One of the simplest yet most effective tools for bike security is the bike cable lock. From their flexibility and portability to their affordability and ease of use, bike cable locks offer a practical solution to prevent bike theft.
The best bike cable locks are the Lumintrail Heavy-Duty Security Cable and Via Velo Bicycle Lock. The Lumintrail cable is made of rust-proof steel and is protected with vinyl. The Viva Velo lock is heavy on the pocket but provides value for money. It gives you guaranteed durability and a prolonged lifespan.
A bike cable lock can be your trusty companion in protecting your bike. Read on to find out the best cable lock options and their features.
Best Bike Cable Locks
- Via Velo Store Bicycle U Lock with Cable (High End)
- Etronic Store Bike Lock M7, Cable Lock 6 Feet Long Coiled
- Qangel store Bike Lock Cable, Anti Theft Bicycle Lock Chain (Budget Buy)
- Master Lock Black Set Your Own Combination Bike Lock
- Lumintrail Heavy-Duty Security Cable (Top Pick)
- Master Lock 8143D Combination Bike Lock
- Titanker Bike Lock Cable
- Kryptonite KryptoFlex Bike Lock Cable
Compare Top Cable Locks for Bicycles
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Via Velo Store Bicycle U Lock | 85 |  Best lock cover to protect against debris | Check Out On Amazon |
 Etronic Store Bike Lock M7 | 74 | Best easy to reprogram code | Check Out On Amazon |
 Qangel store Bike Lock Cable | 78 |  Best durability due to braided cable construction | Check Out On Amazon |
 Master Lock Black Set Your Own Combination | 83 | Best four-digit combination pad | Check Out On Amazon |
 Lumintrail Heavy-Duty Security Cable | 86 |  Best cut- and rustproof braided steel | Check Out On Amazon |
 Master Lock 8143D Combination Bike Lock | 82 | Best convenience and ease of use | Check Out On Amazon |
 Titanker Bike Lock Cable | 79 | Best versatile lock to protect various bicycle parts | Check Out On Amazon |
 Kryptonite KryptoFlex Bike Lock Cable | 80 | Best 12mm steel cable | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Cable Bike Locks
We made sure to put each of the following bike cable locks to the test before recommending them. This way, we ensure that they actually work as advertised. If they don’t, we’ll let you know.
Without further ado, here’s our list of the best bike cable locks on the market.
1. Via Velo Store Bicycle U Lock with Cable
Overall Score: 85
First, up in our bike cable locks reviews we have the Via Velo lock. This is definitely a more premium model compared to the next items.
The hand feel of this cable lock is indicative of how well-made and durable it is. It’s six feet long, PVC coated, and made from woven steel. This helps to guarantee durability and a prolonged lifespan.
The great thing about this cable lock is that you literally can’t drill through it or pull it off. That’s because it’s designed as a super resistant U-lock with a key.
The best part is that you get two keys when it gets delivered to you, so you’ll always have a spare should you need one.
Advantages
- Comes with an extra spare key.
- Features convenient lock cover to protect against debris.
- Anti-slip mounting bracket.
- Easy to store and travel with.
Disadvantages
- The key has been shown to get jammed.
2. Etronic Store Bike Lock M7, Cable Lock 6 Feet Long Coiled
Overall Score: 74
The Etronic Bike Lock M7 is the best cable lock for daily commuters who live in low-risk areas as it’s sturdy.
It has a protective vinyl coating prevents the cable from scratching your bike. All while keeping it from scratching and damaging your bike frame.
The bike cable lock is 6 ft (1.85 m) long with 1/2 in. (12 mm) diameter cable (includes vinyl coating).
It has a four-digit combination bicycle lock for keyless convenience. The combination is resettable and can be changed.
So, you’ll need to set your own combination as soon as you receive this cable lock so you don’t forget later on. To do so simply turn the keyhole to the right so that it’s in a horizontal position.
Advantages
- Great customer support.
- Backed by a 30-day return period.
- The code is easy to reprogram whenever you need to.
- Portable and easy to store.
Disadvantages
- The lock doesn’t work well for a long time period.
3. Qangel Store Bike Lock Cable, Anti Theft Bicycle Lock Chain
Overall Score: 78
The Qangel Store Bike lock cable is an incredible piece of machinery. They are made to last and keep your bicycle safe no matter what.
First, it has a self-coiling, braided flexible steel cable for strong cut resistance. The bike cable lock has a keyless convenience lock, so you don’t worry about losing the key or forgetting to carry it.
Another feature worth noting is the resettable combination lock for bicycles. The 5-digit combination locking mechanisms provide a keyless convenience.
Advantages
- It is simple, light and easy to use.
- Resistant to wear thanks to braided cable construction.
- Great customer service.
Disadvantages
- No instruction manual in English.
4. Master Lock Black Set Your Own Combination Bike Lock
Overall Score: 83
Master Lock Black Set Your Own Combination Bike Lock is a good bicycle cable lock for different environments because it has quite a few impressive specs and features.
The best bicycle cables are six feet long which is sizable but still easy to work with and portable too. It stands out and can be a great way to add some fun interest to your bike.
It’s worth noting that it comes with a self-coiling feature as well which enables you to get the cable to its original position and store it effortlessly.
Advantages
- It has a four-digit combination pad.
- Flexible and compact.
- Quick-release button.
Disadvantages
- A bit pricey
5. Lumintrail Heavy-Duty Security Cable
Overall Score: 86
As we said, we’re going to keep it straight with you with these bicycle lock reviews. Next up, we have the Lumintrail bicycle cable lock which comes in different sizes including 4 feet, 7 feet, 15 feet, and 30 feet.
The one you pick will depend on how many items you want to use it for.
For the most part, a longer-length cable offers better security because it enables you to lock the bicycle frame and two wheels instead of one.
Regardless of the length, the cable is made from braided steel which is a well-known durable material that’s resistant to dings, cuts, and even rust.
Advantages
- It comes in 4 different lengths.
- Made from cut- and rustproof braided steel.
- Strong loops that are impossible to undo.
- Covered in vinyl.
Disadvantages
- Long cables aren’t portable.
6. Master Lock 8143D Combination Bike Lock
Overall Score: 82
Bike locks are basically designed to keep your bicycle safe from opportunistic thieves or naughty teenagers while it’s parked on the road or even on the curb outside of your house.
The Master Lock 8143D does just this because it comes with a preset four-digit code that enables you to lock it without using physical keys.
The great thing is that you get a unique code that cannot be changed so there’s no chance of using a personalized code that someone you know can figure out.
This bike lock is also protected by a vinyl coating to keep it from getting dings and scratches.
The cable has dimensions of 4 ft (1.2 m) long and 5/16 in. (8 mm) in diameter, and it boasts a level of durability and resilience that’ll withstand even the most talented sawing and cutting attempts.
Advantages
- Convenient and easy to use.
- Strong and secure.
- Comes with a pre-set combination.
- Perfect for low-risk areas.
Disadvantages
- It’s not as sturdy as expected.
7. Titanker Bike Lock Cable
Overall Score: 79
This Titanker is the best bike lock to get if you want to ward-off opportunists in a relatively safe area.
That’s because it comes with a locking mechanism that’s locked with a pre-set four-digit combination, as well as a convenient mounting bracket that makes it portable and easy to travel with.
The unique thing about this option is that you can actually personalize the code once you get the lock cable.
This particular bike lock is quite versatile and can be used to secure bikes, ladders, toolboxes, fences, gates, skateboards, sports equipment, lawnmowers, and even your grill.
It’s coated with PVC to prevent dings and scratches and improve durability and overall lifespan.
Advantages
- Offers relatively good performance.
- Useful for different applications.
- Great length.
- Excellent bracket.
- Easy to lock.
Disadvantages
- The mounting brackets aren’t well-made.
8. Kryptonite KryptoFlex Bike Lock Cable
Overall Score: 80
Kryptonite is one of the most well-known bike lock manufacturers so a list of bicycle cable locks wouldn’t be complete without mentioning at least one of their models.
Like most of their other bike cable locks, this one is super practical and of solid quality.
It’s made from 12mm coiled steel that you’d need a pair of bolt cutters to break.
Since the average thief won’t be carrying one of those around, you can rest assured that the protective vinyl cover will do most of the work in keeping it safe from the elements, as well as dings and scratches.
The cable itself is only 5 feet long so you can only use it to lock just one of your wheels and attach it to your bicycle frame so that it’s practically impossible to move your bicycle unless you use the 4-digit combination pad, which only you have of course.
Advantages
- Lightweight and portable.
- It’s a great cable lock.
- 4 digit locking head.
- 12mm steel cable.
Disadvantages
- Lock combination gets jammed unexpectedly.
How to Find the Best Bike Cable Locks
If you’re serious about finding a cable lock for your needs, keep the following considerations in mind:
Reviews
Our cable lock reviews only feature products that have a trail of satisfied customers at every turn.
Most of them come highly recommended because they actually work as advertised and they’re easy to set up, use, and travel with.
Brand
The good news is that you have many great cable lock manufacturers to choose from because this is a very competitive industry.
So, if you’re into brand names then you’re in luck because we made sure to include all the best ones in our review.
Price
You also want a bike cable lock for your electric bikes under 2000 that meets your budget expectations.
We included a wide selection of options to suit different pockets and wallets to make sure that there’s something for everybody. You’re guaranteed to get value for money with these options.
Types of Bicycle Locks
It’s important to keep in mind that bike locks come in the following types:
Folding Locks
Folding locks are similar to chain locks in that they can go all the way around your budget folding bike frame and wheels.
However, when not in use, you can fold them up so they’re nice, compact, and easy to carry.
Folding pivots are easy to penetrate with bolt cutters and power drills though should a motivated thief have such tools on hand, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
U-Locks
U-locks are by far the heaviest type of lockout of all these different types and by default, the most secure.
That’s because they’re constructed from hardened steel and can thus withstand most wielding tools. However, this also depends on the model and the brand behind it.
You can look for U-lock options in my guide on the best bike U-locks.
Lightweight Locks
Lightweight locks are quite popular and come in different types. The most utilized options include the coiled cable lock and the zip tie-based design.
The problem with these types of locks is that they’re easy to pick apart using tin snips and bolt cutters-both of which are tools that any thief worth his salt will have.
That’s why you should only use these locks if you live in a low-risk area.
Chain Locks
Next, you have bike chain locks which are considered to be the most secure option, granted the chain and lock shackle are constructed from hardy material like hardened steel.
It’s definitely not recommended to use an old-school combination lock and chain as you can easily purchase those from your local hardware store, and they’re super easy to get through using some bolt cutters, which are probably purchased from the same place.
The great thing about chain locks is that they’re long and big enough to go around the bike frame and both wheels. That way, you can get the entire bike secured and attached to something more stable.
Given the effectiveness of bike chain locks, I have written a comprehensive article on the best bike chain locks available.
Do Bicycle Locks Really Work?
A lot of cyclists are still very skeptical about bike cable locks. After all, what’s the point?
The truth is that bicycle locks are helpful at deterring thieves because they’re a sign that it’ll be harder if not impossible for them to get your bike, so they’ll go for one that doesn’t have a lock.
Also, bike locks help to keep your bicycle safe from “joyriders.” These are people who steal your bicycle not to sell it but just to ride it from one place to another.
Drunks are probably the most common kinds of joyriders and have been shown to steal bicycles at night, so it might be helpful to lock your bicycle in place if you like riding your bike day and night, which most people do in temperature climate conditions.
Bike Cable Locks Are Effective, Affordable, and Convenient…
We did our best to ensure that we bring you a comprehensive guide that covers all the information you need to know to find the best bicycle cable lock for your needs and preferences.
Our top pick out of all the options we tested and reviewed has to be the Lumintrail Heavy-Duty Security Cable.
It’s well-made from durable materials, it’s easy to store and travel with thanks to the anti-slip mounting bracket. It also has a vinyl covering that protects against rust and scratching.