Which Bike Locks Can’t Be Cut?

Ok, the quick answer here is that no bike lock is infallible and with the right tools and circumstance every lock is vulnerable and can be cut. However, i'll do my best to give you some pointer on some great locks which offer great security and minimise the chance that they can be cut.

So, you got a new bike and new bike lock to match.

You thought that everything was totally secure.

That is until you came out of the coffee shop one day to find your bike missing and the lock cut into pieces on the ground.

Not all bike locks are as secure as the retailers advertise.

That being said, there are some great options out there that give you the advantage over that cutting thief.

So, which bike locks are hard to cut?

Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit

One of the toughest and most durable options in terms of bike locks that can’t be cut is the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit U-lock.

New York is well-known for bike theft, and the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit was specially designed to stop NYC bike theft in its tracks.

Now, this lock weighs 4 pounds, which is very heavy, and it’s not the easiest to transport because it’s like lugging around a brick.

However, with all of that added weight also comes a ton of security and protection.

This lock is made with a nearly 1-inch thick U portion, and an even thicker bar, all made of solid steel.

It’s not something that a hacksaw or wire cutters can get through; it would take someone literally hours to cut through with any kind of saw.

Even heavy-duty bolt cutters won’t do much to the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit U-Lock.

Super heavy duty firehouse bolt cutters may be able to get through it, but it would also take hours.

There’s also the fact that the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit cannot be picked, plus it features a double deadbolt system.

When it comes down to it, this may just be the No. 1 most-secure bike lock out there, one that nobody is going to take the time to try and cut.

Heck, the weight and look of the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit alone should be enough to deter any would-be thief.

Kryptonite Evolution Chain

Yes, Kryptonite is one of the best brand names when it comes to bike locks, and it’s why this one is on the list.

Now, the first one we looked at was a U-lock, whereas this one is a Kryptonite chain lock. You might think that chains are easier to cut that a steel U, but this one is super tough.

What is nice about chain locks is that they are all flexible like cable locks.

U-locks can be annoying to use because they are not very long or spacious.

If you have a really large bike frame, need to lock up more than a single bike at once, or are locking your bike to something large, like a thick pole, you are going to run into trouble with a U lock.

However, a chain lock with a fairly long chain can lock up multiple bikes at once and they are flexible enough so that you can lock your bike to fairly large objects.

Also, just because the Evolution Chain is a chain lock, does not mean that it is not tough.

The links are super thick and they are made out of solid steel.

Even if somebody has bolt cutters, they probably won’t be able to get through it, and if they do, it’s going to take hours, which bike thieves don’t have. 

Even an angle grinder won’t be able to make its way through the Kryptonite Evolution Chain.

Due to the fact that the links are flexible and can move, getting a straight grind with an angle grinder is extremely difficult.

The Kryptonite Evolution Chain is both flexible and durable, which is exactly what you need.

That said, it is very heavy, but that is the price you have to pay for a high level of security.

Master Lock Street Cuffs

Here we have another really good option to go with, one that is fairly lightweight and flexible.

The Master Lock Street Cuffs weigh just over 2 pounds, which is light enough to be easy to put in your backpack and carry around without much effort, but also still heavy enough to add a good deal of durability to the mix.

Now, these look pretty funny, because they look like a pair of handcuffs that you would use to lock up a giant or bodybuilder, and you might get some funny looks when using the Master Lock Street Cuffs, but who cares as long as they get the job done and stop thieves from taking your bike.

For one, the design of the Master Lock Street Cuffs makes them convenient if you need something flexible, but it might not be the best for locking to something really thick, as the cuffs are not huge.

There are several lengths to choose from, so if you need something long, there is a near 2-foot long version.

The Master Lock Street Cuffs are made with solid steel, and features hardened steel cuffs and links.

First off, this lock simply cannot be picked or bypassed, as its design is intended to prevent just that.

Moreover, a bolt cutter won’t be able to cut through the links easily, because the links continuously move, plus are made of hardened steel, and the cuffs are no easier to get through with a bolt cutter.

Even an angle grinder won’t be much use when it comes to trying to break the Master Lock Street Cuffs.

The moving links make it super difficult.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, we like the Master Lock Street Cuffs, as they are fairly lightweight and convenient, although they might not offer quite as much protection as the Kryptonite U-Lock or the Kryptonite Evolution Chain.

When it comes down to it, Kryptonite is the No. 1 brand name out there for bike locks, and it’s an option we would strongly recommend going with.