Best lightweight bike locks 2023: Decent security that won't weigh you down

Our pick of the best lightweight bike locks that are small, portable, and offer reasonable protection

It's a sad fact of life that bike theft happens, and it's a pretty common occurrence these days, which is why investing in one of the best lightweight bike locks could be a great idea for many.

There are plenty of excellent security options out there, but even the best bike locks can feel too heavy and unwieldy to pop into your backpack. If you're just running errands or out on a club run, having something compact and lightweight can be a godsend. Plus they still offer decent protection without a significant weight burden, making peace of mind portable, wherever your ride takes you. If budget is more of a concern than weight or absolute protection though, head to our list of the best budget bike locks instead.

Choosing the best lightweight bike lock for you will depend mostly on your individual circumstances, so we've included a range of options in our round-up below after extensive testing and research, and if you need a bit of help deciding, then we've answered some frequently asked questions at the bottom.

Once you've got your lock, the next thing to do is use it properly. Our separate guide on how to lock a bike will walk you through the proper practice to prevent your bike from being stolen, and if you're really worried, other measures you can take include investing in one of the best bike GPS trackers, which can help you track down your bike once it's gone. It would also be a good idea to take out the best bike insurance to cover the cost of replacing it, but be sure to compare bicycle insurance policies, as they vary greatly.

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Our expert review:

Abus has a lot of folding lock options but this one, as the 'Lite' name suggests, uses six slimmer, lightweight, 5mm bars. Those bars then come together with hardened steel rivets and an automatic cylinder lock. It's half the weight of other Bordo options but the Abus Bordo Lite comes together for a 7 out of 15 security level as rated by Abus.

Although this is one of the higher security options on this list, it's still easy to use. Folding locks in general do a very good job of offering small packaging with good security and going with the 85cm option adds to that. If you need to lock your bike and wheel around chunky street furniture, you'll appreciate the extra space.

Read more details in our Abus Bordo Lite 6055 review.

This super-lightweight lock from Giant uses a mini karabiner-style hook at one end to secure a coiled 90cm cable lock that can be pulled through the frame, wheels, helmet etc.

It weighs in at 50 grams and is small enough to pocket or leave in your saddlebag, making it a hyper-convenient deterrent, just in case you need to leave your bike out of reach for short stints of time.

It is locked using a three-digit combination lock mechanism, meaning there are no keys for you to lose, but you will need to remember your code.

It's not going to stop even a mildly determined thief with snips or a hammer, but it will stop opportunists long enough for you to intervene. Just don't leave the bike out of sight.

Hiplok's cunning armoured zip tie won't stand up to bolt cutters or even a decent pair of cable snips, and the small two-prong 'key' is easily replicated, making the locking mechanism easily picked, but that's not necessarily the point here. What the Z-Lok covers is a super-portable way to provide security against grab-and-go opportunistic thieves. It is ideal for those who don't let their bike out of sight, but might occasionally leave it out of reach, such as at a cafe or fuel station.

The flexible steel strip under the rubber coating is tougher than simple wire combo locks, and it's enough to stop tearing, twisting or yanking attacks long enough for you to intervene.

At 40cm, it's long enough to bundle bags/helmets/wheels together against something solid or lock bags onto bikes. It can also be used for other outdoor accessories if you’re a multi-sporter. At 20g each, they’re certainly no trouble to take along on any ride or leave in your saddle bag just in case.

The basic version comes with a universal two-pronged release ‘key’ but if you want more security there's a combination lock version for a bit more money. For maximum value get the twin pack of the basic Z-Lok and share it with a friend or double your deterrent.

The Hiplok DX is a seriously secure U lock that's been downsized for maximum portability. The shackle only gives a 15 x 8.5cm locking space, so you’ll need to get your bike up snug to whatever your anchor point is, and potentially use another lock to secure wheels etc.

However, anything you fit inside this shackle is protected by the 14mm hardened steel construction and an anti-rotation double deadlock, meaning it will benefit from a full Gold rating from independent testers Sold Secure. You get three coded keys too, which is useful if you have a habit of losing them, and it comes with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

The other neat piece of the design is two long ‘Clip & Ride’ belt clips built into the lock bar so you can slide it onto your pocket or onto your belt. You’ll need to keep that belt pretty tight though as it still weighs in at over a kilo.

If you want the best security for a D-lock that means you want to look for a design that locks both sides of the lock. It requires not one but two cuts in order to free a bike. The latest version of the Kryptonite Kryptolok Mini-7 adds double shackle security while keeping plenty of colours and a lightweight design.

Although both the Hiplok DX and the Kryptolok Mini-7 weigh in at a similar weight, they are very different in design. The Hiplok option uses a 14mm shackle that's heavier but they make the overall size smaller. When it comes to mounting it's meant for wearing on your waist. The Kryptolok Mini 7 uses a narrower shape that's longer. It's easier to capture both a rear wheel and a stationary object but there's a smaller 12.7mm shackle to save weight. Instead of wearing the Kryptonite, there's an included frame mount.

Even with the smaller shackle design, Kryptonite believes in the strength of its lock. Make sure you follow the directions exactly but in the event your bike disappears, Kryptonite has insurance available.

Rather than a traditional linked chain, LiteLok's lightweight bike locks use a strap made from a material called Boaflexicore, which is essentially a collection of high-tensile steel cables in a nylon mesh sleeve. This makes for a long flexible strap that can be fixed to a bike's frame with the two included mounting straps or worn around the waist.

The cables are slightly more vulnerable to cutting/grinding than a conventional chain or shackle, but it's super-secure against bolt croppers and burst-breaking methods. The neat lock is impressively tough and weather/dirt-proofed too, giving it a Sold Secure Silver rating overall.

The flexible design also makes it easy to snake through congested locking situations which makes it harder for thieves to get to. If you want a longer strap then the Wearable version comes in small (93cm, 1.3kg), medium (100cm, 1.4kg) and large (110cm, 1.45kg) sizes.

Hiplok is best known for its clever belt-style locks, which means you don't have to worry about mounting it to your bike or carrying a bag big enough for it to fit in. As the 'Lite' name suggests, this is the lightest in the range, although it still tips the scales at around a kilo.

The body of the lock is a chain with 6mm hardened steel links, secured with an 8mm shackle that gives it a Bronze rating from Sold Secure. That means it won't delay a tooled-up attack for too long, but it's enough to fend off a casual thief.

The locking length is 75cm, however, the belt fit can be adjusted from 66cm to 110cm (26-44in) to be worn by most riders comfortably. It comes with a lifetime warranty and various colours for style, as well as a high-vis colour for safety.

If you like the look of this but want a more secure alternative, we also recommend the Hiplok Gold.

The Litelok Flexi-U is effectively a downsized version of LiteLok's very clever belt style designs, using a similar strap format but in Regular (19 x 10cm) or Large (27 x 11.5cm) sizes. We'd recommend both sizes, using the large to secure the rear triangle to a Sheffield post, and the Regular to lock the front wheel to the frame.

While it comes curved like a fixed shape U-lock, the strap is fully flexible so it can bend around any manner of street furniture to secure your bike. The flex also makes it much harder to burst apart and it uses LiteLok's proven locking mechanism. Of all the locks listed here, we'd say this one is the most versatile.

That means it gets both Sold Secure Silver level and ART2 security ratings, despite weighing half what a comparable solid U lock would.

Altor started its company on Kickstarter with the idea of creating a beautiful but still effective lock for keeping your bike safe in style. The Apex is the newest lock in the range, and the first to use titanium links in its patented, four-rod folding design.

The steel rivet caps are also hardened against power tool attacks and the lock mechanism uses a push-button disc-detainer design for protection.

You can't tell from the pictures but the boutique laser engraved finish is protected by a clear coat layer. It's there to keep both the lock and your frame looking great. The modular design also lets you extend the 77cm length by adding extra Apex locks. You get four keys and a bike mount, and considering all the locks are handmade in Washington DC, the price is remarkably competitive.

The whole point of a lightweight bike lock is to make sure you've always got something at hand. Something that's small and portable so that it's so easy you never find yourself leaving it at home rather than bothering to carry it along. The Hiplok FLX is not only one of the lightest options available but it's also an emergency rear light. The retractable cable offers 100cm in length and the light is a 10-lumen flashing red light. We think this is really useful as getting caught out at night without at least a rear light can be stressful. Throw it in your bag and whatever surprises come up you'll have something to help.

Like the Z-Lok and Giant Surelock above, it's only really a defence against a non-tooled ‘walk-off’ thief rather than proper protection, but it's an equally great choice for anyone wanting to leave their bike propped up at a cafe.

If you're new to buying bike locks, the sheer amount of variety on offer can be daunting. Generally, the most secure locks tend to be D-locks, as they're often stronger and more resilient against various attacks. However, they're often not the lightest option, which is why there are plenty of bike lock manufacturers coming up with alternatives.

In this list, you'll find D-locks as well as wearable locks that you can clip around your waist, and smaller combination or key-operated locks that don't offer a huge amount of security, but are fine if you're just popping in and out of a shop. Ultimately when choosing the right lock for you, consider where you plan to lock your bike, and how long you'll leave it unattended.

For our roundup, we've included several criteria that you might want to consider when making your choice: security level, weight, locking type, lock thickness, and mounting options.

Security level refers to the manufacturer's claims, but also to Sold Secure rating, based on third-party testing. Some bike insurers will require you to use a lock with a minimum Sold Secure rating for your policy to be valid, so check this before you buy.

Weight is an obvious factor here since we're focusing on lightweight bike locks, but thickness is also important. The thicker the lock, the longer it should take a thief to cut through it, but more thickness also results in more weight. You'll need to figure out where you draw the line to find a lock that strikes that balance.

Finally, mounting options refer to how portable a lock is. Can you easily mount it to your frame, wear it around your waist, or put it in your pocket? Everyone will have a personal preference here, so we've included a variety.

Lightweight doesn't need to mean 'rubbish'. The most common guide to security levels of the best lightweight bike locks is the ‘Sold Secure’ standard.

Sold Secure is an independent testing facility that has a comprehensive testing procedure. The locks undergo tests, and based on their performance, are then certified with a rating of Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond.

While Bronze is the lowest level of certification, it still has to pass various tests in order to meet this standard, so a good way to think of it is as Bronze = good, Silver = great, Gold = Excellent. Diamond is naturally 'exceptional' in performance, but it is a tier reserved only for specific products such as lock cylinders or ground anchors.

It's not the be-all and end-all test, and there are locks that go far beyond their top Gold standard, but it's a decent guide for how long a lock will slow up thieves. Note that we say ‘slow up’ rather than ‘defeat’, because a determined, tooled-up thief will get through any lock eventually. If it's enough to make casual criminals give up, not even try, or take long enough for you to return and interrupt their progress, that's a win.

However, the level of security you need will ultimately depend on where, when, and for how long you plan on leaving your bike. An opportunist thief who walks off with your un-locked bike can jump on and pedal away much quicker than you can start your chase, so even if you never leave it out of sight, you might still want to mitigate against the risks if your bike is out of reach at a cafe. With that said, you might not want to lug around a 1kg D-lock when a small cable will serve an adequate purpose.

On the other hand, if you plan on leaving your bike at a train station throughout the day, then the increased security of a heavier lock will be more than worth the extra weight.

This will very much depend on your circumstances and how you want to carry it. D-Locks are typically heavier than cable or chain style locks, but they'll usually come with a frame mount, making it easy to carry.

There are various physical designs to consider too. D-locks are generally the most cost-effective protection against the widest range of attacks. They are bulky though and often a fight to fit round tubes/poles/racks etc.

Articulated linkage locks like Abus's Bordo are becoming more popular because they retain some of the sturdiness of a D-Lock, but still pack down easily and can be threaded into more congested/complex locking situations. Cables or chains are the most versatile locking solution and very hard to burst or lever open. They’re also easy to store/carry but skinny cables and chains are easy to cut with croppers or even just a pair of pliers in some cases. Finally, there are smart solutions such as wearable locks from LiteLok and HipLok or the radical rod design from Altor.

Our collection of the best lightweight bike locks start at the very budget end of the spectrum, but as you pay more you usually get increased security features like double deadlocks, hardened steel alloys and more keys/more combination lock digits.

They’ll hopefully be better made in terms of rubberised paint protection, rattling or reliability over time. Don't forget that professional bike thieves are genuinely professional so they know what brands will put up a better fight. That means while Abus and Kryptonite are expensive, just the sight of them might be security enough.

Are there any guarantees or safety nets for me to fall back on?

Some brands back their locks up with potential pay-outs if you get your bike stolen while using their product. The level of proof of purchase/use/broken lock returns needed to qualify varies significantly though, so check the small print carefully and make sure you register your lock immediately if that's one of the criteria.

However good (or bad) your lock/locks are, you can always improve security by being smart. For a start, make the lock awkward to get to with tools or hard to get to with saws/bottle jacks/freeze sprays, bolt croppers, etc.

Two different types of locks with different key styles mean a thief will have to take longer and use more tools and that's exactly what they hate doing. While it's tempting to hide your bike away when you lock it (and obviously a good idea at home) if the bike is hidden, so is anyone trying to steal it, so parking in view of CCTV is a useful deterrent.

If you’re commuting, use different locking locations on a random pattern too so thieves don't learn your habits or clock your bike and come back tooled-up the next day. If you find your lock has been attacked then definitely move location and if it's been disabled with glue etc (so you can't unlock it yourself) then get the lock broken yourself immediately by a locksmith, as it's a sure sign that criminals will be back later with the right tools.

Don't be afraid to ask if you can stick a bike somewhere protected too. A local garage or workshop might be glad of an extra fiver a week for biscuits for letting you lock your bike up in their otherwise unused storage room.

Finally, if you’re a Strava user, make sure you set the privacy zones to stop your home and workplace from being pinpointed online and make sure your mates do the same.

For more, check out our guide on how to prevent bike theft, for some top tips to keep the thieves at bay.

The team here at Cyclingnews is a group of dedicated cyclists. We love telling you about the very best products to make your riding more fun. Making sure we are bringing you the best products means we test, a lot.

We ride when it's dark and cold, we race, and we ride all day. We do what it takes to put products to the test and we also have the advantage of experience. We use the products the way both as designed, and sometimes not quite. Whatever it takes to make sure we are knowledgeable and recommend the very best.

The products on this list are all options that have been extensively researched. Everyone uses products in a slightly different way and has unique needs. We've gone out and found what we believe are the best choices for lightweight bike locks across a wide range of use cases.

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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall.

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike

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