Best bike locks (what actually matters)

Most people think any lock will do, but bike theft usually comes down to how quickly something can be cut. thin cable locks are fast to break, which is why they mostly work as a visual deterrent rather than real protection. u-locks are more secure but can be awkward depending on where you’re locking. chain locks tend to sit in the middle, offering more flexibility while still being reasonably tough if the chain is thick enough.

the main thing to look at is thickness and material. anything under around 6mm can be cut pretty quickly with basic tools, especially if it’s made from softer metal. hardened steel chains hold up better and take more effort, which is usually enough to make a thief move on to something easier nearby.

in that mid-range category, the H&S bike chain lock is a pretty typical example of what good enough looks like. it uses boron manganese steel, which is stronger than the cheap alloy you see in lower-end locks, and the 6mm thickness puts it above the really flimsy options without becoming overly heavy.

at this level, nothing is completely theft-proof, but that’s not really the goal. you’re trying to make your bike take longer and more effort to steal than the one next to it. in practice, a decent chain lock used properly usually does more for you than a stronger lock used badly.