Let’s get one important point across before we get into this grouptest: no lock is unbreakable or unpickable. Armed with the right tools, either to break or pick a lock, a person who really wants to steal your bike will be able to, no matter what you lock it up with.
What you can do is deter the bike thief looking for an easy steal, or give the more determined thief a much harder time.
Related: Buyer's guide to bike locks
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With this in mind, one of the best bits of advice we can give you after many years of busting and picking locks in our lock tests, is to use two locks of different types from different brands. If a thief is adept at picking a certain type of lock and has the tools to do so, it’s less likely they will also have the tools or the knowledge to pick a completely different type. Two budget locks that are wildly different in style and key/lock-cylinder types are sometimes better than a single expensive lock.
How we tested
We’ve been breaking locks in our tests for years. We use tools and picks that are easily obtainable, and easily carried, and more importantly reflect what is being used to steal bikes out on the streets.
We use bolt cutters that can be carried concealed up a baggy sleeve (30in long) with cutting blades we shape and harden ourselves. We use the same methods that your lowlife bicycle thief is likely to employ, getting our tools from the same sources, and learning how to use them in the same way. You’ll understand why we don’t go into more specific detail…
What to consider when buying a lock
- Make it difficult: If a thief is determined no lock will prevent your bike from being taken. Your aim should be to make it difficult. If it takes more time and makes more noise, your average thief is more than likely to look for an easier, quicker and quieter target. Fit your lock so it’s hard for you to get to the keyhole and fill the lock with as much bike and object as possible. These two simple things make them harder to pick, lever, crop or just plain hammer.
- Keys: There are various types, but they all work a lock mechanism by moving pins or discs into a certain alignment to allow the lock plug to be turned by the key and the plug to operate the lock mechanism.
- Protection: Nobody wants a bare metal lock clattering against their frame, so some protection in the shape of a rubber coating or a material sleeve will keep your bike looking good, and prevent the lock from corroding.
- Shackle: We know it as the U-shaped part of a U-Lock or padlock. It’s called a shackle because that’s exactly what it does: shackles two things together. In our case, it’s shackling our bikes to something sturdy.
- Links: Chains are made up of links; hoops joined together. The smaller the internal diameter of the links the better, as this gives less space for a lever to be inserted. It also gives chain locks their flexibility, adding versatility.
U-locks: the best and worst
Abus Granit X Plus 540
- Price: £90 / US$150 / €105 / AU$235
- Weight: 1527g
- Internal dimensions: 230mm x 108mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 2 minutes 12 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
Abus Bordo Granit X Plus 6500
- Price: £100 / US$170 / €130 / AU$235
- Weight: 1607g
- Internal dimensions: Wobbly
- Bolt crop test: 18 seconds
- Portable cutter test: 22 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
Hiplok DC
- Price: £60 / US$94 / €85 / AU$120
- Weight: 1109g
- Internal dimensions: 130mm x 70mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 43 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
Kryptonite NewYork Fahgettaboudit Mini
- Price: £80 / US$114 / €111 / AU$150
- Weight: 1993g
- Internal dimensions: 150mm x 83mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 2 minutes 40 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
Kryptonite Messenger Mini
- Price: £45 / US$75 / €52 / AU$120
- Weight: 1141g
- Internal dimensions: 170mm x 95mm main + 95mm x 86 mm rear wheel
- Bolt crop test: 58 seconds
- Portable cutter test: 1 minute 36 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
Knog Strongman
- Price: £80 / US$100 / €90 / AU$110
- Weight: 1156g
- Internal dimensions: 140mm x 83mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 1 minute 20 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
OnGuard 8002
- Price: £43 / US$60 / AU$TBC
- Weight: 1583g
- Internal dimensions: 290mm x 113mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 32 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: 8 seconds
Squire HammerHead 290 Combi
- Price: £54 / US$108 / AU$ TBC
- Weight: 1779g
- Internal dimensions: 290mm x 106mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 48 seconds
- Picked: 38 seconds
- Hammer: Passed
Squire HammerHead 230 Key
- Price: £50 / US$68 / AU$TBC
- Weight: 1649g
- Internal dimensions: 230mm x 106mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 47 seconds
- Picked: 29 seconds
- Hammer: Passed
Chains: the best and worst
Abus Granit Power XS
- Price: £120 / US$160 / €155
- Weight: 3368g
- Length: 1200mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 2 minute 40 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
Hiplok Gold
- Price: £85 / US$133 / €121
- Weight: 2570g
- Length: 850mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 2 minutes 30 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
OnGuard Mastiff
- Price: £65 / US$95 / AU$TBC
- Weight: 3493g
- Length: 1300mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 2 Minute 20 seconds
- Picked: Passed
- Hammer: Passed
Squire Mako CN8/900
- Price: £40 / US$55 / AU$TBC
- Weight: 1693g
- Length: 900mm
- Bolt crop test: 19 seconds
- Portable cutter test: 36 seconds
- Picked: 3 minutes plus
- Hammer: Passed
Kryptonite Messenger Chain
- Price: £65 / US$85 / €59 / AU$140
- Weight: 2845g
- Length: 1000mm
- Bolt crop test: Passed
- Portable cutter test: 28 seconds
- Picked: 3 minute
- Hammer: Passed
Final verdict
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