Bike Lock
Guide

What types of bike locks are available?

There are five types of bike locks typically used by most cyclists. Each type has advantages and disadvantages in terms of the size, weight, and security level of the lock. Take a look at our summary of the various types below to help you decide which bike lock is best for you. We’ll go into more detail later.

U-lock - One of the safest and most secure bike locks, but less flexible due to its fixed shape.

Chain lock - Chain locks are very flexible and can be used on any part of the bike, though they’re also heavy and bulky.

Folding lock - Though it’s generally larger than other locks, a folding lock is easy to transport thanks to its foldability.

Cable lock - Cable locks are very long, enabling both tyres to be locked at once; however, they can be less secure than other types.

Frame lock - Frame locks (sometimes called ring locks) are convenient, but because they’re mounted directly on the bike frame, thieves can carry away the whole bike.

hen thinking about which bike lock is best for your bike, consider the following questions:

It’s usually best to combine two types of bicycle locks for maximum security. A frame lock, which is often included when you buy your bike, locks the rear wheel. With a U-lock or folding lock, you can also attach the bike to a lamppost or railing. This makes it much more difficult for thieves to break through the bike’s security quickly.

To prevent theft, it’s a good idea to always lock your bike to an immovable object - think bike rack, lamppost, railing, etc. No one bike lock can offer complete security on its own, but luckily you have the option of combining different locks with different advantages. Bear this option in mind when looking for the best lock(s) for you.

Different types of bike locks

Now that we’re thinking about what we need, let’s look at the common types of bike locks in more detail. 

U-locks

Compared to other bicycle locks, U-locks are extremely safe, robust, and resistant. They consist of two parts: a lock cylinder and a bracket made of extra-hard steel. To lock the bike, the U-lock is either passed through the spokes and frame or used to attach the frame bar to a railing or lamppost.

Due to the shape of the shackle, a U-lock is very difficult to break, drill, or lever open. They can sometimes wobble a little in the holder when cycling, but because this type of lock is particularly compact, it can be attached to the bicycle frame really easily.

However, U-locks are not particularly large, so compared to a folding lock, you have limited flexibility in what you can lock your bike to. Because of this inflexibility, it’s important to make sure when buying a U-lock that it’s an appropriate size and length to easily attach your bike to lampposts, fences, and bike racks (and to make sure you’ll typically have access to something like this wherever you’re parking your bike).

Pros: Extremely secure, very difficult to crack

Cons: Fixed shape, so not particularly versatile or flexible.

Chain locks

Chain locks are extremely flexible, easily looping around almost your entire bike, including your bike frame or rear tyre. A chain lock is also tough and robust, and lots of models have a coating to protect your bike’s paint. 

Unlike some other types of locks, chain locks can’t typically be mounted on a bracket while you ride, which can be uncomfortable for some riders. The best option for most cyclists is to wrap the chain lock around the seat post or secure it onto a pannier or bike bag when cycling. This can be bulky, and of course, the longer the chain, the heavier the lock.

Pros: Particularly robust, resistant and flexible

Cons: Less security than, e.g., U-locks, no bracket available for transport

Folding locks

Folding locks are usually compact and easy to fold together, so they’re ideal for commuters or people short on time. They consist of inflexible links that are strung together and usually come with a practical bracket to transport them when not in use. You will need to take care when folding or unfolding them so you don’t damage the mechanism.

Folding locks come in different designs and security classes. You’ll need to think about where you usually lock your bike to decide on the right length of folding lock. For example, you only need a short folding lock to secure your bike to a bike stand, but if you want to secure it to a lamppost or railing, you’ll probably need a longer lock that might be bulky when not in use.

Pros: Safe, flexible, and practical thanks to the option of folding.

Cons: Quite expensive, delicate mechanism, can be bulky

Cable locks

If you are looking for a particularly flexible, lightweight bike lock that also has a particularly long range, a cable lock is ideal. They’re ideal for securing kids’ bikes or when extra security isn’t particularly necessary, though they can be less secure than other types.

For transportation, you can twist the lock into a spiral shape (these locks are sometimes also called spiral locks), which is great for space-saving and easy to carry around. They consist of steel cables with a plastic coating and a built-in lock. Though they’re lightweight and convenient, the trade-off is that they can be cut off or cracked more easily than other lock types.

Pros: Convenient to transport, long-range for use with lampposts, and more.

Cons: Relatively weak security; can be cracked or cut quickly.

Frame locks

A frame lock is attached to the bike frame. Frame locks usually come pre-attached to the bike when you buy it, so no bracket is required. However, if you do need to add one, check out our guide on how to mount a frame bike lock.

A frame lock works by pushing a bar through the rear wheel so that it can’t rotate. However, the bike can still easily be carried away by a thief, which is why we recommend securing your bike with a second type of lock, particularly if you’re leaving it in a public place. 

Pros: Low or no costs, no transport difficulties

Cons: Very low security, requires an additional lock

How to make sure your bike lock is secure

Which bike locks are best? That will depend on how you’re using them, the type of bike you have, and the overall security rating of the lock in question. To determine the security level of a bike lock, you can look at its Sold Secure rating or the manufacturer’s security rating.

Sold Secure is an independent organisation that tests bike locks and rates their security levels. Sold Secure uses four rankings: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond. Their ratings are useful because they’re impartial and because they use the same rating system for multiple different brands of locks, so it’s easy to compare products from different manufacturers.

Sold Secure ratings may be listed on the product page where you’re buying the lock, or you can search for the relevant product on the Sold Secure website.

Manufacturer security ratings typically use a numerical scale with as many as 15 security levels (or, in some cases, as few as 6). These ratings are useful for comparing different locks from the same brand, but they can be tricky to compare to different manufacturers’ products.

Whatever kind of ratings you’re looking at, U-locks and chain locks tend to be highly rated for security, while frame locks and cable locks are typically in the medium security range, and cable or spiral cable locks usually have a lower security level.

Get yourself a bike worth locking up - check out our range of Raleigh electric bikes to find the perfect set of wheels for you.

For more tips and bike maintenance advice, check out our Cycling Inspiration hub.

FAQs

What’s the best type of bike lock?

There are a number of different bike locks available, and choosing the right one for you will depend on a few things - including the type of bike you have, where you’ll be locking it, and your budget. For example, U-locks are popular for high-security storage in cities and other urban areas, cable locks are particularly lightweight, and folding locks are a good choice for cycling commuters and portability. 

Our guide above goes over the pros and cons of each type of lock. We recommend opting for two locks for maximum security, and looking for locks certified by Sold Secure to guarantee effectiveness.

What kind of bike lock do I need for insurance?

Different insurers will have different criteria for an ‘approved’ lock for bike insurance. Make sure to check your policy’s stipulations; for example, the lock may need to be less than two years old when your policy starts, and may need to be a keyed lock. Make sure to take a photo of your lock to keep for reference. 

How to fix a stuck bike lock

If your bike lock is stuck, you can try lubricant or oil to unstick it. If your bike lock is frozen, you can try gentle heat, lubricant, or a de-icer spray. Locks can freeze because water or water vapour gets into the lock mechanism, so try storing them face down or covered.