Dion Lewis
Picking the 4 best bike cable locks on the market was no mean feat thanks to the fact that there are many locks all claiming to have the best security attributes. The Master Lock 814D Combination Bike Lock, however, stood out for some reasons right from the right price, weight, size, resilience, convenience, and use.
The best cable bike lock money can buy with combinations. Best value for your money.
- A four-digit combination lock that you can preset. No key necessary.
- This cable lock has self-coiling property, so it provides flexibility.
- Made of braided steel. It provides theft deterrent strength and protects your bikes.
- It will not scratch or make any spots on your bike frame because the cable is coated with vinyl.
- Length x Diameter: 4 ft (1.2 m) x 0.3125 in. (8 mm)
Most locks will cut it close, but only a few like Master Lock 8143D bicycle lock stood out. Subjecting these locks to external factors is the only way to tell how hardy they can be. We measured the length of time taken to unlock them in minutes.
Despite the fact that locks are not 100% theft-proof, those that give the thieves a headache are highlighted as the best options in the market. This is to say that there are locks that will be snapped pen in a matter of seconds.
Bike Lock Buying Guide
Choosing bike locks is an important affair for any biker looking to secure the investment. There are some things to consider before you pick the right lock since locks come with different mechanisms and workings. All these will determine how easy the bike will be to snatch. These pointers will also inform you on the specs that you are likely to find on different locks at the store.
Weight of the bike lock
One of the biggest challenges that bikes will face today is having to carry around heavy locks so as to secure the bike. Some locks are as heavy as 2-3kgs which are quite a burden. This also adds extra weight for people determined to increase speed during their rides. The rider will have to contend with this weight for the same safety.
Thanks to changing times and innovation, bike locks are getting lighter. Days that one had to carry a heavy cable with a heavy-duty lock are gone with bikers seeking more solid solutions for their needs. A heavy lock will not only be detrimental to your speed but cumbersome to use. Heavier locks do not translate to more security since thieves have found ways to hack the locks despite the heavy-duty cables. A bigger lock does not also turn into a better locking mechanism.
It is all about the science of the locks. Thicker steel will slow down the perpetrator some materials are lighter than steel that will provide the same resilience. Reinforced steel will also do a better job in smaller sizes when compared to heavy, brutal steel.
The resistance of the lock
Resilience is all about the ability of the lock to withstand heavy attacks using various tools. The longer a lock holds, the more resilient it is. This will, of course, be determined by the material used to make the lock as well as the mechanism used to secure the lock. The best locks will take longer to hack.
Remember that all locks are breakable. The only thing that varies is the time take to unlock them. All these cable locks considered have combination locking mechanisms which are way better than any key option. Keyless locks provide extra security by making it harder for a thief to break with some containing as many as 10,000 combinations to pick from.
The combination lock option provides resilience when it comes to the time taken to crack the lock. Some outfits are dedicated to testing the resilience of locks by using all the means available to get them undone be they hacksaws, hammers, lock pins and cutters.
They have proven that most locks no matter how tough they are can get destroyed in under 5 minutes. It is a fact however that a thief will not spend five minutes trying to steal a bike. Any bike that takes longer than a minute or two to take is a no-go zone. This then means that locks that will take more than 3 minutes to break using extremities are more than sufficient for your bike.
The locking mechanism
Different locks will have different locking mechanisms. Some will use keys to unlock the whole others will use combinations. The most current locks are keyless using Bluetooth combinations with your phone to get undone. Your choice will be determined by what you feel is the most secure method for your bike. The latching mechanisms in most cases will remain the same. The only thing that will vary is the method by which the locking part of the mechanism moves. One of the factors that will determine the choice of the locking mechanism will be the time take to lock and unlock your bike.
Ease of locking and unlocking
Most riders will want to take the shortest time to lock and unlock the bikes hence picking the easiest mechanisms to work with. This will not translate to the quality of security you will enjoy but may affect the level. Riders that will use more than one locks will take a longer time to fasten and unfasten their bikes. This that use one will naturally take half the time to get the job done. It is recommended that you pick a good lock no matter the time required to secure the bike. There are however better solutions in the market when it comes to locks that are easier to work with which can be considered. Locks that take longer to get undone will most likely take longer to hack. This is because the locking mechanisms are placed in such a way that the rider will have to be patient to get the lock undone.
The cost of the lock
The cost of the lock is perhaps the most determining factor when it comes to purchasing the right lock. Most locks will range between $20 and $150 if you are looking for something that will secure a good bike. There are much cheaper options that will work for areas with considerable security. It is at this point that buying a lock that is more expensive than your bike will not make sense. A cheap bike will work with a low-quality lock. Bigger investments will need a better lock and hence the rider will have to cough much more. The fact that you will be spending a fortune on this only means that you will have to make a well-calculated decision when it comes to buying locks. Some bikers will prefer fabricating their cable locks with a standard lock so as to save money but thieves have proven that a regular cable can be cut within seconds and have the bike stolen.
Sheath
The type of sheath or covering the lock comes with determines the state of your frame over time. It is wise that you go for locks and cables that have been covered with a material that will not scratch your frame. Scratches will also attract rust on the frame causing more problems over the long run. Locks that are kind to your frame will not only be easier to handle but maintain. Those that are exposed to elements will rust easily needing consistent oiling and lubricating just to maintain functionality. It is important that you cover those that are not sealed even with a homemade sheath to keep the integrity of the bike. Consistent fastening and unfastening of the lock take a toll on the frame which exposes it to dents and scratches from the lock.
Type of locking mechanism
1) Keyed locks
Most locks will often come with a key. It is for this reason that most thieves will use pin locks to get them unlocked. A locking mechanism that will use keys simply uses pins that hold the lock in place. These pins can be manipulated easily if1` the perpetrator knows what to do. More complicated keys have been designed which has slowed down this type of hacking. This then leaves the thieves to use brutal force to break the padlocks. More complex keying systems have also made hammering the lock more difficult which is a good thing.
2) Alarm Locks
Some locks have alarms installed that will go off after a few seconds of tampering. These alarms not only deter thieves but ensure that you are alerted the moment the alarm goes off. This is a reliable system that can prove handy especially if you leave the bike locked up for extended periods of time. The alarm can only be reset by the user the moment it goes off.
3) Digital locks/ none-key locks
Some of the most technologically advanced locks allow the owner to lock and unlock their bikes using passwords and digital codes using remote devices. Some locks enable the rider to connect to the phone through Bluetooth and open the moment the two gadgets pair up. This mechanism is keyless which means that the lock cannot be picked using a pin. This eliminates one of the many ways the lock can be vandalized in.
4) Combination locks
Combination locks are as standard as the keyed locks. They allow the owner to set a personalized combination that locks and unlocks the mechanism. This is an ideal system that eliminates the use of keys. The only way to break these lock is by cutting through the cables if any is available or breaking the U-shaped locking metal price.
Compare the selections
Braided steel for durable and flexible
Can use for bike and other important needs
Strong cut resistance
Resettable number combination
Can use multipurpose (especially ideal for bike)
Flexible and durable
Strong cut resistance
Preset combination
Reset combination
Flexible and durable
Strong cut resistance
Can use multipurpose (bikes, gates, fences, grills, tool boxes etc.)
Water resistant
Braided steel for durable and flexible
Can use for bike and other important needs
Strong cut resistance
Resettable number combination
Can use multipurpose (especially ideal for bike)
Flexible and durable
Strong cut resistance
Preset combination
Reset combination
Flexible and durable
Strong cut resistance
Can use multipurpose (bikes, gates, fences, grills, tool boxes etc.)
Water resistant
4 best cable locks you can buy today for protecting your bike
1. Master Lock 8143D bicycle lock
Best cable lock for your bike
Master Lock 8143D Combination Bike Lock
The Masterlock 8143D lock is one of many in a series of locks by Masterlock. This stood out for us due to the strength of the cable. The Cable was of course made of twisted steel that was capable of holding its own when it comes to cutting and badgering. We found it a little bit too heavy when compared to the first two which is why it earned the third position. An extra 10.8 pounds on a bike will take a toll for a long-distance rider that depends on the weight of the bike to make a difference.
The range of colors will not do anything to improve the quality of the PVC but is a welcome addition to those who like their bikes matching their locks. This particular option does not come with a bracket at the point of sale but can be purchased separately for a little extra cash.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | The cable is heavy duty which accounts for its 10.8 pounds in weight. This may prove hefty for some bikes but a welcome addition for very valuable ones. |
| Resistance | The cable is heavy duty made up of twisted steel that is reliable and resistant to any form of cutting. The multipurpose tool can be used to lock up lawn mowers, scooters, motorbikes, skateboards ladders, gates and form of sports equipment that needs to be secured. The 4-foot long cable is easy to use even in circumstances where the poles or tree trucks are wide. The 5’16” diameter provides extra support deterring thieves from cutting through it. |
| Locking Mechanism | This combination lock provides a 4-digit lock combination that is not only easy to set but reset whenever necessary. It is a keyless option that is ideal especially due to the fact that keys are cumbersome to use and will get lost often. Keys also get damaged with constant use requiring cutting new ones. |
| Ease of Locking and Unlocking | The lock mechanisms have been designed for ease of installation and removal. This makes it ideal whenever you are in a hurry. |
| Sheath/Covering | It is covered by heavy gauge PVC that keeps it waterproof and free from any corrosiveness. This also makes it frame friendly regarding scratches. The locking mechanism comes with a vinyl coat for protection against rust all through the time of use. |
| Cost | Amazingly enough, this is one of the cheapest options among the five making it worth your investment. |
| Bracket | This option does not come with a bracket. Some of its counterparts however do. You can get a bracket separately that will fit the lock for your own convenience. |
2. Titanker Bike Lock Cable
Titanker Bike Lock Cable
The U shake lock provides an all-rounded convenience which is why it took the crown. The lock took us more than 5 minutes to cut through the steel braided cable. The material used was also taken to account. High-performance steel was a must for the purpose of resisting cutting and brutal force from blunt objects such as hammers. This was after trying to pick a combination lock that could only be hacked by a patient professional. These cable locks also provided ease of use and locking which is of value. We also noted the added advantage of a support system in the form of a bracket. The absence of a key would be an applicable strength for them all but one of immense convenience. What we found is a particularly pleasant setting and resetting the combinations due to the speed and the ease that came with it.
One of the most important aspects of the locks is longevity. The external coating on the cable, as well as the locking mechanism, keeps rust at bay. The bracket is ideal for the portability of the lock. This makes the cable lock easy to move around with as well as use easily. It also weighs much less than its counterparts at 0.7 pounds. The second choice weight 1.35 pounds which makes a lot of difference when riding.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | It is also lightweight going at about 0.7 pounds unlike most counterparts that way much more while providing sturdy qualities on the cable. This also means that you will not incur too much extra weight when riding. Too much weight slows down the bike as you will have to ride harder to counter it. |
| Resistance | The lock is made of high-performance steel that is almost impossible to cut through. Instead of links, it is made of twisted steel fibers that increase strength and durability. The lock is long and can be used to lock up a huge list of items and property ranging from skateboards, bikes, fences, motorcycles, grills, lawnmowers and sporting equipment. The reinforced steel cables make cutting a nightmare whether the perpetrator uses a hacksaw or a metal cutter. |
| Locking Mechanism | The 4-digit combination that absents the use of keys and possible lock picking by thugs. This is a keyless system that is ideal for riders that detest having to carry keys around all the time. Keys are also prone to damage or getting lost. You can also easily reset your combinations as often as you want just to be safe this is ideal especially if you have shared your combination lock number with others that borrow the bike. |
| Ease of Locking and Unlocking | The combination lock is easy to use saving valuable time whenever you are in a rush. |
| Sheath/Covering | The flexible steel cables come with a PVC coating that is kind to your bike and other equipment. It is also wear-resistant meaning that it will take ages to eat through despite the number of times it rubs against rough surfaces. |
| Cost | The cable lock is reasonably priced whether you have a low-cost or high-end bike. It is also readily available in most stores on and offline. |
| Bracket | The free mounting sheathed bracket makes it ideal for moving around with. Having to carry the lock around in a bag can be really inconvenient and not to mention tiring. The fact that the cable along also allows you to wind it up around any size of pole or tree truck. |
3. Etronic Security Bike Lock
Etronic Security Combination Bike Lock M6 Self Coiling Resettable
The Etronic Security bike lock is a great lock to have, but there is a reason why it came in at number 5. We found the cable a little bit easier to cut but still a challenge that would allow enough time to catch the thief. The biggest advantage of this cable is that it is 6 feet long which is a foot or two longer than the rest.
The other disadvantage was that the only way to reset the lock was when it is open. This may not be as significant a problem for most riders out there. The lock, however, comes with a reliable bracket that holds onto the long coiled cable with ease. Despite the length of the cable, it eight 0.75 pounds which may be explained the thinner cabling. Thinner cabling takes lesser time to cut no matter how tough it is compared to cabling that is thicker and yet made of the same material.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | The lock weighs 0.75 pounds. This is lightweight enough to bring along any long distance trip.• Weight: The lock weighs 0.75 pounds. This is lightweight enough to bring along any long distance trip. |
| Resistance | The braided steel cable is almost impossible to cut using heavy gauge tools thanks to braided reinforced high-performance steel. The cable is 1.85 m long which allows the rider to tie it against any pole or post no matter the diameter. The cable also coils to create a more compact form of the cable. |
| Locking Mechanism | The Etronic Lock provides the rider with 24-hour protection from theft through a 5 number combination lock that is easily resettable. The keyless convenience also makes it ideal since keys easily get lost or misplaced. |
| Ease of Locking and Unlocking | The locking mechanism is easy to use saving time during locking and unlocking. This makes using it in tandem with other locks bliss. |
| Sheath/Covering | The cable is also covered with a PVC layer protecting your bike frame from scratches that would otherwise attract rust. The protective sheath also keeps the cable waterproof for the same reasons sustaining your lock for days to come. |
| Cost | The multipurpose lock is reasonably priced and is also perfect for locking up grills, lawnmowers, gates, skateboards, tools, tool boxes, and fences among many others. This makes it a worthwhile investment even if your bike is not that costly. |
| Bracket | The bracket also makes ferrying the cable around easier and more convenient as opposed to having to carry a bag everywhere. |
4. Blusmart Bike Lock Cable
No products found.
Blusmart Bike Lock Cable
The five-digit combination scooter lock is an ideal addition that lasted well over 2 minutes trying to cut through with an industrial electric saw. This would take a hacksaw well over 5 minutes which is more than a thief can work with thanks to the high-performance steel. You do get a bracket with this one too for ease of carrying around. The five-digit combination locks add an extra layer of security. We, however, found it a little bit overbearing as compared to the four-digit locks. The complexity of the locks was the same only that you got a whole lot more combination sets with the five-digit combination lock. Most of my counterparts saw it as overkill.
This took the second position because it weighs more than the first choice. The weight of a lock will directly affect the performance of the bike, and this cannot be overlooked.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | The lock weighs 1.35 pounds which is more than ideal to carry around for safety. There are locks that weigh more providing much less security. |
| Resistance | The cable is made of non-corrosive heavy steel that is twisted to create extra strength. The lock mechanism is also drill resistant for extra protection. This makes it almost impossible to cut through using cutters or a hacksaw. The cable is 0.56 inch thick deterring any thief from trying a quick cut through it. The lock weight 1.35 pounds which make it slightly heavier than our number one choice. The weight is due to the extra length of steel cabling as well as diameter. This is still doable when it comes to carrying it around. |
| Locking Mechanism | The cable comes with an original combination lock that is set at 00000. It is, therefore, wise that you change this setup immediately you buy the lock. A combination lock is keyless hence the absence of keys that easily get lost or damaged with frequent use. The 5-digit setup allows you an easy reset as often as necessary. It is advisable that you use passwords that you can remember just to be on the safe side. |
| Ease of Locking and Unlocking | The combination lock is easy to use saving valuable time whenever you are in a rush. |
| Sheath/Covering | The metal is also covered by a transparent sheath that is water resistant keeping rust at bay. The cable lock pin is also waterproof for extra protection. The rubber material makes the cable lock user-friendly keeping your frames and the surfaces you use it scratch free. This also prevents rust that would come through scratches at bay. The cable is 1.8 m long which makes it ideal for most diameters in the field in regard to poles and posts. Chances of finding tree stumps that are this wide are high especially if you are parking in the woods. |
| Cost | The lock is reasonably priced and a welcome addition to any bike. The fact that the lock can be used on other items ranging from lawn mowers, sports equipment, grills, gates and fences makes it a worthwhile investment in the long run. |
| Bracket | You also get a flexible mount that allows you to bring the cable lock along with you wherever you go. This means that you will not have to take a backpack or duffel around just to store the cable lock. The cable lock is made of heavy-duty materials withstanding the heat of up to 40 degrees centigrade. |
How I picked the top cable locks?
Picking the best combination locks was a mix of experience and research both online and from my fellow riders. Having owned some bikes over time has taught me the value of the best locks in the market. Some have come through recommendations from friends that have used them while others by trial and error. Online research has also born fruit especially when it comes to new products. Companies are bent on the search for better locks in the market for the purpose of improving the value of their locks. It would be naïve to rely on a sales pitch which is why working with lockmasters that debunk these myths has also helped. Outfits like radar.com spend their time and resources cracking locks and testing them for resilience by exposing them to some external factors. You get real-time results on how long it would take to break any lock on the market.
The research took me about two months to put together inclusive of the testing phases with my panel of pro riders. Despite the fact that we reached the conclusion that all locks are breakable, those that resisted offered the much-needed confidence in an ever-increasing cruel world of bike theft. The best choices took much longer than most of the others which is why they are recommended for you.
Why should you trust me?
It is through my experience with different types of locks that I have realized that a good investment is worth every penny. I have also come to realize that no lock in the world is foolproof. All locks given time can be unlocked if the perpetrator plans to. I have come to find hacksaw marks on my cables as well as the U-shaped locks. The pony thing that has saved my bikes over time from loss and pain is the use of more than one locks to secure the bike. Most thieves will not have a chance to handle more than one locks depending on the surroundings. Some will steal bike parts which led me to believe that bikes with bolts are best. The fact bolts take longer to unfasten makes the bike more secure. Having more than one locks will not prepare the thief for both. The fact that the thief will have tools to break one lock does not mean that they will have the tools to cut the other. Investing in tow locks may be a painful venture but worth every penny depending on the cost of your bike. There is a huge difference between U-locks and cable locks. The choice of lock you pick will be dependent on the strengths and weaknesses of the two.
Who is this guide for?
This is for everyone that owns a bike and wishes to keep it safe and secure. It is also a good read for the consistent traveler that parks his or her investment in unknown areas to savor the joy of an adventure. Knowing your locks well helps you understand how they work and whether they are worth the investment. You also get to know the options you have in the market and make comparisons for you to make an educated decision about the best lock to buy.
The best cable lock for your bikes would be any of the locks on the given list. Investing in a good lock whether you have a cheap bike or not will be a good investment even in the future when you get a better bike. The five options offer a broad range of possibilities that can be selected on priority. People living in theft-prone areas will prefer carrying some extra protection in the form of heavier cables meaning an additional layer of steel. Those living in urban areas that are not that risky will prefer lighter options with thinner cabling whole still enjoying the benefits of safeguarding their bikes.
Knowing the exact features and the results of the tests we took will give you reliable evidence of the qualities of each.
Should I buy these locks?
The best cable lock in the market as selected via experience and recommendations from other professionals will be a good way to secure your bike at any time of the day. Following a few safety guidelines will offer you an extra layer of security.
People that use their bikes to move around often will need better protection as compared to those that commute twice a day. Those who commute twice a day may have safe designated parking areas. People that move around with their bikes will often need to park their bikes on new territory that they are not accustomed to.
This exposes the bike to many external factors some of which may not be pleasant. It is at this point that parking where there are cameras or near places with heavy pedestrian traffic will help. After all, is said, and done, locks will be the only things that will slow down the most determined thief. A few more locks than usual will halt even the most professional one.
Certainly, like this post. I was trying to choose the best cable lock for my bike. This post helped me a lot.
Helpful info. Thanks for guiding me on this issue.
My cable lock just broke, I need a new one! Thanks for sharing this. I will surely buy a new one soon.