Best Budget-Friendly: Master Lock 8143D Bike Lock Cable with Combination

Let’s talk bike locks.

When it comes to bike locks, you essentially have two choices: basic security and serious security options.

Basic bike locks are often a braided steel cable with vinyl coating—these are great for kids who need to lock up a bike at school. Also good if you live in a low-crime area, where bike theft is more of a crime of opportunity (thief sees unlocked bike, takes bike).

More expensive advanced bike locks offer heavier security—albeit at a price. These are typically u-lock style bike locks that are more difficult for a thief to defeat. 

That said, if you have a $5000 carbon-fiber bike, you probably want something much fancier than the locks in this article. Here were reviewing bike locks that are more your basic variety.

For the best budget-friendly lock, we’d recommend this simple lock: the Master Lock 8143D. This reader favorite is simple and easy to use, plus easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Not too bulky.

• Easy to use

• Great for kids’ bikes.

• Short cable made of braided steels.

What Needs Work

• Fixed combination. That’s right, you can’t set or change the combination. That upsets some folks, understandably. If you want that feature, consider the next recommendation in this article. 

Best Chain Lock: Sportneer Bicycle Chain Lock

Yes, you can set your own 5-digit combination with this lock—and the chain is a step up from the braided steel cable you see with other more affordable bike locks. This lock came recommended by several of our readers and we agree: it is easy to use.

What We Liked

• Fabric cover = no scratches.

• Easy to use.

• Affordable.

• Set and reset the combination to your heart’s content.

What Needs Work

• 3.2 foot chain is somewhat shorter than others we researched. For example, the Master Lock mentioned above is four feet long. 

Best U Lock: Bike U Lock with Cable

Let’s be honest: cable or chain locks are simple for thieves to defeat. If you need more security, a U-style lock is a good bet. We liked this model for its ease of use and overall construction. 

What We Liked

• Long cable (5′ 10″) makes it easy to attach to a bike rack.

• Good quality.

• Easy to use.

• Comes with 2 keys.

• PVC cover helps make it more weather proof.

What Needs Work

• Heavy (3.2 lbs.).

Best For Sketchy Areas: Kryptonite Evolution

Affordable bike locks like the ones we recommend above are better for low-crime areas—places where bike theft is more of a crime of opportunity. However, we know folks don’t always live or work in such nice places . . . and if you live/work in a more sketchy part of town, you need more serious protection.

In that case, we’d recommend the Kryptonite Evolution. This one came recommended by bike enthusiasts we interviewed for this article. While no lock is foolproof, this one is much tougher than the cable or chain locks you see on the market.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Secure.

• Excellent quality construction.

• Double deadbolt.

• Feels solid.

What Needs Work

• Heavy at 3.55 lbs.

• Small size (the U-lock comes with a four foot cable) may be too short for some folks.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability. When we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!