Chain locks are considered the best option for securing your bicycle, for a variety of reasons. First of all, chains are generally made of heavy-duty steel, making it more difficult to cut through than cable bike locks (which are generally forced with a solid bolt cutter). Since most of these chains are covered with a sleeve made from fabric (nylon is the most commonly used one), they will prevent the chain from scratching the paint off the bike's frame. A bike chain lock usually integrates some form of locking mechanism, from U-locks to key locks and even combination pads.
Table Of Contents
Best Bicycle Chain Locks Comparisons
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 Sportneer Bicycle Chain Lock | |
 Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit 1415 Bicycle Chain Lock | |
 Amazer Bike Chain Lock | |
 Kryptonite Evolution Series-4 1090 Integrated Chain Bicycle Lock | |
 Beeway Bike Chain Lock with Combination Pad | |
 Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain Lock |
About Chain Locks
Since they are longer compared to U-locks, they also have a wider variety of applications. You can use them to lock fences, gates, toolboxes, sporting gear, fishing gear, and others. The longer the cable is, the more bikes you can lock together. Long chains are also great when you want to secure both wheels and the frame to a fixed object.
Things to Consider
One of the downsides of chain locks is their weight. Since most of them are made from sturdy metal, they can be really heavy and are best transported inside a backpack. However, this weight (amongst other factors) contributes to intimidating a potential bike thief, who will often find it easier to try to cut through cable locks or try to pry U-locks instead. Thieves might even steal helmet lights or other equipment you leave lying around, so it’s important to store that safely, as well.
If we have you convinced, let's go over some of the bestselling bike chain locks on the market, so you can see some of the pros and cons for each, to make a more informed shopping decision.
Top 6 Best Bicycle Chain Locks Reviews
Sportneer Bicycle Chain Lock
If you've ever wanted an upgrade from the average 4-digit combination pads, the Sportneer is definitely that upgrade. This 5 digit combination pad provides an extra layer of security, although you have to take into consideration the fact that a bike thief is more likely to try and force the lock open or break the chain than input digit combinations. Speaking of the chains, they're made of thick manganese steel, measuring 0.27 inches in thickness. While the chain is not the most solid one currently available on the market, the flexible cloth sleeve covering gives the impression of something more sturdy lying underneath. The cover will do more than just protect the chain from rust, it will make sure your bike frame doesn't get scratched, thus ensuring a longer lifespan for both products.
The lock measures 3.2 feet in length, thus enhancing the number of things you can actually lock with it. It's good for more than just bikes: it can be used to lock gates and fences, toolboxes, or even ladders. While the Sportneer bike chain lock is a decent product, you probably can't trust leaving your bike overnight in a bad neighborhood. However, it is a favorite amongst people looking for a more affordable, lightweight bike lock that can intimidate thieves during the day. If you want the best peace of mind you can get, Sportneer probably isn't the best choice.
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Cons
Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit 1415 Bicycle Chain Lock
There is a reason why Kryptonite's Fahgettaboudit is one of the best-rated bike locks on Amazon. In fact, there are several reasons. The very first one is that 14 mm six-sided chain which, when holding it, feels indestructible. It's not. However, it is one of the best locks you'll ever find, because breaking it takes tons of effort, and the solid build is so intimidating that chances are thieves will move from your bike to one that's easier to steal. Fahgettaboudit surely wins in terms of intimidating thieves. The chain is conveniently hidden by a nylon cover that uses hook-n-loop fasteners to keep it in place.
At the end of the chain, you'll find a disc-style cylinder that's reinforced to make sure no pulling or drilling can damage it. The double deadbolt locking is there to ensure you get more juice for holding power. A sliding dust cover protects the keyhole from attracting dust and debris, thus extending the cylinder's life. Upon ordering, you'll receive the chain lock, as well as 3 keys, one of which has an integrated light bulb that makes it easier for you to unlock the bike after dark. The 5-foot long chain is extremely versatile, as it allows you to secure multiple bikes together to a fixed object.
Registering after you've purchased your own Fahgettaboudit bike lock will allow you to benefit from the free anti-bicycle theft protection coverage program that pays out $3,750 in case your bike gets stolen while you're using their lock. As many happy customers will tell you, the Fahgettaboudit is ideal for high bicycle theft areas, as it takes a lot of determination to break, pry or cut through this lock. Weighing 15 lbs, it can be a handful to carry this lock around with you at all times. But are you willing to face the consequences of not using it?
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Amazer Bike Chain Lock
The Amazer lock is a product for those looking for a product that's cheap, easy to use, easy to carry, but certainly not for those who want the most solid bike chain out there. Due to its 4 digit combination pad, it eliminates the need to carry around a key. So, if you're the kind of person that often misplaces possessions, this might just be the right product for you. Thanks to its lightweight (1.5 pounds) and medium-length chain (3.3 feet), this bike lock is versatile enough to be used for locking many other things (see the Sportneer review above for suggestions). But unless you own a really small bike, you won't be able to secure both wheels. Instead, you'll have to settle with locking just one wheel and the bike frame to a fixed object.
If you're somehow not happy with what this product delivers in terms of sturdiness and bike security, you can return it within 30 days after purchasing it and you'll get a refund, no questions asked. There is also a 12-month warranty that covers any manufacturing defects. The chain links are 1.66 inches long and measure 0.23 inches in thickness. A weatherproof cloth sleeve protects them to prevent the chain from scratching the bike's frame. The actual chain doesn't look that durable, so covering it may be a wise choice for several reasons.
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Kryptonite Evolution Series-4 1090 Integrated Chain Bicycle Lock
Kryptonite is committed to grabbing the bike owner market through its wide array of available bike chains. The Evolution Series-4 1090 bike chain features 10 mm six-sided chain links that promise to keep your bicycle safe and secure. The chain is made from manganese steel, one of the most durable choices found amongst bike chains. The end link design reinforces the connection between the chain and the deadbolt, to eliminate a vulnerable spot. Just as with the Fahgettaboudit, this Kryptonite model also comes with a disc-style cylinder that promises to stay strong against drilling attempts. The chain is covered in a nylon sleeve (whose applications and usability you already know by now).
There is a sliding dust cover, protecting the keyhole from dust and debris and ensuring a longer lifespan for the product. Just as with other Kryptonite models, the 1090 comes with 2 keys. One of them has an integrated light that helps bike owners unlock the product even in low light conditions, while the other 2 are ergonomic "I" keys. Due to its total weight of 6 pounds, it may be a hassle for some to handle such a study chain, but once you get the gist of it, you'll always feel safe knowing it takes a lot of force to break through the chain. As long as you make sure to register your key on the manufacturer's website, you can have it replaced if lost.
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Beeway Bike Chain Lock with Combination Pad
The colorful range of cloth sleeves (which cover the 0.27-inch thick chain) are a delight. This bike lock is excellent for kids, available in black, lemon green, pink, purple,, and red. At the end of the chain, you will find a 5 digit combination pad which, for some, suggests a higher number of possible combinations that make this lock impossible to hack. But remember what we always say: bike thieves will rely on tools and force rather than their abilities to crack a code. The chain itself is made of manganese steel, which is one of the most common choices for this type of bike lock, as it provides extra durability.
To set up your own preferred combination may be tricky, but it's a one-time thing. The preset code is 00000, and it will allow you to withdraw the cable once you've placed the digits in the correct position. After having done so, turn the knob which is located inside of the lock's end. Now you can rotate the number dials to whatever code you fancy (just don't make it the obvious 12345) and then turn the knob back to its original position. You can repeat the steps each time you want to set up a new code.
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Kryptonite Keeper 785 Integrated Chain Lock
Since this is a roundup of the best chain bicycle locks, we've included a third Kryptonite product, which once again reinforces the idea that they truly are the best producers of sturdy bike locks. The 765 features a 7 mm four-sided chain which is made of manganese steel, Kryptonite's favorite. This particular bike chain comes with tons of features other models have. The deadbolt design has been added to the 785 and the end link design eliminates the vulnerable spot between the chain and the lock itself.
Speaking of the lock, you get the disc-style cylinder found in every other Kryptonite chain bike lock, but since it's a more affordable model, you won't get that third key with the included high-intensity light. Instead, you only get 2 ergonomic "I" keys that you can still register and benefit from the key safe program. Even if Kryptonite is known for making the most solid bike lock chains on the market, this particular model is more suitable for low-crime areas. The nylon sleeve is a great feature for protecting both the chain and the bike's frame, and it is now available in 3 colors (aside from the traditional black): purple, red, and grey.
4 different nylon sleeve colors to choose from.
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Conclusion
Want to know which is the best bike chain lock on the market? Fahgettaboudit. No, I mean it! The Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit gathers everything you could ever want in a bike lock, as long as you're ready to pay the price. Aside from having a chain that's both solid and heavy, the Fahgettaboudit has a couple more tricks up its sleeve. Everything on it is reinforced, covered, and protected, making this bike chain resistant against crowbars, hammers, hand saws, and wire cutters.
The product is delivered with 3 keys, one with a battery-powered light that can help shed some light on the situation (see what I did there?) and guide you to the keyhole even in pitch dark. The other 2 keys act as spares and, should you lose them all by some unfortunate series of events, registering the unique key when purchasing the lock will guarantee that you get an additional spare. Just visit the manufacturer's website for more information on how to do that. As Kryptonite is vouching for its products, they've also set in place an anti-theft insurance program (which also requires registering), where you can receive about $3,800 if your bike gets stolen.
Whatever bike lock you end up choosing, make sure that you use it with every occasion you have. Relying on the good nature of people is what often leaves people without their bikes. Even if you park it for just a few minutes, make sure that you lock it down so there won't be any unpleasant surprises. If possible, try to pick a bike lock to secure both the wheels to an immovable object. If you live in an area where bike theft is at home, you may want to consider the option of picking a double locking system for better security. Remember that no lock is unbreakable. But you can still make it as hard as possible for thieves to ride away with your bike.
For additional security, you might consider adding a bike GPS tracker to your ride. GPS trackers make sure you always know where your bike is. The tracker sends you notifications if it leaves a set perimeter.