Heavy-Duty Bike Chain Locks to Secure Your Bicycles

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If there’s one thing frustrating about being a bike owner, it is keeping the bike safe from thieves. Persistent robbers can steal it whether you leave it in a public place or at home. What’s worse is that it can happen repeatedly. But worry no more! You can break this vicious cycle with an effective and heavy-duty bike chain lock!

With various lengths and designs, you can get a bike chain lock that is suitable for your needs. Gear up because we’re going to discuss the most important things you should know before buying one! We’ll also recommend some of the best bike chain locks on the market. Let’s get started!

Two Main Parts of a Bike Chain Lock

A chain lock is one of many different types of bike locks. This lock, like U-locks, folding locks, and cable locks, is typically made of hardened steel. This material is used to make both of its main components, the chain, and the lock.

The Chain

The chain is commonly made up of links in alloy steel. This steel is made up of alloying elements such as manganese, which is known for its surface hardness. Thus, alloy steel chain links are strong and resistant to hammering, cutting, and knocking.

Aside from the material, the chain links also come in various lengths, diameters, and shapes. For example, you can get one that is three feet long or even up to nine feet long. Chain links also have a range of six to 16 millimeters (mm) in diameter. Moreover, these chain links have a variety of edges, including round, square, rectangular, and hexagonal. The chain links have a cloth sleeve to protect the seat and other parts of the bike from being scratched.

The Lock

Another part is the lock. Like the chain links, this part is typically made of alloy steel. To make it more anti-theft though, the lock is also layered with zinc metal coating. This technique increases the hardness of the lock’s surface as well as its resistance to rust and corrosion.

The lock is usually removable or permanently attached to the chain links, depending on the design. Padlocks and U-shaped locks are two common types of removable locks. Both require keys (which are included with a bike lock package) to secure and unlock the chain links. The combination lock, on the other hand, is the most common type of lock that is integrated into chain links.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bike Chain Locks

Stubborn bike thieves will stop at nothing, but you can use strong locks to deter and intimidate them. Hence, it is best to select the most appropriate bike chain locks for a better fighting chance. Here are some of the factors to consider when purchasing one:

Length

Length is an important factor in choosing a bike chain lock. As a rule, it is best to get a longer chain lock since they’re more versatile.

For example, it’s ideal to get one that is long enough to anchor the bike on a street post or bike rack. However, if you’re planning to use a chain lock for your other bulkier and heavier vehicles and equipment, get a longer one. Choose those that ranges in height, ideally measuring six to nine feet. Trailers, motorcycles, scooters, snowmobiles, and even lawnmowers can all be secured with a longer bike chain lock.

Although long-chain locks appear to be the best option, keep in mind that these locks are typically heavier. As such, they are the least portable and are less suitable for use on a daily ride.

Thickness

Apart from the length of the bike chain lock, thickness is also another factor to consider. Remember, the thicker both the chain links and the lock are, the more difficult it is for thieves to break them with cutting tools. Most chain locks are available in varying diameters of six to 16 mm!

Weight

Another thing to consider is the overall weight of the bike chain lock. As mentioned above, the bike chain lock’s weight depends mainly on its length. Therefore, if you want to have a long one, be aware that it might be too heavy for daily use.

If you want a bike lock that is portable enough to use while riding your bike to work, you can get one that weighs at least a pound or two. When compared to heavier locks, this weight has a shorter length. The latter can weigh as much as fourteen pounds and more! Thus, they’re more suitable for home use or if you’re planning to secure your bicycle in an outdoor storage locker for a long time.

Design

Another factor to consider is the design of a bike chain lock. This refers to the overall construction of the bike chain lock, which includes the design of the chain links and the lock itself. All of these can help to improve the level of security provided by chain locks.

Take the construction of the chain links, for example. As mentioned previously, they come in a variety of rounded, square, rectangular, and hexagonal edges. The popular rounded edges are good, but they provide easy leverage for thieves to cut through. Unlike the former, these other shapes make it more difficult for thieves to grasp them with regular cutting bolts.

The cloth sleeve of the chain links also plays an important role. This acts as a protective layer, preventing the steel chains from scratching any part of the bicycle. At the same time, it shields the chain links against dust, water, snow, and dirt. The sleeve is usually sleek black, but some have vibrant colors. You can also choose those with reflective strips, which are easier to see even in the dark.

The lock, on the other hand, has several design options to consider. Keys are required to secure and unlock both padlocks and u-locks. Thieves can try to pick its keyhole and use cutting bolts to break its shackles. Hence, the best way to avoid this is to ensure that the lock is as thick and as strong as the chain links.

In contrast to removable U-lock and padlock, the combination lock is permanently connected to the chain links. This type of lock has a keyless mechanism and allows the owner to choose from thousands of possible code combinations. Bike thieves will have a difficult time cracking the code because of this. However, this lock can still be broken by hammering and bashing heavy objects. As with the chain links and the removable lock, it is best to choose a combination lock type product with sturdy construction to prevent thieves from doing these things.

10 Awesome Heavy-Duty Bike Chain Locks to Buy

Now that you know what makes a bike chain lock effective, here are some of the best ones that you can buy:

Read more: How To Store Your Bike

1. Clothink Bike Chain Lock 

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If you need a chain lock that you can use for a quick errand, get the Clothink Bike Chain Lock. Lightweight and foldable, this bike chain lock is easy to carry around. It comes with a storage box that is handy when riding your utility bike to make a quick coffee shop visit.

No need to worry when leaving your bicycle for a few hours! The sturdy chain links and lock which are made of zinc alloy and ABS paint can intimidate potential thieves. This design also allows the product to withstand smashing and breaking attempts without getting a dent.

2. Sportneer Bicycle Chain Lock 

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Another excellent bike chain lock that can ease your worries is this one from Sportneer. Made of thick manganese steel, this bike chain lock is resistant to hammering and knocking. Moreover, this chain lock comes with a protective nylon sleeve to prevent your bike seat and frame from scratches.

If you prefer a combination lock to one that requires keys, the Sportneer has one. Its locking mechanism allows you to program a five-digit combination code. It even allows a hundred thousand possible codes, making it even harder for thieves to crack. Use it to secure your commuter bike anytime and anywhere!

3. VLLYUE Heavy-Duty Bike Chain Lock with Reflective Strips 

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Sportneer isn’t the only high-quality bike chain company with an impressive combination lock system. VLLYUE has one too! The one from the brand has a resettable five-digit combination lock that is convenient for you but difficult for thieves. This lock, like Sportneer’s, has thousands of combinations for you to choose from.

Furthermore, the VLLYUE is made with thick alloy steel, making the product hard to break. It is also more advantageous to use with its blue nylon sleeve with reflective strips. This design makes the chain lock easier to spot. Thus, this bike chain lock is suitable to use during an overnight biking and camping trip.

4. Etronic M10 Bike Chain Lock

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If you’re still looking for a bike chain combination lock that suits your needs, the Etronic Bike Chain Lock is the way to go! The Etronic, like the ones from Sportneer and VLLYUE, can be secured with a five-digit combination lock. But what sets this lock apart from the other two products is that it features a multicolored number pin. This variation makes the lock more visually appealing and can help you remember your code more easily. Take advantage of its sturdy construction and use it not just for your bicycle but also for your motorcycle and scooter!

Read more: How To Store Mountain Bike

5. Kryptonite Keeper 810 Foldable Bicycle Chain Lock

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Take charge and ward off bike thieves with the Kryptonite Keeper 810 Bike Chain Lock! It has a foldable mechanism that makes it compact and more portable than conventional chain locks. In contrast to combination locks though, the Kryptonite 810 is a key lock type. You’ll just need to wrap the covered chain link on your cruiser bike, attach the padlock, and it’s all set!

6. FOBOZONE Heavy-Duty Chain Lock 

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If you’d rather use a U-lock, then turn your attention to the FOBOZONE Chain Lock. Its U-lock is lightweight, strong, and simple to operate. It is also made of hardened steel, which makes it difficult for thieves to break. Aside from that, its surface is dust-proof and waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about exposing it to outside elements.

The FOBOZONE’s chain links are made of thick steel and have a non-toxic nylon cover. As a result, this product is durable and is effective as a thief deterrent. Use it whenever and wherever you need to park your precious electric bicycles!

7. AKM Security Bike Chain Lock 

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Your garage is no doubt the best place to store your bicycle. It has enough space to store bikes and a lockable door to keep everything secure. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to be extra cautious and use a handy bike chain lock! Do this with the help of the AKM Security Bike Chain Lock.

Measuring a total of four feet, the AKM is suitable for your toddler’s mini-bicycle and your teen’s big mountain bikes. Its chains and U-lock are also made of durable alloy steel. Apart from bicycles, this heavy-duty chain lock can also safeguard your scooter, motorcycle, and skateboards.

8. BIGLUFU Heavy-Duty Chain Lock

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Trekking on scenic bike trails with your best buddies is a great way to spend your time. But you can make it more enjoyable and hassle-free with the BIGLUFU Chain Lock! Whether you’re traveling Colorado’s Walker Ranch or taking a spin in San Francisco, BIGLUFU’s sturdy steel chains and locks can help secure your touring and mountain bikes.

Don’t hesitate to use the BIGLUFU whenever you’re on an outdoor motorcycle adventure as well! Its four-foot length is sufficient to secure your vehicle to a parking post or rack. This length can even be used to secure multiple motorcycles at the same time, making it ideal if you’re traveling with other riders.

Read more: How To Store Bike Outside

9. ABUS Security Chain Lock

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Is a bike chain lock the only thing missing in your outdoor bike storage? The ABUS Security Chain Lock might be just what you need! Having an impressive length of nine feet, this heavy-duty and anti-theft chain lock can safeguard your bicycle. This length is also suitable to secure other bulky equipment and automobiles. Use it to secure your lawnmowers, containers, and even your gates. Likewise, you may use it to guard your trailer and ATVs!

10. VULCAN Security Chain and Lock Kit

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Tried various bike locks but they still failed to shield your bike? Stop picking up the broken pieces of those flimsy locks and switch to VULCAN instead! Like the rest of the products mentioned above, the VULCAN Security Chain Lock is made of sturdy hardened and cut-resistant steel. Using it serves as a deterrent for bike thieves.

In addition to the material, this chain lock also measures a total of nine feet, making it ideal to use on various types of vehicles and machinery. Like that of ABUS, you can use this to protect your wagons and ATVs! It even has a corrosion-resistant coating to make it more convenient to use outdoors.

Tips on How to Maintain Bike Chain Locks

Learning how to use bike chain locks is not enough. One must also know the necessary methods for maintaining them and ensuring that they will perform optimally. Here are some helpful tips:

Set a cleaning schedule

The lock of a bike chain is more prone to jamming compared to the chain links. Unlike the latter (which is usually protected with a nylon sleeve), bike chain locks are more susceptible to moisture, dust, and heat. These elements cause the hardened steel to deteriorate over time despite its protective coating. Prevent this from happening by performing a monthly or bi-monthly cleaning routine.

Use a degreaser spray and a bike chain lube

Not yet sure how to clean your bike chain lock? Worry not because you can do it in a few simple and easy steps. The first thing to do is to apply a degreaser spray on the surface of the lock to eliminate grease, rust, and any dirt accumulated in there. You may use the effective WD-40 degreaser spray for this purpose.

For a padlock and U-lock type, pour a degreaser in the keyhole (or the cylinder disc), joints, and shackles. Do the same for all the nooks and crannies of a combination lock-pin.

The second step is to wipe all the areas of the lock with a clean rag. This is to remove the loosened dirt and make the surface clean before applying lube, which is the third and last step. Choose a Teflon-based lubricant and apply it both to external and internal areas of the lock. This is important to reduce friction and make all areas of the lock slippery and work at their best capacity.

Now that you’ve learned everything about bike chain locks, you can completely secure your bike from pesky thieves. Whether for indoor or outdoor storage, try one of the recommended products above for a smooth and hassle-free biking experience!