Mann trägt Fahrrad auf Schulter

When it comes to protecting your bike, a bike lock is essential. However, not all bicycle locks are the same. An important factor to consider when choosing a bicycle lock is the weight.

A lightweight bicycle lock has many advantages and some disadvantages. You can find out what they are here.

When is a bicycle lock light?

What is a lightweight bicycle lock? Have you often seen advertisements for supposedly particularly light and flexible locks? Always pay attention to the actual weight of the lock. If there is none, then don't bother.

Really light bicycle locks weigh between 50g and 500g. Anything above this falls into the normal weight category for bicycle locks. Heavy bicycle locks such as solid steel chains can weigh up to 3 kg and more.

Rennrad fahren bei Nacht

Advantages of lightweight bicycle locks

Lightweight bicycle locks offer several advantages for the user. Among others, these are:Portability:

  • Lightweight locks are easier to take along, e.g. in a bicycle bag or backpack, due to their low weight
  • Low bicycle weight: Especially with sporty bikes such as racing bikes or mountain bikes, the weight of the bike plays a major role. If the lock is firmly attached to the bike, a light lock hardly affects the riding experience.
  • Convenience: The light weight of the bike lock makes it much easier to use than, for example, a heavy U-lock. This makes it much easier to lock the bike.
Durchgetrenntes Fahrradschloss

Disadvantages of lightweight bicycle locks

In addition to the aforementioned advantages, particularly lightweight bicycle locks unfortunately also offer some disadvantages:

  • Limited security: due to the use of less resistant materials, the theft protection of lightweight locks is usually less pronounced. Especially against massive theft tools such as a large bolt cutter, lightweight locks are usually defenceless.
  • Less versatility: Very light models in particular are often characterised by a very small size and can therefore only be used in very specific places. It is therefore not possible to lock the wheel there everywhere.

Innovative solutions as an alternative?

While classic bicycle locks such as spiral cables are characterised by a low weight, they usually do not offer a high level of security and thus a high risk of bicycle theft. However, there are now clever solutions on the market that combine a light weight with smart functions and thus increase security. For example, there are spiral cable locks with an integrated alarm system and frame locks permanently installed on the bicycle with an alarm function and integrated GPS tracking.

Through this combination of innovative technology, even lightweight bicycle locks can offer a high level of security for the cyclist.

More about lightweight bike lock with GPS tracking

Our conclusion:

Lightweight bicycle locks offer cyclists some advantages such as good portability and easy handling. Unfortunately, this is often at the expense of security. The locks are therefore particularly suitable for very inexpensive bikes or for locking up on a bike tour when the bike can still be kept in view. They are rather unsuitable for longer parking in unobserved areas.