Sold Secure Gold bicycle locks are the best of the best. But are some sold secure gold bike locks more secure than others? Also what does Sold Secure even mean?
Just below I’ve listed the top 3 Sold Secure Gold bike locks available today. If you’re on a budget, the Onguard Pitbull is a great choice, if you’d rather get the best bike lock money can buy take a look at the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit.
Towards the bottom of the article, you’ll find a table displaying all of the Sold Secure Gold rated bicycle locks. If you’d like to browse the selection, scroll down and take a look!
Table of Contents
When purchasing a new bike lock, make sure to keep an eye out for the Sold Secure markings. Using a bike lock without one of these markings may leave your bike more venerable to theft!
I recommend you use a bike lock a rating of at least Sold Secure Silver. This is simply because Sold Secure Bronze bike locks only provide “protection from the opportunist thief”, which simply isn’t good enough!
Sold Secure Gold bike locks are the best on the market and cost slightly more than silver-rated locks.
If you’re on a tight budget, it might be worth looking at my article that covers the best Sold Secure Silver locks. Otherwise, a Sold Secure Gold bike lock will provide an unrivalled level of security for your bike. Have a look below!
The Top 3 Sold Secure Gold Rated Bike Locks
The three best Sold Secure Gold bike lock’s I’ve selected are displayed in this comparison table (plus one extra!). You’ll find a more details on each Sold Secure Gold lock below this table.
Last update on 2020-07-08 at 05:38 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini – The Smallest, Strongest Gold Rated Bike Lock
Kryptonite sure do know how to make a secure bike lock. The Fahgettaboudit Mini the most secure D lock on the market to date.
The general rule of thumb you can follow is: The thicker the shackle, the higher Sold Secure the rating. This rule doesn’t apply to all locks, so make sure you do your research and find out the security rating and features of the lock your after.
The Fahgettaboudit D lock has an 18mm hardened max-performance steel shackle. I’m unaware of any other D lock that has an 18mm shackle, so you’d be hard pushed to find one more secure than this!
To be considered bolt cutter proof, a bike lock’s shackle or links need to be 16mm thick. This means, whilst securing your bike with this lock, thieves using bolt cutters won’t stand a chance of stealing your ride!
Kryptonite drastically increased this lock’s security by implementing their Double-Deadbolt locking system. Unlike cheaper locks that lock on one side of the shackle, the Fahgettaboudit secures both ends, providing much more security when you lock your bike.
The video below shows the LockPickingLawyer attempting to cut through the Fahgettaboudit Mini with hydraulic cutters. Have a watch to see how this incredible Sold Secure Gold bike lock performs!
The Fahgettaboudit is labelled ‘mini’ due to its smaller shackle size. The main advantage of using a smaller shackle is its resistance to twist or hydraulic attacks.
Once you’ve secured your bike with the Fahgettaboudit, there’s very little space left inside the shackle. This prevents thieves inserting objects such as crowbars or car jacks, that could be used to force your lock open.
A smaller shackle does provide you with less locking options. The Fahgettaboudit’s shackle measures 3.24″ x 6.3″ (8.25cm x 16cm) which is on the smaller side, compared to other D locks.
For the last two years, I’ve been using the Fahgettaboudit as my primary bike lock and haven’t had an issue. Knowledge of the local area can come in handy, as this Sold Secure Gold lock is designed for use on standard bike racks.
This is probably all sounding too good to be true, and it almost is. Due to the thick 18mm shackle, the Fahgettaboudit is slightly heavier than other D locks. Don’t let its weight put you off though, this lock will easily fit into your backpack or can be used with Kryptonite’s Transit H-Bar carrier.
If you want the strongest portable bike lock a small increase in weight is a sacrifice you’ll have to make. A worthy sacrifice in my opinion.
Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini
- Weight: 4.55lb (2.06kg)
- Dimensions: 3.25" x 6" (8.3cm x 15.3cm)
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LiteLok Gold – The Lightest Sold Secure Gold Rated Bike Lock
LiteLok weighs in at just 2.4lb (1.1kg), making it one of the lightest Sold Secure Gold rated bike locks in the world. The team behind the LiteLok Gold did an incredible job and made use of LiteLok’s patented material that goes by the name of Boaflexicore.
The LiteLok Gold has a locking circumference of 28.9″ (73.6cm). Which means that you won’t struggle to fit this lock around larger objects such as lampposts or thicker bike racks. You’re also be able to secure more than one bike with the Litelok Gold, which makes it suitable for bike rides and family holidays.
Litelok are the creators of and the only security company that use Boaflexicore in their bike locks. The Litelok Gold has a Boaflexicore layer inside it, which acts as a ‘self-healing’ system for the lock.
If a cut is made into the outer layer of the Litelok Gold, the Boaflexicore expands and fills the space where the cut has been made. Watch an Ironman athlete attempt to defeat the Litelok with a range of different tools in the video below.
The Litelok Gold utilises over 2,000 strands of high-tensile steel. These strengthened steel strands allow the Litelok Gold to be both flexible and exceptionally robust.
Litelok offer anti-theft protection cover to those that use their locks and register online. Essentially whilst you are part of this scheme, if your bike was stolen whilst secured with a Litelok, you should be eligible for compensation.
This is definitely a great backup to have available, especially if you are living or commuting into cities or other high-risk areas. However, this service shouldn’t be used as and alternative to bicycle insurance.
Litelok also produced a wearable model, the Litelok Gold Wearable. This model is still Sold Secure Gold rated, but is slightly larger, so can be transported by wearing around the waist like a belt.
The Litelok Gold Wearable comes in three sizes (small – 36.4″ (92.5cm), medium – 3.28′ (100cm) and large – 3.53′ (107.5cm)), all of which are larger than the standard Litelok Gold. This not only gives you more locking space but allows you to wear the lock around your waist or across your shoulder.
A convenient and comfortable way to store your lock whilst cycling, and saves the lock from taking up space in your backpack. All versions of the Litelok do come with frame mounts so that you can attach it to your bike, so bear this in mind before making a purchase.
ABUS Granit X-Plus 54 Mini – ABUS’ Lighter Substitute for the Fahgettaboudit
The ABUS X-Plus 54 Mini is the final lock in the list of the best Gold Sold Secure bike locks. ABUS are Kryptonites main competitor in the bike security market and have been producing incredibly secure locks for a number of years.
The Granit X 54 Mini is one of ABUS’ strongest locks, which they rate at 15/15 on their own security scale. Of course, the Mini 54 also gained the Gold Sold Secure rating, which puts it up there with the best and strongest bike locks.
This robust D lock features a 13mm square hardened steel parabolic shackle, which puts up a strong fight against bolt cutters. The X-Plus 54 Mini also utilises a double deadbolt system. This means that if someone was able to cut through the shackle, they would have to make another cut before it could be removed from your bike.
The video below shows the X Plus 54 Mini’s bigger brother, the Mini is almost exactly the same, just the shackle size is smaller. Have a watch.
Weighing in at a tiny 2.68 lb (1.22kg), the ABUS 54 Mini is almost half the weight of the Fahgettaboudit, which may be the reason why it’s so popular. Its hardened steel shackle measures 4.25″ x 5.51″ (10.8 x 14cm) which gives you similar locking room to the Fahgettaboudit.
This lock doesn’t currently come with a bicycle mount, but there are mounts available such as the Kryptonite Transit H-Bar Carrier that holds most locks on the market and fits 22-32mm handlebars. The video below shows just how convenient this mount is.
The Granit X 54 Mini also features an automatic keyhole cover. This fantastic feature helps to prolong the life of the lock, by preventing dust and debris from entering the mechanism.
The X-Plus key cylinder offers unrivalled protection against lock picking. Although lock picking isn’t the most common method used to defeat bike locks these days, this feature definitely adds to the Mini 54’s overall security.
All in all, the Granit X Mini 54 from ABUS is a super strong and reliable lock, that will serve anyone well. If you ride an expensive bike, it may be worth looking for a bike lock with a thicker shackle.
ABUS Granit X-Plus 54 Mini
- Weight: 2.68lb (1.22kg)
- Dimensions: 4.25" x 5.51" (10.8cm x 14cm)
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List of Sold Secure Bike Locks
| Bike Lock: | Type of Lock: | Weight: | Dimensions: | Shackle/Link Thickness: | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABUS City Chain 1010/110 |  | Chain Lock | 2.10kg (4.62lb) | 110cm Length (3.61') | 9mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| ABUS City Chain 1010/85 | | Chain Lock | 1.95kg (4.29lb) | 85cm Length (2.79') | 9mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| ABUS Granit X-Plus 54 Mini |  | D Lock | 1.22kg (2.68lb) | 10.8cm x 14cm (4.25" x 5.51") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| ABUS 6500/85 Bordo Granit X-Plus |  | Folding Lock | 1.76kg (3.88lb) | 85cm Length (2.79') | 5.5mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| ABUS Granit X-plus 540 |  | D Lock | 1.65kg (3.63lb) | 23cm x 10.8cm (9.06" x 4.25") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite Evolution LS |  | D Lock | 1.75kg (3.85lb) | 10.2cm x 29.2cm (4.02" x 11.5") | 14mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite Evolution Mini 5 Double Deadbolt |  | D Lock | 1.20kg (2.64lb) | 8.3cm x 14cm (3.27" x 5.51") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 Double Deadbolt | | D Lock | 1.61kg (3.55lb) | 8.3cm x 17.8cm (3.27" x 7.01") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite Evolution Mini 9 Double Deadbolt New-U | | D Lock | 1.43kg (3.15lb) | 8.3cm x 24.1cm (3.27" x 9.49") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1090 Integrated Chain | | Chain Lock | 2.77kg (6.10lb) | 90cm Length (2.95') | 10mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1055 Mini Integrated Chain | | Chain Lock | 2.00kg (4.39lb) | 55cm Length (1.8') | 10mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1016 Integrated Chain | | Chain Lock | 4.40kg (9.7lb) | 160cm Length (5.25') | 10mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini | | D Lock | 2.06kg (4.54lb) | 8.3cm x 15.3cm (3.27" x 6.02") | 18mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite New York Lock M18-WL |  | D Lock | 2.76kg (6.08lb) | 10.3cm x 26.1cm (4.06" x 10.28") | 18mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite NY Chain 1210 & Evolution Series 4 Disc Lock | | Chain Lock | 3.92kg (8.65lb) | 100cm Length (3.28') | 12mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite NY Chain 1217 & Evolution Series 4 Disc Lock | | Chain Lock | 5.96kg (13.15lb) | 170cm Length (5.58') | 12mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite NY Fahgettaboudit Chain 1410 & NY Disc Lock | | Chain Lock | 4.90kg (10.8lb) | 100cm Length (3.28') | 14mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Kryptonite NY Noose 1213 & Evolution Series 4 Disc Lock | | Chain Lock | 3.15kg (6.95lb) | 75cm Length (2.46') | 12mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| LITELOK Gold Original Bike Lock |  | Hybrid | 1.1kg (2.4lb) | 73.6cm Length (2.41') | N/A | Check Price on Amazon |
| LITELOK Gold Wearable |  | Hybrid | 1.4kg (3.08lb) | 96.5cm Length (3.17') | N/A | Check Price on Amazon |
| HIPLOK Gold | | Chain Lock | 2.2kg (4.85lb) | 85cm (2.79') | 10mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| HIPLOK DXC |  | D Lock | 1.35kg (2.97lb) | 8.5cm x 15cm (3.35" x 5.91") | 14mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| HIPLOK DX | | D Lock | 1.10kg (2.43lb) | 8.5cm x 15cm (3.35" x 5.91") | 14mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| HIPLOK DX+ |  | D Lock | 1.10kg (2.43lb) | 8.5cm x 15cm (3.35" x 5.91") | 14mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| HIPLOK HOMIE | | Chain Lock | 4.3kg (9.48lb) | 150cm Length (4.92') | 10mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Seatylock Pure 300 |  | D Lock | 1.7kg (3.75lb) | 11.5cm x 30cm (4.53" x 11.8") | 15.33mm | Check Price on Seatylock |
| Seatylock Pure 220 |  | D Lock | 1.5kg (3.3lb) | 11.5cm x 22cm (4.53" x 8.66") | 15.33mm | Check Price on Seatylock |
| Seatylock Mason 85/140 |  | D Lock | 0.97kg (2.13lb) | 8.5cm x 14cm (3.35" x 5.5") | 17mm | Check Price on Seatylock |
| Seatylock Mason 85/180 |  | D Lock | 1.07kg (2.36lb) | 8.5cm x 18cm (3.35" x 7.1") | 17mm | Check Price on Seatylock |
| Squire Eiger |  | D Lock | 1.48kg (3.26lb) | 10.5cm x 23cm (4.13" x 9.06") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Squire Eiger Compact |  | D Lock | 1.06kg (2.33lb) | 8.3cm x 14.5cm (3.27" x 5.71") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Squire Hammerhead 290 |  | D Lock | 1.90kg (4.19lb) | 10cm x 29cm (3.94" x 11.42") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
| Squire Hammerhead 230 | | D Lock | 1.6kg (3.53lb) | 10cm x 23cm (3.94" x 9.06") | 13mm | Check Price on Amazon |
Should I Use a Gold Sold Secure Bike Lock?
To put it simply, yes. I would strongly recommend that anyone who frequently leaves their bike secured in public areas, to use a Gold Sold Secure rated bike lock. This is not only because of the obvious security benefits that it will provide, but also the peace of mind that a good quality locking system will give you.
If you have invested a reasonable amount of money in your bike or it is of particular value to you, then you should make sure you keep it secured with the best bike lock you can afford.
After all, it wouldn’t make sense to secure a top of the range bike with a cheap and nasty bike lock! Not only will the cheap lock jam on you, but it will also leave your bike venerable to theft.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing any bike lock, regardless of it’s Sold Secure rating, is how thick it’s shackle is and what materials it’s made from. The sight of a thick (16mm+) hardened steel shackle is enough to deter most thieves.
One of our favourite bike locks is the Kryptonite New York D Lock M18-WL. This bike D lock boasts an 18mm hardened steel shackle, along with weatherproofing, LED lights on the keys and all of the other features you’d expect to find on a Sold Secure Gold bike D lock.
Kryptonite take great pride in manufacturing and delivering some of the worlds best bike locks, at the most affordable prices. If you are struggling to find a suitable bike lock, there’s no doubt kryptonite will have one that suits your needs.
The Sold Secure Ratings
You may have seen the Sold Secure approved rating marks displayed on security products such as bike locks before, and it’s not always clear what these ratings mean!
Once a bike lock has finished it’s testing, the results are evaluated and the lock (if its security is satisfactory) will be placed into one of three categories bronze, silver or gold.
These categories are in place to educate the public on the security that different locks will provide for your bicycle.
As you may expect, the Gold Sold Secure rating is the highest rating that a bike lock can receive. As stated previously, for any locking system to become Sold Secure approved it must first undergo rigorous testing.
Bike locks are tested for their strength, reliability and sophistication. By creating a controlled series of tests, Sold Secure are able to test bike locks and compare the results with those of others. This shows the public and potential customers the standards they can expect when purchasing a bike lock.
What Do the Different Sold Secure Ratings Mean?
As I’ve established, there are three different Sold Secure ratings for bike locks, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
- Bronze Sold Secure rated bike locks offer defence against opportunist thieves. These locks have passed the testing and can be considered a reliable way to secure your bike for short periods of time.
- Silver Sold Secure rated bike locks offer a compromise between security and cost. These locks are more secure than those with the bronze rating and will offer a better level of protection for your bike.
- Gold Sold Secure rated bike locks are the crème de la crème. These locks have obtained the highest rating possible for a bike lock, and are the most secure option when it comes to locking your bike.
Many different bike locks have obtained a Sold Secure rating; this does not mean that they are all exactly the same. Some bike locks with the Sold Secure Gold rating have features that other Gold rated locks don’t. This means that you should research all of your options before deciding on which bike lock is best for you.
There is such a large range of bike locks to choose from that it can be hard to determine which lock is suitable for your personal needs. The locks shown towards the top of the page are a few of the top-performing Sold Secure Gold rated bike locks, if you haven’t already, take a look.
Why Are Some Bike Locks Not Sold Secure Rated?
You may have noticed that even some of the biggest brands of bike locks such as ABUS, OnGuard and Kryptonite have some locks that do not have a sold secure rating.
This is normally because the manufacturer hasn’t submitted the lock for testing, however, this doesn’t mean that the lock is not Sold Secure standard.
Normally reputable bike lock companies will provide their own security rating system. This can be helpful when purchasing a new bike lock, as it allows you to easily compare the security of the locks they offer.
You can use the manufacturer security rating to roughly estimate a Sold Secure Rating for the lock you’re looking at.
If you have found a bike lock that has no Sold Secure rating but has the same or higher manufacturer rating as one that does, then it is likely that it is also of Sold Secure standard.
Make sure to check the lock’s specifications before you commit to purchasing and it’s worth using a lock from a reliable brand.
If you’ve still not found a lock that works for you, why not have a look at the best lightweight bike locks? Or the best folding bike locks? For a range of different suggestions.
Finally, it would make no sense to secure your bike with the best bike lock, only to lock it in an ineffective way. Learn these simple, effective security steps and you won’t need to worry anymore whilst away from your bicycle.
2 Responses
Can you tell me the model of the Arbus cable you Use cause I use the Fahgettaboudit but don’t front wheels. Thx. Jef
Btw great info and help here!!
Hi Jef,
The extension cable I use is the ABUS Cobra, it’s available in different lengths, so pick one that suits you best.
In the “About me” section you’ll be able to view all of the locks and accessories that I use.
Glad you found this helpful!
James
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