As of: February 16, 2024, 11:34 a.m
By: Ömer Kayali, Patrick Hauser
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You shouldn't skimp on the bike lock because if the bike is gone, it will be significantly more expensive.
© andron19821982/PantherMedia
Stiftung Warentest tested bicycle locks and some were cracked after just seconds.
We will show you the safest and best locks.
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A bicycle lock is standard equipment for all cyclists.
You shouldn't be stingy when buying because it ultimately protects your expensive bike from theft.
The most important thing: A lock should be so robust and durable that it cannot be picked with bolt cutters, saws and other types of tools.
According to Stiftung Warentest, a bad bicycle lock can be cracked “in a matter of seconds”.
Every bicycle owner should therefore invest in a good lock, as it significantly minimizes the risk of theft.
Stiftung Warentest: What are the best bicycle locks?
There are different types of bike locks.
All offer different advantages and disadvantages.
In 2023, Stiftung Warentest tested a total of 81 bicycle locks in different price categories with regard to security, handling, durability and harmful substances.
The security factor was given the highest weighting in the rating.
An expensive bicycle lock for well over 100 euros performed best - but one of the best locks can be had for under 50 euros.
Below you will find the best-rated models sorted by overall grade.
The best bicycle locks according to Stiftung Warentest:
Hiplok D1000 – test grade “Very good” (1.5)
Kryptonite Keeper 785 – test grade “Good” (1.6)
Kryptonite New York Lock M18-WL – test grade “Good” (1.7)
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410 – test grade “Good” (1.7)
Trelock U6 – test grade “Good” (1.8)
ABUS U-lock Granit XPlus 540 – test grade “Good” (1.8)
ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 SH – test grade “Good” (1.9)
Axa Fold Ultra 90 – test grade “Good” (1.9)
Bike lock Hiplok D1000 – test grade “Very good” (1.5)
Hiplok D1000 U-lock © Hiplok
Order now
Price: €253.49 instead of €279.00
Bicycle lock type |
U-lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.5) |
Note security against break-ins |
Very good (1.1) |
Size |
16x9cm |
Weight |
1.9kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
3 |
bracket |
❌ |
Kryptonite Keeper 785 bicycle lock – test grade “Good” (1.6)
Kryptonite Keeper 785 Chain Lock © Kryptonite
Order now
Price: €35.95 instead of €58.00
Bicycle lock type |
Chain lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.6) |
Note security against break-ins |
Very good (1.3) |
Size |
85cm |
Weight |
1.3kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
2 |
bracket |
❌ |
Bicycle lock Kryptonite New York Lock M18-WL – test grade “Good” (1.7)
Kryptonite U-lock New York Lock M18-WL © Kryptonite
Order now
Price: €128.29 instead of €138.75
Bicycle lock type |
U-lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.7) |
Note security against break-ins |
Very good (1.1) |
Size |
26x10cm |
Weight |
2.6kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
3 |
bracket |
❌ |
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410 bicycle lock – test grade “Good” (1.7)
Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit 1410 Chain Lock © Kryptonite
Order now
Price: €134.95 instead of €200.00
Bicycle lock type |
Chain lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.7) |
Note security against break-ins |
Very good (1.2) |
Size |
97cm |
Weight |
4.7kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
3 |
bracket |
❌ |
Bicycle lock Trelock U6 – test grade “Good” (1.8)
Trelock U6 U-lock © Trelock
Order now
Price: €52.57 instead of €68.99
Bicycle lock type |
U-lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.8) |
Note security against break-ins |
Very good (1.5) |
Size |
23x10cm |
Weight |
1.4kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
2 |
bracket |
❌ |
Bicycle lock ABUS U-lock Granit XPlus 540 – test grade “Good” (1.8)
ABUS Granit XPlus 540 U-lock bicycle lock © ABUS
Order now
Price: €82.99 instead of €124.95
Bicycle lock type |
U-lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.8) |
Note security against break-ins |
Good (1.6) |
Size |
30x11cm |
Weight |
1.7kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
2 |
bracket |
✔️ |
ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 SH bicycle lock – test grade “Good” (1.9)
ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 SH folding lock © ABUS
Order now
Price: €139.90
Bicycle lock type |
folding lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.9) |
Note security against break-ins |
Good (1.6) |
Size |
81cm |
Weight |
1.7kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
2 |
bracket |
✔️ |
Axa Fold Ultra 90 bicycle lock – test grade “Good” (1.9)
AXA Fold Ultra 90 folding lock © AXA
Order now
Price: €82.11 instead of €84.99
Bicycle lock type |
folding lock |
|---|---|
Stiftung Warentest overall grade |
Good (1.9) |
Note security against break-ins |
Good (1.6) |
Size |
81cm |
Weight |
1.4kg |
Key |
✔️ |
Number of keys |
2 |
bracket |
✔️ |
Bicycle alarm system
Alarm systems or GPS trackers make things difficult for thieves.
Many cost far less than a high-quality bicycle lock, but ward off thieves with a loud warning tone or location monitoring.
Alarm systems & trackers for bicycles
What is the best way to secure your bike?
Lock the bike in a suitable place
: bike racks, fences made of sturdy material, street signs or lanterns are best.
If you also want to be on the safe side, we recommend storing the bike in a secured garage or storage room - especially for expensive bikes.
Always lock the bike to the frame and front wheel
: If you use a second lock to secure the rear wheel too, that's even better.
Do not lock the bike in dark corners
: Ideally, the bike is in busy and well-lit areas.
Avoid leaving the bike in a place where it will be unattended for a long period of time, especially overnight.
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Bicycle lock test: advantages and disadvantages of different models
What types of bike locks are there?
The most common bicycle locks are chain locks, U-locks and folding locks.
Each type has its own special properties.
Stiftung Warentest has named the most important features.
Lock type |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Chain lock |
🟢 Metal links are difficult to crack |
🔴 high weight – up to 5 kilograms |
🟢 flexible when locking the bike |
🔴 difficult to transport |
|
U-lock |
🟢 solid metal brackets – difficult to crack |
🔴 inflexible when locking the bike |
🟢 quite easy to transport |
||
folding lock |
🟢 flexible and compact |
🔴 not as robust as U-locks and chain locks |
🟢 require little space when transporting |
Here you can find the entire test from Stiftung Warentest.