Consumer Reports

As the competition mounts year after year, we still cannot find a better lock than the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock. This burly lock is as tough as its namesake city and earned high scores across all performance metrics. With this U-Lock, Kryptonite provides a strong theft deterrent with 16 mm of hardened steel that we could only manage to defeat with two different cuts from the powered angle grinder. It even withstood a car jack. Plus, it has a "Diamond" rating from Sold Secure, which grants you some peace of mind when locking your bike in urban areas. 
It should be no surprise that something that can withstand a car jack's force also carries a hefty weight. Fortunately, the New York does come with a frame mount, making it convenient to carry on your bike while you're cruising or commuting. The model is about as easy to use as any U-lock and broad enough to fit around both wheels, the frame, and a standard bike rack, as long as you remove your front wheel. Kryptonite offers theft protection policies if your lock is stolen; however, several tricky stipulations must apply, which makes us doubt its usefulness for most riders. They also offer a key replacement program for this lock, so be sure to register your keys after purchasing. Overall, we are impressed with Kryptonite for providing a burly, versatile, user-friendly, and high-quality bike lock. 

OutdoorGearLab

As the competition mounts year after year, we still cannot find a better lock than the Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock. This burly lock is as tough as its namesake city and earned high scores across all performance metrics. With this U-Lock, Kryptonite provides a strong theft deterrent with 16 mm of hardened steel that we could only manage to defeat with two different cuts from the powered angle grinder. It even withstood a car jack. Plus, it has a "Diamond" rating from Sold Secure, which adds peace of mind when locking your bike in urban areas. 
It should be no surprise that something that can withstand a car jack's force also carries a hefty weight. Fortunately, the New York lock includes a frame mount, making it convenient to carry on your bike while you're cruising or commuting. The model is about as easy to use as any U-lock and broad enough to fit around both wheels, the frame, and a standard bike rack, as long as you remove your front wheel. Kryptonite offers theft protection policies if your lock is stolen; however, several tricky stipulations must apply, making us doubt its usefulness for most riders. They also offer a key replacement program for this lock, so be sure to register your keys after purchasing. Overall, we are impressed with Kryptonite for providing a burly, versatile, user-friendly, and high-quality bike lock. 
Read more: Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock review

amazon.com

walmart

powerreviews

For those looking for a quality U-Lock with a tighter budget, we recommend the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard. This U-lock comes with a cable you can wrap around the front wheel or seat post if needed. What caught our eye about this bike lock was its security. Compared to other locks at this price point, the Kryptolok blew the competition out of the water. Our hand tool armada could not defeat the 13 mm of hardened steel of the U and the shackle. At this price point, other U-locks focus on the U part of the lock, leaving the shackle vulnerable to a thief cutting through with a single cut. However, the Kryptolok is strong in both components, meaning it would take a thief at least two cuts to defeat this lock.
A drawback is that the locking mechanism gets sticky more easily than other locks. After some cleaning and lubrication, it works reliably, but it's not as smooth as other, higher-end locks. Our testers also wish Kryptonite would commit to designing a more user-friendly frame mount for their U-locks. We think you'll want to give this lock a second look if you need the security of a U-lock without the hefty price. 

For those looking for a quality U-Lock with a tighter budget, we recommend the Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard. This U-lock comes with a cable you can wrap around the front wheel or seat post if needed. What caught our eye about this bike lock was its security. Compared to other locks at this price point, the Kryptolok blew the competition out of the water. Our hand tool armada could not defeat the 13 mm of hardened steel of the U and the shackle. At this price point, other U-locks focus on the U part of the lock, leaving the shackle vulnerable to a thief cutting through with a single cut. However, the Kryptolok is strong in both components, meaning it would take a thief at least two cuts to defeat this lock.
A drawback is that the locking mechanism gets sticky more easily than other locks. After some cleaning and lubrication, it works reliably but is not as smooth as other, higher-end locks. Our testers also wish Kryptonite would commit to designing a more user-friendly frame mount for their U-locks. We think you'll want to give this lock a second look if you need the security of a U-lock without the hefty price. 
Read more: Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard review

Wirecutter

With a dual-locking hardened 13 mm shackle, an included cable, and a free year of anti-theft protection, the Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 is a good deterrent at a reasonable price.

bazaarvoice

The Onguard Brute STD offers security &#40;receiving a Diamond rating by Sold Secure&#41; comparable to the highest-scoring models in our review but at a lower price. This is achieved by omitting fancier features while including the essential ones. Once properly locked to a secured bike rack, 16.8 mm of hardened steel stands between your two-wheeled baby and thieves. Two cuts with an angle grinder are required to free the bike, a time-consuming and noisy operation that also broadcasts a thief’s unlawful intentions. Generously included with this model are five replaceable keys, one of which has a helpful LED light for finding the keyhole in the dark. The included mounting hardware is easy to install, fits a wide range of frame sizes, and keeps the lock from rattling much when underway in the city. Despite being made of such thick steel, this U-lock is lighter weight than models that offer the same level of security.
This U-lock is relatively bulky and lacks the slick appearance of some top-shelf competitors. Also, the mounting hardware is not our favorite. When mounted on the bike frame, the bike lock sits beside the top tube, not underneath, so the mount sits asymmetrically to the side of the main triangle instead of streamlined inside the frame. A few more expensive models feature a cover for the keyhole that helps the lock's interior stay free of dirt and moisture for continuous smooth operation. We wish this contender included a keyhole cover, but for its cost, the OnGuard Brute STD packs more security into its price than any other model.  

The Onguard Brute STD offers security &#40;receiving a Diamond rating by Sold Secure&#41; comparable to the highest-scoring models in our review but at a lower price. This is achieved by omitting fancier features while including the essential ones. Once properly locked to a secured bike rack, 16.8 mm of hardened steel stands between your two-wheeled baby and thieves. Two cuts with an angle grinder are required to free the bike, a time-consuming and noisy operation that also broadcasts a thief's unlawful intentions. Generously included with this model are five replaceable keys, one of which has a helpful LED light for finding the keyhole in the dark. The included mounting hardware is easy to install, fits a wide range of frame sizes, and keeps the lock from rattling much when underway in the city. Despite being made of thick steel, this U-lock is lighter than models offering the same level of security.
This U-lock is relatively bulky and lacks the slick appearance of some top-shelf competitors. Also, the mounting hardware is not our favorite. When mounted on the bike frame, the bike lock sits beside the top tube, not underneath, so the mount sits asymmetrically to the side of the main triangle instead of streamlined inside the frame. A few of the more expensive models feature a keyhole cover that helps the lock's interior stay free of dirt and moisture for continuous smooth operation. We wish this contender included a keyhole cover, but for its cost, the OnGuard Brute STD packs more security into its price than any other model.    
Read more: OnGuard Brute STD review

shopify

Love the idea of an effective bike lock but loathe the reality of carrying one around with you? The Hiplok Original: Superbright presents an innovative new way to transport a lock. Hiplok took a beefy, 8 mm hardened steel chain two feet long and put a nylon sheath around it &#40;a detail we loved because that means it won't scratch the paint on your bike frame.&#41; Next, they engineered a padlock with an extra metal bar that serves as a buckle. A swath of Velcro goes through the buckle and then folds back on itself, creating an adjustable and comfortable design that you can wear like a low belt. The Superbright lock also has a thick reflective strip on the outside of the nylon cover because when you're riding, you can never be too visible to motorists. The everyday commuting cyclist will probably appreciate this lock the most. One of our testers has been using this lock on daily bike commutes for over four years and has yet to experience any performance issues, like the locking mechanism sticking &#40;it's still markedly smooth and easy&#41; or the Velcro becoming less adherent.
Those riding for fitness or recreation might want something more lightweight. It feels much heavier stowed in a backpack or messenger bag than it does when worn on your person. It is also one of the more expensive models in our lineup, yet it still outpaces other contenders in the wearable lock category. If this type of lock sounds like something you'd like, keep in mind that wearing something around your waist while riding might feel constrictive to some. But, for a lock this burly, it's our testers' favorite wearable lock for daily commutes. 

Love the idea of an effective bike lock but loathe the reality of carrying one around with you? The Hiplok Original: Superbright presents an innovative new way to transport a lock. Hiplok took a beefy, 8 mm hardened steel chain two feet long and put a nylon sheath around it &#40;a detail we loved because that means it won't scratch the paint on your bike frame.&#41; Next, they engineered a padlock with an extra metal bar that serves as a buckle. A swath of Velcro goes through the buckle and then folds back on itself, creating an adjustable and comfortable design that you can wear like a low belt. The Superbright lock also has a thick reflective strip on the outside of the nylon cover because when you're riding, you can never be too visible to motorists. The everyday commuting cyclist will probably appreciate this lock the most. One of our testers has been using this lock on daily bike commutes for over four years and has yet to experience any performance issues, like the locking mechanism sticking &#40;it's still markedly smooth and easy&#41; or the Velcro becoming less adherent.
Those riding for fitness or recreation might want something more lightweight. It feels much heavier stowed in a backpack or messenger bag than when worn on your person. It's also one of the more expensive models in our lineup, yet it still outpaces other contenders in the wearable lock category. If this type of lock sounds like something you'd like, keep in mind that wearing something around your waist while riding might feel constrictive to some. But, for a lock this burly, it's our testers' favorite wearable lock for daily commutes. 
Read more: Hiplok Original: Superbright review

trustpilot

target

If you're on the market for a bike lock that is more suitable to use in high-risk areas, like a college campus, skip the ABUS Chain Lock 1200 Web. However, if you need a minimal deterrent that's easy to carry and use, then there's something to be said for this simple chain lock. Whether in your jersey pocket, in a bag, or wrapped around your seat post, at less than half a pound, you'll hardly notice it. We wrapped it around the seat posts of both adult and children's bikes, and in both cases, our testers barely noticed it was there. Its simple, combo-opening feature means you don't need to carry around a key, either.
Unfortunately, this lock won't stop a determined thief. Its use is limited to a minute or two out of eyesight in urban areas. But in low-security regions where there aren't tools-toting thieves around the corner, this ABUS Chain Lock might be all you need. It's not super burly, but if you're looking for a lightweight lock that doesn't break the bank and is easy to carry around, the ABUS 1200 is just for you and your &#40;hopefully inexpensive&#41; bike.

If you're seeking a bike lock suitable for use in high-risk areas, like a college campus, skip the ABUS Chain Lock 1200 Web. However, if you just need a minimal deterrent that's easy to carry and use, this simple chain lock may do the trick. At less than half a pound, it's easy to transport, whether in your jersey pocket, a backpack, or wrapped around your seat post. We wrapped it around the seat posts of both adult and children's bikes, and in both cases, our testers barely noticed it was there. Its simple combo-opening feature means you don't need to carry around a key, either.
Unfortunately, this lock won't stop a determined thief. Its use is limited to a minute or two out of eyesight in urban areas. But in low-security regions where there aren't tool-toting thieves around the corner, this ABUS Chain Lock might be all you need. It's not super burly, but if you're looking for a lightweight lock that doesn't break the bank and is easy to carry around, the ABUS 1200 is just for you and your &#40;hopefully inexpensive&#41; bike.
Read more: ABUS Chain Lock 1200 Web review

The Blackburn Switch Wrap offers a uniquely portable and capable design among the tools we tested. With 15 functions and on-bike storage for a tube, CO2 cartridge, and tire lever, it is an enticing minimalist option for mountain bikers looking to ditch their pack. Rather than a single-piece multi-tool like most of the models in our test, the Switch Wrap contains a tool kit comprised of a socket handle and various bits including 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, T25, and T30 Torx bits, and a flat head screwdriver. Also included is a chain tool with 0, 1, and 2 spoke wrenches. In testing, the clever T and L-handle capability of the socket-bit system provided great leverage, allowed us to reach bolts in tight places, and reminded us of ergonomic workshop tools. Those among us who prefer riding without a pack quickly took a liking to the Switch Wrap, and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a little bit of extra storage. 
While the Switch Wrap offers huge portability benefits, it also sacrifices a bit of speed and ease of use to more traditional multi-tool designs when performing repairs and adjustments. Each time you want to make an adjustment, you have to remove the wrap from your bike, extract the tool kit from its tight velcro pocket, and assemble your desired wrench. This process doesn't take long in the grand scheme of things, but riders who value expedience in their repairs may get frustrated over time. Additionally, Blackburn's socket-bit system makes for a lot of components to keep track of while performing a repair. 

The Blackburn Switch Wrap offers a uniquely portable and capable design among the tools we tested. With 15 functions as well as on-bike storage for a tube, CO2 cartridge, and tire lever, it is an enticing minimalist option for mountain bikers looking to ditch their pack. Rather than a single-piece folding multi-tool like most of the models in our test, the Switch Wrap contains a tool kit comprised of a socket handle and various bits including 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, T25, and T30 Torx bits, and a flat head screwdriver. Also included is a chain tool with 0, 1, and 2 spoke wrenches. In testing, the clever T and L-handle capability of the socket-bit system provided great leverage, allowed us to reach bolts in tight places, and reminded us of ergonomic workshop tools. Those among us who prefer riding without a pack quickly took a liking to the Switch Wrap, and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a little bit of extra storage. 
While the Switch Wrap offers huge portability benefits, it also sacrifices a bit of speed and ease of use to more traditional multi-tool designs when performing repairs and adjustments. Each time you want to make an adjustment, you have to remove the wrap from your bike, extract the tool kit from its tight velcro pocket, and assemble your desired wrench. This process doesn't take long in the grand scheme of things, but riders who value expedience in their repairs may get frustrated over time. Blackburn's socket-bit system also makes for a lot of components to keep track of while performing a repair. Another consideration is that the Switch Wrap can scuff the paint on your frame over time if it moves around. We suggest putting a small layer of frame protector underneath it if you are concerned with the appearance of your paint job. 
Read more: Blackburn Switch Wrap review

Bike Lock Comparison