Kryptonite's New York U-Lock ($112) was my previous top pick, but it lost out to the Abus Granit X-Plus 540 because the Kryotonite's mounting bracket uses straps that can loosen over time or rough roads.The Evolution Ser($89) has the same 10-millimeter six-sided chain links, but it's 160 centimeters long-closer to the Abus' length-and 3 pounds heavier.The 1090's 90-centimeter length was a bit short, especially when a chain lock's main advantage over the U-lock should be a greater reach. Kryptonite's Evolution Ser($81) was a fine chain, but the Abus I picked as the best chain offers better length, security, and weight.I do have to note, however, that I would not use them to lock up a bike all day and that it's also easy to mount a U-lock on your down tube or carry something like the Hiplok on your body. However, they're compact when mounted and a good option if you mainly use your bike to lock up quickly at the convenience store or coffee shop. The pins that bind the links are weak spots that can be drilled out. I tend to use chains for scrambler-style ebikes that have very thick frames, such as the Super 73 S2.įolding locks are compact, but not as secure. I tested the Evolutbecause it was 'only' 6.1 pounds and had decent security (though not as good as the Kryptonite New York U-Lock). However, they are the heaviest type of lock. A chain lock is easier to use on crowded bike racks (and with thicker or cheaper bikes) than a smaller U-lock. That's why I focused on testing only the thicker ones on the market.Ĭhains are flexible, but heavy. They might be a little heavier, but they're not that heavy compared to a chain lock. Thicker equals better, so a 16-millimeter U-lock is, all else being equal, a better bet than a 14-millimeter U-lock. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. com and our print magazine (if you'd like).

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). Updated February 2022: We named the Kryptonite Kryptolok as our best affordable pick and the Abus Granit X-Plus 540 our strongest security pick, replacing our previous general top pick, the Kryptonite New York. These are the best locks I've used, and I've also included some tips for locking your bike up properly below. Locking up your bike takes only a few seconds, so you should always do so when it's unattended. While nothing can prevent a really determined thief from making off with your bike, you can deter many by securing your bike properly with a strong, well-designed lock. Happily, most thieves are opportunistic and will go for the bike that looks easiest and quickest to steal. More than 2 million bicycles are stolen every year in North America, and less than 5 percent of them are recovered. Bikes and electric bikes are easy to steal and easy to make disappear. Whether they sell it whole or sell it off in parts, they see dollar signs every time an unsecured bike is tied up outdoors and its owner is out of sight.

Kryptonite lock