Luke Friend secures six of the best bike locks before picking a winner
It’s fair to say that bike locks are theft deterrents rather than failsafe solutions. A bike that’s locked sensibly using a device or devices from a reputable brand is less likely to be targeted than one that’s not. Ultimately, however, the most secure bike is one that you don’t let out of your sight. But if, for example, you commute to work this probably isn’t an option. And that’s when size, weight, portability and security ratings all become determining factors in choosing the right lock.
With this in mind, for this test we’ve selected six locks across three different categories: folding, chain and U-lock.
This isn’t a test to see just how resistant the products are to angle grinders and other favoured weapons of choice for the determined and well-equipped modern bike thief. Rather, it takes into account the all-round usability of each type of lock and uses the Sold Secure rating system as a way of demonstrating the lock’s perceived level of protection.
So let’s unpick our six contenders…
Abus Bordo Granit 6500K £160
Lock type: folding Mechanism type: key Sold Secure rating: Gold Weight: 2.4kg
The primary reason for choosing a folding lock is its degree of portability. Take the Abus Bordo Granit 6500K. Despite being a Gold rated lock and fairly heavy, thanks largely to the 5.5cm hardened steel bars, it folds into a relatively compact package (20.75cm x 9.1cm) and attaches to your frame’s bottle cage mounts via a sturdy plastic case. It’s straightforward to fit and holds the lock securely when in motion. Carrying around a high security U-lock or chain on the bike is far more problematic, so if you often ride without a backpack or panniers, then a folding lock makes sense.
As for the lock itself, when unfolded the 120cm length offers plenty of internal locking space – in fact, I’m sure you could lock up two bikes. It’s flexible too, which means that it’s more adaptable than a U-lock. If you regularly lock up your bike in numerous places, and to different objects, this could be a real bonus. However, in practice, I didn’t find it quite as easy to use – the combination of size and weight made it a little trickier than a comparable U-lock.
Seatylock Foldylock Compact £64.99
Lock type: folding Mechanism type: key Sold Secure rating: Silver Weight: 1kg
As the name suggests, it’s a small folding lock comprised of six steel bars, joined by stainless rivets, that add up to a circumference of 85cm. I found the internal locking space is just large enough to secure the lock through the front wheel and frame before attaching my bike to a rack or similar. Due to its smaller size, it was less cumbers
