Best Bike Locks of 2026 - Top 5 Compared

Engineered for those who refuse to compromise on security, the Hiplok DX1000 is the heavyweight champion of angle grinder resistant locks. It is built around a colossal 32mm thick shackle constructed from graphene-reinforced hardened steel, giving it a sheer mass and toughness that is visually intimidating and physically formidable. This lock is designed for larger bicycles, such as modern e-bikes with fat tubing, cargo bikes, or motorcycles, boasting an internal locking area of 20.5cm by 11cm. This generous reach provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing it to secure a bike to wide posts, thick railings, or through multiple frame triangles with ease. In angle grinder tests, its performance was exceptional. The composite core material interacts violently with cutting discs, causing them to bind and creating dangerous kickback—a scenario no thief would welcome in a public setting.

This forced testers to halt attacks for safety reasons, a testament to its deterrent capability. The shackle is encased in a thick, soft rubber sleeve that protects the bicycle's finish from scratches. However, this supreme security comes with significant trade-offs. The DX1000 is notably heavy, and its premium price reflects the advanced materials and engineering. Transporting it requires planning, ideally using Hiplok's dedicated frame mount. For cyclists who regularly leave a valuable or irreplaceable bicycle unattended for extended periods in high-risk areas, or for those with bikes too large for standard locks, the Hiplok DX1000 offers peace of mind that is arguably unmatched.

The OnGuard RockSolid 8590 stands out by defying expectations, combining extreme security with remarkable portability. Its most impressive feat is its weight—or lack thereof. At just 1.3 kilograms, it is significantly lighter than every other Sold Secure Diamond-rated lock in its class, some of which weigh over twice as much. This makes it one of the easiest high-security locks to carry daily. The secret to its performance lies in its patented RockSolid shackle, which features a hardened steel core coated in a specialized rubberized material. When attacked with an angle grinder, this coating doesn't just resist cutting; it actively degrades the cutting discs themselves. In testing, multiple grinder discs were worn down to nothing while making only superficial marks on the lock's surface.

This destructive interaction would be a major deterrent in a real-world theft attempt. The lock also features a robust, anti-pick and drill lock mechanism. The primary compromise for its low weight and cost is size. With a maximum shackle height of 17.5 cm and an internal width of 9 cm, it has the smallest locking volume of its peers. This requires more careful selection of locking points and may not accommodate very large bicycle frames or components. However, for standard road, hybrid, or mountain bikes locked to standard racks, its size is sufficient. For cyclists seeking the highest possible security without the burden of heavy metal, the OnGuard RockSolid 8590 is a compelling and often unbeatable value proposition.

The Litelok X1 represents a significant leap forward in portable bicycle security, designed specifically to counter the modern threat of cordless angle grinders. Its key innovation is the Barronium composite material fused onto its 16mm shackle. This ceramic-metal matrix is engineered to rapidly wear down cutting discs, dramatically increasing the time and effort required for a thief to breach the lock. In controlled tests, it took over four times longer to cut through one side of the Litelok X1 compared to traditional high-security U-locks, with standard discs often wearing out completely before the cut is finished. This level of resistance is typically enough to deter opportunistic thieves who rely on speed. Beyond its anti-grinder capabilities, the lock boasts a Sold Secure Diamond rating, the highest benchmark for bicycle security, confirming its robustness against bolt cutters, leverage attacks, and picking.

Practicality is also a strong suit. The lock is a standard U-lock size, offering a generous internal locking space of 3.97 x 7.7 inches, suitable for securing most bicycles and e-bikes to a variety of racks and posts. An optional frame mount provides a secure and convenient carrying solution, addressing a common pain point with heavy security locks. While it is not the absolute lightest or most resistant lock on the market, the Litelok X1 successfully integrates meaningful angle grinder defense into a package that remains viable for everyday use, making it a top recommendation for urban commuters and owners of valuable bicycles.

The Abus Granit Super Extreme 2500 is engineered with the practical needs of the modern cyclist in mind, particularly those riding e-bikes or requiring a lock that is both secure and easy to live with. Its standout feature is its generous locking space, provided by a 22cm tall by 10cm wide parabolic shackle. This volume is crucial for securing bicycles with bulky frames, batteries, or accessories, and provides ample room to navigate crowded bike racks. The shackle itself is made from a tungsten carbide composite, one of the hardest materials available, which provides substantial resistance to cutting tools. During angle grinder testing, a standard metal-cutting disc managed to cut only halfway through the shackle within a five-minute window, a result that would likely cause most opportunistic thieves to abandon the attempt.

Beyond the shackle, Abus's attention to detail shines. The lock comes with a well-engineered frame mount included in the price, a feature that competitors often charge extra for. This mount securely holds the lock in place while riding, eliminating rattle and making transportation effortless. The lock mechanism benefits from Abus's renowned precision and weather resistance. Weighing 2.1kg, it strikes a reasonable balance between heft and portability. For commuters, delivery riders, or anyone with an e-bike who needs a lock that is consistently convenient to carry and use while offering serious, verified protection, the Abus Granit Super Extreme 2500 presents a very compelling and well-rounded package.

The Foldylock Forever addresses a key dilemma for cyclists: the need for high security without the rigidity and limited locking options of a traditional U-lock. It achieves this by using 6.5mm thick hardened steel plates linked by patented, protected rivets. This construction earns it a Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold rating and a 3-star ART rating, making it the most secure folding lock currently available and suitable even for mopeds. Its real-world advantage is flexibility. Unfolded to 90cm (35.4 inches), it can easily wrap around large, irregular objects like street signs, traffic lights, or thick tree trunks that are impossible for a U-lock to engage. This versatility is invaluable in areas with poor cycling infrastructure. When not in use, it folds down into a neat, rectangular block that slides securely into a frame-mounted holster, offering a cleaner and often more stable carry solution than many U-lock mounts.

The locking mechanism is smooth and the build quality is high. It is important to note that its security, while excellent for a folding lock, is benchmarked at the Gold level. It does not incorporate the same ceramic or composite materials as the Diamond-rated angle grinder resistant U-locks, so it remains vulnerable to a sustained grinder attack. However, its resistance to bolt croppers, leverage, and picking is formidable. For cyclists in medium-to-high risk areas who prioritize locking versatility and a tidy carrying profile, and who may use a secondary cable for components, the Foldylock Forever is an outstanding and unique choice.