

▶ U-Locks: U-locks are heavier than most other types of locks, although they’re the most secure. Large chain locks can reach through both of your bike’s wheels and frame, as well as increase the size of things you can loop around and lock to. High-quality chain locks can come with a fabric outer sleeve, which simultaneously protects your paint job, makes it easier for cutting tools to slip, and provides comfort when wearing the lock like a belt-something I do often when commuting. Although chain locks can be heavy and unruly, this can play to a thief’s disadvantage as well, often making the lock more difficult to position and hold taut for an angle grinder. But it’s a losing proposition to use an old gym locker combo lock with a chain from the hardware store that is liable to be defeated by a pair of bolt cutters. ▶ Chain Locks: As long as the chain and lock shackle are both made from hardened steel, a chain lock can be just as secure as a U-lock, which is regarded as the most secure design. YouTube’s LockPickingLawyer has additionally proven that folding locks can often be wedged apart at these joints with tools like a nut splitter, a tool designed for ripping seized nuts off old bolts.

The folding pivots are weak points for power drills, however, and some might be vulnerable to bolt cutters. They’re popular due to the compact size when folded, making them easier to store or mount on the bike. ▶ Folding Locks: Folding locks can reach through wheels and frames and around larger things to which you lock a bike. These locks are best used in light security situations, like a quick trip into a store or a longer stop in a café where your bike might still be in sight. Most styles can easily be defeated with simple hand tools, like bolt cutters or tin snips.
#Cut kryptonite bike lock zip
▶ Lightweight Locks: Zip tie–based designs and the familiar coiled cable lock-often with a combination tumbler-are popular lightweight locks. Here are the four basic types, from least to most secure And if you’re locking a bike up outside overnight, there’s no such thing as overkill-using multiple locks that each require different tools to defeat is a good strategy.


Places where bikes are locked all day, like big cities and college campuses where bike thefts are common, require more security. Your locking location and duration should dictate how much security you actually need. Thieves are more likely to quickly and quietly snip through less expensive cable locks with bolt cutters. However, hardened steel locks or bike chain locks will require an angle grinder, which is loud and obvious. Just about any bike lock can be defeated in five minutes with the right tools and a little experience. To help verify my picks, I sought the advice of Grant Corman, manager of The Bicycle Shop in State College, Pennsylvania, whose bike wizardry has been helping college town commuters keep their bikes safe and running for over 20 years. Show more The Experts: As a former six-year employee at my local bike shop-and a one-time victim of bike theft-I’ve taken plenty of time over the years to study what it takes to keep bikes from ending up in the wrong hands.
