Before I get to my suggestions, it’s important to remember that locks are just one of the many tools you should be using to keep your bike safe. 

Lock it to something that is immovable, and you can’t lift the bike over. Always run the lock around the object and around your frame, run it through your back wheel if you can, and through your front wheel if you want.

If you are worried about not finding a bike rack to lock your bike to, I have an article all about how to lock your bike without one.

Now onto my suggestions for best lock overall, best U-Lock, best value lock, and best budget lock.

Best Bike Lock (And Best Chain Lock)

Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1016 Integrated Chain Lock on Amazon

Kryptonite is a brand name lock that has earned its reputation for being hard to break. This chain lock combine’s the flexibility needed to snake through a bike frame and around most objects, and the sheer strength and intimidation of thick steel.

The fact that the keyed lock is integrated with the chain just makes it that much more convenient. This lock is even suggested by some lock-pickers! So, you don’t need to worry about any amature pickers nabbing your bike while you are away. The only way someone is stealing your bike is with specialized equipment.

While it is a bit on the expensive side, this lock is perfect if your bike is more expensive, you’re locking it in a high risk area, or you really just can’t afford to risk losing it.

If you can’t afford this top of the line lock, Kryptonite offers some chains with lower specs for a lower price on Amazon.

Best U-Lock

Kryptonite New York U-Lock on Amazon

It should come as no surprise that the highest quality U-Lock is also a Kryptonite. At 16mm (0.6 in.) thick, this lock is not a pleasant sight for a would-be thief. Good U-locks are solid metal and are an absolute pain to break without equipment. However, they are easier to saw or grind through when compared to a chain.

While U-Locks can take up a bit more room than a chain or cable of the same length, they are quick, lighter than a chain, and are much easier to store on your bike. In fact, this one even comes with a mount (not all of them do)!

The only major downside that could actually cause some problems is that U-locks don’t always fit around the object you are trying to lock your bike to.

Great reviews, convenient to store on your bike (and it comes with a frame mount), tried and tested brand and model. You’ll need to buy an additional cable if you want to lock some other things to your bike though.

Best Value Bike Lock

Via Velo U-Lock with cable and mount on Amazon

This lock is especially nice if you’d like to get everything at once. It has a U-Lock, a cable, and a mount. It has an absurd number 4 or 5 star of reviews on Amazon, so this lock has been thoroughly crowd tested.

Be careful about how much you tighten the frame mount, though. It seems like the majority of the one star reviews talk about how their mount broke quickly while they were using it. While That is ultimately up to the quality of material that Via Velo use, most any plastic will brake it you tighten it too much.

The U-Lock may not be the thickest, and the cable isn’t either, but they are absolutely enough to be intimidating and ward off thieves looking for a quick steal. Great for suburbs, but maybe not for metropolitan areas.

Best Budget Bike Lock

Titanker Cable Lock on Amazon

This lock is great if you only ever lock your bike up while it is on the back of your car, or you are almost confident enough to leave your bike not even locked up. Cheap enough to make your wallet happy, and big enough to make things difficult for someone looking for easy bikes to take.

It is a coil type cable lock which can make running it around and through things a little more difficult, but it is pretty compact and easy to carry in a bag, on your frame, or like a really heavy bracelet. It comes in a ton of colors and is the only time I would suggest getting a combination lock. Otherwise, get a keyed lock. They are generally of higher quality. The cable isn’t terribly thick though, the rubber around the metal just makes it look thicker.

Much to my dismay, I’m almost never able to ride my bike to a destination. I usually ride from my house, to the end of a trail, and back. Once I’m home, I’m lucky enough to have a locked door to hide my bike behind. So, a massive bike lock isn’t of much use to me.

Generally speaking, only go with this lock if you have a really cheap bike, or you don’t have many reasons to be afraid of losing it.

Hopefully you were able to match one of these locks to your personal situation. With any luck, it will help you be more confident and allow you to get out and enjoy riding your bike more.

If you’d like to see some of my other gear suggestions, I have a whole page for that here!