Best Bike Locks: How to Keep Your Bike Safe

Around 300,000 bikes are stolen in the UK every year. A good lock and proper locking technique are your best defence. Here's what to buy and how to use it.

Types of bike lock

D-lock (U-lock)

The gold standard for security. A hardened steel shackle that's very difficult to cut.

• Security: Excellent — resistant to bolt cutters and leverage attacks
• Weight: Heavy (1–2kg)
• Flexibility: Limited — can only lock to objects that fit within the shackle
• Price: £30–100
• Best for: Primary lock for any bike worth protecting

Chain lock

A hardened steel chain with a padlock or integrated lock. More flexible than a D-lock.

• Security: Good to excellent (depends on chain thickness)
• Weight: Very heavy (2–4kg for good ones)
• Flexibility: Excellent — wraps around almost anything
• Price: £40–120
• Best for: Locking to awkward objects, securing multiple bikes

Folding lock

Hinged steel plates that fold flat for carrying. A good compromise between security and portability.

• Security: Good
• Weight: Moderate (0.7–1.5kg)
• Flexibility: Good — more reach than a D-lock
• Price: £40–90
• Best for: Commuters who want security without the bulk

Cable lock

A steel cable with a combination or key lock. Lightweight but easy to cut.

• Security: Low — can be cut in seconds with bolt cutters
• Weight: Light (0.3–0.5kg)
• Best for: Secondary lock only, or very low-risk situations (cafe stop in a village)
• Never use as your only lock for any bike you care about

How to lock your bike properly

• Lock through the frame and rear wheel to an immovable object
• Use two locks if possible — a D-lock through the frame and a cable through the front wheel
• Fill the shackle — leave as little space as possible inside the D-lock (makes leverage attacks harder)
• Lock high up — makes it harder to use the ground for leverage
• Lock to something solid — bike racks, thick posts, or railings bolted to the ground
• Remove quick-release wheels if you only have one lock — take the front wheel with you or lock it too

Sold Secure ratings

Look for the Sold Secure rating when buying a lock — it's the UK standard for lock security:

• Bronze: Basic protection — deters opportunistic theft
• Silver: Good protection — resists common attack tools
• Gold: Excellent protection — resists serious attack for several minutes
• Diamond: Maximum protection — for high-value bikes

For bikes worth over £300, aim for at least Silver. For bikes worth over £1,000, Gold or Diamond is recommended.

Other theft prevention tips

• Register your bike on BikeRegister.com — it's free and helps police return stolen bikes
• Record your serial number — found on the underside of the bottom bracket
• Take photos of your bike from multiple angles
• Don't leave your bike locked outside overnight if you can avoid it
• Vary your locking location — don't always lock in the same spot at the same time
• Check your home insurance — many policies cover bike theft (with conditions)