A key lock needs brute force or tools to break it a combination lock can, in theory, be cracked by trial and error.

A combination lock can be 'hacked' without tools.

To reduce this risk, make sure you shield the code from observers when you enter it.

An observant thief could spot your code as you lock or unlock your bike.You will need to remember the code – not necessarily that easy if you don't use your bike that often.Ĭombination locks are often regarded as less secure however, because: Should I buy a key or combination bike lock?įor maximum convenience, combination locks usually trump key locks, as you don't need to remember to bring the key. Pick-resistant locks – these locks have extra mechanisms in the lock barrel, essentially making it much harder for a thief to pick the lock.Deadlocks – a type of key lock harder for thieves to force open.Hardened steel – a heat treatment that makes steel tougher to break.Secure by Design (the official police security initiative) recommends you lock your bike with at least two locks, one of them being a U-lock.ĭeciding on the other type of bike lock to buy generally comes down to your own preferences, but there are some features worth looking out for across all types of bike lock, as they make it harder for skilled thieves to beat it. U-locks (or D-locks)Īs we've highlighted, there are many types of bike lock to choose from, with certain locks suiting different cyclists. Security experts recommend using two different types of lock to secure your bike, one of which should be a U-lock, according to the Met Police.ĭifferent lock types need different tools to break, so using more than one lock type is likely to slow down a thief. If you're planning on cycling after dark, check our the best bike lights from our tough tests What's the best type of bike lock? Sign up to Which? to find out if this is the bike lock for you. Combined with its small size and the included bike mounting bracket, this makes it extremely easy to transport.īut does it fulfil its main function of securing your bike effectively? Weighing in at just under 750g, the U4 Mini is one of the lightest bike locks we've tested. Type of locking mechanism: Lock and key.If you're not yet a member, sign up to Which? today for instant access to this and all our reviews.Ĭheapest Price: £28 from Sports Direct, Evans Cycles, and House of Fraser. Only logged-in members can view our full bike lock reviews. Click a particular lock to read our full review or scroll down to browse all our bike lock advice. Read on to discover the types of bike locks, to see which offered good security against even the most powerful tools in our tests and what you need to know about bike lock security ratings.īike insurance: what's the best option to insure your bike, how much does it cost and how you can save money Best bike locks from our testsīelow compare all the bike locks we've tested.

We also checked how easy they are to transport and use, as no one wants to be wrestling with an unwieldy lock in a downpour. To find out, our lab experts used bolt cutters, angle grinders and other lock-breaking tools to identify the locks that will keep your bike safe. But many bike locks look similar and it can be tricky to know which ones are up to the job. Securing your bike with a great bike lock will not only thwart thieves' attempts to steal your bike, but could also put them off trying in the first place.

Good bike locks