (85 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 1.41 lb (0.64 kg) | 1.5 | 10.6 " (27 cm) | Cell | |
 | 8 mm | 1.6 lb (0.75 kg) | 2 | 7.5 " (19 cm) | Cell |
You may have a couple of questions about these locks:
1. Are all Sold Secure Silver locks as secure as each other?
No. Generally, the thicker the lock the more secure it will be. Check the “Thickness” column in the table above. You can also check the manufacturers ratings and the ART ratings in the u-lock and chain comparison tables.
Note: some lock brands include the plastic sheath when they measure the "thickness" of their u-lock shackles. This is misleading and should be called out. Where I have found evidence of this, I add the correct value and strike out the claimed measurement. Please let me know if you find any more!
2. This list is missing some very secure locks. Why?
A lock has to be submitted to Sold Secure by the manufacturer before it can be rated . And there’s loads of good locks that are haven’t been submitted yet and may never be submitted. Of course that doesn’t mean they’re not up to Sold Secure “standard”.
I can think of 3 off the top my head:
- Kryptonite Messenger Mini u-lock
- OnGuard Bulldog Mini u-lock
- Kryptonite KryptoLok series 2 995 Integrated Chain
These locks are not currently rated. But they’d undoubtedly receive Sold Secure Silver certification if they were submitted.
If you want to find more locks that are Sold Secure Silver standard but are not certified, check the manufacturers ratings in the u-lock and chain lock comparison tables.
Locks without Sold Secure certification that have the same manufacturer ratings as locks with Sold Secure ratings are most probably Sold Secure “standard”.
Also if you’re looking for a combination bike lock, be aware that they are generally less secure than keyed locks. However there are some that are either Sold Secure Silver rated or equivalent. You can read about combination bike locks here.
If you’re still unsure about which might be the best bike lock for you, check my easy 3 step guide that guarantees to find the right lock for your need.
And if you’ve got more questions about Sold Secure Silver locks, let me know below…
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.
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Hi,
Thanks for the great info over here!!
For those interested in min. weight u-locks, Abus U-Lock GRANIT Plus 640 150mm is just 789g, not 860g as “advertised” by Abus. (Just bought one and weighted it).
Cheers!
Thanks for this Calin! I suspect the “official” weights are often a way off the actual weights. I’m not going to change the weight in the table now as it would skew the results. But if we get enough actual weights from readers maybe we could add the to an extra column in the table?
Hi,
Really appreciate all the good info in your site! Congratulations on the quality of the research you’ve made.
Been searching a lot and I’m nearly decided but wanted to ask you which of these 2 locks you think is better:
– Abus U-mini 40
or
– Kryptonite Evolution Mini-5
I think the Abus is more secure (because of the double bolting and thicker shackle 14mm) and I can get it at a cheaper price (25% less than the Krypto +/-)
On the other hand, the Krypto has its positive side too (it’s a 100 gr lighter and comes with the flexframe U bracket). Maybe the steel is better on the Krypto?
I feel I want the most secure of the two since the difference in weight is not much and I might carry it in my backpack.
Would really appreciate your opinion.
Thanks a lot
Hi Jimmy,
That’s a good question. My instinctive reaction would be the Abus. As you say, it’s got a thicker shackle and is double bolted.
However, House of Chain (the bike shop) tested them both and the Abus was cut by 30″ bolt croppers while the Kryptonite withstood them. You can watch the videos here and here.
Now I’m not a huge fan of these types of tests as I think they can be misleading. But it’s certainly worth bearing in mind. It’s also worth considering however, that the double bolted Abus may be less susceptible to leverage attacks like this one.
So which do I recommend? I think they’re both good mid-security locks. They’re probably more or less the same security level. So it probably depends whether you value weight over price!
Cheers
Carl
By the way. I’m not sure whether this is relevant or not. But this Abus lock is one of the few that’s manufactured in China rather than Germany. This could in theory have had effect on the quality of the steel and the security of the final product. However as far as I know all Kryptonite locks are now manufactured in China and the Evolution in the video did OK!
Thanks Carl,
Yes, I agree with everything you mentioned. Tough decision.
I had seen the videos.
The Krypto’s steel seems harder (also I like the looks of it better [not that it really matters], it’s lighter, comes with the U bracket, the main key has a light, and it does not rattle while being carried [the Abus does]), but the only drawback I see is I’m not sure I’ll feel as safe with it only bolting on one side, but maybe it’s just me.
Also, I don’t know why the Abus mini’s are being sold cheaper (maybe because of the lack of carrying bracket, or they’ve put down their price because they aren’t selling as many of them).
Thanks again 🙂
I’m using an onguard Bulldog to secure my lefty front wheel to my frame, it requires an allen wrench to remove the wheel.does this sound secure enough?
Hi Tommy
To be clear: the Bulldog is a secondary lock, which you’re using only to secure the wheel to the frame (not to the bike rack)? As long as you’re using another lock to secure the frame to an immovable object, then that should be fine in the vast majority of cases.
The Bulldog is crop-able with large bolt cutters, but unless you have super expensive wheels it’s unlikely they’ll be stolen in this way.
Cheers
Carl
what about stainless steel multi strand cable? I have a few feet of 3/8 diameter, have tried cutting it with my bolt cutters and it just mashes down. Tried a band saw , few individual strands cut, other just mashed. Only a grinding wheel cuts it, and would cut anything.
Lighter than chain and more portable.
Just need a secure small lock to go with it. Any advise on those?
I’m not a massive fan of these braided cables as they can be chewed through (in time) with relatively modest cutters (either bolt or cable).
So I’d recommend a decent mini u-lock: from the Kryptonite Evolution LITE Mini-6 up to the Abus Granit X Plus 54 Mini in terms of security depending on your risk level.
Hi Carl,
Thanks for this help – it certainly is difficult to compare different locks meaningfully, and assess their “value for money”.
I notice that ALDI recently had (as one of their weekly ‘specials’) some “U-shackle” locks to the DIN EN 15496 standard.
Which is all very well, but a bit meaningless unless one knows how that compares with the “sold secure” testing. Could be better than SS Gold, or more pathetic than SS Bronze for all I know, and I’ve not yet found any relevant guidance on the web.
Any comment?
Sorry about the late reply David. You make a good point about a standard being meaningless unless we know how to compare it to other standards.
We can get some idea though by looking at the sorts of locks that have acheived that standard.
Was it this lock?
https://www.aldi.co.uk/bikemate-u-shackle-bike-lock/p/086083227538100
With a 16 mm shackle it looks like it could be quite secure. But is that 16 mm the metal or is it 13 mm of metal and 3 mm of plastic?
This lock has the same standard:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N3LB62C/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
And these cheaper folding locks are notoriosly unsecure.
In fact reading further, this standard may not be anything to do with security at all! This article (and another on a Knog lock) suggest it’s just to do with how well it’s protected from corrosion:
https://www.test.de/Test-Fahrradschloss-4841548-4840398/
My advice is: steer clear of really cheap locks like the 9.99 Aldi one.
They’ll either be much less secure than they look or they’ll be so badly made that they’ll end up jamming around your bike!
I hope that helps and again appologies for the late reply!
You listed the Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 915 Integrated Chain 60″ 9mm on both the Sold Secure Gold and Silver lists. Which is correct?
Hi Brad,
It was Silver and now it’s Gold.
The thing is if you buy old stock you could be buying a Silver labeled lock.
So the best thing to do is check with the seller.
Thanks
Carl
Thanks Carl. Do you have any idea what changed to move it from silver to gold?
No, it’s weird. I mean they actually changed the Kryptolok u-lock (from Series 2 to New-U) to get the upgrade from Silver to Gold.
But the Kryptolok chain seems to be exactly the same as before.
I know they have to re-submit them for testing to maintain the award (every year I think).
Maybe the last time they tested it just took longer to break?
It’s not the most reassuring possibility (in terms of Sold Secures methods) though.
I notice that your list doesn’t include any frame locks. To my knowledge the AXA Solid, Solid Plus and Defender frame locks are all Sold Secure Silver rated. Shouldn’t they be on the list?
Good point Kim! I will update… Thanks!