If you’ve ever left your bike in a public place, you surely know that uneasy feeling: will it still be there when you come back? Thieves don’t discriminate—if it’s easy enough, they’ll take an old city bike just as readily as an expensive road bike. The good news is that with the right lock, you can greatly reduce the risk of theft. A good bike lock isn’t just an accessory—it’s an investment.
But how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Let’s look at the options!
It matters what you lock it with
The first big question: what type of lock should you choose?
One of the most secure options is the U-lock. Its compact inner space makes it nearly impossible to insert a crowbar, leaving thieves with very little chance of breaking it. There are even flex-resistant versions available, such as the Abus Granit Super Extreme. Its main drawback is reduced flexibility—it won’t always fit around every post or railing.
Who is it recommended for?
- City commuters who leave their bike in public places daily
- Mid- to high-end bicycles
A chain lock offers more flexibility: made of heavy-duty steel links, it can be secured to almost anything. However, its weight makes it less convenient to carry around.
Who is it recommended for?
- Riders who often leave their bike in varied locations and don’t mind the extra weight
- Especially useful for e-bikes or high-value city bikes
Folding locks are becoming increasingly popular—these resemble a steel “measuring stick,” taking up little space when folded while offering a wide range of locking options in use. Most can also be mounted to the bottle cage bosses, making them very convenient to carry.
Who is it recommended for?
- Weekend riders, shorter tours, or restaurant stops, higher-end models are also suitable for urban use
- A great choice for those who value a lock that doesn’t take up much space
And of course there are coil- or cable-locks. They’re light, long, and practical… but unfortunately not very secure on their own. They can be handy for short periods if you keep the bike in sight, or when used together with another lock.
Key, combination, or fingerprint?
With keyed locks, higher-end models resist almost every kind of attack — drilling, freezing, even acid are difficult to get through. The downside is that you can lose the key. Combination locks are convenient because you don’t have to carry a key, but cheap versions are easier to break. In recent years fingerprint locks have also appeared; these suit people who are always in a hurry and want a convenient, modern solution. Because multiple fingerprints can be stored, they’re especially practical for shared or family use when several people need access to the bike.
Smart locks, alarms, and trackers
Technology is making its way here, too. Some locks come with built-in alarms: if someone tampers with the bike, a loud signal scares off the thief. Certain models can be unlocked via Bluetooth, or send a notification to your phone if movement is detected. Other smart devices have also emerged—for example, the Knog Scout Alarm, which combines a motion sensor alarm and tracker: if someone touches your bike, you’re alerted immediately, and in case of theft, you can track its location in the app. Weighing only a few grams, it’s also popular among road cyclists and weight-conscious riders.
If you own an e-bike, the Bosch Connect Module adds extra security. Integrated into the Bosch system, this smart module lets you monitor your bike’s movement and status through your phone. You’ll receive alerts if someone tries to move it without authorization—so even expensive e-bikes can be left unattended with greater peace of mind.
What do security levels mean?
Manufacturers usually provide security ratings to help you choose: for example, Abus uses a scale from 1 to 15, while Kryptonite ranges from 1 to 10. The lower levels mainly serve as deterrents, suitable for short stops or less valuable bikes. If you use your bike in the city, it’s best to go for at least a mid-level lock. The top levels are recommended for those who own high-value bikes and regularly leave them unattended in public for hours.
A simple rule of thumb: the quality of the lock should be in proportion to the value of your bike. You don’t need a €150 lock for a €500 bike—but using a cheap cable lock to secure a bike worth thousands is definitely a bad idea.
Where and how to lock it?
Even the best lock is useless if you use it badly. Always secure the frame and the rear wheel to a solid object. If you leave your bike for a long time, it’s worth using two different types of locks — for example a folding or U-lock plus a chain. With a long flexible cable you can tie together all removable parts, while the main lock can secure the rear wheel and frame to something strong. (The object should be at least as strong as the lock, otherwise that will be cut instead!) The longer it takes a thief to break your locks, the less likely they are to target your bike. Choose a busy, well-trafficked spot so no one can work on the lock unnoticed. Shopping centres and office building entrances are good examples. Don’t skimp on the time and effort to pick the right spot: if you act smartly, even a modest-quality lock can deter a thief.
Extra security: insurance
No matter how strong a lock you choose, 100% protection doesn’t exist.
If you want full peace of mind, consider insurance. The Bikepayment bicycle insurance, which is also available here, covers theft and vandalism — so if the worst happens despite all precautions, you won’t be left completely helpless.
A good lock is truly a one-time investment that lets you feel safer leaving your bike alone for years. And if you think about it: the cost of a lock pales in comparison to the value of a new bicycle.
Browse our selection and find the protection that fits your bike best!
