Choosing the best budget bike locks is a balance between three main factors: cost, security a🍎nd usability. There is no point in buying a lock that is hard to crack but is a p💦ain to use on your bike in the circumstances you want to secure it.
The good news is that you don't have to spend hund⭕reds of pounds to lock up your bike securely. We set ourselves a budget of around £50 / $60 and found plenty of options to recommend, with our top pick the🧜 OnGuard Pitbull Mini. It's Sold Secure diamond rated and includes a cable as well as a D-lock.
We have included a variety of options here to suit the needs of different riders. We have tested all the locks in real-life scenarios, taking them out to see how practical they are while being transported and when locking up a bike in various situations. This test doesn't include trying to break the locওks open, as we have relied on the certification of qualified testing organisations and have shown the Sold Secure rating for each lock.
If you still need guidance, we have included a buyer's guide and FAQ section on how to choose the best budget bike lock and Sold Secure for you at the end of t♔he article.
Recent updates
Last updated on 20th of May 2025This guide was last updated in May 2025, when all the locks featured were still available to purchase, the images have also been updated to ensure the best quality.
Ong💞uard's small factor D-lock is accompanied by a cable, so you can secure your wheels despite its small size. It's ෴Sold Secure diamond rated and the small size makes for easier carrying.
The Decathlon Elops 900 M D-lock has a sold secure silver rating and for the money is✱ a really good option if you want a decent D lock that won't cost the earth.
Giant uses its heft to br𝔉ing you a 25mm thick cable lock with quality features at a more affordable price, although the lock has not been assessed by Sold Secure.
The OnGuard Pitbull Mini DT 8008 is small but mighty and co꧂mes with a diamond rating from Sold Secure (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
1. OnGuard Pitbull Mini DT 8008
Highest levels of protection and great usability
Reasons to buy
+
Sold Secure diamond rating
+
Comes with cable for locking wheels
+
Metal end caps for protection against striking
Reasons to avoid
-
Small locking area for D-lock
Buy it if
✅You want the best protection at a low price: The Sold Secure diamond rating is its highest.
✅ You want easy packability: The small size makes for easier carrying.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a larger locking area: The small shackle limits locking options.
❌ You don't want to carry too much weight: At over 1kg, the Pitbull isn't light.
There really is little to fault on the OnGuard Pitbull Mini DT. I even found the supposed drawback – that it is a smaller D-lock – to have benefits on the usability fr🃏ont, making it easy to operate and store on the bike.&nไbsp;
The♈ protection this lock offers is staggering given it retails at less than £50. It is the only lock in this guide to be awarded Sold Secure's diamond rating – the highest the testing and certification service offers. Although the locking area of the D-lock is small, I found it ample for securing a bike frame to a post, railing or rack while using the cable that comes with it to secure the wheels.
The Quattro Bolt locking mechanism secures the shackle to the crossbar in four places to increase protection against pulling, jacking, prying and twisting attacks, and theꦛ shackle💯 itself is 14mm thick – the thickest in this round-up along with the Zefal K-Traz – which makes it more difficult to get bolt cutters around it.
It also comes with a $2,251 anti-theft guarantee – although it is subject to quite a few conditions 💛and restrictions, including that it is US-only.
Perhaps our favourite aspect was its usability. It is reasonably heavy at 1,126g – as you might expect from a heavy-duty lock – but as it is smaller and 😼because of the design, with hand-grooved bumpers at the top and bottom, it just makes the whole process of using it that little bit ea✃sier. Plus I found the bumpers helped to stop it rattling when riding while the lock was mounted on the frame – relieving a personal pet peeve. The mounting bracket itself is very slick, with the ability to rotate the angle at which the lock sits and multiple placement options.
Rather than a manual shutter to protect the keyhole from debris, the Pitbull has an automatic cover that opens and then seals when inserting and removing the key. The keys themselves🍃 are also a cut above the competition – the main one coming with a built-in light to help you see the keyhole in the dark – and there are four spares. It also comes with a key fob that has a handy key code for when ordering replacements and instructions on how to lubricate the mechanism to keep it functioning wel⛦l.
Best value
The Elops 900 M lock from Decathlon h🦄as a silver Sold Sec🌺ure rating (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
2. Decathlon Elops 900 M D-lock
Best value
Reasons to buy
+
Sold Secure silver rating
+
Decent-size locking area
+
Bargain price
Reasons to avoid
-
No separate cable for wheels
Buy it if
✅ You want the lowest-priced lock possible: Decathlon's D-lock is great value.
✅ You're also looking for low weight: At 800g, this lock is low in weight for a D-lock.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a bike mount included: The mount costs extra.
❌ You want a larger shackle size: Althওough not as small as the Pitbull, the locke🥃d area is still a little low.
If pure value for money is wh✱ꦫat you want, it is hard to look past the Decathlon 900 M D-Lock. Its 159mm shackle size is a little smaller than some, but that leads to a claimed weight of just 800g, so carrying is that much easier.
Despite the low weight and low price, it is rated silver by Sold Secure – theꦓ same as the Hiplok D which is al൲most three times the price. There are no frills, but frills won't be high on many people's lists when looking for the best budget bike locks. The lock comes with three keys and a two-year guarantee. You do need to buy the mount separately, however.
If you're looking to upgrade your setup without overspending, you can find discounts on cycling essentials with our latest 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:Decathlon coupons.
Best portable-yet-secure D-lock
T♋he Hiplok D has a built-in clip that can be attached to bag straps or belts (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
3. Hiplok D
Best portable-yet-secure D-lock
Reasons to buy
+
Lightweight
+
13mm-thick shackle
+
Lifetime warranty
Reasons to avoid
-
Small locking area
-
No cable to lock wheels
Buy it if
✅ You are looking for a good balance of security vs weight: The sub-kilo weight is low for a lock with reasonable security.
✅ You want a long guarantee: The lifetime warranty is as good as it gets.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a larger shackle area: It's another fairly small lock.
❌ You want to keep the budget low: The Hiplok D is one😼 of the mo♎re expensive locks here.
Away from home (or wherever you store your ride), bike locks come down to a balance of security versus practicality. If it was purely a matter of security, you'd buy the thickest hunk of hardened steel you can afford no matter how much it weighs; if it's pure down to practicalit🐽y, you'd just 'secure' your bike with a zip-tie and keep half an eye o🎃n it (we've got you covered on that front with the Hiplok Z LOK COMBO).
The Hiplok D gives a superb balance of those considerations: it is rated silver by Sold Secure so will satisfy many insurance policies, has a ꦬ13mm shackle despite weighing in at under a kilogram and has a built-in clip that allows it to be secured to a bag strap or belt when not in use.
I found 🦋it to be a solid piece of kit – Hiplok offers a 10-year 'lifetime' warranty – with a smooth double-bolt locking action and a weatherproof keyhole cover. When I took it out for a ride, I clipped it to my rucksack and it was so secure I soon forgot about it. As you have no doubt🌌 ascertained from this guide, we are not big fans of the distinct clatter you get from most D-locks when they are mounted to the bike, so this is an excellent solution. It looks pretty slick too.
It is a little on the small side. While I could just about manage to lock the back wheel to the fr⛎ame, I couldn't do the same for the front✱ wheel – and you'd struggle to lock the wheel and frame together to a rack or railing, so would have to pair it with another lock to achieve that. It's also at the top end of the budget, so you are paying for convenience (and style) over substance to a certain extent.
Best lighter weight D-lock
(Image credit: Josh Ross)
4. Abus Ultra Mini 410
Best lighter weight D-lock
☆☆☆☆☆
Specifications
Type: D-lock
Sold Secure rating: Silver
Shackle/link thickness: 12mm shackle
Size of locking area: 80mm x 180mm
Weight: 774g (actual)
Lock type: Key
Reasons to buy
+
Lightweight
+
Double locking shackle
+
Silicone protection
Reasons to avoid
-
Small size
Buy it if
✅ You want a low-weight mid-security lock: The Abus Mini is another lighter-weight option.
✅ You're looking for a double-locking D-lock: The♔ double shackle makes breaking🌟 the lock harder.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want to lock your wheels, not just the frame: You might want to choose one of the longer options from Abus.
❌ You leave your bike in high-risk areas: The si🍎lver rati🍎ng isn't as secure as some other locks here.
The Abus Ultra Mini is reasonably priced and a decent 80 x 180mm in size despite the Mini in its name. It's silver-rated by Sold Secure, so it provides adequate r𓆏ather than robust security. ♈It's also pretty lightweight at under 800g, so it's not too much of a burden to lug around.
The 12mm double shackle ensures that no one is going to cut the Abus Ultra Mini with wire cutters. You could probably get through it with 36" bolt cutters, and maybe even 🎀30" cutters given the right scenario, but either way that's still a lot more protection than a cable lock will ever give you. Abus uses a quality lock cylinder to help a🍌void attacks here.
There are also quite a few variants of the Abus 410. The one I’ve included here is the basic Mini 410. It’s too small to lock more than just the frame but it’s less expensive. There are also options that include a cable lock for the front wheel or a bigger space inside the lock. They are all the same 12mm double locking shackle so if this one is ෴too small, pick whatever works for you.
Heavily certified, rattle-free D-lock
The Abus Ultimate 420 comes with a chunky-yet-secure mounting bracket to fix it to the bi🐷ke without rattling (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
✅ You are looking for multiple certifications: The array of independent testing offers confidence.
✅ You want rattle-free carrying: We remarked on h﷽ow well the carrying bracket works.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a protected keyhole: Water and dust ingress could affect operation in the long term.
❌ You want to keep the cost low: It's another loc🐻k that stretches the definition of 'budget'.
The Abus Ultimate 420 comes with a whole host of certifications. Given a 12 out of 15 security level by the German company, it has been tested and certified in five different countries. It has a gold rating from the UK's Sold Secure and test seals from 🐬the SBSC in Sweden, the Varefakta in Denmark and similar bodies in 𓄧Norway and Finland that are often required by insurance companies. It also has Abus's own ice spray seal to show that it has been tested against attacks in which the lock is cooled down in the hope that it is more susceptible to impacts.
At 13mm, its shackle is a decent thickness – althou🅠gh not as thick as the OnGuard Pitbull or Zefal K-Traz U17 – and it has a double-bolted locking mechanism that is standard on decent-level D-locks.
I found this to be one of the most user-friendly of the locks I tested, with the mechanism easy and the weight reasonable at just over a kilogram. It does, however, fall down on a lot of the extras you might exꩲpect from a lock at the top end of the budget. It does not come with a cable to lock up wheels and there is no protective covering for the keyhole that has become a feature of 🅘many D-locks.
Where it did outperform other lockꩲs, however, was the rattle test. The mounting bracket is rather bulky but because it requires the lock to be opened and locked through it, it secures it more tightly than any of the other locks I tested – and therefore hugely reduced the amount of rattle 🗹when riding while it was mounted on the frame.
Cheapest gold standard lock
The Burg Wachter 1580 HB has a neat ꦅrotating k𝕴eyhole cover (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
6. Burg Wachter 1580 HB
Cheapest and lightest gold standard lock
Reasons to buy
+
Sold Secure gold rating
+
Large locking area
+
Lightweight for D-lock
+
Mounting bracket simple and unobtrusive
+
Meets Secured By Design UK police standard
Reasons to avoid
-
No separate cable for wheels
-
Lock rattles while riding when mounted on frame
Buy it if
✅ You want Sold Secure gold rating: There's a good level of security, according to Sold Secure's testing.
✅ You're looking for smooth locking: We were impressed with the locking mechanism.
Don't buy it if
❌ You don't like rattles when riding: The mount doesn't provide the firmest hold.
❌ You're worried about bolt cutter attacks: We reckon the thinner sha🐽ckle could be vuln▨erable to bolt cutters.
The Burg Wachter 1050 HB is a heavy-duty D-lock that simply does all the basics well. There are no frills, but it just scores a little bit higher in most departments. It s🍸ells at a low price but has a gold Sold Secure rating, which could make the difference on insurance requirements. However, the shackle itself is on the thin side, perhaps making it more vulnerable to bolt cutters.
The locking🅠 mechanism itself is spring-loaded, which makes for a much smoother operation, and there is a neat rotating keyhole cover to keep out debris, that has a high-quality feel about it.
The mounting bracket to attach tཧhe lock to the bike when not in use is basic but I found it easy to fit, and its low profile made it quite attractive to keep on the bike, as opposed to the more clunky offerings that come with the Abus Ultimate 420. The lock itself does, however, rattle when riding while attached to the bike, which I found difficult to put up with.
Perhaps most importantly, the lock weighs in at 1,040g, which puts it only a fraction heavier than the Hiplok D – and the lightest of the Sold Secure gold-r𒁏ated locks in this test.
No-frills, high-spec lock at cheaper price
The Zefal K-Traz U17 shares the same quadruple-bolt mec𝔉hanism and 14mm shackle as▨ the Pitbull OnGuard (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
7. Zefal K-Traz U17 Cable
No-frills, high-spec lock at cheaper price
☆☆☆☆☆
Specifications
Type: D-lock
Sold Secure rating: Gold
Shackle/link thickness: 14mm shackle
Size of locking area: 115mm x 230mm + cable
Weight: 1,280g (actual, D-lock only)
Lock type: Key (quadruple bolted)
Reasons to buy
+
Sold Secure gold rating
+
Large locking area
+
Separate cable for wheels
+
Quadruple-bolted locking mechanism
Reasons to avoid
-
Rattles when mounted on frame
Buy it if
✅ You want quad-bolt locking: The D-lock-plus-cable design should increase security.
✅ You are looking for a larger locking area: The cable alꦇlows you to secure wheels, not 💃just the frame.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want easy mounting to your bike: It's an awkward lock to place.
❌ You don't like rattles: Yet another rattly mount.
On many levels, the Zefal K-Traz U17 is one of the best locks in this guide. In fact, on a purely technical level, it is unsurpassed – but it falls down on its usabil🦩ity.
It shares a lot of the characteristics with the OnGuard Pitbull: it has the ✨same quadruple-bolt locking system with a self-sealing keyhole cover; an equivalent 14mm-thick shackle, although with a larger locking area; and a separate cabl✅e to secure the wheels. But it only gets a gold Sold Secure rating compared to the Pitbull's diamond.
It also has exactly the same mounting bracket, but what works really well for the smaller Pitbull is actually a bit of a hindrance for the K-Traz. Locating the mount on the seat tube, I found it impossible to secure the larger lock in pla🌸ce using the twist-to-fit technique without it hitting the seat-tube bottle cage. I therefore had to either remove the bottle cage or position the mounting bracket elsewhere on the bike. The only realistic alternative for me was the seat post – but that was far from ideal as it is where I often mount a bag or mounting for a kids tag along on the hybrid bike I was using for the testing.
Even once mounted, the Zefal K-Traz U17 did, unfortunately, hav🌊e a rattle – which I didn't experience when using the OnGuard Pitbull and Abus Ultimate 420. It is also the heﷺaviest of the Sold Secure gold-rated locks I tested.
That said, if security and cost are higher up your list than usability, it is perhaps the best option here. It will be hard to find a chea﷽per gold-rated D-lock that comes with a cable.
Reputable brand which ticks almost every box
The Kryptonite KryptoLok Standard, which als🌠o comes with a cable to secure wheels, has a low-profile mounting bracket (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
8. Kryptonite KryptoLok Standard
Reputable brand which ticks almost every box
Reasons to buy
+
Sold Secure gold rating
+
Pick and drill resistant disc-style locking cylinder
+
Separate cable for wheels
+
Key safe programme
Reasons to avoid
-
Comparatively thin shackle for price
Buy it if
✅ You want a D-lock plus cable combo: Another budget bike lock with a cable in addition to the D-lock.
✅ You value the £1,000 anti-theft guarantee: It's a nic⛄e add-on if you follow the rules when locking⭕ your bike.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want to keep the budget low: The Kryptonite lock is one of the pricier ones here.
❌ You are looking for a thicker shackle: The 12.7mm shackle is a little skinny.
I'🌠ve used Kryptonite locks for many years and they have always carried a strong reputation. Perhaps an indication of their high standards is given by the fact this lock only rates six🍰 out of 10 on Kryptonite's own security scale – despite it being gold-rated by Sold Secure and stretching our self-imposed budget to the max.
Like the OnGuard Pitbull, the KryptoLok Standard comes with an anti-the♏ft financial guarantee – in this case £1,000 and applicable in Europe rather than US – and Kryptonite also runs a Key Safe prꦺogramme that offers free replacements for lost keys, as well as a limited lifetime product warranty for the lock.
It comes with a cable to secure wheels and, having owned an earlier version at a similar price point, I was pleased to see a few improvements. 🍎Most notable is that it has a double-bolt locking mechanism – which means it would likely need to be cut twice to remove it, while K🐎ryptonite says its disc-style cylinder is both pick and drill-resistant. It also now has a dust cover for the keyhole which is opened and closed with a small sliding button.
The mounting bracket remains the same and rivals the Burg Wachter 1580 HB for smarts with its low-profile▨ look. Unlike the Zefal K-Traz U17, the lock slides onto the bracket rather than twists into position, so there are not the same placement problems. In the past, I have found the release mechanism to get a little stiff – which can result in the lock clanging against the frame as it is forced out of the bracket – but this one seems to have a much smoother action, so it may be a glitch that Kryptonite has fixed. The lock itself does, however, have that annoying rattle while riding that may be an issue for some users.
For those who like extra certifica🍌tion, this lock also gets a two-star rating (out of five) from the Dutch ART Foundꦓation and test seal from Denmark's Varefakta.
Worth noting is that its shackle is just 12.7mm thick – only the super-ligh🍷tweight O❀ttolock Sidekick is thinner out of the D-locks we tested.
For riders who want lightest possible D-lock
The Ottolock Sideki𒁏ck weighs just 768g and has a soft 🐠silicone shell (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
9. Ottolock Sidekick
For riders who want lightest possible D-lock
Reasons to buy
+
Very light for a D-lock
+
Soft, silicone coating to prevent damage to frame or other belongings
+
Bright orange colour
Reasons to avoid
-
Not rated by Sold Secure
-
Small locking area
Buy it if
✅ You want a low-weight D-lock: The Sidekick is one of the lowest-weight options.
✅ You want good protection from frame scratches: The soft coating should avoid damage ꦺto your bike.
Don't buy it if
❌ You're looking for a security-rated D-lock: There's no independent verification of how secure this lock is.
❌ You want a larger locking area: It's another lock ♐that sacrifices size for low we💦ight.
The Ottolock Sidekick is another example of usability trumping security. It is the only D-lock in this guide that doesn't come with a rating from Sold Secure and, at 12mm, has the thinnest shackle – although it should be noted there are Sold Secure-rated locks out there with 12mm sཧhackles.
The trade-off comes with it being among the lightest locks we tested – despite weighing in a fair bit over the claimed weight – 768g rather than the supposed 750g. It also has a thick, soft silicone shell that is going to protect your precious b🌟ike frame and any other belongings you might be worried about if you sling it in a bag alongside them. Because that's what appealed to me about this lock. If you want a D-lock you can happily🎀 chuck in a backpack or pannier bag knowing it's not going to get in the way or unduly weigh you down, this is worth looking at. I was also drawn to its very garish orange colour that is going to make sure any bike thieves notice it a mile off (it also comes in electric blue or black).
It is small and pretty simplistic, but I found it large enough to secure my bike frame to a post, and 🔥it has a double, anti-rotation deadbolt that means a thief can't just cut one side and easily twist it open. It sits in the middle of our budget and is cheaper than the Hiplok D – the nearest equivalent in this guide – although that does have a silver Sold Secure rating.
Ottolock does suggest pairing it with one of its t✱o maximise the security it provides and the company also now has an XL version that is big enough to fix the wheel and frame together to a post.
Chain & cable locks
Low priced, low weight cable lock
(Image credit: Giant)
10. Giant Surelock Tough 1
Low priced, low weight cable lock
Reasons to buy
+
Light weight
+
Hardened steel cable
+
Quality locking mechanism
Reasons to avoid
-
Not Sold Secure tested
Buy it if
✅ You want the portability of a cable lock: The Surelock is significantly easier to put in a backpack than a D-lock.
✅ You're looking for a low-priced option: Giant's lock is low in price.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a sub-kilo weight: The Surelock is still weighty, despite being a less secure option.
❌ You are looking for a Sold Secure rated lock: Cable locks are🐟, in general, easiꦉer to break than other lock types.
The Giant Surelock Touꩲgh 1 is top of the brand's cable lock options, with a 25mm hardened steel cable, but still comes in at a relatively lightweight 1.25kg. It has a reinforced barrel with a double-bolt locking mechanism and includes a mounting bracket.
The lock hasn't been assessed by So♎ld Secure, so it doesn't have a security rating. As with other cable locks, it's likely to be less secure﷽ than a D or chain lock, but has the advantages of easier carrying from its foldable design, lower weight and easier fitting around your bike and chosen anchor point.
Ideal for cafe stops
The Hiplok Z LOK COMBO is h🌌igh on usability, low on security (Image credit: Hiplok)
11. Hiplok Z LOK COMBO
Ideal for cafe stops
Reasons to buy
+
Ultra-lightweight
+
Combination lock means no need for key
+
Quick and easy to put on and take off
Reasons to avoid
-
Combination is only three digits
-
No Sold Secure rating
Buy it if
✅ You want a pocketable lock for cafe stops: The Z Lok Combo is the smallest, lightest lock here but still offers a bike mount.
✅ You want a simple lock for other uses too: The small format increases versatility.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want higher security: It's a lock for quick stops, not high-risk areas.
❌ You'll find the combination dials fiddly: The new dials are much more readable, but still less intuitive thaﷺn a key.
The Hiplok Z LOK COMBO was inspired by a cyclist who would simply bring a cable tie out on rides and use that to secure his bike. Taking this rudimentary concept, Hiplok – the same company that produces the wearable chain lock we feature here too – developed its Z LOK line, which is basically a reusable cabl෴e tie, or zip tie, with a steel core.
The original version is still available and uses a simple two-pronged key but the Z LOK COMBO swaps this for a combination lock, making it even more hassle-free. The code can be registered online with Hiplok in case you forgeౠt it. The Combo was updated in 2025, with the dials now repositioned and larger, making them much easier to see and use. Although it's pocketable, Hiplok also supplies a carrying bracket, so you can attach it to your bike.
The security level is minimal. Itღ is designed to deter the opportunists and Hiplok refers to it as a "café lock" – for the kind of stops where you won't let your bike o🧔ut of your sight for more than a moment. The steel core will at least prevent simple knives or scissors from being used to cut it.
You can buy Z LOKs in multipacks and they 🍸have all sorts of useful ancillary uses, such as securing your bike to a car rack, securing your helmet to your bike while stopped, or as a bit of a security padlock alternative for your luggage while bikepacking. Hiplok makes a .&nb🎶sp;
I found it to be joyously simple to use. My bright orange Z LOK COMBO (they also come in blue, green and black) weighed in at just 74g and I was happy taking it out on a serious ride stuffed in one of my jersey pockets. The mechanism is so smooth I was able to secure it using one hand and, when you press the release button, it pings open with a🌠 satisfying swoosh.
Easy-to-stash lightweight option
The Abus Bordo 6055k Litꦯe can fit into a saddle bag or the back poc💞ket of a cycling jersey (Image credit: Guy Kesteven)
✅ You want a lightweight lock that's easy to carry: The Bordo Lite is another lock that's pretty portable.
✅ You want more security than a cable lock: The hinged shackle should be harder to b🏅reak than a low-weight cable.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a Sold Secure rated lock: The lock hasn't been security rated.
❌ You want a larger enclosed area than 60cm: The low weight comes from a small locked area.
Folding🔥 locks tend to be more expensive because of their complex design but the Abus Bordo 6055k Lite just about squeezes into our budget.
It offers a lightweight alternative to the D-locks and chain locks in t🐼his guide, but with more security than a cable lock. If weight is high on your list of priorities and th🌠e Hiplok Z LOK COMBO doesn't offer enough protection for your bike, this might be the halfway house you are looking for.
It is formed from a series of pivoted steel links that fold together into a cuboid-type shape that fits into a jersey pocket or small saddle bag. Abus also sells a separate mounting bracket if you prefer to carry it on the bike frame. ꧒;
It is not going to stop a determined thief who has all the right tools – the pivots are vulnerable to being pried apart and the links themselves are nowhere near as thi⛦ck as even a chain lock's links, although their flat shape may prevent certain tools from being used.
I found it really easy to use and loved the fact that I could carry it in the usual saddle bag I take out on rides alongside a pump and spare inner tube. It has an automatic cylinder, which means you don't nee🍨d to manually lock it with the key – just slide the final link in. The 60mm circum🔯ference means it hasn't got the locking capacity of a chain lock, but is similar to the smaller D-locks in this guide – although easier to get into place without searching for awkward angles.
✅ You want to secure multiple bikes with one lock: The longer option should allow you to lock two or three bikes.
✅ You are content with a Sold Secure bronze rating: It's not the most secure lock, but it is rated.
Don't buy it if
❌ You are looking for low weight: It's a chunky lock, particularly the longer version.
❌ You want more protection from thieves: You probably shouldn't rely on the R⛦ottweiler 🦩cable lock in high-risk areas.
The Ong🍎uard Rottweiler cable lock is available in a range of grades. The 25mm diameter cable sits below the thicker 30mm option and there's also a 20mm thickness with a key lock as well as thinner options with combination locks.
The Rottweiler's cable is enclosed in a hardened steel sheath to provide🌼 some additional protection from bolt cutters and there's a double bolt locking mechanism. The whole lock has a plastic outer coating to help protect your paintwork.
With t⛦wo length choices, 1.2m and 1.8m, there's a lot of cable available with the potential to lock up multiple bikes or pass the cable through the wheels and fra🥃me and around wider anchor points.
The cable length leads to a hefty lock, with weigh🅘ts up to 2.4kg. Despite the burly build, the Onguard Rottweiler is Sold Secure bronze rated, reflecting the easier cutting of a cable over a hardened chain or D-lock. On the plus side, it's very foldable though, making it easier to carry.
Wearable chain lock
The Hiplok LITE offers a solu🅷tion to transporting a heavy chain lock (Image credit: Mildred Locke)
14. Hiplok LITE
A wearable chain lock for those who want to roll without the rattle
Reasons to buy
+
Sold Secure bronze rating
+
Can be worn around waist while riding
+
Doesn't have usual rattle of chain locks
Reasons to avoid
-
Chain links aren't as thick as rivals
-
Not the smoothest locking action
Buy it if
✅ You are looking for a wearable lock: This is one of the easiest locks to carry.
✅ You want a rattle-free chain lock: Wearing around y🌌our waist eliminates frame rattles.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want a higher rating than Sold Secure bronze: It's another lower-rated lock.
❌ You don't like fiddly locking: The design makes🅺 it harder to use than some alternatives.
The Hiplok Lite is the result of some out-of🦹-the-box thinking from the UK-based company. Many people prefer to lock their bikes up with chain locks, as D-locks can be fiddly to position. But chain locks tend to be heavier because of the sheer volume of metal involved and no matter how you choose to transport it, you're likely to rattle like you're auditioning for a part in the .
Therefore the Hiplok Lite is designed so it can be worn around the waist, like a belt. It sounds a bit of a mad concept but I 🐼found it worked quite well. The original version has a silver Sold Secure rating (rather than bronze) but busts our budget and is nearly twice as heavy as the Hiplok LITE. As a result, the links on the LITE version are only 6mm thick, which is 2mm thinner than the Zefal K-Traz M12 Code also included in this guide.
Here's how it works: the padlock doubles ඣup as the belt clasp and stays secured to one end of the chain while a strip of material is threaded through it. This is tightened to fit your waist and secured in place with a long velcro strap. When I took it for a ride, it felt really secure. I'm not going to be taking it up my favourite climbs or entering my next sportive wearing it, but for a simple ride to the pub or a gentle family bike ride, it made sense. The weight of it is still a touch more than a kilogram, so you certainly know it's there and wouldn't want to be doing any serious exercise while wearing it.
I did find when using the chain to secure the bike (rather than hold𝕴 up my shorts!) it was a bit fiddly to hook the padlock into place around the chain. This was a result of the extra material required for the belt aspect and because it doesn't just automatically lock into place – you have to turn the key to secure it.
However, one of the things I like best about the Hiplok LITE is the way the material has been wrapped around the chain to elimina꧋te almost all of the rattle that usually comes with chain locks. So, coupled with the fact that it's quite light for a chain lock, even if you didn't fancy adding it to your summer wardrobe this would be a great option just to sling in a backpack or pannier bag.
Affordable chain lock with combination system
The Zefal K-Traz M12 Code has 8mm-thick links⛎ and an 800mm locking area (Image credit: Benjamin Page)
15. Zefal K-Traz M12 Code
Affordable chain lock with combination system
Reasons to buy
+
Great value for money
+
8mm-thick links
+
Big locking area
Reasons to avoid
-
No Sold Secure rating
-
Not much of a portable option
Buy it if
✅ You want a large locking area: There's plenty of room to lock wheels and frame to an anchor.
✅ You don't want to risk losing a key: The combination lock means no key is needed.
Don't buy it if
❌ You're looking for a secure-rated lock: It's another non-rated lock.
❌ You want lower weight: The long chain means a 1.2kg weight.
There aren't many chain locks in this guide to the 🐬best budget bike locks as they tend to be more expensive due to the amount of metal they use. Their design also means that – compared to D-locks – they are more vulnerable to being cut: the thickness of the links is never going💫 to be as thick as a D-lock shackle.
Howe🦹ver, I thought the📖 Zefal K-Traz M12 Code was worth including as it does offer excellent value for money. It has a massive 800mm locking area – the biggest of any of the locks in this guide – and the individual links are 8mm thick, which is thicker than the Hiplok LITE (6mm).
Combination locks are often avoided simply because they can be opened without any tools – either by a thief watching you lock up and spying on your code or by managing to crack the code. The K-Traz M12 combats that somewhat by having four digits – vastly increasing the number of potential combinations from 720 to 10,000 –an𒆙d obviously it negates the need to carry a key with you.
I found the mechanism to be really well-designed. The chunky dials have clear numbers and rotate into place with a reassuring click. It was simple to set the code and the pin slides in and out without fuss. The chain is covered with a material to protect the bike frame from scratches and, as expected, the length of the chain made it really easy to lock to just about anything I ca💯me across.
It is a heavy lock, although a rare example of weighing in lower than the claimed weight – tipping my scales at 1,243g rather than the 1,250g advertised. So I didn't find it to be the most ꧋practical option for taking on rides – the Hiplok LITE's lower weight, unique carrying style and Sold Secure bronze rating make it a better option on that front.
How to choose the best budget bicycle lock
Wondering how to select the best budget bike lock that meets yourღ needs but doesn't cost too much? Here's how to choose.
Set your budget. If you've landed here, we guess you don't want to spend too much; otherwise, check our guide the the best bike locks if you want to consider pricier options.
Determine the type of lock you want: In general, D-locks are more secure than other types, but a little harder to carry and use.
Determine the locked area you want: Many budget bike locks are smaller to keep costs down, but there are some larger options here that will lock wheels to the frame and an anchor or will lock multiple bikes.
Decide how secure your lock needs to be: Do you lock your bike for longer periods in high risk areas, or is it just for a quick stop somewhere where there's low traffic?
Decide how heavy you can tolerate: Greater security or larger locked area normally equates to a higher weight.
Everything yo🌠u need to know about the best budget bike locks
What types of bike lock are available?
Locks come in all shapes and sizes but fall broadly into four groups: D-locks (also known as U-locks), chain locks, cable locks and folding locks.&nb𝄹sp;
A D-lock (also called a U-lock) has a rigid, hardened shackle, which is secured with a separate locking bar.
A chain lock has a flexible chain, usually with hardened links and with a fabric cover and is fastened with a separate or integrated locking mechanism.
A cable lock has a wound steel cable to secure the bike. It may have loops of cable at either end to attach to a separate locking mechanism or the lock may be integrated into the cable.
A folding bike lock will have rigid sections with robust hinges between them and an integrated lock.
Cable locks tend to be very easy to cut through with basic tools, and while we have included a couple in this guide it should be cle💜ar that we recommend them only as an auxiliary to a stronger, solid lock, or if you are using it to keep your bike locked in a more secure location, such as a secure office bike store.
Some folding locks have quite a high security rating, but the hinges on cheaper folding ♔locks 🍨are susceptible to attack and breakage.
Are cheap bike locks safe?
The best way to answer this question is to say that you should buy the best possible bike lock you can afford. Unfortunately bike theft is a common occurrence and, althꦉough it won't guarantee keeping your bike safe, the harder you make it for a thief, the less chance there is of losing your ride.
Our recommendation is 🐬to avoid cable locks if you intend to leave your bike unattended. They might stop an opportunist but are vulnerable to even the most basic cutting tools. You can buy a D-lock that is rated gold standard by for less than £20.
Which kind of bike lock is best?
The best types of bike locks are D-lꦡocks – also known as U-locks – and chain locks. D-locks are particularly good for cyclists because of the balance they offer between weight and a high level of security with their thick U-shaped shackle. Many also have a double-bolted lockin🎃g mechanism that means they cannot be easily opened with just one cut – increasing the amount of time it takes for a thief to operate. Cable locks tend to be less effective because they are easy to cut open with basic tools.
The majority of the best budget bike locks we tested are D-locks, which are a great option for cyclists because the design allows for a single shackle🥂 to be made as thick as possible to deter cutting with tools. A chain lock is made of many interlocking links that tend to be thinner to keep the weight down – and are therefore more easily cut. We have included some chain locks in this guide, however, as many people find them more versatile than D-locks which can sometimes be difficult to get in the right position when securing your bike to certain fixed objects.
You cannot make you bike completely theft proof, but the better you secure it, the less likely it is to be stolen. Consider where you are locking your bike up, the type of lock you are using, and how you are using that lock to secure your bike. Find out more by reading this 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:guide on how to pre🥃vent bike theft. It also includes advice on what action to take if yoওur bike has been stolen.
Secured By Design is a UK police initia🎉tive that works towards prevention of crime – including bike theft – and has a on its website.
Do locks come with a guarantee?
Some locks come with an anti-theft guarantee, which means the company will pay out up to a stated amount if your bike is stolen because the lock was broken or opened by force – although they are often subject to many conditions and restrictions, such as 澳洲幸运5开奖官网在线查询开奖结果:being locked up correctly or the policy not being valid if ᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚtorches or power tools are used. Similarly, some companies have 'key safe' schemes that make it easier to order re🍰placement keys, or combination lock registration services in case you forget your code.
Can you measure a lock's effectiveness?
The thickness of the shackဣ𒅌le or links is not the only measure of a lock's security, however. They are vulnerable to all manner of attacks from picking and prying to twisting and freezing. As a result, several bodies award certification to locks they have put through testing.
In the UK, where Cyclingnews is based, is recognised as a leading testing and certification service and is affiliated to the Home Office and police service. It uses a batt🔴ery of tests and rates a lock on a scale of Diamond (the h🐼ighest ration, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Although not a definitive guide to a lock's security, it is recognised by many insurance companies and we have therefore used this as our main guide to a lock's effectiveness.&😼nbsp;
Some of the locks ☂included have been given seals of approval from other organisations🐈 such as , the SBSC in Sweden, the Dutch ART Foundation and Denmark's Varefakta.
How we test
Our tests of the best budget bike locks 🍌have included hands-on assessment of their ease of use and practicality, as well as how easy they are to transport.
We haven't tried breaking any of the locks, as testing organisations such as Sold Secure have a sophisticated battery of tests they perform to make their assessments. They're also much better clued up than we are to the array of different m💃ethods that a thief may use.
Paul has been on two wheels since he was in his teens and he's spent much of the time since writing about bikes and the associated tech. He's a road cyclist at heart but his adventurous curiosity means Paul has been riding gravel since well before it was cool, adapting his cyclo-cross bike to ride all-day off-roa🌳d epics and putting road kit to the ultimate test along the way. Paul has contributed to Cyclingnews' tech coverage for a few years, helping to maintain the freshness of our buying guides and deals content, as well as writing a number of our voucher code pages.
