Best light-weight bike locks
Investing in among the best light-weight bike locks may very well be an amazing thought that will help you keep away from opportunistic theft, whereas nonetheless not weighing you down once you’re driving.
There are loads of glorious safety choices on the market, however even the most effective bike locks can really feel too heavy and unwieldy to pop into your backpack. If you are simply working errands or out on a membership run, having one thing compact and light-weight is usually a godsend. Plus the most effective light-weight bike locks nonetheless supply respectable safety, making peace of thoughts moveable, wherever your experience takes you. If price range is extra of a priority than weight or absolute safety although, head to our record of the most effective price range bike locks as a substitute.
Choosing the most effective light-weight bike lock for you’ll rely principally in your particular person circumstances, so we have included a variety of choices in our round-up beneath after intensive testing and analysis, and when you want a little bit of assist deciding, then we have answered some incessantly requested questions on the backside.
Once you’ve got obtained your lock, the following factor to do is use it correctly. Our separate information on how one can lock a motorbike will stroll you thru the correct apply to forestall your bike from being stolen, and when you’re actually apprehensive, different measures you’ll be able to take embody investing in among the best bike GPS trackers, which may also help you observe down your bike as soon as it is gone.
It would even be a good suggestion to take out the most effective bike insurance coverage to cowl the price of changing it, however you should definitely compare bicycle insurance insurance policies, as they fluctuate drastically.
Best light-weight bike locks: fast record
Super Versatile
The Litelok Go Flexi-U supplies a versatile belt lock that is very moveable and accessible in two lengths.
Best Value
Kryptonite KryptoLok Mini-7
The Mini-7 has an extended shackle with out an excessive amount of weight and contains an insurance coverage supply.
The greatest light-weight bike locks accessible immediately
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Our specialists spend numerous hours testing biking tech and can at all times share trustworthy, unbiased recommendation that will help you select. Find out extra about how we take a look at.
Lock choices have not modified a lot since we first wrote our information to the most effective light-weight bike locks. We checked this information in April 2024, when all of the locks beneath had been accessible to buy.
Best light-weight folding bike lock
The greatest folding possibility
Specifications
Security Level: 7/15
Weight: 550g
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: 5mm
Mounting Options: Frame
Reasons to purchase
Linkage design is simple to lock in awkward conditions vs a D-lock
+The slimline design folds up good and compact
+Automatic cylinder lock
+The plastic coating is paintwork pleasant
Reasons to keep away from
Joints are susceptible to tooled-up assaults
–In shedding pounds, the ‘Lite’ gave up some safety
Abus has quite a lot of folding lock choices however this one, because the ‘Lite’ identify suggests, makes use of six slimmer, light-weight, 5mm bars. Those bars then come along with hardened metal rivets and an computerized cylinder lock. It’s half the burden of different Bordo choices however the Abus Bordo Lite comes with a 7 out of 15 safety stage as rated by Abus.
Although this is among the increased safety choices on this record, it is nonetheless straightforward to make use of. Folding locks usually do an excellent job of providing small packaging with good safety and going with the 85cm possibility provides to that. If you could lock your bike and wheel round chunky road furnishings, you may recognize the additional house.
Read extra particulars in our Abus Bordo Lite 6055 evaluation.
Best price range light-weight bike lock
2. Giant Surelock Air Loop
The greatest for a low price range
Specifications
Security Level: NA
Weight: 50g
Locking Type: Combo
Lock Thickness: 2.2mm
Mounting Options: Pocketable
Reasons to purchase
Very mild and compact
+No keys wanted
+Won’t scratch the bike
Reasons to keep away from
Minimal safety in comparison with different locks listed right here
This super-lightweight lock from Giant makes use of a mini karabiner-style hook at one finish to safe a coiled 90cm cable lock that may be pulled by way of the body, wheels, helmet and so on.
It weighs in at 50 grams and is sufficiently small to pocket or go away in your saddlebag, making it a hyper-convenient deterrent, simply in case you could go away your bike out of attain for brief stints of time.
It is locked utilizing a three-digit mixture lock mechanism, that means there aren’t any keys so that you can lose, however you will have to recollect your code.
It’s not going to cease even a mildly decided thief with snips or a hammer, however it would cease opportunists lengthy sufficient so that you can intervene. Just do not go away the bike out of sight.
Best pocketable light-weight bike lock
3. Hiplok Z-Lok Combo
The greatest for grab-and-go safety
Specifications
Security Level: NA
Weight: 20g
Locking Type: Combination
Lock Thickness: 9.2mm x 1.4mm
Mounting Options: Pocketable
Reasons to purchase
Superlight and reasonably priced ‘higher than nothing’ safety
+Easy to hold always
+Easy to search out vibrant colors
Reasons to keep away from
Only good towards essentially the most informal thief
–Combination lock is simple to defeat
Hiplok’s crafty armoured zip tie received’t stand as much as bolt cutters or perhaps a respectable pair of cable snips, and the small mixture locking mechanism is simple to interrupt, however that is not essentially the purpose right here. What the Z-Lok covers is a super-portable means to offer safety towards grab-and-go opportunistic thieves. It is right for individuals who do not let their bike out of sight, however would possibly often go away it out of attain, resembling at a restaurant or gasoline station.
The versatile metal strip underneath the rubber coating is harder than easy wire combo locks, and it’s sufficient to cease tearing, twisting or yanking assaults lengthy sufficient so that you can intervene.
At 40cm, it’s lengthy sufficient to bundle luggage/helmets/wheels collectively towards one thing strong or lock luggage onto bikes. It will also be used for different outside equipment when you’re a multi-sporter. At 20g every, they’re definitely no hassle to take alongside on any experience or go away in your saddle bag simply in case.
The primary model comes with a common two-pronged launch ‘key’ however the mixture lock provides a little bit additional safety and means there’s one much less factor to lose. For most worth get the dual pack of the fundamental Z-Lok and share it with a buddy or double your deterrent.
Best full-security light-weight bike lock
4. Hiplok DX
The most suitable choice for actual safety
Specifications
Security Level: Gold Sold Secure safety score
Weight: 1.1kg
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: 14mm
Mounting Options: Wearable
Reasons to purchase
Gold rated by impartial testers ‘Sold Secure’
+Built-in belt clips
+Three keys included
+Double locking shackle design requires two cuts
Reasons to keep away from
Small measurement limits accessible locking house
–The 1.1kg weight pushes the boundary of ‘light-weight’
The Hiplok DX is a critically safe U lock that’s been downsized for max portability. The shackle solely provides a 15 x 8.5cm locking house, so that you’ll have to get your bike up cosy to no matter your anchor level is, and probably use one other lock to safe wheels and so on.
However, something you match inside this shackle is protected by the 14mm hardened metal building and an anti-rotation double impasse, that means it advantages from a full Gold score from impartial testers Sold Secure. You get three coded keys too, which is helpful if in case you have a behavior of dropping them, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee for peace of thoughts.
The different neat piece of the design is 2 lengthy ‘Clip & Ride’ belt clips constructed into the lock bar so you’ll be able to slide it onto your pocket or onto your belt. You’ll have to hold that belt fairly tight although because it nonetheless weighs in at over a kilo.
Best worth for cash light-weight bike lock
5. Kryptonite KryptoLok Mini-7
The greatest worth for cash
Specifications
Security Level: Sold Secure Gold
Weight: 1.1kg
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: 12.7mm
Mounting Options: Frame
Reasons to purchase
Gold-rated by impartial testers Sold Secure
+Colours accessible
+Includes a body mount
+Double locking shackle design requires two cuts
+Insurance protection as much as $1,750 / €1,500 / £1,000
Reasons to keep away from
Relatively small shackle
–The 1.1kg weight pushes the boundary of ‘light-weight’
If you need the most effective safety for a D-lock meaning you wish to search for a design that locks either side of the lock. It requires not one however two cuts with a purpose to free a motorbike. The newest model of the Kryptonite Kryptolok Mini-7 provides double shackle safety whereas holding loads of colors and a light-weight design.
Although each the Hiplok DX and the Kryptolok Mini-7 weigh in at an analogous weight, they’re very completely different in design. The Hiplok possibility makes use of a 14mm shackle that is heavier however they make the general measurement smaller. When it involves mounting it is meant for sporting in your waist. The Kryptolok Mini 7 makes use of a narrower form that is longer. It’s simpler to seize each a rear wheel and a stationary object however there is a smaller 12.7mm shackle to save lots of weight. Instead of sporting the Kryptonite, there’s an included body mount.
Even with the smaller shackle design, Kryptonite believes within the power of its lock. Make certain you comply with the instructions precisely however within the occasion your bike disappears, Kryptonite has insurance coverage accessible.
Also examined
6. Abus Mini 410
Best price range light-weight D-lock
Specifications
Security Level: 8 of 16 Abus
Weight: 774g
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: 12mm
Mounting Options: Frame
Reasons to purchase
Inexpensive
+Lightweight
+Double locking shackle design requires two cuts to defeat
+Silicone outer protects paint
Most D-locks, like these above, are usually heavy, however the Abus Mini 410 handily manages to interrupt the sub-kilo barrier, making it a extra simply moveable possibility.
There’s a 12mm double shackle that signifies that a would-be thief goes to should be armed with an extended bolt cutter at the least, so there’s extra safety than with a cable lock. There’s an extended shackle size accessible too when you do not thoughts the 1kg-ish weight.
This will get round the principle downside of the Abus Mini: its small shackle measurement, which suggests that you could be solely be capable of lock the body to an anchor and would possibly come again to a motorbike with out wheels.
7. LiteLok One Wearable
The most comfy wearable lock
Specifications
Security Level: Silver Sold Secure safety score
Weight: 1.4kg (Medium)
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: Approx 1cm
Mounting Options: Frame
Reasons to purchase
Siver rated by Sold Secure
+Very versatile when locking to non-standard objects
+Bright and classy look
+Wearable
Reasons to keep away from
The 1.4kg weight pushes the boundary of ‘light-weight’
Rather than a conventional linked chain, LiteLok’s light-weight bike locks use a strap produced from a fabric known as Boaflexicore, which is basically a set of high-tensile metal cables in a nylon mesh sleeve. This makes for an extended versatile strap that may be fastened to a motorbike’s body with the 2 included mounting straps or worn across the waist.
The cables are barely extra susceptible to reducing/grinding than a traditional chain or shackle, however it’s super-secure towards bolt croppers and burst-breaking strategies. The neat lock is impressively powerful and climate/dirt-proofed too, giving it a Sold Secure Silver score general.
The versatile design additionally makes it straightforward to snake by way of congested locking conditions which makes it tougher for thieves to get to. If you need a longer strap then the Wearable model is available in small (93cm, 1.3kg), medium (100cm, 1.4kg) and enormous (110cm, 1.45kg) sizes. You can daisy-chain a number of locks for much more size.
8. Hiplok Lite
The most adjustable wearable lock
Specifications
Security Level: Bronze Sold Secure safety score
Weight: 1kg
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: 6mm
Mounting Options: Wearable
Reasons to purchase
Convenient belt design
+Bronze rated by Sold Secure
+Lots of color choices
+Lifetime guarantee
Reasons to keep away from
Won’t delay tooled-up attackers for lengthy
–Unlike others, it might probably’t merely be left fitted to your bike
Hiplok is greatest identified for its intelligent belt-style locks, which suggests you do not have to fret about mounting it to your bike or carrying a bag large enough for it to slot in. As the ‘Lite’ identify suggests, that is the lightest within the vary, though it nonetheless ideas the scales at round a kilo.
The physique of the lock is a sequence with 6mm hardened metal hyperlinks, secured with an 8mm shackle that provides it a Bronze score from Sold Secure. That means it received’t delay a tooled-up assault for too lengthy, however it’s sufficient to fend off an off-the-cuff thief.
The locking size is 75cm, nonetheless, the belt match could be adjusted from 66cm to 110cm (26-44in) to be worn by most riders comfortably. It comes with a lifetime guarantee and varied colors for type, in addition to a high-vis color for security.
If you just like the look of this however need a safer various, we additionally suggest the Hiplok Gold.
9. LiteLok Go Flexi-U Regular
The greatest for versatility
Specifications
Security Level: Silver Sold Secure safety score
Weight: 650g (common
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: Approx 1.5cm
Mounting Options: Frame
Reasons to purchase
Lightweight with midweight safety
+Sold Secure Silver
+Flexible building
+Reduced burst/crack danger
+Two sizes accessible
Reasons to keep away from
Not as safe for the worth as the most effective worth D-locks
The Litelok Go Flexi-U is successfully a downsized model of LiteLok’s very intelligent belt type designs, utilizing an analogous strap format however in Regular (19 x 10cm) or Large (27 x 11.5cm) sizes. We’d suggest each sizes, utilizing the massive to safe the rear triangle to a Sheffield put up, and the Regular to lock the entrance wheel to the body.
While it comes curved like a hard and fast form U-lock, the strap is totally versatile so it might probably bend round any method of road furnishings to safe your bike. The flex additionally makes it a lot tougher to burst aside and it makes use of LiteLok’s confirmed locking mechanism. Of all of the locks listed right here, we might say this one is essentially the most versatile.
That means it will get each Sold Secure Silver stage and ART2 safety scores, regardless of weighing half what a comparable strong U lock would.
10. Altor Apex Ti
The greatest for aesthetics
Specifications
Security Level: Not listed
Weight: 723g
Locking sort: Key
Lock Thickness: 13mm bars
Included Keys: 4
Reasons to purchase
Stylish aesthetic
+Push-button lock
+Modular design for lengthening
+Includes bike mount and 4 keys
+The non-scratch coating retains the body protected
Reasons to keep away from
No impartial safety score
–Premium price
Altor began its firm on Kickstarter with the thought of making a fantastic however nonetheless efficient lock for holding your bike protected in type. The Apex is the most recent lock within the vary, and the primary to make use of titanium hyperlinks in its patented, four-rod folding design.
The metal rivet caps are additionally hardened towards energy device assaults and the lock mechanism makes use of a push-button disc-retainer design for defense.
The modular design additionally enables you to prolong the 77cm size by including additional Apex locks. You get 4 keys and a motorbike mount, and contemplating all of the locks are handmade in Washington DC, the worth is remarkably aggressive.
11. Hiplok FX
Basic pit cease combo lock
Specifications
Security Level: NA
Weight: 75g
Locking Type: Combination
Lock Thickness: Approx 1.5mm
Mounting Options: Pocketable
Reasons to purchase
Very light-weight and compact
+Custom mixture code
The entire level of a light-weight bike lock is to be sure you’ve at all times obtained one thing at hand. Something that is small and moveable in order that it is really easy you by no means end up leaving it at dwelling somewhat than bothering to hold it alongside. The Hiplok FX is among the lightest choices accessible.
The retractable cable gives 100cm in size. Throw it in your bag and no matter surprises come up you may have one thing to assist. It features a reflective strip and could be clipped to clothes too.
Like the Z-Lok and Giant Surelock above, it’s solely actually a defence towards a non-tooled ‘walk-off’ thief somewhat than correct safety, however it’s an equally nice alternative for anybody wanting to depart their bike propped up at a restaurant. There’s a pleasant vary of colors accessible too.
12. Ottolock Sidekick
Lightest D-lock
Specifications
Security Level: None
Weight: 768g
Locking Type: Key
Lock Thickness: 12mm
Mounting Options: Pocketable
Reasons to purchase
Very mild for a D-lock
+Soft coating avoids body harm
+Colourful
Reasons to keep away from
Not safety rated
–Small locking space
At round 750g, the Ottolock Sidekick is just about the lightest D-lock accessible and its vibrant orange color will appeal to consideration and perhaps keep off thieves (there are black and blue alternate options accessible too).
Despite its low weight, there is a 12mm hardened double shackle and anti-rotation deadbolt, though as a US model Ottolock hasn’t submitted the Sidekick for score by UK-based Sold Secure.
On the flip aspect, the Sidekick has a reasonably small locking space, so chances are you’ll not be capable of safe your body and your rear wheel to an anchor, so that you would possibly want to hold a separate cable or different lock or danger coming again to a wheelless bike.
How to decide on the most effective light-weight bike lock for you
If you are new to purchasing bike locks, the sheer quantity of selection on supply could be daunting. Generally, essentially the most safe locks are usually D-locks, as they’re typically stronger and extra resilient towards varied assaults. However, they’re normally not the lightest possibility, which is why there are many bike lock producers developing with alternate options.
In this record, you may discover D-locks in addition to wearable locks you can clip round your waist, and smaller mixture or key-operated locks that do not supply an enormous quantity of safety, however are high quality when you’re simply popping out and in of a store. Ultimately when selecting the best lock for you, contemplate the place you propose to lock your bike, and the way lengthy you may go away it unattended.
What ought to I search for in a motorbike lock?
For our roundup, we have included a number of standards that you simply would possibly wish to contemplate when making your alternative: safety stage, weight, locking sort, lock thickness, and mounting choices.
Security stage refers back to the producer’s claims, but additionally to Sold Secure score, primarily based on third-party testing. Some bike insurers would require you to make use of a lock with a minimal Sold Secure score in your coverage to be legitimate, so verify this before you purchase.
Weight is an apparent issue right here since we’re specializing in light-weight bike locks, however thickness can be vital. The thicker the lock, the longer it ought to take a thief to chop by way of it, however extra thickness additionally ends in extra weight. You’ll want to determine the place you draw the road to discover a lock that strikes that steadiness.
Finally, mounting choices consult with how moveable a lock is. Can you simply mount it to your body, put on it round your waist, or put it in your pocket? Everyone may have a private desire right here, so we have included a spread.
What is essentially the most safe sort of motorbike lock?
Lightweight would not have to imply ‘garbage’. The most typical information to safety ranges of the most effective light-weight bike locks is the ‘Sold Secure’ normal.
Sold Secure is an impartial testing facility that has a complete testing process. The locks endure assessments, and primarily based on their efficiency, are then licensed with a score of Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond.
While Bronze is the bottom stage of certification, it nonetheless has to go varied assessments with a purpose to meet this normal, so a great way to consider it’s as Bronze = good, Silver = nice, Gold = Excellent. Diamond is of course ‘distinctive’ in efficiency, however it’s a tier reserved just for particular merchandise resembling lock cylinders or floor anchors.
It’s not the be-all and end-all take a look at, and there are locks that go far past their high Gold normal, however it’s a good information for a way lengthy a lock will sluggish up thieves. Note that we are saying ‘sluggish up’ somewhat than ‘defeat’, as a result of a decided, tooled-up thief will get by way of any lock ultimately. If it’s sufficient to make informal criminals hand over, not even strive, or take lengthy sufficient so that you can return and interrupt their progress, that’s a win.
However, the extent of safety you want will in the end rely upon the place, when, and for a way lengthy you propose on leaving your bike. An opportunist thief who walks off along with your un-locked bike can leap on and pedal away a lot faster than you can begin your chase, so even when you by no means go away it out of sight, you would possibly nonetheless wish to mitigate towards the dangers in case your bike is out of attain at a restaurant. With that mentioned, you won’t wish to lug round a 1kg D-lock when a small cable will serve an ample function.
On the opposite hand, when you plan on leaving your bike at a prepare station all through the day, then the elevated safety of a heavier lock might be greater than price the additional weight. Check our information to the most effective bike locks for increased safety choices.
Which sort of motorbike lock is greatest?
This will very a lot rely in your circumstances and the way you wish to carry it. D-Locks are usually heavier than cable or chain type locks, however they’re going to normally include a body mount, making it straightforward to hold.
There are varied bodily designs to contemplate too. D-locks are typically essentially the most cost-effective safety towards the widest vary of assaults. They are cumbersome although and sometimes a combat to suit spherical tubes/poles/racks and so on.
Articulated linkage locks like Abus’s Bordo are rising in popularity as a result of they keep among the sturdiness of a D-Lock, however nonetheless pack down simply and could be threaded into extra congested/advanced locking conditions.
Cables or chains are essentially the most versatile locking resolution and really laborious to burst or lever open. They’re additionally straightforward to retailer/carry however skinny cables and chains are straightforward to chop with croppers and even only a pair of pliers in some circumstances. Finally, there are good options resembling wearable locks from LiteLok and HipLok or the novel rod design from Altor.
How a lot ought to I spend on a light-weight bike lock?
Our assortment of the most effective light-weight bike locks begins on the very price range finish of the spectrum, however as you pay extra you normally get elevated security measures like double deadlocks, hardened metal alloys and extra keys/extra mixture lock digits.
They’ll hopefully be higher made by way of rubberised paint safety, rattling or reliability over time. Don’t overlook that skilled bike thieves are genuinely skilled so that they know what manufacturers will put up a greater combat. That means whereas Abus and Kryptonite are costly, simply the sight of them is likely to be safety sufficient.
What if my bike is stolen whereas utilizing a lock?
Are there any ensures or security nets for me to fall again on?
Some manufacturers again their locks up with potential pay-outs when you get your bike stolen whereas utilizing their product. The stage of proof of buy/use/damaged lock returns wanted to qualify varies considerably although, so verify the small print rigorously and be sure you register your lock instantly if that’s one of many standards.
How can I cease my bike from getting stolen?
However good (or unhealthy) your lock/locks are, you’ll be able to at all times enhance safety by being good. For a begin, make the lock awkward to get to with instruments or laborious to get to with saws/bottle jacks/freeze sprays, bolt croppers, and so on.
Two various kinds of locks with completely different key types imply a thief should take longer and use extra instruments and that’s precisely what they hate doing. While it’s tempting to cover your bike away once you lock it (and clearly a good suggestion at dwelling) if the bike is hidden, so is anybody making an attempt to steal it, so parking in view of CCTV is a helpful deterrent.
If you’re commuting, use completely different locking places on a random sample too so thieves do not study your habits or clock your bike and are available again tooled-up the following day. If you discover your lock has been attacked then undoubtedly transfer location and if it’s been disabled with glue and so on (so you’ll be able to’t unlock it your self) then get the lock damaged your self instantly by a locksmith, because it’s a certain signal that criminals might be again later with the precise instruments.
Don’t be afraid to ask when you can stick a motorbike someplace protected too. A neighborhood storage or workshop is likely to be glad of an additional fiver per week for biscuits for letting you lock your bike up of their in any other case unused storage room.
Finally, when you’re a Strava person, be sure you set the privateness zones to cease your property and office from being pinpointed on-line and ensure your mates do the identical.
For extra, try our information on how one can stop bike theft, for some high tricks to hold the thieves at bay and our information to the most effective bike trackers for concepts on how one can hold tabs in your bike’s location and perhaps get it again whether it is stolen.
How can we take a look at?
The staff right here at Cyclingnews is a gaggle of devoted cyclists. We love telling you about the easiest merchandise to make your driving extra enjoyable. Making certain we’re bringing you the most effective merchandise means we take a look at, quite a bit.
We experience when it is darkish and chilly, we race, and we experience all day. We do what it takes to place merchandise to the take a look at and we even have the benefit of expertise. We use the merchandise each as designed, and generally not fairly. Whatever it takes to ensure we’re educated and suggest the easiest.
The merchandise on this record are all choices which have been extensively researched. Everyone makes use of merchandise in a barely completely different means and has distinctive wants. We’ve gone out and located what we consider are the most effective selections for light-weight bike locks throughout a variety of use circumstances.