Celebrate National Bike to Work Day w/ these top-rated locks from $12

Today is National Bike to work day! And while many of us are stuck at work, we can still hope that the weekend continues bringing us perfect cycling weather. Whether you’re a pro cyclist or just enjoy the ride, you’ll probably want to keep your bike safe. So in celebration, we’ll be taking a look at some locks to help secure your ride.

Just as with bikes themselves, you can spend a little, or a lot on a lock to protector your ride. Not all locks are the same and in fact come in a variety of styles offering different pros and cons. For example, some utilize number combinations to prevent unauthorized access while others reply on a standard key-based entry.

You may be asking yourself, what exactly makes a bike lock better than another, or more importantly, why you shouldn’t just go buy the first one that pops up on Amazon? Obviously the number one thing to consider is that the lock actually does its job to prevent theft.

Another thing to consider is how convenient it will be to transport when not in use. A cinderblock and chain could arguably be a fairly solid way to deter theft, but carrying that monstrosity around with you would be nearly impossible. So depending on if you use your bike to get to work everyday, or simply enjoy rides here and there, the style you opt for might be different.

Kryptonite is one of the top contenders in the bike lock market, so it shouldn’t surprise you that our top pick is the Kryptolok Series 2 Bicycle U-Lock. Coming in at $36.75 shipped, this model should fit just about any bicycle and includes a 4-foot cable for tethering to further away objections. 

The combination of U-shaped design and cable make it a much more versatile lock than other models on the market. It also features anti-rattle bumpers which are said to reduce noise during transportation. Kryptonite’s lock has fairly high rates, clocking in at 4.2/5 stars from an impressive 2,044 customers. 

If you’re in the market for something a little more compact, Kryptonite also has Evolution Mini-7 Lock that costs $62.63 and sports a more lightweight design. While it is more expensive than our first pick, those who commute everyday may care more about taking up less room in their bag, and therefore opt for the smaller form-factor. Similarly to the other Kryptonite lock, it carries a 4.2/5 star rating. Both models utilize keys for unlocking, which isn’t the most ideal if you’re trying to pack as lightly as possible for your ride.

For those who might not be as serious about their cycling endeavors, but still seek a little security for their rides, spending a lot on a lock might not be the most appealing option. Fear not though! There are budget friendly options that should still get the job done. Ushake’s Coiling Combination-based Bike Lock is definitely on the more affordable side, costing just over $12. While it doesn’t carry the same well-known brand like the other two locks, it does share the same high ratings.

Regardless of what type of cyclist you are, odds are that your ride deserves a little bit of added security. Any of our selected locks should do the trick, but if you’re looking for something more specific, Amazon has tons of different locks. We of course can’t guarantee that someone won’t find a way to ride off with your bike, but adding a lock is certainly better than nothing.

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