Choosing a bicycle lock means matching a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond-rated U-lock or chain to your bike’s value, with at least 10% of the bike’s cost spent on security.
The real decision comes down to two questions: where the bike sleeps and how you carry the lock. This guide walks through the rating system, the lock types, and the exact models that stop angle grinders long enough to matter.
Sold Secure Ratings: What Gold and Diamond Actually Mean
Ratings run Bronze (cut in seconds), Silver, Gold, and Diamond, based on how long a lock survives timed attacks with bolt cutters, saws, and angle grinders. For US riders, especially on e-bikes and commuters worth over $1,000, Gold is the minimum and Diamond is the smart buy.
U-Lock vs. Chain: Which Lock Type Fits Your Routine?
The choice comes down to mobility. A U-lock — typically with a 13mm to 15mm hardened steel shank — offers the best balance of security, weight, and price for daily portable use. Heavy chains provide higher absolute security for bikes left at home or work but are cumbersome to carry. The table below shows how the options stack up.
| Lock Type | Best Use Case | Key Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| U-lock | Daily portable security (commuting, errands) | Lighter and cheaper than portable chains |
| Heavy chain | Stationary security (home, workplace) | Highest security but heavy to carry |
| Folding lock | Mid-range portable use | Compromise between weight and security |
| Cable lock | Secondary security only (never primary) | Easily cut with standard bolt cutters |
| Flexi-U (Litelok Go) | Bikepacking, travel | High security in a packable form factor |
Top Models for 2026: What Stops an Angle Grinder
Angle grinder resistance is the new standard, and four models lead the field. The Hiplok D1000 and Abus Granit Super Extreme also carry Diamond ratings and deliver serious grinder resistance. On the chain side, the OnGuard RockSolid 8590 tops the list for heavy-duty stationary security.
Kryptonite remains a solid fallback for robust hardened steel models at mid-range prices.
Five Locking Mistakes That Hand Thieves Your Bike
Lock the frame AND rear wheel to a closed-loop anchor — a bike rack, not a chain-link fence or a signpost that can be unbolted. Keep the lock off the ground to prevent leverage attacks. Use two different lock types on high-value bikes to increase theft time. And for e-bikes, always pair the lock with a well-lit parking spot and avoid leaving it in the same location repeatedly.
FAQs
Should I buy a key lock or a combination lock?
Can I use the same lock for my e-bike and regular bike?
How do I know if a lock will fit my bike rack?
References & Sources
- Cycling Weekly. “Wrecked and Rated: Five Angle Grinder-Resistant Bike Locks Tested.” Time-to-defeat results for Litelok, Hiplok, and other Diamond-rated models.
- REI. “How to Choose a Bike Lock.” Foundation advice on lock types, ratings, and locking technique.
- Outdoor Gear Lab. “Best Bike Lock Review.” Independent testing of leading U-locks, chains, and folding locks.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.