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Keeping your bike secure both at home and when you are out and about is of paramount importance due to the high rates of bike theft in the UK. We get numerous reports of bikes being stolen on a daily basis so we are always happy to offer advice on how to keep your bike safe when at home or away.<\/p>\n
In this article, we will start by explaining the Sold Secure rating system and then go on to have a look at the different types of bike lock<\/a> that are available and the pros and cons of each one. There will likely be a style that works best for you and your particular situation. The locks we will cover are D Locks<\/a> (sometimes also known as a U lock), folding locks, chain lock, cable locks and ground anchors.<\/p>\n Once we have comprehensively covered the types of lock on offer, we will go on to detail some tips on how to lock your bike and the ways you can reduce your chances of your bike being stolen.<\/p>\n One of the best ways to see the level of security a bike lock has to offer is to check it’s Sold Secure rating. After testing bike locks, locks that are deemed worthy can be awarded either a\u00a0 bronze, silver or gold <\/strong> \u00a0\u2018Sold Secure’ rating and now you can even get Sold Secure Diamond <\/strong> locks and electric powered bike locks. Diamond rated locks are ideal for protecting very high value bicycles and even motorcycles. What this sold secure rating means is that a professional locksmith has struggled to open it for a certain amount of time, using all the tools at his or her disposal (not dynamite).<\/p>\n Here are the ratings and what they are recommended for*:- <\/strong><\/p>\n *Information taken from the Sold Secure website at www.soldsecure.com<\/p>\n It is important to note that not all companies use the Sold Secure system and this does not make them any less secure – brands we stock, such as Abus<\/a>, have their own rating system for how well a bicycle lock will perform against various attacks.<\/p>\n D locks <\/a> (or U locks) are generally accepted to be amongst the best in terms of bike security. They are designed purposefully to be quite compact to make if difficult for bicycle thieves\u00a0to prise them apart. Accompanied with a cable, these will offer a good level of security to your bike frame (D lock) and wheels and accessories (cable lock). The downside of D Locks is that to offer increased security, the lock has to be heavier as more robust materials are used. That, and you will have to pay more for a more secure lock.<\/p>\n Pros of D Locks <\/strong><\/p>\n Cons of D Locks <\/strong><\/p>\n See our list of best D locks below in this article<\/a><\/p>\n Cable locks <\/a> are probably the most simple bike locks and are usually lightweight and easy to carry. Cable locks are only designed to protect your bike for a short time in very low risk areas. They are not recommended if you are leaving your bike outside all day or while you are at work.<\/p>\n Pros of cable locks <\/strong><\/p>\n Cons of cable locks <\/strong><\/p>\n See our list of best cable locks below in this article.<\/a><\/p>\n Chain locks <\/a> can be a good option for those who are looking for a good level of security but with a bit of flexibility of where you lock your bicycle. As there is more space in a chain lock say, over a D lock, chain locks can be used to lock your bike and wheels to something further away or larger in size. Just always keep an eye on the lock’s security rating when choosing.<\/p>\n Pros of Chain locks <\/strong><\/p>\n Cons of Chain locks <\/strong><\/p>\n See our list of best chain locks below in this article <\/a><\/p>\n Folding locks are excellent for those that want a really easy way to carry their lock between places. A folding lock will usually fold up to be very compact and will fit neatly on your frame with the supplied bracket. These locks fit well on most frames and offer a good level of security for medium risk areas. The only downside is that they are often not as secure as D locks or chain locks so please look at the rating when deciding.<\/p>\n Pros of folding locks <\/strong><\/p>\n Cons of folding locks <\/strong><\/p>\n See the best folding locks below in this article <\/a><\/p>\n Most of the above styles of locks are focused on protecting your bike when locked outside but what options do you have for protecting your bike at home in a garage or a shed? Ground anchors are a relatively new security device for protecting your bike when locked at home. We unfortunately hear many stories of garages and shed being broken into in order to steal bikes. A ground anchor acts as an incredibly secure point to lock your bike to whether this is a ground anchor or a wall anchor. Both offer that extra level of security for bikes locked at home.<\/p>\n Pros of ground and wall anchors <\/strong><\/p>\n Cons of ground and wall anchors <\/strong><\/p>\n See the best bike lock ground and wall anchors below in this article.<\/p>\n A bike lock is often left outside in some adverse weather so it is important that you do some very basic maintenance every so often. This is especially the case in winter when the salt on the roads can get into the locking mechanism and exposed metal parts.<\/p>\n It is incredibly important to make sure that your locking mechanism is free of rust and detritus and is lubricated every now and again. We have seen many a jammed lock mechanism that renders a lock unusable due to the locking mechanism becoming rusted or seized due to being outside for extended periods.<\/p>\n All you need to do is check the lock mechanism regularly and give a wee spray or drop of lubricant to ensure a smooth action. A simple spray of GT85 or a drop of Muc off lube will be enough to keep the lock working that bit longer.<\/p>\n When buying a new lock, check to see if they have a sliding or rubber cover for the locking mechanism as this will keep the worst of the rain, salt and grime out of the mech itself.<\/p>\n It is incredibly frustrating when you come back to your locked bike only to find that a bike thief has taken a wheel, your saddle or lights. There are, thankfully, ways to protect yoursefl against what is termed as ‘bike stripping’. We will give a few pointers here.<\/p>\n As promised earlier in the article, we are going to go through the best locks in each category. We will look at D Locks (U Locks), cable locks, chain locks, folding locks and floor and wall anchors. For fun, our favourite ever lock name was the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit.<\/p>\n There is a vast range of D Locks ranging from cheap u locks at about \u00a329.99 all the way up to \u00a3299 for the best quality lock that we sell. Here are some of the highlights…<\/p>\n This Kryptonite Mini D Lock<\/a> is a more compact ‘mini u lock’, it’s certified Sold Secure Gold <\/strong> and it comes supplied with a 100cm long Kryptoflex cable. This arrangement enables you to lock the bike’s frame to a railing or whatever with the D-lock, and make the front wheel more secure with the Kryptoflex cable. Being a little smaller, this mini lock is even more secure than a standard or XL Kryptonite locks because it limits the space available for a bike thief with leverage tools.<\/p>\n The DX D-lock<\/a> has double anti-rotation locking and a 14mm premium hardened steel shackle to withstand the toughest of attacks. Awarded Diamond Level Security by the independent testing house Sold Secure. The unique design of the DX-D\u2019s speed-loading frame bracket uses Hiplok’s patented \u201cCLIP+RIDE\u201d system to attach the lock to the bracket for a steady, rattle-free hold while riding. The DXF bracket fits easily on to the bottle holder mounts on seat tube or down tube. With the fixings included, all you need is a screwdriver to attach the bracket to your bike frame in minutes.<\/p>\n The Granit XPlusT 540<\/a> U-Lock offers great protection for your expensive two-wheeler even when there is a high risk of theft. Specially hardened steel, power cell technology for protection against impact and attempts to force open the lock, XPlus cylinder for the greatest protection against tampering and lock picking: The GRANIT XPlusT 540 U-Lock combines the highest-quality materials with the latest technology for protection against theft! It is a quality bike lock which protects your bicycle when the risk of theft is high. Various quality seals demonstrate the value of the GRANIT XPlusT 540 U-Lock: It is VdS approved and has received seals of approval from institutes in Russia, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n The first portable anti-angle grinder bike lock. Hiplok D1000<\/a> is a high security lock and represents a new era in mobile bike security. Using advanced material technology, never-before used in bicycle or motorcycle locks, the patent-pending D1000 can withstand a sustained attack from angle grinders +20 times longer than a standard D lock.<\/p>\n Independently tested and carrying the ultimate Sold Secure Diamond rating, D1000 fits bikes, e-bikes and motorbikes. With optimal sizing D1000 is secure and portable.<\/p>\n If you love your e-bike, cargo bike or your bike in general, you want to protect it in the best possible way – and also against attempts to steal it with cordless angle grinders.<\/p>\n Great attention was paid in the development of the Granit Super Extreme 2500<\/a> to ensuring the best possible resistance to attacks with cordless angle grinders as this method of overcoming bike locks is increasingly observed in large cities. Abus’s special tungsten carbide material compound around the lock shackle and body is the answer to this phenomenon and makes it extra hard for thieves.<\/p>\n The shackle, housing and structural parts of the lock are made of hardened steel. The ABUS XPlusT cylinder offers high protection against manipulation such as picking. If you want to secure your bike properly, secure it with the GRANIT Super Extreme 2500.<\/p>\n Here are our best examples of cable locks. We should reiterate, a cable lock should only be used for locking your bike for a short time in a low risk area. They can also be used as a second lock along with a stronger, more robust lock.<\/p>\n The Kryptoflex Combo\u00a0 cable style security lock for use in low crime areas. This is a combination lock so you do not have to worry about misplacing your keys. It is also worth stressing that a combination lock will not be as secure as a key lock.<\/p>\n The Kryptoflex 1018<\/a> Key cable style security lock for use in low crime areas. Great for leaving your bike for a short time is very low risk areas.<\/p>\n As we mentioned above, a chain lock offers more area inside the lock so you have more flexibility to lock your bike to bigger objects or lock more of your bike up such as feeding the chain through the front wheel and rear wheel along with the frame. Here are some of the best.<\/p>\n The Hiplok Lite<\/a> was designed to be worn round the waist. It’s as easy to attach or detach as a Velcro belt so makes transportation of the lock incredibly easy.<\/p>\n This Kryptonite Evolution Series 4<\/a> bicycle lock is built to Sold Secure Gold Standard. This means that is has been manufactured to withstand a 5 minute attack. That’s impressive when you consider that some locks can be overcome in 5 seconds.<\/p>\n A folding lock can be a great option for those looking for a dependable lock that is easy to transport. A folding lock fits neatly on the frame of your bike in the provided bracket. Just be aware that these folding locks are not as secure as the equivalent U lock. Here are some of the top folding lock options we have available.<\/p>\n Kryptonite’s compact mini is great for quick stops! The Keeper Mini<\/a> has the perfect balance of security, weight and durability. Comes with the handy bracket for fitting the lock to your frame for easy transport.<\/p>\n Boasting a total weight of 440g and a compact design, the BORDO\u2122 Lite 6055<\/a> is a lithe athlete compared to other locks. It still resembles its older siblings from the BORDO\u2122 family in that its mechanical properties guarantee a high level of security, flexibility and compactness. With a folded-out length of 60cm it has more than enough capacity to secure a single bicycle.<\/p>\n 5.5mm bars manufactured from specially hardened steel and integrated special rivets offer you the best possible protection against even the most determined of attacks. The innovative ABUS Link Protection Shield ensures that these rivets are not only flexible but also extremely resistant to attacks involving sawing. In addition, the ABUS XPlus precision disc cylinder offers the highest possible protection against manipulation attempts. The bike lock is not only extremely robust but also easy to handle. Thanks to the good locking mechanism, it can be locked and opened with particular ease. This unbeatable combination earns the BORDO GRANIT 6500K<\/a> folding lock a solid 15 in the ABUS security level system.<\/p>\n Garages and sheds can be high risk areas for bike theft so it can be wise to invest in a ground or a wall anchor so you have a secure point to lock your bike to at home. Below are some of our best wall and ground anchors we have available.<\/p>\n A budget option wall or ground anchor. The Ankr Mini<\/a> is a compact security anchor point, is easy to install on masonry or wood and is suitable for inside or outside – providing a secure fixing point for locking bikes.<\/p>\nQuick Links<\/h4>\n
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Sold Secure Ratings<\/h2>\n
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Main Types of Bicycle Locks<\/h2>\n
D Locks<\/h3>\n
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Cable Locks<\/h3>\n
![\"kryptoflex1018key.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/05\/6917_3892_5091_kryptoflex1018key.jpg\")
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Chain Locks<\/h3>\n
![\"kryptonite-evolution-series-4-1090.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/05\/5617_3892_5210_kryptonite-evolution-series-4-1090.jpg\")
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Folding Locks<\/h3>\n
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Ground Anchors<\/h3>\n
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\u00a0 SHOP LOCKS <\/a><\/span><\/div>\n
\nTips For Locking Your Bike<\/h2>\n
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Maintenance Tips for Caring for your lock<\/h2>\n
Prevention against bike stripping<\/h2>\n
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\nBest bike locks<\/h2>\n
Best D Locks<\/h3>\n
Kryptonite Kryptolok Mini & 4′ Cable Set<\/h4>\n
![\"kryptolok-mini-4-cable-set.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/05\/2317_3892_5353_kryptolok-mini-4-cable-set.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHiplok DX-D with Frame Clip<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\nAbus Granit XPlus 540 U Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"abusgranitxplus540.png\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/7117_3892_5444_abusgranitxplus540.png\")
<\/p>\nHiplok D1000 Anti-Angle Grinder Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"hiplokd1000.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/1417_3892_5473_hiplokd1000.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAbus Granit Super Extreme 2500 Anti-Angle Grinder U-Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"abusgranitsuperextreme2500.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/9317_3892_5502_abusgranitsuperextreme2500.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCable Locks<\/h3>\n
Kryptonite Kryptoflex 1018 Combo Cable Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"Kryptoflex1018.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/7817_3892_5534_Kryptoflex1018.jpg\")
<\/p>\nKryptonite Kryptoflex 1018 Key Cable Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"kryptoflex1018key.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/05\/4817_3892_5562_kryptoflex1018key.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBest Chain Locks<\/h3>\n
Hiplok Lite<\/h4>\n
![\"HIPLOK_LITE.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/7317_3892_5620_HIPLOK_LITE.jpg\")
<\/p>\nKryptonite Evolution Series 4 1090 Integrated Chain<\/h4>\n
![\"kryptonite-evolution-series-4-1090.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/05\/3217_3892_5674_kryptonite-evolution-series-4-1090.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBest Folding lock<\/h3>\n
Kryptonite Keeper Mini 80cm Folding Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"keepermini80.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/1217_3892_5739_keepermini80.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAbus Bordo Lite 6055 Folding Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"abusbordolite6055.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/6017_3892_5765_abusbordolite6055.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAbus Bordo Granit 6500K Folding Lock<\/h4>\n
![\"abusbordogranit6500k.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/2517_3892_5786_abusbordogranit6500k.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBest Wall and Ground Anchors<\/h3>\n
Hiplok Ankr Mini Ground & Wall Anchor<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\nD lock pictured not included in price<\/h6>\n
Abus WBA65 Granit B\/SB + Bike Holder<\/h4>\n
![\"abuswba65.png\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/4317_3892_5881_abuswba65.png\")
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![\"hiplokax1000antiangle.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.edinburghbicycle.com\/info\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/222\/2025\/04\/3717_3892_5934_hiplokax1000antiangle.jpg\")
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