- By: James Grear
- Last updated:
Until 2020, Sold Secure Gold bike locks were the most secure on the market, but with the introduction of the Diamond category, that’s all changed.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what Sold Secure is, what Sold Secure Gold means and what bikes Gold-rated locks should be used with.
If you’re here to find a high-security Gold-rated recommendation, I’ve picked out the four best Sold Secure Gold locks, which you can compare using the table below.
Otherwise, we’ll get straight into it, just what does Sold Secure Gold mean?
List of Sold Secure Bike Locks
The table below includes every Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold-rated bike lock, their characteristics, and additional information.
This is the most up-to-date and detailed table available. I update this regularly in line with new products added to the category.
By clicking the names of each lock below, you’ll be taken to Amazon or other sites where you can view the most up-to-date price for each lock.
Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase. However, the prices are current, and you won’t pay any extra for this.
| Preview | Model | Weight | Width | Length | Shackle Thickness | Warranty Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 110 | 2.16kg (4.76lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 5.5mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 85 | 1.76kg (3.88lb) | 85cm (33.46") | 5.5mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Bordo Granit 6500K | 1.67kg (3.68lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 5.5mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Bordo Granit 6500KA | 2.02kg (4.45lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 5.5mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Bordo One 110 | 2.30kg (5.07lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 5.5mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Bordo One RC | 2.32kg (5.11kg) | 110cm (43.3") | 5.5mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS 470 230 | 1.26kg (2.78lb) | 10.9cm (4.29") | 12mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS 470 300 | 1.32kg (2.91lb) | 10.9cm (4.29") | 12mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS CityChain 1010 170 | 3.38kg (7.45lb) | 170cm (66.9") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS CityChain 1010 140 | 2.65kg (5.84lb) | 140cm (55.1") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS CityChain 1010 110 | 2.20kg (4.85lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS CityChain 1010 85 | 1.85kg (4.08lb) | 85cm (33.5") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Granit 53 London | 1.15kg (2.53lb) | 10.8cm (4.25") | 23cm (9.05") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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ABUS Granit CityChain XPlus 1060 170 | 3.75kg (8.27lb) | 170cm (66.9") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Granit CityChain XPlus 1060 140 | 3.26kg (7.19lb) | 140cm (55.1") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Abus Granit CityChain XPlus 1060 110 | 2.65kg (5.84lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Ivy Chain 9210 170 | 4.40kg (9.7lb) | 170cm (66.9") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Ivy Chain 9210 140 | 3.65kg (8.05lb) | 140cm (55.1") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Ivy Chain 9210 110 | 3.00kg (6.61lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 13mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Ivy Chain 9210 85 | 2.44kg (5.38lb) | 85cm (33.46") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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ABUS Ultimate 420 11" | 1.80kg (3.97lb) | 10.8cm (4.25") | 30cm (11.8") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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ABUS Ultimate 420 9" | 1.50kg (3.3lb) | 10.8cm (4.25") | 23cm (9.05") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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AXA Absolute 9-110 | 2.73kg (6.02lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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AXA Absolute 9-90 | 2.23kg (4.92lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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AXA Fold Ultra | 1.44kg (3.17lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 8mm | 2 Years | |
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AXA Linq | 2.65kg (5.84lb) | 100cm (39.37") | 9.5mm | 2 Years | |
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Axa Newton Pro | 1.48kg (3.26lb) | 14cm (5.51") | 19cm (7.48") | 16mm | 2 Years |
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AXA Newton ProMOTO-2 | 2.35kg (5.18lb) | 100cm (39.37") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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BBB BBL-78 | 1.50kg (3.3lb) | 14.1cm (5.55") | 29.5cm (11.61") | 16mm | 2 Years |
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BBB Secure Fold | 1.6kg (3.53lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 5mm | 2 Years | |
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Burg Wachter 1580 HB 165/200 | 1.07kg (2.35lb) | 11.6cm (4.56") | 19.8cm (7.8") | 12.2mm | 2 Years |
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Burg Wachter 1600 HB 170/280 | 1.8kg (3.97lb) | 10.2cm (4.17") | 28cm (11.02") | 16mm | 2 Years |
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Burg Wachter 1600 HB 170/210 | 1.52kg (3.31lb) | 10.2cm (4.17") | 21cm (8.27") | 16mm | 2 Years |
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Burg Wachter GKM 10mm Security Chain | 2.02kg (4.45lb) | 100cm (39.97") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Burg Wachter GKM 10mm Security Chain | 2.94kg (6.48lb) | 150cm (59.6") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Burg Wachter GKM 10mm Security Chain | 3.96kg (8.73lb) | 200cm (78.74") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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ETOOK 600 U Lock | 1.28kg (2.82lb) | 10.5cm (4.13") | 24cm (9.45") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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Foldylock Forever 90 | 1.64kg (3.64lb) | 12.2cm (4.8") | 25.2cm (9.9") | 6.5mm | 3 Years |
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Giant Protector 1 STD | 1.25kg (3.3lb) | 11.5cm (4.53") | 23cm (9.05") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Giant Protector 1 DT | 1.75kg (3.86lb) | 11.5cm (4.53") | 23cm (9.05") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Giant Protector LS | 1.35kg (2.98lb) | 11.5cm (4.53") | 29.2cm (11.5") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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Halfords 23 | 1.50kg (3.3lb) | 11cm (4.33") | 23cm (9.05") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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Halfords 23 Cable | 1.55kg (3.42lb) | 11cm (4.33") | 23cm (9.05") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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Hiplok EDX | 3.50kg (7.72lb) | 100cm (39.37") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Hiplok Gold | 2.20kg (4.85lb) | 85cm (33.46") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Hiplok Home Gold | 4.30kg (9.48lb) | 150cm (59") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Hiplok Superbright | 2.20kg (4.85lb) | 85cm (33.46") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Kholburg Helsinki | 2.50kg (5.51lb) | 120cm (47.28") | 8.3mm | 2 Years | |
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Kryptonite Combo U Lock | 1.04kg (2.3lb) | 10.2cm (4") | 20.3cm (8") | 12mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite Evolution 790 Fold | 1.50kg (3.3lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 5.4mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1055 Mini Integrated Chain | 2.00kg (4.40lb) | 55cm (21.5") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1090 Integrated Chain | 2.77kg (6.10lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Evolution Series 4 1016 Integrated Chain | 4.40kg (9.70lb) | 160cm (63") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Kryptolok 990 Combo Chain | 2.65kg (5.85lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 9mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Kryptolok 912 Combo Chain | 3.33kg (7.35lb) | 120cm (47.28") | 9mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 912 Integrated Chain | 3.04kg (6.7lb) | 120cm (47.25") | 9mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 915 Integrated Chain | 3.67kg (8.10lb) | 150cm (60") | 9mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 995 Mini Integrated Chain | 1.77kg (3.90lb) | 55cm (21.5") | 9mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite Kryptolok Series 2 995 Integrated Chain | 2.52kg (5.55lb) | 95cm (37.5") | 9mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite New York 1217 Evolution Series 4 Cinch Ring | 5.96kg (13.15lb) | 170cm (67") | 12mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite New York 1213 Evolution Series 4 | 4.79kg (10.55lb) | 130cm (51") | 12mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite New York 1210 Evolution Series 4 | 3.92kg (8.65lb) | 100cm (39") | 12mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite New York 1275 Evolution Series 4 Cinch Ring | 3.15kg (6.95lb) | 75cm (30") | 12mm | Lifetime | |
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Kryptonite New York Lock LS | 2.20kg (4.85lb) | 10.2cm (4") | 26cm (10.25") | 16mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New York Lock Standard | 2.02kg (4.45lb) | 10.2cm (4") | 20.3cm (8") | 16mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Evolution LS | 1.75kg (3.85lb) | 10.2cm (4") | 29.2cm (11.5") | 14mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini 5 | 1.20kg (2.65lb) | 8.3cm (3.25") | 14cm (5.5") | 13mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 with Flex | 1.61kg (3.55lb) | 8.3cm (3.25") | 17.8cm (7") | 13mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-9 | 1.43kg (3.15lb) | 8.3cm (3.25") | 21.4cm (9.5") | 13mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Evolution Standard | 1.59kg (3.50lb) | 10.2cm (4") | 22.9cm (9") | 14mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Kryptolok ATB | 1.45kg (3.2lb) | 12.7cm (5") | 22.9cm (9") | 12.7mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Kryptolok LS | 1.32kg (2.9lb) | 10.2cm (4") | 22.9cm (9") | 12.7mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Kryptolok Mini-7 | 1.13kg (2.5lb) | 8.2cm (3.25") | 17.8cm (7") | 12.7mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Kryptolok Mini-7 with Flex | 1.47kg (3.25lb) | 8.2cm (3.25") | 17.8cm (7") | 12.7mm | Lifetime |
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Kryptonite New-U Kryptolok Standard | 1.32kg (2.9lb) | 10.2cm (4") | 22.9cm (9") | 12.7mm | Lifetime |
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Litelok CORE Flex | 1.70kg (3.7lb) | 75cm (29") | 26mm | 2 Years | |
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Magnum Plus Goliath HLKM102 | 2.00kg (4.4lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Master Lock 8195D | 1.08kg (2.37lb) | 11cm (4.3") | 21cm (8.28") | 16mm | Lifetime |
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Master Lock 8285EURDPRO | 1.05kg (2.31lb) | 11cm (4.3") | 28cm (11") | 13mm | Lifetime |
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Master Lock 8274 Eurdpro | 1.45kg (3.2lb) | 11cm (4.3") | 21cm (8.28") | 16mm | Lifetime |
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Master Lock Street Fortum | 1.26kg (2.78lb) | 11cm (4.3") | 21cm (8.28") | 13mm | Lifetime |
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Milenco Coleraine 9mm | 3.90kg (8.6lb) | 180cm (70.87") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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Milenco Coleraine 9mm | 2.98kg (6.57lb) | 140cm (55.1") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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Milenco Coleraine 9mm | 1.85kg (4.07lb) | 100cm (39.37") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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Milenco Coleraine 9mm Chain | 1.85kg (4.07lb) | 100cm (39.37") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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OKG Chain Lock 80 | 3.40kg (7.5lb) | 80cm (31.5") | 12mm | 2 Years | |
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OKG Chain Lock 120 | 4.67kg (10.3lb) | 120cm (47.24") | 12mm | 2 Years | |
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OKG Noose Chain 80 | 3.40kg (7.5lb) | 80cm (31.5") | 12mm | 2 Years | |
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OKG Noose Chain 120 | 4.67kg (10.3lb) | 120cm (47.24") | 12mm | 2 Years | |
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OnGuard Bulldog Combo Shackle | 1.31kg (2.9lb) | 11.4cm (4.5") | 22.9cm(9") | 13mm | Lifetime |
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OnGuard Mastiff 8019LP | 3.67kg (8.1lb) | 128cm (50.4") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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OnGuard Mastiff 8019L | 4.76kg (10.5lb) | 183cm (72") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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OnGuard Mastiff 8019 | 3.04kg (6.7lb) | 110cm (43") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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Oxford Alarm D Pro 260 | 1.48kg (3.26lb) | 9.88cm (3.89") | 20cm (7.87") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Oxford Alarm D Pro 320 | 1.53kg (3.37lb) | 9.88cm (3.89") | 25.85cm (10.17") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Oxford Chain HD Loop 10 | 2.81kg (6.19lb) | 120cm (47.2") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Oxford HD Max Chain | 2.54kg (5.6lb) | 120cm (47.2") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Oxford HD Max Chain | 3.58kg (7.89lb) | 150cm (59.05") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Oxford HD Max Chain | 4.77kg (10.52lb) | 200cm (78.74") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Oxford LinkLock GL Folding Lock | 1.6kg (3.53lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 5mm | 2 Years | |
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Oxford Sentinel Pro 320 | 1.67kg (3.68lb) | 17.7cm (6.97") | 19.5cm (7.68") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Oxford Sentinel Pro 260 | 1.36kg (3lb) | 17.7cm (6.97") | 32cm (12.6") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Pewagg VKK10X35 Security Chain | 2.93kg (6.46") | 100cm (39.97") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Pragmasis Protector 11mm | 2.10kg (4.63lb) | 100cm (39") | 11mm | Lifetime | |
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Seatylock Viking 140 | 3.40kg (7.5lb) | 140cm (55.1") | 10mm | 3 Years | |
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Seatylock Viking 110 | 2.80kg (6.2lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 10mm | 3 Years | |
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Seatylock Viking 90 | 2.40kg (5.3lb) | 90cm (35.4") | 10mm | 3 Years | |
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SINOX WL2001 | 1.6kg (3.53lb) | 90cm (35.5") | 5mm | 2 Years | |
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SINOX WL3001 | 1.20kg (2.65lb) | 7.4cm (2.91") | 23.19cm (9.13") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Sinox BTWIN D920L | 0.8kg (1.76lb) | 8.8cm (3.46") | 15.9cm (6.26") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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Squire Hammerhead 290 | 1.87kg (4.12lb) | 10cm (3.94") | 29cm (11.42") | 15.6mm | 2 Years |
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Squire Mini Shackle 1/G4 | 0.4kg (0.88lb) | 5cm (1.96") | 5cm (1.96") | 2 Years | |
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Squire Stronghold FL850 | 2.04kg (4.5lb) | 85cm (33.46") | 5mm | 2 Years | |
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Squire Warrior 55CS Chain 1200 | 4.05kg (8.93lb) | 120. (47.2") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Squire Warrior Combi 55CS Chain 1200 | 4.07kg (8.87lb) | 120 (47.2") | 10mm | 2 Years | |
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Tex Lock X Lock | 0.64kg (1.14lb) | 4.9cm (1.93") | 12.7cm (5") | 12mm | Lifetime |
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Trelock BC 580 | 2.20kg (4.85lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 9mm | 2 Years | |
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Trelock BC 680 | 2.90kg (6.39lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 9.5mm | 2 Years | |
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Trelock FS 580 | 1.58kg (3.48lb) | 90cm (35.4") | 5.5mm | 2 Years | |
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Trelock U4 Plus | 0.95kg (2.09lb) | 10.8cm (4.25") | 23cm (9.06") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Trelock U5 Mini | 1.15kg (2.53lb) | 8.3cm (3.27") | 14cm (5.51") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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Trelock U5 Mini Flex | 1.45kg (3.19lb) | 8.3cm (3.27") | 14cm (5.51") | 13mm | 2 Years |
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Trelock U6 | 1.40kg (3.09lb) | 10.8cm (4.25") | 23cm (9.06") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Trelock U6L | 1.52kg (3.35lb) | 10.8cm (4.25") | 30cm (11.8") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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ULAC Stockholm | 1.12kg (2.45lb) | 7.8cm (3.07") | 13cm (5.12") | 14mm | 6 Months |
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Ulockmi Twofold | 0.80kg (1.76lb) | 8.3cm (3.27") | 23cm (9.06") | 12mm | Unspecified |
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Yale YCL3 110 | 3.15kg (6.94lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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Yale YCL3 180 | 4.63kg (10.2lb) | 180cm (70.8") | 10mm | Lifetime | |
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Yale YUL 2 13 230 | 1.28kg (2.82lb) | 11.5cm (4.53") | 23cm (9.06") | 13mm | Lifetime |
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Zefal K-Traz U17 | 1.47kg (3.24lb) | 11.5cm (4.5") | 23cm (9.1") | 14mm | 2 Years |
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Zefal KTRAZ M18 | 3.25kg (7.17lb) | 110cm (43.3") | 10mm | 2 Years |
What Is Sold Secure?
Based in Rugby in the UK, Sold Secure is a well-known security testing organisation that is owned and operated by the Master Locksmiths Association.
Sold Secure test a wide range of security products. Once tested, depending on performance, a rating is assigned to each product, allowing consumers to compare the security and quality of different products & brands.
What sets Sold Secure apart from other testing houses is that they work with organisations such as Secure by Design, the British police and several insurance companies to ensure their attack testing remains relevant and reflects methods thieves are currently using on the streets.
The sensitive information they receive from their partners allows them to replicate theft as accurately as possible so that products can be certified for their resistance to theft.
A Brief History of Sold Secure
Founded in 1992 by the British Police force, Sold Secure was initially set up to help combat a rising car theft rate.
Cars at the time were so insecure that they could be opened and started very easily with no real expertise.
Naturally, many car owners were purchasing aftermarket security products, such as wheel locks and steering wheel locks, to increase the security of their cars.
However, at the time, there was no way for them to gauge the security that different locking systems offered, so Sold Secure was set up and began testing and providing security ratings for these products.
As car security gradually improved over the years, Sold Secure’s role became slightly redundant. In the year 2000, the Master Locksmiths Association bought Sold Secure and continues to operate it today.
Over the last 23 years, Sold Secure has expanded its portfolio of security categories and product types to the point where they can now test and grade almost any mechanical security product on the market.
How Do Sold Secure Test & Grade Locks
Sold Secure keep the fine details of their testing procedures away from the public domain.
While frustrating and slightly confusing, this is understandable, as revealing sensitive testing information would educate thieves on the most effective attack methods for almost every security product.
Once a product has passed through testing, it’s given a rating to identify its performance.
Focusing on bike locks, these are graded based on the amount of time and tools required to defeat the lock.
The table below contains a summary of the testing procedure followed for the Sold Secure Pedal Cycle category.
I explain what each of the ratings means later in the review.
| Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Test Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating: | Time Limit | Tools Used |
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1 Minute | Smaller toolkit using tools that can be easily concealed by thieves such as screwdrivers, hammers, small hacksaws and others. |
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3 Minutes | A slightly larger toolkit with full size hacksaws (HSS blades) small bolt cutters, smaller crowbars and others. |
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5 Minutes | A more extensive toolkit using larger more powerful tools such as Tungsten hacksaws, large bolt croppers, large crowbars, lump hammers and others. |
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5 Minutes | The most advanced tool list using tools that are very difficult to conceal but extremely effective such as the largest bolt cutters, drill (HSS drill bit), machine based crop test and others. |
So, as you can see from the table above, there are four different Sold Secure ratings in the Pedal Cycle category.
Later in the review I’ll explain what these four ratings mean, but we’ll focus on the Pedal Cycle Gold rating for now.
What Does Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold Mean?
To understand accurately what Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold means, I spoke to the Lab Manager of Sold Secure, Guy McCaffery, who cleared things up.
Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold-rated locks are suitable for cyclists riding high-value pedal bikes, or for anyone who locks their bike in high-risk areas such as big cities and towns.
Pedal Cycle Gold-rated locks provide resistance against a more extensive tool kit and can withstand dedicated attacks.
So, now that you understand what the Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold rating means, it’s only right for me to confuse things a little more.
Whilst two bike locks may offer the same Sold Secure rating, they won’t necessarily provide the same level of security.
For example, one lock may have far exceeded the requirements for the Pedal Cycle Gold rating, whereas another lock may have just made the cut.
This means whilst looking out for Sold Secure certification, you should also learn about and understand the security features a lock offers before making a purchase decision.
This lock selection process can be long and tedious, so as mentioned, I put together a table of the four top-performing Gold-rated bike locks on the market, allowing you to compare and find your best option.
Otherwise, if you want to compare the complete list of over 130 Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold-rated locks, you can view the up-to-date table below.
Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Ratings Explained
So, the Pedal Cycle Gold rating is the second highest accreditation a bike lock can receive. But what about the other ratings in the Pedal Cycle category?
Once Sold Secure have tested a product, the results are evaluated, and the lock (if its security is satisfactory) will be placed into one of four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond.
- Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Bronze-rated bike locks offer defence against opportunist thieves. These locks have passed the testing but provide minimal security, so I only advise using them as a secondary lock to secure auxiliary components.
- Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Silver-rated bike locks offer a compromise between security and cost. These locks are more secure than those with the bronze rating and will provide better protection for your bike whilst typically being reasonably lightweight.
- Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold-rated bike locks are the second most secure, these are suitable for use with more valuable bicycles and for locking your bike in higher-risk areas.
- Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond 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 for locking your bike. Diamond locks are suitable for securing your bike for long periods in very high-risk areas, such as major cities and towns.
When purchasing a new bike lock, keep an eye out for the Sold Secure markings.
Using an unrated bike lock may leave your bike more venerable to theft, and you usually won’t be covered by insurance whilst using an unrated lock.
I recommend you use a bike lock with a rating of at least Sold Secure Silver.
Pedal Cycle Bronze bike locks only provide “protection from the opportunist thief”, so I only advise their use as a secondary lock for securing additional components.
Should I Use a Gold Sold Secure Bike Lock?
I strongly recommend that anyone who frequently leaves their bike secured in public areas, uses a Sold Secure Gold or Diamond-rated bike lock.
This is not only because of the obvious security benefits it will provide but also the peace of mind that a good quality locking system will give you.
If you’ve been stuck trying to decide which bike lock works for you, read my bike lock buying guide or check out these unbreakable locks if you need top-tier security.
Securing a top-of-the-range bike with a cheap and cheerful bike lock wouldn’t make sense.
Not only will the cheap lock be horrible to use and need replacing after a few years, but it will also leave your bike venerable to theft!
In addition, many insurance companies will require you to use a Gold or Diamond-rated lock if you ride a relatively expensive bike, so check your policy and get a good lock.
So to answer your question, yes, if you ride a valuable bike or lock your bike in high-risk areas such as busy towns or cities, you should use a Gold or Diamond-rated bike lock.
Why Are Some Bike Locks Not Sold Secure Rated?
Several high-security locks from some of the biggest bicycle security brands, such as ABUS, OnGuard and Kryptonite, are not Sold Secure approved.
Does this mean they’re rubbish? No, unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
A lock must be re-submitted for yearly testing to renew its Sold Secure rating. This can become pretty expensive, so manufacturers may decide not to send specific products for testing.
So as you can now understand, this doesn’t mean that unrated locks are always rubbish, but without 3rd party testing you can never be sure it’s suitable for use.
Some bike security brands provide an in-house security scale, which should always be taken with a pinch of salt, but can be helpful when purchasing a new bike lock.
For example, suppose you found a lock from Kryptonite with a 9/10 in-house rating but no Sold Secure rating and then found another lock with an 8/10 in-house rating and Sold Secure Gold approval.
In that case, it’s possible that the 9/10-rated lock provides a higher or similar level of security.
Guy (Lab Manager @ Sold Secure) did point out to me that Sold Secure discourage the use of in-house ratings as not all manufacturers are as honest as Abus or Kryptonite with their own-brand security ratings.
He also mentioned that he’d experienced several manufacturers that had been intentionally misleading and that Sold Secure doesn’t tend to work with those that are dishonest.
Remember, without independent testing, you can’t be 100% sure.
Our Recommend Pedal-Cycle Gold Rated Locks
With over 130 different options, it’s a painstakingly long process to narrow it down and select “the best Sold Secure Gold-rated lock.”
With that in mind, here are several guides that’ll help you choose a suitable lock for your bike:
- The Best Cheap Bike Locks – all Gold-rated or above and all affordable on a budget.
- The Best Lightweight Bike Locks – includes Gold & Diamond rated products.
Conclusion - Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold Rated Locks
There you have it. You should now understand who Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Gold-rated locks are suitable for and a bit more about Sold Secure and the other Pedal Cycle ratings.
If you still have any questions, leave me a comment below, and I’ll get back to you!
Ultimately, always double-check a lock’s features before you commit to purchasing and compare it to similar models from other brands to ensure you’re getting a good deal!
If you’ve still not found a lock that works for you, why not look at the best uncuttable bike locks? Or the best lightweight bike locks for a several lightweight yet highly-secure suggestions.
Finally, securing your bike with the best bike lock would make no sense, only to lock it using an ineffective technique.
Learn these simple, effective security steps, and you won’t need to worry anymore whilst away from your bicycle.
Recent Updates:
- 14th Mar 2024: Updated list of Sold Secure Pedal-Cycle Gold rated bike locks to reflect recent changes. Improved article readability.
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