Choose your bike lock

How to choose a bike lock

The right bike lock depends on the value of your bike, where you park it and for how long. For daily city parking, a solid U-lock or a heavy chain lock gives the best protection. A folding lock is a practical, versatile compromise, and a cable is only suitable for short stops or for securing accessories. In the Netherlands, also check whether your bike insurance requires an ART-certified lock. No lock is impossible to break: the goal is to make theft as slow, difficult and visible as possible.

Browse our full range of bike locks, including the Kryptonite and Abus collections.

Good habits that reduce the risk of theft

• Choose the place: park in a well-lit, busy place, ideally in a guarded or secure bike parking.
• Lock to a fixed object: always attach your bike to something solid and fixed, such as a bike rack or anchored street furniture. A locked bike that is not attached can simply be carried away.
• Lock the frame: wheels are designed to be removed easily, so always pass the lock through the frame. If possible, include a wheel as well.
• Leave little room: a lock that fits snugly around the frame and the fixed object leaves less space for tools and leverage.
• Use two different locks: combining two types of lock, for example a frame lock and a chain, means a thief needs different tools and more time.
• Keyhole facing down: positioning the lock with the keyhole downwards makes it harder to reach and protects it from dirt and rain.

The ART certification in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Stichting ART tests and certifies locks for bicycles and other two-wheelers. Certified locks carry the ART logo with a number of stars: the more stars, the higher the level of security. For bicycles, most bike insurers require a lock with at least two ART stars, and some require a second lock for e-bikes or more valuable bikes.

• Look for the ART logo and stars on the lock or its packaging.
• Check the exact requirements in your insurance policy, as they vary from one insurer to another.
• You can verify whether a lock is ART-certified on the Stichting ART website.

Not sure which lock meets your insurance requirements? Ask our team in our Meppel shop.

Which type of lock?

As a general rule, a heavier lock offers more resistance. You trade some weight and portability for more security.

U-locks

A U-lock is a rigid shackle that is hard to cut or lever open. It is a reference choice for daily city parking. Choose a size that fits your frame and the fixed objects you usually lock to. Browse all U-locks.

• Kryptonite: New York STD, the compact New York Fahgettaboudit, the wider New York M18-WL for thicker frame tubes, the Evolution Mini-7 with KryptoFlex cable, the Evolution Mini-5 and the Kryptolok Series 2 Mini 7, available in several colours.
• Abus: Ultra Mini 410, Ultimate 420, Granit Plus 470 and Granit XPlus 540.

Chain locks

A chain lock wraps around almost any shape, such as a lamppost, a tree or a large bike rack, and the heaviest models offer a very high level of protection. The trade-off is weight. Browse all chain locks.

• Kryptonite: New York Legend 1515 (150 cm), New York chain, Evolution 1090 (90 cm), Kryptolok 995 (95 cm) and Keeper 785 (85 cm).

Folding locks

A folding lock is made of hardened steel plates that unfold like a carpenter's ruler and fold back into a compact holder on the frame. It offers a good balance between security, reach and portability. Browse all folding locks.

• Abus Bordo Granit XPlus 6500, Kryptonite Evolution 790, Kryptonite Kryptolok 610 and Kryptonite Keeper 510.

Frame locks

Very common in the Netherlands, a frame lock (ring lock) is fitted permanently to the frame and blocks the rear wheel. It is always with you and quick to use. Many models accept a plug-in chain, so you can also attach the bike to a fixed object. Browse all frame locks and read our frame lock guide.

• Kryptonite Ring Lock and the Kryptonite frame lock with 5.5 mm plug-in chain.
• Auvray Evo Lock ART and Auvray Mega Lock ART frame locks.

Cable locks

Light and flexible, a cable lock is easy to cut. Use it only for very short stops or, in addition to a main lock, to secure a wheel, a helmet or a saddle, for example with a Kryptonite KryptoFlex cable. Browse all cable locks.

How to read security ratings

Kryptonite and Abus each use their own security scale to rank their locks, so a level from one brand cannot be compared directly with a level from the other. Check the security level indicated by the manufacturer for each lock. In the Netherlands, the ART certification provides a common reference for insurance purposes.

Protect your parts and accessories

Even when the frame is securely locked, wheels, saddle and seatpost can still be removed. The Hexlox system protects them by blocking access to the hex bolts with a coded insert that can only be removed with the matching key.

• Hexlox insert and coded key.
• Seatpost bolt and saddle clamp bolt.
• HexSkewer for quick-release wheels and HexNut for wheels with axle nuts.

At home or in a garage, a Kryptonite floor anchor gives you a solid fixed point. Discover also our alarms and smart locks and our children's bike locks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most secure type of bike lock?

Heavy U-locks and heavy chain locks generally offer the highest level of protection. The best choice also depends on how you use it: a lock that is too heavy to carry every day will end up at home.

Which lock do I need for my bike insurance in the Netherlands?

Most Dutch bike insurers require an ART-certified lock with at least two stars, and some require a second lock for e-bikes or expensive bikes. Always check the conditions of your own policy.

Is one lock enough?

For short stops in a busy place, one good lock may be enough. For longer parking, at night or for a valuable bike or e-bike, using two different locks is strongly recommended.

Which lock fits an e-bike or a cargo bike?

Thicker frame tubes may need a U-lock with a wider shackle, such as the Kryptonite New York M18-WL, or a chain or folding lock. A frame lock with a plug-in chain is also a practical option.

Can you advise me in store?

Yes. Our team at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel can help you choose a lock that suits your bike, your parking habits and your insurance.