The Best D-lock bkse locks

The post The Best D-lock bike locks appeared first on Cycling Electric.

While Cycling Electric has looked at the best security and storage you can buy for your bike, and we have covered the best bike locks you can buy, this is a more specific look at D-locks in general, why they’re so good, how they work and the best ones to buy for your particular needs, having the best d-lock for your bike can mean the difference between a good and a bad week.

D-locks are so-called because of their shape – they look like an extended D. They’re great for locking your wheel to your frame and frame to a fixed mounting point. They are sometimes referred to as U-locks for the same reason. These are generally you’re going to lock. They can be used for primary and secondary use.

Best D-lock shortlist

LITELOK X1 – £149.99

Oxford LK181 HD Mini U-Lock Diamond Rated – £21.99

OnGuard Pitbull U-Lock – £28.50 (RRP £57)

Kryptonite KryptoLok Standard U-Lock with FlexFrame Bracket – £29.99 (RRP £54.99)

Kryptonite New York Liberty Disc Lock – £76.49 (RRP 84.99)

Hiplok DXF Compact Cycle D Lock + Frame Bracket – £74.99

Kryptonite New York FAHGETTABOUDIT Lock – £94.49 (RRP: £119.99)

Abus Granit Extreme 59 – £164.10

What to look for in a D-lock

It’s important to note that a lock will not make your bike resistant to thieves. Given enough time and tools, a thief could steal any bike. What a lock is for is to deter a thief. Make them take as long as possible and make it as difficult as possible to steal your bike, and this is what the best D-locks do.

A D-lock shouldn’t offer up opportunities for anyone to cut into it, but by design, it has nice long sides where an angle grinder could cut through. To combat that, many D-locks have a system that prevents twist attacks, where one shackle is cut and the lock twisted around to relieve the bike.

A lovely soft outer material on the lock will prevent your frame from being scratched or scuffed by the lock.

How much to spend on a lock?

This depends on you and how much you’re willing to spend. We always say buy what you can afford, but it also doesn’t seem right that if you buy a £5,000 bike, you wouldn’t want to buy the best D-lock possible.

Locks are situational, and it depends on how high crime the area is, but there is always that one time when you’ve not locked your bike adequately, and that’s all a thief needs.

How to lock your bike

Locking your bike is no dark art. It’s pretty simple, lock your frame to a fixed point like a railing, bike park or secure ground anchor. You can also use a shackle for your wheels, securely locking them to the bike and frame.

Essentially, it’s up to you how many locks you use, but the key to not having your bike pinched is to make it as undesirable to steel as possible. That’s using the best D-locks, which are hard to cut through and likely more than one, meaning you either destroy the thief’s tools or they give up trying to pinch your bike.

The best D-locks for your bike

LITELOK X1

£149.99 | VIEW OFFER

It’s not often we do this at Cycling Electric. We usually list in order of price, but this LiteLok X1 is so good that, if you can afford it, this is the one we would buy without a doubt, and you can read our review of the Litelok X1 if you need further proof. We consider this to be the best D-lock, bar none. You’ve likely seen a stream of YouTube videos of people trying to angle grind their way through this lock to no success. The tick is in the Barronium, which grabs the angle grinder and wears out the blade. It’s also imperious to bolt cutters, cable cutters, long bars, hammers and chisels. It’s the best D-lock around

Pros
Barronium is resistant to angle grinders.
Soft plant-based eco-rubber outer
Sold Secure Diamond rating

Cons
None

Spec
Material: Barronium
Sold Secure rating: Diamond
Weight: 1.7kg
Mount: Twist & Go mount

Oxford HD Mini U-Lock Diamond Rated

£24.99 | VIEW OFFER

If you need a small D-lock as a secondary or lock your shackles together, keeping your primary lock for your bike frame, this Diamond Rated Oxford Mini U-lock could suffice. The best way to avoid stealing your bike is to make things as hard as possible for the thieves, so having two solid locks makes things twice as hard. This lock is compatible with chains up to 16mm.

Pros
Sold Secure Diamond rating
Small handy size
Great secondary lock

Cons
It will not lock around your frame, but it’s not designed for that

Spec
Material: Tough hardened steel
Sold Secure rating: Diamond
Weight: Not given
Mount: None

OnGuard Pitbull U-Lock

£24.99 (RRP: £44.99) | VIEW OFFER

With its bright yellow accents, this lock stands out, which is good because if a thief sees a lock, they’re more likely to be instantly put off stealing it. It comes in two lengths, so you could use it for locking two bikes together or as your regular bike lock. It comes with five laser-cut keys, one with an LED light to help unlock your bike in the dark.

Pros
Gold Sold Secure rating
Five laser-cut keys
LED light on your key fob

Cons
A competitive market, and you can only prove your worth once

Spec
Material: Tough hardened steel
Sold Secure rating: Gold
Weight: Not given
Mount: None

Kryptonite Kryptolok Standard U-Lock W/FlexFrame Bracket

£29.99 (RRP £54.99) | VIEW OFFER

The advantage of a FlexFrame bracket is that it’ll flex to fit your bike, meaning your lock is easy to carry and stow, not taking up room in your backpack on your commute. A Gold Sold Secure rating means this would be an excellent second D-lock in high-crime areas, even though it’s Kryptonite’s entry-level lock.

Pros
FlexFrame helps carry your lock.
Sold Secure Gold rating
Key Safe programme if your keys are lost

Cons
Kryptonite has a vast range. This can be confusing over which to buy

Spec
Material: Tough hardened steel
Sold Secure rating: Gold
Weight: 1.32 kg
Mount: Transit FlexFrame-U

Kryptonite New York Liberty Disc Lock Yellow

£76.49 (RRP 84.99) | VIEW OFFER

Why would you buy this from Kryptonite over the previous Oxford one? The double deadbolt locking mechanism has extensive holding power, and the cylinder system is anti-drill, anti-pull and has a dust cover to extend its life. People also buy into a brand, and if you have Kryptonite products and rate them, here is a mini D-lock which will be perfect for your shackle or chain.

Pros
Respected brand, so you would expect the product to live up to that.
Ideal second lock
Three keys, one has a high-intensity bulb and replaceable battery

Cons
Cheaper alternatives available

Spec
Material: hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle
Sold Secure rating: Approved to Thatcham CAT3
Weight: Not given
Mount: None

Hiplok DXF Compact Cycle D Lock + Frame Bracket

£74.99 | VIEW OFFER

The Hip-lock DXF is a Gold Sold Secure rated D-lock with a frame-mounted bracket for easy carrying. This bracket does go in place of a water bottle, so bear that in mind if your commute is long. It is one of the lightest D-locks available on the list. You can also clip it onto your belt or bag for easy carrying.

Pros
Easy to carry
Light
Easy to mount and carry

Cons
It’s a competitive market, and being light isn’t that much of a USP when safety is concerned

Spec
Material: Premium hardened steel
Sold Secure rating: Gold
Weight: 1,160g
Mount: Speed-loading frame-mounted bracket

Kryptonite New York FAHGETTABOUDIT Lock

£94.49 (RRP: £119.99) | VIEW OFFER

So-called because you could lock it up in New York and forget about it. Would we with just one D-lock? Probably not, because we don’t know if it’ll arrive when we return. Kryptonite seems to think it would be. This Mini one is a perfect second lock for locking wheels to frames or singular bikes.

Pros
Thick enough to use on e-bikes, too
Diamond Sold Secure rating
Three keys, one with LED light

Cons
Struggle to find a frame bracket that fits

Spec
Material: 18mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackle
Sold Secure rating: Diamond
Weight: 2.06 kg
Mount: None

Abus Granit Extreme 59

£164.10 | VIEW OFFER

This lock has very tough competition with the LiteLok X1. They’re both Diamond rated and both perfect locks. The Abus is slightly longer, allowing you to lock two bikes or your wheel and frame to a mounting point. The Xplus Cylinder provides exceptional resistance to manipulation and picking of the lock. It also has a superior finish for outstanding durability and long-life security.

Pros
The best security rating you can get
LED Key fob for locking and unlocking in low light
16mm square parabolic shackle

Cons
Mounting options are sold separately

Spec
Material: Specially hardened steel
Sold Secure rating: Diamond
Weight: 2.7kg
Mount: None

Frequently Asked Questions for the best D-locks

What are D-locks, and how does it differ from other bike locks?

A D-lock, or U-lock, is a rigid steel lock shaped like a ‘D’ or ‘U’. It differs from cable or chain locks in that it’s typically more robust and resistant to cutting or prying tools. The rigid design limits the space available for potential thieves to insert leverage tools, making it harder to break.

How do I properly use a D-lock to secure my bike?

To use D-locks effectively, pass the ‘U’ part through your bike’s frame and around an immovable object, like a bike rack or post. If possible, also loop it through one of the wheels. The goal is to leave as little space as possible in the ‘U’ portion of the lock, reducing leverage opportunities for thieves.

Can a D-lock be broken, and how can I enhance its security?

While D-locks are tough, no lock is entirely theft-proof. To enhance security, use the lock with a secondary lock, like a cable or chain lock, especially in high-risk areas. This dual-lock approach makes it more time-consuming and difficult for a thief to steal your bike.

What should I look for when choosing a D-lock?

When choosing a D-lock, look for one with a high-security rating, preferably sold secure gold or diamond rated. Consider the size (it should fit snugly around your bike and the object it’s being locked to), the material (hardened steel is best), and additional features like a double-locking mechanism. Also, check for ease of carrying while cycling.

How do I maintain my D-lock to ensure it stays in good working condition?

Regular maintenance of your D-locks includes keeping it clean, especially the locking mechanism. Use a dry cloth to wipe away dirt and debris. Lubricate the lock mechanism and keyhole with a graphite-based lubricant periodically. Also, check for any signs of damage or wear and ensure that the moving parts function smoothly.

Why should you trust us? At Cycling Electric, we’re passionate about giving people active travel options; we’re respected journalists in our field and follow everything cycling. We test, ride and review many bikes a year and know what makes a bike work and what doesn’t. We work with brands worldwide to bring you the best bikes possible.

The post The Best D-lock bike locks appeared first on Cycling Electric.