Choosing a bicycle lock means matching its security rating to the bike’s value and the theft risk where you park — not just picking the heaviest option.
For the full breakdown, see our best Budget Bike Lock guide.
Most US riders end up with the wrong lock because they pick one that’s easy to carry instead of one that’s hard to cut. The real question behind how to choose a bicycle lock starts with where you park and how long the bike will sit there. A $30 cable lock might be fine for a quick coffee stop in a quiet town, but it won’t survive an afternoon locked to a city rack. The deciding factors come down to security rating, lock type, fit, and weight — and the good news is that the rules are straightforward once you know what to look for.
Start With An Independent Security Rating
Brand marketing says a lot about a lock, but independent testing tells you what actually matters. Both Consumer Reports and Wirecutter recommend looking for locks tested by ART or Sold Secure and treat those ratings as the reliable baseline. Beyond Silver, the Sold Secure scale climbs to Gold and Diamond — the levels that force thieves to work harder than a pair of bolt cutters can manage.
Buying a cheap lock for an expensive bike is the single most common mistake in this entire decision.
Pick A Lock Type That Matches Your Parking Reality
REI’s experts balance protection against portability, and their guidance lines up with Wirecutter’s: U-locks and heavy chains make the best main locks, folding locks trade some security for easier carrying, and cable locks are for low-risk stops or securing wheels — never as the primary defense for a valuable bike.
- U-locks — the best all-around choice. Rigid, hard to cut with bolt cutters, and available in sizes that fit most frames. A grinder-resistant U-lock is worth the premium in high-crime areas.
- Heavy chains — flexible where a U-lock won’t reach, letting you capture both frame and wheel around a thick post. They weigh more and need a good lock core.
- Folding locks — compact and easier to carry, but the hinge points can be attacked with leverage. Fine for medium-risk parking.
- Cable locks — lightest and easiest to cut. Reserve them for accessories, helmets, or very short stops in low-risk spots.
References & Sources
- Consumer Reports. “Best Bike Locks for Conventional or Electric Bicycles.” Recommends ART and Sold Secure ratings as the independent baseline for lock security.
- Wirecutter (NYTimes). “The Best Bike Lock.” Details the security-rating tiers and the 10%-of-value spending guideline.
- REI Co-op. “How to Choose a Bike Lock.” Explains the tradeoff between lock weight, portability, and real-world security.