Every year, 1.5 million bikes are stolen in America—totalling about $350 million in losses. While you can register your ride with a stolen bike registry, you can also take precautions with anti-theft locks and accessories. Below, find the top bike safety products, so you don’t end up with a stolen bike.
Standard Bike Locks
Traditional chain bike locks are no longer the golden standard, but they’re still available for purchase. The common problem with some of these locks is that thieves can easily cut the chain and get away with your bike. However, these are a cheaper option for you if you want a quick fix for bike security—and if you’re locking your bike up short-term, they might do the trick. Here are some top brands you can purchase to lock up your bike:
USHAKE Bike Lock Cable
List price: $21.99
The USHAKE cable bike lock is made of braided steel and coated with scratch-resistant material that is smooth to the touch. With a combination lock, you can program up to 10,000 different passcodes to keep your bike secure.
Pros:
- Very Affordable. This lock is listed for around $20.
- Best Seller. This is one of the more popular locks to buy on Amazon.
- Keyless Security. USHAKE comes with a combination lock, so you don’t need to carry a key.
Cons:
- Not As Secure As Other Devices. Thieves can cut and pry this lock off easily compared to other models.
Xtreme Bright® Illumilock Cable Bike Lock
List price: $24.99
The Xtreme Bright Illumilock touts itself as the best bike lock in this category. With military-grade steel and a pick/drill-proof locking mechanism, it’s a hard lock to crack. Plus, you can enjoy the added bonus of a built-in LED light so you can see your combination if it’s dark outside.
Pros:
- Inexpensive. This is only about $25 on Amazon.
- LED Light. If it’s dark, you can unlock this bike lock easily with the built-in LED light.
- Keyless Security. The combination lock eliminates the need to carry a key.
- Strong Materials. Xtreme Bright Illumilock uses military-grade steel so it’s hard to cut, pry, pick, or drill.
Cons:
- More Secure Options Out There. The design of this basic bike lock is very rudimentary. There are other more secure designs on the market.
Kryptonite Keeper Integrated Chain Bicycle Lock
List price: $30
Kryptonite is a well known brand in the world of bike theft prevention. The company makes high-quality locks in a variety of styles. This particular model uses a cylindrical lock attached to steel cording to stand up to
Pros:
- Color Variety. If you want to make a statement, you can choose different colors to suit your taste.
- Tough Against Theft. The lock’s design makes it pick-resistant and strong against crowbars and other leverage attacks.
- Good Reviews. On Amazon, this lock has 4 out of 5 stars.
Cons:
- Need A Key. You’ll need to carry a key for this lock.
- A Bit Pricier. These locks are closer to $30-$40 instead of $10 or $20.
U-Locks
U-Locks have become the new standard in bike safety. Their shape thwarts leverage attacks and makes it nearly impossible to pry open. Unless a bike thief comes prepared with the “jaws of life,” these locks will keep your bike frame safe from theft.
Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 Standard Bicycle U-Lock
List price: $49.95
We mentioned Kryptonite’s quality products above. This U-lock is one of its best. Made of solid steel and equipped with a key lock, it’ll stand up to attacks. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to buy a cable with most U-locks in order to have more options for locking up your bike. Otherwise, the U-lock will only slip around your frame and leave the wheels vulnerable. Plus, its reach will be seriously lessened.
Pros:
- Very Secure. The construction and design of this lock make it one of the best for withstanding vigorous theft attempts.
- It comes with a cable. Some U-locks don’t come with a cable. This model does and will give you more options for locking up your bike easily.
- Good Reviews. Amazon buyers gave this 4 out of 5 stars.
Cons:
- You have to carry a key. Unlike a combination lock, you’ll need to carry a key with you.
- Pricier. Kryptonite U-locks cost about $50.
Mongoose Large Bicycle U-Lock
List price: $9.99
Pros:
- Bike Mount Included. Keep this lock with your bike by using the handy mount included with the device.
- Inexpensive. On Amazon, you can buy this lock for about $10.
- Made Of Steel. Hard materials make it hard for thieves to cut or saw this lock.
Cons:
- Keys Necessary. This comes with keys, so you’ll need to keep them on you to lock and unlock your bike
- No Cable Included. For more convenience and security, you’ll need to buy a cable to go with this lock.
- So-So Reviews. Some users say “you get what you pay for” with this device and that it rusts.
OnGuard Bulldog LS U-Lock
List price: $39.95
OnGuard’s U-lock has all the bells and whistles as others, but it has a bonus too: a longer “U” shape to make locking your bike up easier. With 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it’s on par with other brands and models in this category.
Pros:
- Affordable. This is middle-of-the-road in price for a secure style of lock.
- Long Shackle. A longer “U” makes it easier for you to lock your bike’s frame without additional cable.
- Tough. Steel reinforces this lock and helps protect bikes better.
Cons:
- Cable Sold Separately. If you want to lock your bike to bigger objects or incorporate the wheels, you’ll need to buy a cable.
- Keys. Keys are necessary with this lock, but it comes with five instead of the standard two.
Seat Locks
Locking up your bike frame is only one piece of the puzzle in complete bicycle safety. If you have a quick-release seat, thieves can swipe it way too easily. Here are some seat locks that will keep your saddle where it belongs.
Pinhead Saddle Lock
List price: $39.99
These customizable bike seat locks are meant for saddles with vertical attachment bolts. Once installed, it’ll prevent someone from taking your seat off of your bike. For $35, (depending if you want a key or not) you’ll have added bike protection. Plus, it has a lifetime warantee.
Pros:
- Affordable. Compared to replacing a bike seat—which could cost anywhere from $30-$200—these are pretty cheap at $35-$45.
- Customizable. You can get a lock made for your bike whether you have solid axle or quick-release wheels.
- Unique Keys. Every saddle lock’s keys are different. Yours will be engineered with unique cut-outs to heighten security.
- Strong. This lock is guaranteed to stand up to hammers, picks, and other tools.
Cons:
- Doesn’t Work With All Bikes. You can only use this saddle lock if you have a verticle bolting design on your bike.
Brooks Saddle Lock
List price: $29.99
If you have horizontal bolts, this saddle lock is for you. Once installed, it’ll be a permanent solution to bike seat theft. And if you ever want to take your bike seat off, you’ll just need to use the key to do so. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Horizontal Bolt Compatible. If your bike has horizontal bolts that hold the seat on the frame, this lock will work.
- Budget-Friendly. For $30-$40, you can keep your bike seat secure.
- Customizable. You can get a lock made for your bike whether you have solid axle or quick-release wheels.
- Unique Keys. Your key will be 100% unique and can be registered so you’ll never lose the 9-digit code.
Cons:
- It doesn’t work with vertical seat attachments.
Pinhead Seatpost Lock
List price: $39.99
This one-size-fits-all lock works with all seatposts—making it an easy choice if you’re not sure about your bike’s specifications. It stands tough against picking, hammering, and other tampering
to keep your bike seat intact.
Pros:
- Universal. This works with all seat posts, so you can use it with different bikes.
- Convenient. Your unique key can inactivate the seatpost lock so you can remove your bike seat or adjust its height when needed.
- Tough. The engineering of this device makes it hard for thieves to break it.
Cons:
- A Little Pricier. This ranges from $40-$50, but it is universal, so you’re paying for convenience.
Wheel Locks
Your bike frame isn’t the only thing you should worry about locking up. Your wheels are a target for theft as well. Unless you run your bike lock’s cable through the spokes, you’ll want another security solution. Take a look at these specific bike wheel locks that have proven to be top security features.
Pinhead Wheel Locking Skewer Set
List price: $49.99
Pinhead makes superior anti-bike theft devices. These wheel skewers are no exception. If you have quick release wheels, a thief will only need to flip a switch to walk away with an expensive element of your bike—rendering it useless. These skewers make that an impossible feat.
Pros:
- Strong. Since these skewers stay on your bike until you remove them, they need to stand up to weather and tampering. Their construction achieves this.
- Cheaper Than Replacing Wheels. While these locks are about $50, they will save you from having to spend hundreds if your bike’s wheels are stolen.
Cons:
- Keys Needed. You’ll need to remember where you put your keys if you ever want to remove these pins.
Sunlite Locking Skewer Set
List price: $34.99
These skewers are undoubtedly a cheaper alternative to others. They operate like regular wheel locks and are meant to be installed permanently.
Pros:
- Cheaper Than Competitors. You can get these skewers for about $20 on Amazon—compared to nearly $50 for Pinheads.
Cons:
- Not As Secure. Users have complained that these locking skewers don’t stand up to weather or thieves.
- Only One Key Provided. If you lose the only key, you’ll be in for a pain in the neck.
Delta Hublox Security Skewers
List price: $25.99
Made of stainless steel, these skewers are designed to outlast weather and tampering. They fall in the middle of the other two brands in price, and can be purchased for relatively low cost.
Pros:
- Cheap. You can get these wheel skewers for about $30 on Amazon.
Cons:
- So-So Ratings. Customers on Amazon rated this device with 3 out of 4 stars.
- Only One Key Included. If you get a flat or need to replace your wheel, you’ll only have one key. If you lose it, you’ll be in trouble.
There are so many options when it comes to keeping your bike secure from theft. For one, don’t ever put it somewhere you wouldn’t feel safe. Two, always lock it up no matter if you’re only running into a store or leaving it for one moment. Three, use at least one or multiple bike locks to deter thieves. If you’re curious about other bike theft prevention tips and what to do if your bike is stolen, read another one of our articles.
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