{
  "category": {
    "slug": "bike-locks",
    "name": "Bike Locks",
    "description": "U-locks, chains and folding bike locks; smart door locks are separate."
  },
  "url": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/bike-locks",
  "markdown": "https://stierproducts.com/categories/bike-locks.md",
  "updated": "2026-08-21T09:06:48.597Z",
  "productsRanked": 13,
  "summary": "On the stierproducts bike locks board, Litelok X1 ranks #1 in S tier, ahead of OnGuard RockSolid (#2, A tier) and OnGuard RockSolid 8590 (#3, A tier). The board ranks 13 bike locks from S (best) to F (avoid), last researched 21 Aug 2026, drawing on 123 outlet citations across the board. Placed in the bottom tiers as ones to avoid: Litelok X3, Kryptonite New York Diamond, Seatylock Foldylock Forever, and 3 others.",
  "method": {
    "summary": "Each category is researched in four independent runs, one per lens (expert consensus, value, reliability, community pulse). Every run ranks a board of candidates that deliberately includes products buyers cross-shop but should avoid. Placements score on a ranked ladder (LP), and tiers are derived from LP, so no tier is ever assigned by hand.",
    "url": "https://stierproducts.com/methodology"
  },
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
    "terms": "https://stierproducts.com/license",
    "covers": [
      "text",
      "rankings",
      "tiers",
      "lp",
      "verdicts",
      "pros",
      "cons"
    ],
    "excludes": [
      "images"
    ],
    "imageRights": "Product photographs are not covered: they belong to their respective owners and are reproduced to illustrate the product being reviewed. Do not redistribute them under this licence."
  },
  "tierMeanings": {
    "S": "Exceptional. Finishes top run after run; capped at 3 slots per category.",
    "A": "Excellent. Strongly recommended, beaten only by the very best.",
    "B": "Good. A solid choice with real caveats worth knowing.",
    "C": "Fair. Acceptable in the right situation, outclassed at its price.",
    "D": "Weak. Hard to recommend when better options cost similar money.",
    "F": "Avoid. The evidence points you elsewhere."
  },
  "products": [
    {
      "rank": 1,
      "tier": "S",
      "lp": 896,
      "name": "Litelok X1",
      "brand": "Litelok",
      "slug": "litelok-x1",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/litelok-x1",
      "verdict": "Relative value proposition attractive despite not being the absolute top performer.",
      "pros": [
        "Good performance for its price",
        "Value-oriented",
        "High-security U-lock design",
        "Hardened steel shackle",
        "Lightweight construction"
      ],
      "citations": 46,
      "distinctOutlets": 35,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/litelok-x1.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 2,
      "tier": "A",
      "lp": 803,
      "name": "OnGuard RockSolid",
      "brand": "OnGuard",
      "slug": "onguard-rocksolid",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/onguard-rocksolid",
      "verdict": "Strongest U-lock against angle grinders, low weight and excellent value.",
      "pros": [
        "Best overall choice for angle-grinder resistance",
        "Lightweight compared to other high-security U-locks",
        "Exceptional value for the price",
        "Top pick for grinder resistance",
        "Lightweight design"
      ],
      "citations": 15,
      "distinctOutlets": 12,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/onguard-rocksolid.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 3,
      "tier": "A",
      "lp": 745,
      "name": "OnGuard RockSolid 8590",
      "brand": "OnGuard",
      "slug": "onguard-rocksolid-8590",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/onguard-rocksolid-8590",
      "verdict": "Performance in the YouTube test demonstrates effectiveness against common attack methods.",
      "pros": [
        "Strong resistance to attacks",
        "Well-tested on video",
        "Robust construction",
        "High security rating",
        "Portable design"
      ],
      "citations": 3,
      "distinctOutlets": 2,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/onguard-rocksolid-8590.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 4,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 551,
      "name": "Abus Bordo Granit",
      "brand": "Abus",
      "slug": "abus-bordo-granit",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/abus-bordo-granit",
      "verdict": "Solid choice with good reputation, favorably appearing in testing and user recommendations.",
      "pros": [
        "Reputable brand",
        "Reliable performance",
        "Portable design",
        "Solid steel shackle",
        "Resistance to cutting tools"
      ],
      "citations": 6,
      "distinctOutlets": 6,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/abus-bordo-granit.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 5,
      "tier": "B",
      "lp": 542,
      "name": "Abus Granit Super Extreme 2500",
      "brand": "Abus",
      "slug": "abus-granit-super-extreme-2500",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/abus-granit-super-extreme-2500",
      "verdict": "The Abus Granit Super Extreme 2500 fails to deliver on its high-end claim, offering vulnerability to cutting tools and lacking long-term reliability, which makes it a poor value proposition.",
      "pros": [
        "Highest Sold Secure rating",
        "Chain-style suitable for e-bikes",
        "Reasonable price",
        "Best lock for e-bikes according to Bicycling Magazine",
        "Excellent angle-grinder proof performance"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Vulnerable to angle grinders",
        "Lacks long-term reliability",
        "Higher price not justified"
      ],
      "citations": 9,
      "distinctOutlets": 7,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 5
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/abus-granit-super-extreme-2500.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 6,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 426,
      "name": "Hiplok DX1000",
      "brand": "Hiplok",
      "slug": "hiplok-dx1000",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/hiplok-dx1000",
      "verdict": "YouTube testing highlights robust security features and resistance to force.",
      "pros": [
        "Robust security",
        "High level of protection",
        "Lightweight",
        "High security comparable to heavy U-locks",
        "Budget friendly"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "High cost relative to performance"
      ],
      "citations": 16,
      "distinctOutlets": 13,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 6
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/hiplok-dx1000.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 7,
      "tier": "C",
      "lp": 366,
      "name": "Kryptonite New York U-Lock",
      "brand": "Kryptonite",
      "slug": "kryptonite-new-york-u-lock",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/kryptonite-new-york-u-lock",
      "verdict": "Recognizable brand with decent protection, though not as highly praised as some competitors.",
      "pros": [
        "Brand recognition",
        "Decent protection",
        "Thick steel shackle",
        "Reinforced body",
        "Top protection in high-crime areas"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Can be cut with a handheld angle grinder in under a minute",
        "Lacks long-term durability"
      ],
      "citations": 7,
      "distinctOutlets": 7,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/kryptonite-new-york-u-lock.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 8,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 335,
      "name": "Litelok X3",
      "brand": "Litelok",
      "slug": "litelok-x3",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/litelok-x3",
      "verdict": "The X3 offers a higher security rating than the X1 while maintaining a lightweight design. Its proven resistance to angle grinders and solid warranty give owners confidence in its long-term performance.",
      "pros": [
        "Higher security rating",
        "Lightweight design",
        "Angle-grinder resistant",
        "Solid warranty"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Extra weight",
        "Higher cost with marginal security improvement"
      ],
      "citations": 32,
      "distinctOutlets": 22,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 2
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/litelok-x3.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 9,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 301,
      "name": "Kryptonite New York Diamond",
      "brand": "Kryptonite",
      "slug": "kryptonite-new-york-diamond",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/kryptonite-new-york-diamond",
      "verdict": "This U-lock is praised for its high security rating and robust construction. While heavier, it provides reliable protection that holds up over many years of use, making it a solid pick for high-risk areas.",
      "pros": [
        "High security rating",
        "Robust construction",
        "Long-term reliability"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Premium price with minimal security gain"
      ],
      "citations": 11,
      "distinctOutlets": 7,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 1,
        "ofRuns": 2
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/kryptonite-new-york-diamond.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 10,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 257,
      "name": "Seatylock Foldylock Forever",
      "brand": "Seatylock",
      "slug": "seatylock-foldylock-forever",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/seatylock-foldylock-forever",
      "verdict": "Performance doesn’t justify the price for many users.",
      "pros": [
        "Gold-level Sold Secure rating",
        "Exceptional build quality",
        "Lightweight & portable"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Overpriced relative to security",
        "Heavy weight",
        "No weather sealing"
      ],
      "citations": 9,
      "distinctOutlets": 7,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 3
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/seatylock-foldylock-forever.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 11,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 251,
      "name": "OnGuard 8020 Mastiff",
      "brand": "OnGuard",
      "slug": "onguard-8020-mastiff",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/onguard-8020-mastiff",
      "verdict": "The OnGuard 8020 Mastiff offers lower security due to a thinner shackle and higher failure rates, making it an inferior choice compared to newer models.",
      "pros": [
        "Heavy-duty chain",
        "Balanced weight and protection",
        "Suitable for e-bikes",
        "Best chain lock overall",
        "Robust steel core"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Thinner shackle",
        "Higher failure rates in lab tests",
        "Marginal security gains compared to lighter U-locks",
        "Higher price point than comparable options",
        "Heavy and bulky"
      ],
      "citations": 2,
      "distinctOutlets": 2,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 6
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/onguard-8020-mastiff.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 12,
      "tier": "D",
      "lp": 247,
      "name": "Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7",
      "brand": "Kryptonite",
      "slug": "kryptonite-evolution-mini-7",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/kryptonite-evolution-mini-7",
      "verdict": "Community discourages relying on this lock type due to inadequate protection.",
      "pros": [
        "Affordable",
        "Angle-grinder resistant",
        "Compact size",
        "Solid construction",
        "Power tool resistant"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Inadequate protection",
        "Easily defeated",
        "Weak against angle grinders and other power tools",
        "Not suitable for high-risk theft zones",
        "Requires a power tool to defeat"
      ],
      "citations": 2,
      "distinctOutlets": 2,
      "thinlySourced": false,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 4,
        "ofRuns": 7
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/kryptonite-evolution-mini-7.webp"
    },
    {
      "rank": 13,
      "tier": "F",
      "lp": 177,
      "name": "Abus U-Grip Bordo",
      "brand": "Abus",
      "slug": "abus-u-grip-bordo",
      "url": "https://stierproducts.com/products/abus-u-grip-bordo",
      "verdict": "This lock is highlighted for its heavy-duty steel shackle and excellent resistance to cutting tools. Its long warranty and proven durability make it a dependable choice for riders who need maximum protection without excessive weight.",
      "pros": [
        "Heavy-duty steel shackle",
        "Resistance to cutting tools",
        "Long warranty",
        "Compact size",
        "High security"
      ],
      "cons": [
        "Heavy weight",
        "Can be cut with a high-power angle grinder after prolonged use",
        "Not the most cost-effective",
        "Easily broken by simple tools"
      ],
      "citations": 1,
      "distinctOutlets": 1,
      "thinlySourced": true,
      "flaggedToAvoid": {
        "runs": 2,
        "ofRuns": 6
      },
      "image": "https://stierproducts.com/images/products/abus-u-grip-bordo.webp"
    }
  ]
}