Owning a bicycle can be quite the struggle, between making sure your bike tires are in top shape, your saddle seat is perfect, and everything else runs smoothly; you also need to make sure it’s secure.
Bike lifting is pretty common seeing as how there’s no key to start a bicycle. Anyone can just take it and leave. This is a very troublesome aspect of owning a bike and is also the reason we have bike locks.
Now, most bike locks are heavy-duty and weigh more than the bike itself. This is another struggle as no one wants to carry around a heavy bike lock. That’s where our trusty lightweight locks come in.
A good lightweight lock can both ensure your bike’s safety and make it easy to take with you. Here, I’ll be discussing the 10 best lightweight locks, so keep on reading to find out!
My #1 Choice ❤
Of all the 10 locks I’ve listed below, I have to say my top pick and personal favorite would have to be the Titanker cable bike lock.
[amazon box=”B08LNNTK9P”]
It’s my #1 choice because: it’s relatively long compared to locks. This makes it long enough to secure both the rear wheel and frame of the bike.
Plus, it’s fairly easy to reset the code as well and does not require any complicated tools.
How to: Choose the Best Lightweight Bike Locks
Even though being lightweight is the main concern, there are plenty of other things which are also important to look at when getting a bike lock. Here are a few of them explained below:
- Strength: possibly the most important thing you need to look for in locks is if it’s strong. You need your bike to be sturdy enough to be secure your bike in one place. If it’s flimsy, then the lock serves no purpose.
- Safety: A bike lock’s safety depends on its strength and how difficult it is to pick the lock. That being said, a strong lock is pointless if it can be picked in seconds. So, make sure your lock isn’t easy to pick.
- Probability: If you mostly go on short bike rides and park in low-risk areas, then lightweight locks will be good for you. These are small and can easily be portable for use. They easily collapse into your hand and weigh almost nothing.
10 Best Lightweight Bike Locks Compared
This table displays the top 10 helmet-mounted bike lights along with the appropriate pricing and rankings.
All products are listed in order of price from lowest to highest and are linked to via Amazon URLs.
Name | Price | Rating |
[amazon link=”B01H4YGZX0″ title=”Sanwo Security Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B01H4YGZX0″ value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B076TZ8D7G” title=”Titanker Cable Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B076TZ8D7G” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B079P5Y7KK” title=”Abus Granit Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B079P5Y7KK” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B076C5CLDT” title=”Giant Surelock Air Loop Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B076C5CLDT” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B074Z1PVZQ” title=”Ushake Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B074Z1PVZQ” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B08DC9G4RR” title=”West Biking Folding Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B08DC9G4RR” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B07999C86V” title=”Ottolock Combination Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B07999C86V” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B078MTYPV2″ title=”Abus Bordo Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B078MTYPV2″ value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B005YPK9VQ” title=”Kryptonite Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B005YPK9VQ” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
[amazon link=”B00HN47JZU” title=”Litelok Silver Lightweight Bike Lock”] | [amazon fields=”B00HN47JZU” value=”price”] | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
#1 Kryptonite Kryptolok Mini 7
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.1/5
Key Features:
- Weights 1.1kg
- Small Shackle
- Double shackle security
- Longer and narrower
If your number 1 requirement is maximum security from your lock, then you’ll need one that can get locked from both ends. This leaves no room for trying to get picked, and thieves will usually avoid such a hassle.
» Read my blog post about: What Bike Size to Get? (Size Charts & Bike Sizing Guide!)
This is exactly what the kryptonite mini 7 gives us. Along with its unique shape, it also adds double-shackle security. And what’s even greater about this lock is that it comes in plenty of colors too.
So you can choose a bright color for your lock, so it’s easier to find your bike and easy to keep safe.
Even though the design is relatively smaller, kryptonite believes in its lock’s strength, and that’s something they’re very confident in.
Pros | Cons |
Come in many colors | Small shackle |
Extra secure | Not very lightweight |
Strong and durable |
[amazon box=”B09QXHYTFB”]
#2 Giant Surelock Air Loop
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
- Karabiner style lock
- No keys needed
- Combination lock
- Pocketable
This lightweight lock uses a carabiner-style hook at one end, which secures the lock. This lock can then be coiled around the frame, wheels, and helmet, too!
Small enough to pocket or leave in a bag, this lock is no joke. Alongside its convenience, it’s also very strong and doesn’t pick easily.
It’s locked using a 3-digit code combination, so there are no worries about keeping a key.
This lock is more suited for when you’re near your bike and can easily keep an eye on it.
Pros | Cons |
No keys needed | Minimal security |
Doesn’t scratch the bike | |
Light and compact |
[amazon box=”B076C5CLDT”]
#3 Titanker Cable Bike Lock
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 5/5
Key Features:
- Comes in different colors
- Easy to set up
- Thick rubber coating
- Coils at 4 feet
One of the best things about this lock is that it can uncoil to a full 4 feet. Which is a lot by lock standards. This is great enough to secure both bike wheels and frames.
It’s fairly easy to reset the code and doesn’t require any complicated tools to fix it.
A cosmetic feat is that it comes in plenty of colors; that way your bike can be safe in style.
Pros | Cons |
Unfurls at 4 foot | Steel cable is thin and easy to cut |
Easy setup | |
Weatherproof | |
Doesn’t scratch the bike |
[amazon box=”B08LNNTK9P”]
#4 Abus Bordo Lite 6055
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 3.7/5
Key Features:
- Rubber casing
- Automatic cylinder lock
- Folding locks
- Lightweight
- Comes with hard steel rivets
This company has many locks, but this specific one, lite 6055, uses slimmer and more lightweight bars.
These are 5 mm in width and come together with hard steel rivets and an automatic lock.
It sounds very flimsy but the company itself rates it as a 7/15 in comparison to their other locks. This is actually a pretty good value for a lightweight lock.
» This could also be something for you: Best Helmet Mounted Bike Lights (Buyers Guide)
Pros | Cons |
Design easy to lock in | Doesn’t have much security |
Automatic cylinder lock | |
Doesn’t scratch the bike |
[amazon box=”B078MTYPV2″]
#5 Ottolock Combination Bike Lock
Price Range: $
BestSportsLounge Rating: 3.9/5
Key Features:
- Waterproof
- Weatherproof
- Combination lock
- Durable plastic coating
This lock truly lives up to its title. It’s lightweight and portable, which are the two main points of consideration. When it’s rolled up, the lock can easily fit in the palm of your hand.
» Read my blog post about: Rust on a Bike: Here’s How to Remove Rust From a Bicycle!
That being said, this lock is ideal for quick stops where you just want to stay for a few minutes. It’s also fairly easy to work; just unfurl the band to wrap it around the bike and security post.
Insert the other end back in, and you’ve secured your bike.
This type of bike lock is ideal for e-scooters and e-bikes.
Please note that Ottolock isn’t a replacement for a u-lock. The purpose of OTTOLOCK is to offer a practically weightless, simple-to-carry method of preventing opportunistic theft during short pauses.
Pros | Cons |
Easy to use | Only for quick stops |
Durable plastic coating | |
Waterproof |
[amazon box=”B07999C86V”]
#6 Ushake Bicycles U Lock
Price Range: $
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
- 10mm thick shackle
- Combination lock
- Easy to change code
- Long lock to secure wheels
This bike lock really takes being secure to a whole new level. Installed with a 10mm thick shackle, it’s both sturdy and ensures that no one will be able to get past it.
Mainly made of steel; nothing can break it except for a pair of bolt cutters.
Another perk this lock has is that it’s a combination lock. This saves you from the hassle of keeping the keys safe.
Lastly, this lock is wide enough to fit the wheels as well, so you don’t have to worry about your wheels being stolen, either.
Pros | Cons |
Shackle difficult to cut | Expensive |
Easy to change passcode | |
Heavy duty |
[amazon box=”B074Z1PVZQ”]
#7 West Biking Folding Bike Locks
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 3.4/5
Key Features:
- Made of lightweight zinc alloy
- Has its own carrying bracket
- Has double sided looking cylinder
- Keys have serial numbers
Although this lock leans more on the heavy-duty side, it still falls into the lightweight category and is compact enough to be stored in your bag.
» Read my blog post about: How Does A Bicycle Pedal Work? (The Mechanics Of Bikes)
Another convenience of this is that it comes with a bracket that you can clamp onto your bike. You can also place it under your bike, thus giving you more space for keeping other stuff.
When holding it, it’ll feel heavy-duty, meaning it’s enough to give security but not too heavy to cause trouble. Plus, the lock system in this lock is quite remarkable.
It’s not easy to pick these locks which make them so great.
Pros | Cons |
Strong yet lightweight | The carrying bracket is loose |
Rubberized lacquer rating | |
Difficult to pick |
[amazon box=”B08DC9G4RR”]
#8 Sanwo Security Bike Locks
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.3/5
Key Features:
- Had rubber covering
- Combination lock
- 25 inches long
- The lock has plastic encasing
This lock is simplistic and serves its purpose well. It comes with a simple combination lock meaning, you don’t need to worry about losing keys. Even better is that you can also reset the code to make it extra secure.
It doesn’t coil into a more compact shape that can fit your hand, you can still just loop it around your bike while moving.
The cable is fairly long which can help you loop around the frame and the rear tire which gives extra security.
Pros | Cons |
Quick and easy to use | Only for short trips |
Durable | |
Relatively long |
[amazon box=”B07JBY7XFN”]
#9 Abus Granit X-Plus 540 Mini
Price Range: $$$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
- U shaped lock
- Mini lock
- ¾ points by ART
- Rated sold secure gold
- Rated sold secure motorcycle gold
A good and reliable lock, this product of Abus is often underlooked for its other well-known items. But regardless, this is both lightweight and certified to be secure, keeping all thieves away.
Not only is it rated sold secure gold, but it also has ¾ stars from ART.
All this leads up to showing just how secure it can be in keeping your bike safe.
Pros | Cons |
Lightweight | Very small |
Rated sold secure gold | |
Easy to use |
[amazon box=”B00HN47JZU”]
#10 HipLok Z-Lok
Price Range: $$
BestSportsLounge Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
- Armored zip
- Flexible lock
- Key lock
- 40cm long
Lastly, if you live in a safe neighborhood and have enough safety not to need heavy-duty locks, then the Z-lok is the one for you.
While it’s not as sturdy and sure as the other bike locks, it can easily be picked, but it’s also highly compact.
The simple rubber and steel under aren’t to be taken lightly. The steel strip is flexible and can easily be bent to your accord.
Overall, this bike is perfect for someone who doesn’t go out for long durations often and usually goes to shops nearby. If that’s your case, then this is the perfect lock.
» I have also written this post about: Best Water Bottles for Mountain Bikes
Pros | Cons |
Superlight and affordable | Easy to pick |
Easy to carry | Only good against casual thieves |
Comes in many colors |
[amazon box=”B07HGNZVQK”]
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap on lightweight locks! There are no complications to using a lightweight lock, and it’s as simple as the name suggests.
Getting a lightweight lock is a pretty good investment if you’re often finding yourself in low-risk areas and only using your bike to go to nearby places.
For those who park their bike in secure areas at work or educational places, then these locks are perfect for you, too. In the end, a simple lock can both last you a long while and keep your means of transport safe.