Chain locks — the complete guide to secure bike safety

Leaving your bike outside safely can be a challenge. In the Netherlands, every year More than 500,000 bicycles stolen. Chain locks are among the most reliable and flexible ways to prevent theft. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to do so. best chain lock Choose — suitable for your bike, usage and insurance requirements.

Why is a good chain lock important?

One Buying a chain lock It is essential for bicycles, e-bikes and scooters. It increases the chance that your bike will stay where you leave it — and helps you meet any potential insurance requirements.

Effectively prevents theft

A robust chain lock forms your first line of defense. Thanks to Hardened steel gears These locks resist cutting and breaking, while the length allows you to lock your bike to a fixed object To be confirmed. This makes theft time-consuming and unattractive.

Advantages of chain locks against theft:

• Hardened steel links: Difficult to cut with standard tools

• Long length: fastening to lampposts, fences or bike racks

• Flexible use: Take the frame, wheels and fixed object in one motion

• Visible deterrence: Well-secured bicycles are more often avoided

• Multiple bicycles: long enough to connect two (or more) bikes

Tip: combine one chain lock with a ring slot or buckle lock for double security and maximum delay.

Complies with insurance requirements

Many insurers require a ART-certified chain lock (often at least ART 2) — sometimes in combination with a second lock.

Insurance benefits:

• ART certification: Quickly visible security level (ART 2 to ART 4)

• Premiums & coverage: Right class increases the chance of receiving a benefit in the event of theft

• E-bike: often for more expensive e-bikes ART 3 or 4 mandatory

• Double security: regularly imposing a hefty fee for long-term parking

Types of chain locks

Chain locks differ mainly in switching thickness (safety/weight) and length (reach/convenience).

Based on switching thickness

Light chain locks (4—6 mm)

• Weight: approx. 1—1.5 kg

• Security: ART 1—2

• Use: short parking, low-risk areas, children's bicycles

• Plus: light and compact

• Min: easier to cut with a large scissor

Medium-heavy chain locks (7—9 mm)

• Weight: approx. 1.5—2.5 kg

• Security: ART 2—3

• Use: daily use, city parking

• Plus: good balance between safety and weight

• Min: heavier than light variants

Heavy chain locks (10—12 mm)

• Weight: approx. 2.5—4 kg

• Security: ART 3—4

• Use: e-bikes, expensive bicycles, high-risk areas, long parking

• Plus: maximum security, very difficult to cut

• Min: noticeably heavier to carry

Based on length

• 85—100 cm: compact; for bike rack or narrow object

• 110—120 cm: all-round length; most versatile

• 140—150 cm: extra range; larger objects or two bicycles

• 170—180 cm: maximum flexibility; multiple bikes or thick poles

Guideline: Choose the shortest length that suits your daily parking situation comfortable Works. Shorter = less play = safer.

Brands and materials

AXA chain locks

Most popular in the Netherlands.

• AXA Clinch: 85—100 cm, often ART 2, soft cover

• AXA Newton: heavier, 10 mm links, ART 3—4

• AXA Cherto: compact; also with numerical code

ABUS chain locks

German premium, top-quality finish.

• ABUS CityChain: 4—6 mm, security level 4—7

• ABUS Granit: 9—12 mm, security level 12—15

• ABUS Iven/Steel-O-Chain: budget/basic, modern cover

Trelock chain locks

Innovative and user-friendly.

• Trelock BC: Many lengths and thicknesses

• Trelock Manufaktur: premium security

• Convenient details such as illuminated key holes

Craved chain locks

Strong price-quality ratio.

• Hardened gears, protective cover, various lengths

• Affordable choice for solid basic security

Materials and finish

• Hardened (manganese) steel: High resistance to sawing/cutting

• Textile/nylon cover: prevents enamel damage, often reflective

• Cylinder quality: determines pick resistance and durability

ART certification and security levels

It ART certification mark (ART Foundation) tests locks for resistance to commonly used burglary methods.

• ART 1: basic; short parking, low risk—s

• ART 2: daily use; often minimum for insurance

• ART 3: Good; recommended for e-bikes/urban use with higher risk

• ART 4: Very good; premium e-bikes, long parking, risky areas

Always check your insurance requirements (ART level, double security, type of lock).

Tips for buying a chain lock

Length and thickness determine

• Length: Measure your usual object (post/rack), add 50–70 cm margin. For 2 bikes: both frames + 50 cm.

• Thickness vs. bike value:

  • Up to €500 — 6—7 mm

  • 500—1,500 — 8—9 mm

  • 1,500—3,000 — 10 mm (at least)

  • 3,000 e-bike — 11—12 mm

Weight versus convenience

• Take with you daily: focus on 2 kg

• Stowage at home / in the car: heavier is fine

• Carriers: wrap saddle tube, in (bicycle) bag or special holder

Attachment options

• Choose places that anchored and solid its (bicycle rack, lantern post, thick fence).

• Avoid thin/loose objects or low points that the bike can be lifted on.

Key type: key or numeric code

• Key: faster and more secure; record the key number

• Number code: no key lost; choose a non-trivial code

Tips for using chain locks

Correctly fixing (step-by-step)

1. Location: pressure, illuminated, preferably CCTV

2. Through the frame: Not just through the wheel

3. To a fixed object: and keep it high slot from the ground

4. Tightening tension: minimum playability = less leverage opportunity

5. Extra slot: Front wheel or saddle separate securing

Double security (recommended)

• Chain lock + ring lock (classical & effective)

• Chain lock + bracket lock (maximum resistance)

• Chain lock + folding lock (compact + safe)

• Chain lock + cable lock (front wheel/helmet/accessories)

Advantages: more time necessary, other tools required, better for insurance and visible deterrence.

Maintenance of your chain lock

• Smeren: 2—4% per year slot spray/graphite; key movement; hinges light oils

• Against rust: after rain dry; keep cover intact; anti-rust where necessary

• Cleaning: Remove dirt/sand (brush/compressed air); rinse salt residue in winter

• Check: smooth opening/closing; worn gears = replacement

• Storage/transport: for saddle stays, in a bag or holder; store dry at home

Transport of your chain lock

• By bike: tightly wrapped around the saddle post, in a (bicycle) bag or special holder

• In the car: useful for transporting your bike; saves weight during rides

Choose the right chain lock for maximum security

Look at value of your bike, Parking situation, insurance requirements, Weight and budget. In our assortment you will find chain locks from top brands as AXA, ABUS, Trelock and Craved— in lengths of 85—180 cm and ART 2 to ART 4 security levels. This way you can easily choose between light and practical or Heavy and maximally safe.

Customer service

Questions about chain locks, The best length/thickness or the right one ART level for your insurance? Ours Customer service We would be happy to help you with personal advice.