Best Bike Locks 2022

Buying a bike lock in 2022 felt a little like picking an umbrella in a hurricane: you’re not trying to defeat the weather,
you’re trying to make it annoying enough that the storm moves on to someone else. The goal of a great bike lock isn’t magic
invisibilityit’s time. Time for a thief to get bored, worry about witnesses, or decide your neighbor’s “free cable lock
included!” setup looks way easier.

This guide breaks down the best bike locks of 2022 by type and use case (commuting, errands, e-bikes, apartment racks, and
“I will cry if this gets stolen” situations). You’ll get specific picks, what they’re best for, and how to use them correctlybecause even the
toughest lock can fail if it’s attached to something that can be lifted, unbolted, or politely removed with a butter knife.

What “Best” Means for Bike Locks in 2022

The best lock is the one you’ll actually use every single time. In 2022, most reputable gear testers and bike-focused outlets agreed on a
few recurring themes:

• U-locks (D-locks) were still the default “best strength-to-practicality” choice for everyday city locking.
• Heavy chains were the king of awkward anchors (thick poles, wide racks, chunky e-bike frames) but came with real weight.
• Folding locks won points for portability and convenience, with security that ranged from “pretty solid” to “please don’t overnight.”
• Cables alone were widely discouraged for anything beyond quick, low-risk stops.

A quick reality check: no lock is theft-proof

A determined thief with time and power tools can eventually get through most portable locks. Your goal is to
raise the difficulty and lower the reward: use a high-quality primary lock, lock the frame to an immovable object,
reduce space inside the shackle, and add a second lock or cable for wheels/seat if needed.

Best Bike Locks 2022: Top Picks by Category

Below are standout locks that repeatedly appeared across respected U.S. gear roundups and bike publications around 2022, with a few “evergreen”
classics that were still considered top-tier choices that year.

Best Overall U-Lock (High Security): Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini

If 2022 had a “final boss” mainstream U-lock, this was it. The Fahgettaboudit Mini was widely recommended because it’s brutally sturdy and
engineered for high-risk urban locking. The tradeoff is obvious the moment you pick it up: it’s heavy, and the smaller shackle can be limiting
on wide racks or oversized frames.

• Best for: city commuters, expensive bikes, high-theft areas, campus locking
• Why it wins: thick hardened shackle, serious build quality, strong reputation
• Watch-outs: fit can be tight on some racks; weight is not “cute little backpack” friendly

Pro move: Pair it with a cable for the front wheel if you have quick-release skewers. Otherwise, you’re essentially locking a bike and
donating a wheel.

Best Value U-Lock (Everyday Security Without Maximum Weight): Kryptonite Evolution Series (U-Lock + Cable kits)

For many riders in 2022, the sweet spot was a mid-to-high security U-lock that didn’t feel like carrying a kettlebell. The Kryptonite Evolution
line (often sold with a cable) was commonly recommended as a strong, practical everyday option.

• Best for: commuting, errands, moderate-risk locking
• Why it wins: solid security-to-price ratio, common “starter serious lock” pick
• Watch-outs: still needs good locking technique; cable is for accessories, not the main security

Best Budget “Real Lock” U-Lock: Kryptonite KryptoLok (or similar mid-tier U-lock)

If you want a reputable lock without paying top-tier prices, the Kryptonite KryptoLok class was frequently recommended as a budget-friendly
step up from flimsy locks. In testing-style reviews, it’s often described as meaningfully tougher than bargain locks while staying more portable
than the heavyweight “New York” line.

• Best for: students, casual commuters, daytime locking in average-risk areas
• Why it wins: good balance of weight, usability, and real security
• Watch-outs: don’t confuse “budget pick” with “invincible”

Best U-Lock Alternative (Premium Folding Option): ABUS Bordo Granit (Folding Lock)

Folding locks exist because riders wanted security without the “where do I put this?” drama. The ABUS Bordo Granit-style folding lock became a
top choice for portability: it stores neatly in a case, mounts to your bike, and wraps around awkward objects better than many U-locks.

• Best for: commuters who hate carrying locks, bikes with limited storage space, variable lock-up spots
• Why it wins: compact transport, flexible locking geometry, reputable brand
• Watch-outs: folding locks have jointsmore complexity than a U-lock; choose higher-security models for higher-risk areas

Best Chain Lock for High-Risk Lockups: Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain

Chains shine when you need flexibilitywide poles, thick racks, odd-shaped frames, or locking multiple bikes. The Kryptonite New York chain is
famously burly and often recommended for riders who prioritize security over carrying comfort.

• Best for: e-bikes, cargo bikes, apartment bike rooms, overnight lockups (when you have no better option)
• Why it wins: very hard to casually defeat, versatile around objects
• Watch-outs: weight; carrying it daily can feel like training for a medieval reenactment

Best “Wearable” Chain for Commuters: Hiplok Gold (or similar wearable chain)

Hiplok’s wearable chain concept is simple: make a chain lock less miserable to transport. In 2022, wearable chain locks were commonly mentioned as a
practical option for riders who wanted chain flexibility without stuffing a metal snake into a bag.

• Best for: commuting, quick stops, riders who like flexibility and convenience
• Why it wins: easier carry system than typical chains; strong deterrence when used well
• Watch-outs: still heavy compared to U-locks; not all wearable locks are equal in security

Best Lightweight Lock for Low-Risk Stops: TiGr Mini (Titanium-style minimalist locks)

Not everyone needs a maximum-security setup for every ride. For coffee stops in low-risk areasor as a secondary locklightweight minimalist locks
like TiGr’s compact models were often highlighted for portability and style.

• Best for: quick stops, low-risk areas, secondary locking
• Why it wins: ultra-portable, easy to carry, better than “nothing”
• Watch-outs: not a substitute for a high-security lock in theft-prone areas

Best “Don’t Overthink It” Secondary Lock: A Cable Used Correctly

Cables got roasted in 2022 for a reason: alone, they’re not serious security. But used as a secondary lockpaired with a strong
U-lock or chainthey’re useful for securing wheels, saddles, and accessories.

• Best for: front wheels, seats, helmets, baskets (when paired with a strong primary lock)
• Why it works: adds hassle and time, protects “easy grab” parts
• Watch-outs: never rely on it as your only lock for the frame

How to Choose the Right Lock in 2022 (Without Losing Your Mind)

1) Match the lock to the risk

A $35 lock on a $2,000 bike is like putting a screen door on a bank vault. Use a simple rule:
higher bike value + higher theft area + longer parking time = stronger lock (or two locks).

2) U-lock vs. chain vs. folding: pick your “pain”

• U-lock: excellent security for the weight, but can be limiting on wide anchors.
• Chain: flexible and strong, but heavy and bulky.
• Folding: convenient and packable, security depends heavily on model/grade.

3) Look for security ratings (and don’t ignore common sense)

Many riders use independent rating systems (like Sold Secure or ART) as a shortcut for comparing locks. Ratings don’t replace good technique, but
they help you avoid junk locks that look tough and fold like a lawn chair when tested.

Locking Technique: The “Best Lock” Is Useless if You Lock It Wrong

In theft-prevention guides, the same advice shows up again and again because it works:
lock the frame to a solid object, and don’t leave room for leverage. If you only do two things, do these:

The baseline method (fast and effective)

• Lock the frame (not just a wheel) to an immovable object in a well-lit, high-traffic area.
• Use the U-lock through the rear wheel + frame when possible (rear wheels are usually more expensive and harder to replace).

The “two-lock” method (recommended for higher risk)

• Use your strongest lock for the frame + rear wheel.
• Add a second lock or cable for the front wheel and/or saddle if you have quick-release parts.

Small details that matter more than people think

• Minimize empty space inside the shackleless space means fewer leverage options.
• Don’t lock to “fake secure” objects (signs that lift out, flimsy fences, racks bolted with tiny hardware).
• Place the keyway strategically (often downward or inward) to make tampering harder.

Scenario Guides: What to Buy Based on How You Ride

If you’re a daily city commuter

Start with a high-quality U-lock (mid-to-high security), then add a cable for your front wheel if needed. If your city is high-theft, consider a
second lock or a heavier primary lock.

If you ride an e-bike or cargo bike

Bigger frames and higher value mean you’ll appreciate chain flexibility or a larger U-lock. Many e-bike riders choose a strong chain for awkward racks,
plus a U-lock or secondary lock for wheels.

If you mostly do short, low-risk stops

A lighter lock can be finebut be honest about what “low risk” means in your area. Lightweight locks are best when your bike is never out of sight for long.

If you lock up overnight outside (try not to)

If you have no alternative, use the toughest lock you can manage, lock in a visible area, and consider a two-lock setup. Better yet: bring the bike inside,
use a secure room, or use a hardened anchor point.

Maintenance Tips: Make Your Lock Last (and Not Betray You)

• Keep keys and cylinders clean (dust, grit, and weather can make locks sticky).
• Occasional lubricant helps, especially if you lock up outdoors.
• Check mounts and brackets so your lock doesn’t rattle loose or become a surprise road hazard.

Real-World Experiences (2022): Lessons Riders Kept Learning the Hard Way

If you collected bike-lock stories in 2022, you’d end up with a library of “I can’t believe that happened” momentsand a few very predictable patterns.
The most common experience wasn’t a dramatic Hollywood heist; it was a quick, quiet, opportunistic theft that took advantage of convenience.

One recurring theme: riders who upgraded from a basic cable lock to a legit U-lock often described an immediate mindset shift. They didn’t just feel
“more secure”they started choosing parking spots differently. A good lock encourages good behavior: you look for a proper rack, you avoid dark corners,
and you stop trusting that one decorative fence that “seems solid.” In other words, the lock becomes a routine, not a wish.

Another common experience in 2022 was the “parts donation” problem. Plenty of people locked the frame correctlyand still came back to a missing front
wheel or saddle because quick-release hardware makes theft ridiculously fast. That’s why so many riders ended up with a two-part system: a U-lock for
frame/rear wheel and a cable or secondary lock for the front wheel and seat. The cable wasn’t there to stop a determined thief with tools; it was there
to stop the easiest theft in the book: “grab and go.”

Commuters also learned that fit matters as much as strength. Riders who bought a very small, very tough U-lock sometimes discovered they
couldn’t lock to half the racks in their city. That led to frustrating improvisationslocking to awkward objects, leaving too much space, or skipping the
lock entirely “just this once.” The best 2022 setups were often boringly practical: a lock that was tough and had enough internal space to work with
common infrastructure.

Folding locks created a different kind of experience: riders loved the convenience and neat storage, but some admitted they started taking bigger risks
because the lock was so easy to carry. The lock wasn’t “bad”the psychology was. If a folding lock made you comfortable leaving a nice bike for hours in a
high-theft area, it wasn’t really the lock’s fault when trouble showed up. The smartest riders treated folding locks as a strong deterrent for moderate-risk
stops, not as a universal solution.

Chains delivered their own 2022 story arc: “This is amazing,” followed by “Why does my backpack hate me?” Riders who used heavy chains often loved the
flexibilityespecially with e-bikes, fat-tire bikes, and weird racksbut many ended up leaving the chain at a predictable location (like home or work) and
carrying a U-lock for everything else. That’s a genuinely great strategy: one heavy chain stationed at your most frequent lockup spot, one portable lock for
daily life.

Finally, riders kept repeating one hard truth: the best defense is layers. A quality lock, correct technique, smart parking, and optional extras like bike
registration or insurance. In 2022, plenty of people didn’t aim for “impossible to steal.” They aimed for “not worth it.” And most days, that’s exactly how
you win.

Conclusion

The best bike locks of 2022 weren’t just “the strongest.” They were the locks that balanced real security with real life: portability,
fit, and the kind of routine you’ll follow when you’re late, hungry, and two minutes away from saying, “I’ll only be gone a second.”

If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: pick a quality lock, lock the frame correctly, and add a secondary lock for wheels/seat if your bike
has quick-release parts. In the daily battle between your bike and chaos, consistency beats optimism every time.