5 Cool Bike Locks

Joanne Camas — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:00:26 +0000

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini

Let’s face it: This bike lock’s a winner from its great name on down. Kryptonite has long been a leader in bike locks, and this “New York” version certainly lives up to the company’s reputation. It has a super-secure disc-style cylinder that’s resistant to picks and drills and a hardened double deadbolt to frustrate thieves who try to cut it. The company’s patented steel sleeve provides even more security coverage, and the shackle itself is also made of 18-millimeter hardened steel. We love the yellow “police tape” warning color, too. The only downside is that it weighs in at a hefty 4.55 pounds.

Bisecu: The Smart Bike Lock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5r5FCIDvO4
If someone tries to take your bike when you use the Bisecu smart lock, you’ll hear about it. So will everyone within a decent range, as this lock boasts a 100-decibel loud alarm and sends push notifications directly to your mobile device. The Bisecu’s LED light also blinks to warn thieves that it’s got your bike covered, too. The company says the lock is “impossible to cut from outside,” and for all its strength — thank you, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy — it still weighs less than a cup of coffee. You can lock it with your smartphone or by using a preset password on the lock itself.
Bonus: Since the Bisecu is mounted on the bike all the time, the designers incorporated real-time ride analysis features into it, which you can access via the accompanying mobile app.

Abus Bordo GRANIT X Plus 6500

This is one heavy lock, and it comes with a heavy price tag, too. It’s worth looking into if you own a top-of-the-line bike or an expensive e-bike, though. The lock rests compactly on your bike and unfolds when it needs to swing into action. Abus’ Link-Protection-Shield provides protection against thieves wielding saws, and the company’s “X Plus” cylinder offers “extremely high protection against manipulation,” such as lock-picking. The whole shebang is made of hardened steel.

Ellipse Smart Bike Lock

The Ellipse uses technology wisely. For starters, you can tap your phone to lock or unlock it, and the lock also features a built-in solar panel to recharge its battery (but you can also charge it with a micro-USB cable). One thing we’re particularly intrigued by is the fact that the lock allows you to set up your own bike share network. “Simply select the friend you want to share your bike with and send them an invitation with a secure code,” the company says. “All they need to do is to enter the code in the Ellipse app to unlock the bike when they’re in range.” What a cool twist: a lock that’s designed to help people take your bike!
Of course, it does stop miscreants, too. The Ellipse’s 17-millimeter-thick steel shackle and dual-locking mechanism are powerful deterrents, and the company says it uses “bank-level” encryption to stop hackers in their tracks.

Altor Apex

If you don’t mind waiting, the Altor Apex series of locks might be worth a look. The company is putting the finishing touches on its stylish new line of compact locks. They’ve been independently tested and certified “to be unbreakable by bolt cutters, hacksaws, and other common theft tools,” the company reports. You can opt for a hardened steel (2.5 pounds) or ultra-lightweight aerospace titanium (1.5 pounds) body. Inside, there’s a “disc-detainer” locking mechanism to thwart lock-pickers.