Best bike locks in Australia

Let's ride.
Best overall
ONGUARD Brute STD U-Lock
  • pro
    High-quality, tamper-proof materials
  • pro
    Perfect for high-crime areas
  • pro
    Affordable
Runner up
Kryptonite Keeper 790
  • pro
    Resistance to power tools
  • pro
    Tough but lightweight
  • pro
    Weather resistant
Best for budgets
Via Velo Heavy Duty U-Lock
  • pro
    Tamper-resistant
  • pro
    Suitable for small and large bikes
Best for security
LITELOK X3
  • pro
    Actively damages any tools that try to break it
  • pro
    Perfect for high-crime areas
Best for flexibility
ABUS Steel-O-Chain 8807
  • pro
    Various length options
  • pro
    Can be used to connect to any object
  • pro
    Affordable

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Why you can trust SafeWise

For over 11 years, SafeWise experts have conducted independent research and testing to create unbiased, human reviews. We may earn money when you click links on our site, but this does not affect our recommendations. Learn how we test and review.

Hannah Geremia
Nov 12, 2024
Icon Time To Read4 min read

It can be overwhelming shopping for bike locks. You need one that’ll deter potential thieves but it shouldn’t break the bank. You’ll also have to factor in your unique circumstances – do you live in an area prone to crime? What type of bike do you own? Fear not, we’re here to answer all your bike lock-related questions so you can make an informed decision. 

We found the ONGUARD Brute STD U-Lock was a solid option for most folks. It's durable enough to be used in areas high in crime, and won't break the bank! Talk about the ultimate double whammy. If you're on a tight budget and are looking for something under $50, look no further than the tamper-proof Via Velo Heavy Duty U-Lock.



Types of bike locks

When it comes to bike locks, you’re spoiled for choice. Here are the main three types to be aware of: 

Chain lock: You'll know these bad boys by their thick links and a hefty lock. They can be looped almost around any bike, but they’re also quite heavy, making them difficult to cart around. Bike lock companies have caught wind of this problem though, and will often include a mount with your lock so you can affix it to your bike while you ride.

U lock (or D lock): These locks have a solid metal shackle with a crossbar that loops around your bike's frame. They’re also accompanied by a cable so you can loop them through your wheels. They’re not as heavy as chain locks but are still an effective visual deterrent. 

Cable or combination lock: These locks are lightweight and flexible, making them the perfect choice for low-crime areas. These locks are often used as a secondary lock to up the security of your bike in high crime areas. 

1. ONGUARD Brute STD U-Lock: Best bike lock overall

Best overall

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The OnGuard Brute STD U-Lock is the perfect lock for most folks. It’s durable enough to be used in most areas, regardless of their crime level. It’s made from 16mm of hardened alloy steel, to protect against the force of power tools. It weighs 1.6kg, which is roughly the same as our runner-up.

As an added precaution, the bar locks at both ends. This means that anyone looking to cut through your lock will need to take the time to do so on both sides. It’s budget-friendly at sub-$120, yet still delivers comparable quality and security to its high-end competitors. It also comes with five replaceable keys, including an LED one for when you ride home in the dark.

pro
Pros
pro High-quality, tamper-proof materials
pro Perfect for high-crime areas
pro Affordable
pro Includes replaceable keys
con
Cons
con Could be too heavy for some

2. Kryptonite Keeper 790: Best bike lock runner up

Runner up

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Kryptonite Keeper 790 is a chain lock renowned for its high-impact strength. This bad boy is made from 7mm of hardened manganese steel wrapped in a nylon sleeve. To cut through to the steel, any bandits with power tools will need to grip the slippery sleeve while cutting – an obstacle that's easier said than done.

Even though it’s heavy-duty, the Kryptonite Keeper 790 isn’t as heavy as you’d expect. It comes in at 1.7 kg, which is surprising given the high-quality materials it uses.  It’s not the highest security lock on the market, but it’s an affordable choice made from quality material. It’s ideal for folks in medium to low-risk areas who want extra peace of mind while they’re out grabbing groceries or riding to and from school.

pro
Pros
pro Resistance to power tools
pro Weather resistant
pro Tough but lightweight
pro Affordable
con
Cons
con Not suitable for high-crime areas

3. Via Velo Heavy Duty U-Lock: Best budget bike lock

Best for budgets

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Via Velo Heavy Duty U-Lock is a cost-effective, fuss-free lock that does what it says on the tin. It’s also weatherproof, so you won’t have to worry about a bike lock that freezes in icy temperatures. It’s also encased in a hexagonal PVC cover to protect it from water, dust, and dirt. While it won’t keep your bike safe from nature’s wrath, it’ll extend the life of your lock. 

We love the pull-resistant lock cylinder and double-bolt crossbar lock. Even though it’s a budget lock, it still aims to protect against tampering, prying, and drilling. It also uses 15mm of thick, hardened steel encased in rubber so you can rest assured your bike will remain safe when left unattended. 

In the box, you’ll also find a flexible 1.2m long woven steel cable that can be used to secure larger bike frames, two replaceable keys and a mounting bracket.

pro
Pros
pro Suitable for small and large bikes
pro Tamper-resistant
pro Weatherproof
pro Affordable
con
Cons
con Not suitable for high-crime areas

4. Litelok X3: Best bike lock for security

Best for securtiy
Litelok X3
$500

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Litelok X3 is a feat in bike locks for those who have cash to spend. It's made of Barronium, a composite material created by Litelok to actively prevent angle grinder attacks. Without adding extra weight, the material provides protection and resistance against common tools. The most interesting part of this lock is that the barronium turns the grinder’s force in on itself. The more force applied, the more it’ll damage the angle grinder.

Not only does it protect against the attacks of drills or power tools, it actively damages those tools in the process. Eye-watering cost aside, this lock is all but guaranteed to make your bike hard to snatch. 

The lock is also encased in a plant-based eco-rubber, so it won’t scratch off the paint on your bike frame. Even though it is a tad heavy, we reckon it's a solid tradeoff for the security it offers.

pro
Pros
pro Actively damages any tools that try to break it
pro Perfect for high-crime areas
pro Plant-based eco-rubber outer layer
con
Cons
con Eye-wateringly high cost
con Heavy

5. ABUS Steel-O-Chain 8807: Best bike lock for flexibility

Best for flexibility
ABUS Steel-O-Chain 8807
Starts at$83.34

Price is accurate as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The ABUS Steel-O-Chain 8807 is a chain lock renowned for its flexibility. You’ve got two options for length (85cm or 110cm), so you can choose what works best for you. The 7mm thick chain is made of hardened steel, to protect you from potential thieves. This bad boy can connect to any object regardless of its size and works best to protect your bike in medium to low-risk areas. It’s affordable, yet still offers solid protection for when you want that extra peace of mind.

pro
Pros
pro Various length options
pro Can be used to connect to any object
pro Thick chain made from hardened steel
pro Affordable
con
Cons
con Not suitable for high-crime areas

Final word

Shopping for bike locks doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are plenty of affordable and secure options that’ll give you peace of mind about your bike’s safety. Each lock type has advantages and disadvantages. You’ll need to consider your circumstances (like how secure your town is and how much you’re willing to spend) to make the right selection.

If you live in a high or medium-crime area and want the security of a high-end lock, look no further than the ONGUARD Brute STD U-Lock. If you need something less than $50, the Via Velo Heavy Duty U-Lock is a solid choice that'll protect against tampering, but won't break the bank.


Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of publish and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer’s website at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise Australia utilises paid affiliate links.
Hannah Geremia
Written by
Hannah has had over six years of experience in researching, writing, and editing quality content. She loves gaming, dancing, and animals, and can usually be found under a weighted blanket with a cup of coffee and a book.

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