Bike lock test 2021

Chain locks, padlocks, folding locks – which one is really safe and prevents the theft of a bicycle or e-bike? GIGA editor Stefan presents an overview of the current recommendations from Stiftung Warentest and Cycling Weekly.

Bicycle locks: an overview of all test winners and recommendations

Price tip: Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L (chain lock)

advantages

• Good security against breaking
• Flexible

disadvantage

• Replacement keys cannot be reordered

The French manufacturer and retailer Decathlon has a great price hit in its program under one of its numerous own brands: the chain lock Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L costs only 29.99 euros and was able to convince the Stiftung Warentest (issue 05/2021).

With an overall grade of 1.9 (“good”), the Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L is on par with much more expensive models from Axa, Kryptonite and Abus. The important point “security against break-in” was given a sub-grade of 1.6 (“good”), in the pollutant test it was even enough for an exemplary 1.2 (“very good”). At 1.76 kg, it is also comparatively light for a chain lock. A small disadvantage: while replacement keys can be reordered by code from other manufacturers, this is not possible with the Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L. At least 3 keys are included in the scope of delivery – it is best not to lose them.

Stiftung Warentest Winner: Abus Granit Plus 640 (U-lock)

advantages

• Good security against breaking
• Well processed

disadvantage

• Inflexible (rigid construction)

The Abus Granit Plus 640 won the test in the U-lock category at Stiftung Warentest (05/2021 edition): overall rating 2.0 (“good”), sub-rating 1.8 (“good”) in the discipline of security against break-ins. There was also praise for the durability, such as protection against corrosion or the stability of the key. But: The Abus Granit Plus 640 can only be used to a limited extent due to its rigid construction, which is the case with padlocks. As a test winner, it should also be extremely popular, which in turn means that it is often sold out in stores or has long delivery times.

Stiftung Warentest Winner: Kryptonite Kryptolok 685 (folding lock)

advantages

• Good security against breaking
• Flexible

disadvantage

• Bracket could be better

From the US manufacturer Kryptonite comes that Crypto locomotive 685. It is a folding lock that can be unfolded and folded up again, similar to a ruler. It combines a compact design with a certain flexibility – ideally, a folding lock can also reach around posts or bars that cannot be reached with a U-lock.

The Stiftung Warentest (issue 05/2021) awards an overall grade of 1.9 (“good”). On Amazon, however, there are also individual critical customer voices that criticize the quality of the plastic bracket for the bicycle frame.

Cycling Weekly test winner: Oxford Alarm-D Pro 320 (alarm lock)

advantages

• Integrated alarm sound deterring thieves

disadvantage

Cycling Weekly magazine chose it Oxford Alarm-D Pro 320 to the test winner (edition 02/2021) and awards the rating “9 out of 10 points”. At first glance, it looks like a normal U-lock, but the name already gives it away: this bicycle lock emits loud alarm tones as soon as a thief tries to tamper with it. The integrated motion sensor is armed when the lock is locked – so the owner should also be a little careful when unlocking the lock so as not to accidentally trigger the alarm. The battery (lithium CR2) can only be removed when it is unlocked.

The Oxford Alarm-D Pro 320 is a bit difficult to get in stores in Germany – but there are numerous technically comparable alternatives, such as the Abus SmartX 770A (U-lock) or the Abus SmartX Bordo 6500A (folding lock).

Bicycle locks 2021: This is how I chose the recommendations

For this summary, I have incorporated my own experience and research in specialist journals. Bicycle locks that have received special praise from the press and customers and are therefore recommended for purchase will be presented. The procedure used by Stiftung Warentest is detailed on the corresponding website explained. Sources used: Stiftung Warentest (Edition 05/2021), Cycling Weekly (Edition 02/2021, available from Readly)

Buying a bike lock: hints and tips

Pollutants in bicycle locks

The Stiftung Warentest has found hazardous pollutants above the applicable EU limit values ​​in some of the components of bicycle locks. These include plasticizers or naphthalene (harmful to health and the environment). The corresponding models have been devalued accordingly and are not recommended by me at this point. One example is the New York Lock Fahgettaboudit Mini from the well-known manufacturer Kryptonite: Although it is particularly safe to break into, it is also heavily polluted.

Spare key

Practically all bicycle locks come with several keys. If you need more or have lost a key, you can usually request a replacement directly from the manufacturer.

This works about via the enclosed Key cards (Code Card) that have a corresponding code that is required for re-orders. At Abus you give this to the Online key service a. The desired number of replacement keys will then be sent to your home by post after the order has been placed. Too bad: According to Stiftung Warentest, such a reorder is not possible for the above-mentioned B’Twin chain lock from Decathlon.

Bicycle theft: varies depending on the region

How many bicycles (or pedelecs) are stolen in a municipality or city and whether or not your own is included – that depends on countless factors: How high is the “bicycle density”? How good are the parking facilities (monitored or free)? According to statistics, Leipzig was particularly hard hit in 2019, Hamburg, on the other hand, very little (converted to 100,000 inhabitants):

Tips from the police

In your “Securing wheels correctly” leaflet the police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government has put together how you can best lock bicycles, pedelecs and co. It also provides more coding and data finding tips that can help police officers after a theft. The most important rule of thumb should definitely be remembered: Always bike connect, don’t just lock it!

Two bicycle locks provide more security

“Since bicycle thieves often specialize in one type of construction, you should still have your bike with one second type of lock connect and disconnect. This is also how you spoil the spirit of optimism for thieves, ”he said NRW regional association of the General German Bicycle Club. Of course, this tip also means a little more time, because both locks have to be attached and later unlocked at every stopover. Since the second lock is mainly intended to cause frustration for the bicycle thief, you can use a light and quick-to-use model that complements the heavy “main lock”. Also conceivable: the good old one Frame lock, which has proven itself as a permanently installed “basic fuse”.

E-bike lock: what is that supposed to be?

During my research, I came across the term “e-bike chain lock” (e.g. in the brochure of Aldi south). This naturally raises the question of what is the technical difference to a conventional bicycle lock. I wrote to the manufacturer Prophete about this, but received no answer. First of all, the assumption applies that an “e-bike lock” could be a particularly secure bicycle lock to secure expensive pedelecs accordingly. In fact, when you take out e-bike insurance, you should pay attention to the conditions: sometimes there is a specific one Price range or security level required so that the insurance covers in the event of e-bike theft.

We provide you with the best e-bikes in our Purchase advice in front:

Stolen bike? The insurance pays!

Even the best bicycle lock can only slow thieves out temporarily, but not stop them permanently. In the case of valuable bikes (racing bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, etc.), it is therefore advisable to buy a suitable one when you buy it Bike insurance complete. Depending on the provider, around 5-20 euros per month are due. To do this, the insurance companies step in in all possible situations: Reimbursement if the bike is stolen, Reimbursement in the event of theft of luggage and accessories, reimbursement in the event of theft of the e-bike battery, reimbursement of repair costs – even a single day of bad luck can quickly recoup the insurance costs of several months. A good overview of the services with The Check24 platform offers bicycle insurance price comparison.

Lockpicking: what’s the point of a lock pick?

Leeches how thick the bracket or the chain is: What if the thief is a gifted “lockpicker” and tampered with the lock with a lock pick? According to the investigation by the Stiftung Warentest is none of the 20 bicycle locks in the test (issue 05/2021) are susceptible to this type of attack. That sounds good, but it has a small catch: In the attempts, there were only a maximum of 3 minutes available to crack – if a thief has significantly more time, success is quite conceivable.