Are you tired of worrying about your bike's safety? Choosing the right lock can be a daunting task, balancing robust security with convenient portability and a reasonable price. This article cuts through the confusion, presenting the top five best bike locks of 2023, meticulously reviewed across these crucial factors. We've examined heavy-duty D-locks, innovative flexible locks, and compact folding options, each offering a unique blend of protection and practicality.From the virtually impenetrable Ambush Granite Extreme 59 to the surprisingly lightweight yet secure Litelok Gold, we've analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. Discover which lock boasts the highest torsional resistance, which offers the best warranty, and which strikes the perfect balance between security and ease of transport. This guide will empower you to make an informed decision, ensuring your beloved bike remains safe and sound, no matter where you park it.
Pros And Cons
- Unique design combines disc lock mechanism with steel cables and nylon mesh.
- Lightweight (just over 1 kilogram).
- Flexible.
- Withstood 222.5 kilonewtons of force from bolt cropper.
- Resistant to torsion tests.
- Not effective against angle grinder.
- Hardest folding lock on the market.
- Constructed from specially hardened steel.
- 5.5-millimeter bars connected with special rivets.
- Soft touch coating to prevent bike damage.
- Abus Link Protection Shield.
- X-Plus picking resistant precision disc cylinder.
- Security grade of 15 (on a scale where the Granite Extreme 59 scored 20).
- Easier to transport than the Granite Extreme 59.
- About half the price of the Granite Extreme 59.
- Double deadbolt locking mechanism.
- 18-millimeter thick hardened steel shackle.
- Resists hand tools, drills, and bolt cutters.
- Oversized hardened steel sleeve over crossbar.
- Half-moon shaped cutout on shackle for added resistance to twisting attacks.
- $4000 bike protection offered by Kryptonite.
- Weighs just over 2 kilograms.
- Costs just under 90 pounds.
- Compact and easy to transport.
- High security performance due to double deadlock and anti-rotation locking.
- 14-millimeter premium hardened steel shackle.
- Maximum gold level security rating.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Lightweight (1120 grams).
- Costs just under 70 pounds.
Read more: Top 5 Folding Bike Locks for Ultimate Security
Ambush Granite Extreme 59: The Toughest Bike Lock?
The Ambush Granite Extreme 59 is considered one of the strongest, if not the strongest, bike locks on the market. Its construction from specially hardened steel and a 16mm thick parabolic shackle makes it incredibly resistant to attacks. A double locking mechanism further enhances its security, providing exceptional protection against theft.
Testing by Bike Radar revealed impressive torsional resistance (1000 newton meters), exceeding its competitors. The lock's tensile strength is so high that it could withstand two vans pulling on either end without unlocking. However, this robust security comes at a cost – it weighs nearly three kilograms, making portability a challenge.
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini: Double Deadbolt Security
Kryptonite's flagship D-lock, the New York Fahgettaboudit Mini, boasts a protective vinyl coating and a double deadbolt locking mechanism. This design offers superior anti-theft protection, resisting attacks from hand tools, drills, and even bolt cutters.
The 18mm thick hardened steel shackle and oversized patented steel sleeve over the crossbar provide exceptional strength. A unique half-moon cutout on the shackle bottom further enhances resistance to twisting attacks. Kryptonite's confidence is backed by a $4000 bike protection guarantee.
Litelok Gold: Lightweight and Flexible Security
The Litelok Gold offers a unique design, combining a heavy-duty disc lock mechanism with a flexible steel cable encased in a nylon mesh. The Boa Flexicore material makes the strap strong yet lightweight and nearly two inches wide.
Its lightweight design (just over one kilogram) and flexibility make it incredibly convenient to transport and use. While resistant to bolt cutters and torsion, it proved less effective against angle grinders. Still, its strength and versatility are significant advantages.
Hiplok DX: Compact and Convenient Hip Lock
The Hiplok DX is a compact and tough lock, ideal for carrying on your hip or in a rucksack. Despite its small size, it offers high security thanks to its double deadbolt and anti-rotation locking mechanisms, along with a 14mm hardened steel shackle.
It's awarded a maximum gold-level security rating and is engineered to withstand harsh weather. A lifetime warranty adds to its appeal. At only 1120 grams, it's the lightest lock on the list and offers a great balance of convenience and security.
Abus Bordo Granit XPlus 6500: High-Security Folding Lock
The Abus Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 is a top-rated folding lock, constructed from specially hardened steel with 5.5mm bars connected by special rivets resistant to attacks. A soft-touch coating protects bikes during locking.
It features Abus's Link Protection Shield for enhanced rivet security against sawing. Equipped with the XPlus precision disc cylinder for pick-resistance, it achieves a strong 15 security rating (on a scale where 20 is highest), making it a very secure, yet portable option.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bike Lock
Selecting a bike lock involves balancing security, portability, and price. The Ambush Granite Extreme 59 offers ultimate security but sacrifices portability due to its weight and high cost. The Kryptonite and Hiplok offer excellent security with better portability.
The Litelok Gold balances strength with exceptional lightness, although it's less resistant to angle grinders. The Abus Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 provides a strong middle ground between security and portability at a more moderate price point. The best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
