The Best Lightweight Bike Locks

Looking for the best lightweight bike lock without adding unnecessary weight to your ride? Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for a weekend bike ride, exploring gravel trails, tackling a mountain bike trail centre or setting off on a multi-day bikepacking adventure, carrying some form of bike security is essential.

The challenge is finding a lightweight bike lock that is compact and easy to carry, while still providing a useful deterrent against opportunist bike theft during short stops.

A heavy-duty bike lock can provide excellent security, but it isn’t always practical for every ride. If you only need to secure your bike while grabbing a coffee, stopping at a trail centre café, visiting a shop or taking a short break, a compact and portable bike lock can be a more convenient option.

Squire Bike Locks offers a range of lightweight, compact and portable bike locks designed for exactly these situations.

What Is a Lightweight Bike Lock?

A lightweight bike lock is designed to provide practical security while minimising the weight and space it takes up when you’re riding.

Unlike larger high-security D-locks and heavy-duty chain locks, lightweight bike locks are generally easier to carry in a jersey pocket, frame bag, saddle bag, backpack or cycle luggage.

They can be particularly useful when:

• Stopping at a café or pub
• Taking a short break during a ride
• Visiting a bike shop or trail centre
• Securing a bike outside a shop for a few minutes
• Bikepacking or cycle touring
• Commuting
• Riding gravel or road bikes
• Mountain biking
• Securing wheels, helmets or accessories

The important thing is to choose a lock that matches the situation. Lightweight bike locks are primarily intended for short-term security and lower-risk environments, rather than replacing a high-security lock when a bike is going to be left unattended for longer periods.

What Should You Look For In A Lightweight Bike Lock?

The best lightweight bike lock for you will depend on how and where you ride.

Weight

For cyclists, weight matters. A lock that weighs only a few hundred grams is much easier to carry throughout a long ride than a heavy-duty lock.

For bikepacking, cycle touring and longer rides, keeping weight down can be particularly important.

Size and portability

A compact bike lock should be easy to store when you’re riding. Retractable cable locks, compact combination locks and flexible cable locks can all be useful options for cyclists who don't want a bulky lock taking up valuable luggage space.

Locking length

Consider what you need to secure. A short lock may be suitable for securing a frame and wheel, while a longer cable gives you more flexibility around a fixed object.

Locking mechanism

Key locks are simple and familiar, but combination bike locks remove the need to carry a key.

For short stops, a combination bike lock can be particularly convenient because you can set and use your own combination.

Your riding environment

A lightweight bike lock is ideal for many short-stop situations, but your security requirements should always reflect where you are leaving your bike and for how long.

For higher-risk locations or longer periods away from your bike, consider using a more substantial high-security or approved Sold Secure bike lock.

The Best Lightweight Bike Locks From Squire

Squire's lightweight bike lock range includes compact retractable cable locks, combination locks, flexible cable locks, folding bike locks and lightweight chain locks.

Here are some of the options to consider.

Revolok™ XL | Compact, Ultra-Versatile, Retractable Bike Lock

The Revolok™ XL is designed for cyclists who want maximum portability without sacrificing locking length.

Weighing just 124g, this compact retractable bike lock features an extra-long 2.4mm PVC-coated braided steel cable with a maximum locking length of 1350mm.

Its push-button retractable mechanism allows the cable to be stored neatly inside the lock body when not in use, helping keep the overall package compact.

The Revolok™ XL also features a four-wheel recodable combination, meaning there is no key to carry. The rotating locking dials are simple to operate, while the robust ABS outer casing incorporates a trail-inspired topographic design.

An optional quick-click bracket system makes it easy to attach the lock to your bike when riding and can also allow for locking without removal due to the extra-long cable length.

With its combination of low weight, long cable length and convenient frame attachment bracket, the Revolok™ XL is particularly suited to bikepacking, cycle touring, road riding, gravel riding and cafe stops.

Straplok™ Combi 10 | Ultra-Compact Bike Security

At just 90g, the Straplok™ Combi 10 is one of the lightest options in the Squire range.

Its compact design makes it ideal for riders who want a tough, small bike lock that can be carried without adding significant weight.

The Straplok™ Combi 10 features a 10mm stainless steel core and a three-wheel recodable combination. Its 450mm locking length makes it suitable for short stops where a compact lock is all that is required.

The integrated Straplok™ holder also provides a convenient way to carry the lock when not in use enabling compact pocket-sized storage.

It's particularly suited to cafe bike rides, commuting, bikepacking, mountain biking and everyday cycling, where a lightweight deterrent can provide useful short-term security.

Straplok™ Combi 10 XL | Extra Length, Still Lightweight

If you like the compact format of the Straplok™ Combi 10 but need additional locking length, the Straplok™ Combi 10 XL extends the cable to 700mm while remaining highly portable.

At approximately 110g, it is still light enough to carry on longer rides without adding significant weight.

The 10mm stainless steel core provides a practical layer of security, while the four-wheel recodable combination eliminates the need for keys.

The additional length makes it useful for securing a bike to a suitable fixed object or securing multiple components during a short stop.

For cyclists searching for a lightweight combination bike lock with extra reach, the Straplok™ Combi 10 XL is an ideal versatile option.

Flexalok™ | Flexible Lightweight Cable Locks

The Squire Flexalok™ range provides a choice of lightweight cable bike locks designed around flexibility and ease of use.

Cable locks are popular with cyclists because they are easy to handle, simple to carry and can be threaded through different parts of a bike.

The Flexalok™ range is particularly useful when you want a portable bike lock for short stops without carrying the additional weight or bulk of a heavy-duty bike lock.

Depending on the model, Squire Flexalok™ bike locks can be used for securing your bike and accessories during everyday cycling, commuting, cycle touring, bikepacking and leisure rides.

Their flexible design also makes them practical for securing helmets, wheels and other cycling equipment.

Chainlok™ Combi 6 | Lightweight Chain Bike Lock

For riders who prefer the toughness of chain lock, the Squire Chainlok™ Combi 6 provides a lightweight and flexible alternative.

It features 6mm thick hardened steel chain links, a protective sleeve and a four-wheel recodable combination. With a locking length of 900mm, it provides useful flexibility when securing your bike.

At just 600g, it is heavier than Squire's ultra-lightweight cable options but remains relatively compact and portable.

The Chainlok™ Combi 6 is particularly suited to cyclists who want the flexibility and strength of a chain while keeping weight and pack size under control.

Foldalok™ Plus | Tough, Portable, Lightweight Folding Bike Lock

The Foldalok™ Plus is the toughest lock in our lightweight bike lock range. A Sold Secure approved compact folding bike lock designed to provide reliable security while remaining practical to carry on everyday rides.

Weighing only 840g, it features six 3.5mm hardened steel folding link arms with protective TPU covers, a robust zinc alloy lock body and an anti-pick, anti-tamper key cylinder.

With an 850mm full locking length, the Foldalok™ Plus provides useful flexibility when securing your bike to a suitable fixed object. Its versatile carrying bracket, frame mounting bolts and velcro attachment straps also make it easy to transport when not in use.

Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Bronze approved, the Foldalok™ Plus is particularly suited to everyday cycling, commuting, bikepacking and cycle touring where riders want a compact folding lock without the bulk of a heavier high-security lock.

Lightweight Bike Locks For Different Types Of Cycling

One of the biggest advantages of lightweight bike locks is their versatility. Different cyclists have different security requirements, but many riding situations only require a practical deterrent for a short period.

Bikepacking

When bikepacking, every item has to earn its place in your luggage.

A lightweight bike lock can provide useful security at campsites, cafés, shops and accommodation without taking up valuable space or adding unnecessary weight.

Compact combination and retractable cable locks can be particularly convenient for bikepacking setups.

Cycle Touring

For long-distance cycle touring, a lightweight bike lock can be a useful addition to your luggage.

Whether you're stopping for lunch, exploring a town, checking into accommodation or visiting a shop, a compact lock can provide short-term security while keeping your overall luggage weight down.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers often leave their bikes at a trail centre café, car park, bike wash area or outside a trail shop while taking a break.

A compact portable MTB bike lock can provide an additional deterrent against opportunist theft during these short stops.

Lightweight locks are particularly useful because they can be carried in a riding pack without taking up much room.

Road and Gravel Riding

Road and gravel riders regularly make café stops during longer rides.

A small cafe bike lock can be carried in a jersey pocket, saddle bag or frame bag and quickly deployed when you step away from your bike.

For riders who prioritise low weight, a compact combination or retractable cable lock can be a practical solution.

Commuting

For commuters, portability and convenience are often important considerations.

If your bike is only being left outside a café, shop or other low-risk location for a short period, a lightweight bike lock can provide a convenient layer of security.

However, for bikes left unattended for extended periods, particularly in urban areas, a more substantial high-security bike lock should be considered.

Everyday Cycling

You don't have to be a dedicated bikepacker or cycle tourist to benefit from a lightweight bike lock.

A compact lock can be useful for everyday cycling, leisure rides, trips to the shops or family bike rides.

Keeping a small bike lock with you means you're prepared whenever you need to make an unexpected stop.

Are Lightweight Bike Locks Secure?

A lightweight bike lock is designed for a specific purpose: providing practical short-term security and acting as a deterrent against opportunist theft.

No bike lock should be considered completely theft-proof, and the level of security required will depend on the value of your bike, where it is being left and how long it will be unattended.

For short stops in lower-risk environments, a lightweight bike lock can be a convenient security solution.

For longer periods or higher-risk locations, choose a higher-security bike lock designed for the circumstances.

The key is to match the lock to the risk.

Which Lightweight Bike Lock Is Right For You?

There isn't one lightweight bike lock that suits every cyclist. Your choice should depend on the balance between weight, locking length, portability, and the type of riding you do.

For maximum portability: The Straplok™ Combi 10 provides an ultra-lightweight option for short stops.

For extra locking length: The Straplok™ Combi 10 XL offers 700mm of reach while remaining highly portable.

For maximum cable reach: The Revolok™ XL combines a lightweight design with a 1350mm retractable cable.

For flexible cable security: The Flexalok™ range offers lightweight cable options for everyday cycling and short stops.

For chain-style security: The Chainlok™ Combi 6 provides 900mm of flexible chain locking length.

For folding-lock portability: The Foldalok™ Plus combines an 850mm locking length with a tough and compact six-link folding design and multiple frame mounting options.

Lightweight Security. Ready For The Ride.

The best lightweight bike lock is ultimately one that you'll actually carry and use.

For bikepacking and cycle touring, that could mean choosing a compact lock that takes up minimal space in your luggage. For mountain bikers, it could mean carrying a lightweight lock in your riding pack for a trail-centre café stop. For road cyclists and commuters, it could simply mean having a compact frame mounted bike lock ready whenever you need to leave your bike for a few minutes.

From the ultra-lightweight Revolok™ XL, Straplok™ Combi 10 and Flexalok™ range, to our tougher Chainlok™ Combi 6 and Foldalok™ Plus bike locks, Squire offers versatile lightweight bike security designed around the way cyclists actually ride.

For short stops and lower-risk environments, a lightweight bike lock provides a practical way to add an extra layer of security without carrying a heavy lock on every ride.

Ride light. Lock up. Keep riding.