The best bike lock? It doesn't exist. This may sound unsatisfactory at first, but it's the truth. For your road bike, a lightweight lock is best; for an expensive E-Bike, you need maximum security, and so on.
To help you keep track, we show you our recommendations for different use cases. We consider important factors such as security, weight, handling, and everyday usability. This way, you won't find "the best bike lock 2026" but rather the bike lock that truly fits your bike and your habits.
Additionally, we have a few new products for the 2026 season that you probably don't know yet.
| For scanners: You can directly identify our bike lock recommendations. |
What criteria did we use for selection?
The problem with buying a lock:
🟡 The more material and weight a lock has, the harder it is to break.
➽ So why not just buy the thickest (and heaviest) lock?
➽ Not a bad idea, but your bike lock shouldn't be a hassle in everyday life.
➽ That's why weight and handling are important criteria.
Because the best bike lock is always the one that is used regularly – not the one that stays at home due to its weight or the one that lies "in the other backpack" at home because you can't transport it on your bike.
Our recommendations take into account:
- a reasonable level of security
- weight and transport
- ease of use in everyday life
- price-performance ratio
- area of use
- durability and workmanship
Note – the recommendation does not necessarily depend on the type of bike; some situations require a special lock, for example, a bike parking area in the city (because many bikes are stolen there!).
- That's why you'll first find the recommendations from the BMO editorial team for different types of bikes.
- Following that, there are tips for special occasions and parking situations.
1. The best bike lock for everyday bikes (city bikes, fitness bikes, urban bikes, touring bikes)
Anyone who uses their bike in everyday life knows this: unlock, lock, repeat… There are many short trips involved, and you handle the lock multiple times a day. Therefore, alongside security, comfortable handling is important. Here, a 👉 U-lock is particularly practical. No tangling, no fishing for the other end. Our recommendation: medium to high security level – and off you go!
|
Otherwise, a 👉 good chain lock is the best lock for indecisive people 😉. You can't go wrong with that! |
2. The best bike lock for e-bikes
E-bikes are among the most popular targets for bike thieves. No wonder – high-quality models can quickly cost several thousand euros and have a high resale value – worth it! Therefore, for e-bikes, we recommend 👉 a solid U-lock. These locks are among the safest and successfully withstand attempts to break them. The additional weight is hardly noticeable on the E-Bike – after all, the motor takes on part of the work.
| 🔐 No matter which lock, which parking spot, day or night... this lock is one of the safest available in 2026! |
3. The best bike lock for mountain bikes
For mountain bikes, weight plays a bigger role. At the same time, the lock should take up as little space as possible on tours. A 👉 compact folding lock offers a good compromise between security and transportability (in a backpack or in a holder on the frame). For longer stops in the city, an additional lock or a particularly secure model is recommended.
Good mix of security and low weight: 👉 The Kryptonite Keeper 510 folding lock stays under 1 kilo.
4. The best bike lock for road bikes and gravel bikes
If you're sporty and fast, every gram counts. Two kilos of lock versus 7 kilos of bike? Not likely. Fortunately, such bikes don't stay unattended for long, 👉 light chain locks or cable locks are therefore our recommendation. The question remains, which is best to transport. Here too, flexible locks are great, as they can be wrapped around the seat post. Compact U-locks would be an alternative; they protect the bike during short breaks and can be transported in a holder.
However, if you leave your road bike unattended for a longer time, you should opt for a 👉 particularly secure lock (chain lock) – even if it is heavier.
Good security level and completely wrapped, but at over 2 kilos not particularly light. 👉 Abus IVY Chain 9210/140 is our favourite in the race for the best lock for unattended road and Gravel.
Our tip: For carbon bikes, a wrapped lock is best, where the locking cylinder also has a rubber layer. This prevents any damage.
5. The best lock for cargo e-bikes
Cargo bikes and cargo e-bikes cost a lot of money. But that's not the only reason they need the best protection: for many families, the cargo bike is the only vehicle in the city, and they rely on it in everyday life. Therefore: 👉 The thickest lock you can find is the best! On a cargo bike weighing up to 45 kilos, a bit of lock doesn't stand out, but a stolen family vehicle certainly does!
That's why we also recommend the maximum 👉 secure bike lock Abus Granit Super Extreme.
6. The best bike lock for a “normal” everyday life
You don't park in particularly dangerous areas, your bike or E-Bike is a normal mid-range model, and at night it is safely stored in the bike cellar. Even those living in the countryside and cycling are lucky: in this case, the bike is less at risk and 👉 a chain lock or a U-lock with a medium security level is the best.
7. The best bike lock for bikepacking and tours
On multi-day tours, every gram of luggage counts. At the same time, you don't want to leave your bike unsecured while visiting a restaurant or in front of the supermarket. Here we recommend a 👉 light folding lock or chain lock with a good level of security. It provides sufficient protection while on the go and can be stored compactly. And don't forget: Secure luggage on the bike!
The best lock for bike luggage: 👉 Abus Combiflex 125 is handy, lightweight, and long enough for several bike bags.
8. The best bike lock for the city
Anyone who parks their bike daily in front of the office, university, train station, or in the city centre needs a good compromise between security and comfort. Our recommendation for the city is a 👉 high-quality, thick chain lock. It can be transported compactly, is quickly ready for use, and is flexible enough to attach the bike to lamp posts or bike racks.
No matter which bike you ride in the city (often a city bike, Gravel, trekking bike, or Hardtail) – a chain lock is often the most practical solution. At the same time, these locks are robust and weatherproof; if you ride to work in all weather, that's important. When buying, pay attention to enough length so that you can additionally wrap the lock around a fixed object (about 1m length).
|
Our tip: In city centres and large cities, there are hotspots where particularly many bikes are stolen. If you have to park your bike there, you should choose a higher security level; then a 👉 U-lock with a high security level is best. It can also be sensible to secure the bike additionally – an alarm is often well perceived in the city, a second lock can deter thieves. |
9. The best bike lock for maximum security
If you regularly leave your bike in larger cities or for several hours, you shouldn't compromise on security. A 👉 high-quality U-lock with a high security level currently offers the best protection against common breaking methods.
It becomes even safer if you combine two different types of locks. This significantly increases the effort for thieves.
When is the effort worth it?
- at night
- for high-quality, new bikes and e-bikes
- in hotspots
- during a holiday (longer parking times)
10. Bike lock 2026 – what's new, what's better?
Bike locks are becoming smart, which is one of the most important developments in recent years.
Bike lock with everything
Once with everything, please – this bike lock comes with all the security technology available in 2026. It pairs with an app and opens via Bluetooth. It registers shocks and sounds a loud alarm. And it stores the location so you can find it again.
➽ the best lock for: high-tech fans 👉 Abus BORDO 6500A/110
Bike lock with lighting
If you've ever tried to open your bike lock in the dark, you'll surely appreciate a lock with LED lights!
➽ the best lock for: night owls 👉 Abus BORDO Combo 6000C/90
Bike alarm plus bike finder in one
A 👉 Knog Scout is mounted under the bottle holder and kills two birds with one stone: movements trigger an alarm sound, and through an app, the device can be located – so you can find your bike again.
➽ for: particularly valuable bikes: 👉 Knog Scout Alarm & Bike Finder
Bike lock with fingerprint scanner
Open bike lock with your fingerprint – since 2026, this is possible.
➽ the best lock for those who lose keys and forget codes: 👉 Abus YARDO 7807F/110
Quick tips for even more security
- Always lock your bike to a fixed object.
- Connect the frame and rear wheel if possible.
- Avoid lonely or poorly lit parking spaces.
- Use two different locks for high-quality bikes.
- Register your bike and note the frame number.
Conclusion
The best bike lock is the one that fits your bike and your everyday life. While a high-quality chain lock is often the best choice for a city bike, e-bikes and particularly valuable bikes benefit from a solid U-lock, and so on.
One of the most important developments in 2026: specialization.
There is a suitable lock for every use case, every bike, and every parking situation. Your bike parks safely, you don't pay too much for your lock, and you don't carry unnecessary weight around.
Our tip: still invest a little more in a high-quality lock. It costs only a fraction of what a new bike costs – and ensures that your bike stays where it belongs: with you.
FAQ: The best bike locks
What should be considered with carbon bikes?
Here, you should prefer completely wrapped locks to protect the surface.
Which bike lock is the safest?
U-locks are considered particularly safe and offer high resistance to breaking attempts.
Which bike lock is suitable for e-bikes?
For high-quality e-bikes, U-locks or particularly secure chain locks with a high security level are recommended.
Is a cable lock sufficient for a bike?
A cable lock is at most suitable as an additional security measure and for accessories. For bikes, it is usually not sufficient on its own.
Should I really use two bike locks?
Yes. The combination of two different types of locks makes it more difficult for thieves to break in and significantly increases theft protection.
Does special equipment make the bike lock better?
Illuminated number dials, fingerprint scanners, integrated alarms – there are many ideas today that aim to make locks more comfortable or secure. For some cyclists, such features can be useful. If you often ride at night, a small LED light can be helpful. If you often forget codes and keys, a fingerprint scanner is practical. But if not… then not! Be aware that all electronic equipment means you have to charge your lock!
Read more in the Bike Blog
Locking your bike properly | Register your bike | Get your bike coded
Locking & securing your bike – everything you need & need to know:
Bike locks – all categories in the BMO Bike Shop
U-locks | Folding locks | Cable locks | Combination locks | Cable locks | Chain locks
Bike locks & holders for GPS trackers
all bike locks | GPS tracker holders
