Abus vs Kryptonite vs OnGuard | The Best Bike Lock (2024)

Kryptonite, OnGuard and Abus. The three biggest bike lock brands in the world. They also make some of the best bike locks in the world.

But which brand is the best? Are there any real differences? Of course there is! So let's explore them a bit...

Three very different brands, I compare them here for three important qualities to see who comes out on top:

1. Build Quality and Reliability
2. Price
3. Customer Service.

1. Build Quality and Reliability

Abus

Abus definitely have the best reputation for quality and reliability. Their locks are extremely well made, perform well in adverse weather conditions and last a long, long time.

You can really feel the quality when you hold an Abus lock. Most of their locks are double bolted, which makes them more secure. And the steel they use tends to have the best strength to weight ratio.

For example, theAbus Granit X Plus 540 is the u-lock with a 13 mm shackle that isSold Secure Goldand 3/5 stars from ART. This makes it one of the strongest and lightest bike locks available.

Perhaps this is to do with where the locks are manufactured? While Kryptonite and OnGuard are US brands that manufacture their locks in Taiwan and China, Abus are a German brand that still manufacture at least someof their locks in Europe.

Whether this makes any difference is debatable of course. But European steel certainly has a better reputation for quality than Chinese steel.

And for those locks still manufactured in Germany, closer control over the production process makes it easier for Abus to ensure consistently high build quality and reliability. In fact, here’s a great article on the manufacturing and testing processes at Abus. And here’s another one.

Kryptonite

While Kryptonite don’t quite match Abus for quality or reliability, they’re not far off. Their locks are generally well made, perform reasonably well in adverse weather conditions and last a long time.

OnGuard

In the past, OnGuard locks had a reputation for somewhat poorer quality. Not so much that they were less secure. Rather that they weren’t as reliable.

However, more recently they have completely overhauled the technology and production techniques used in their locks, and there has been a marked improvement in both quality and reliability.

They’re still not quite up to the standards of Abus or Kryptonite, but this is reflected in the price. And regular cleaning and lubrication can eliminate the problem of their locks jamming or sticking.

2. Price

In general, Abus is the most expensive of the three brands. This is particularly noticeable in the US, where Abus locks nearly always cost more than similar locks from both Kryptonite and OnGuard.

In Europe, the price difference is less pronounced, but Abus is usually a little more expensive.

Kryptonite sits in the middle, price wise.

And then at the bottom of the price range is OnGuard. And of course, this is the great thing about OnGuard locks. They’re often half the price of Kryptonite and Abus locks that offer comparable levels of protection!

3. Customer Service

All three brands offer a key replacement service and the option to buy keyed alike locks. But beyond this there are significantdifferences in the extentof their after salesservice.

Abus don’t advertise much about their general customer service but I’ve heard good things about broken parts and even lost locks being replaced for free.

OnGuard meanwhile tend to have a slightly poorer reputation for their after sales support.

Butway out in the lead are Kryptonite who arefamous for their outstandingcustomer service. What does this mean in practice?

• If you lose your keys, with mostof their locks, you get the first replacement set for free
• If you lose your keys but don’t have your key number and never registered your key number with Kryptonite, they will send you a brand new replacementlock for $20
• If your key breaks off in the lock and you need to get a locksmith to free your bike, Kryptonite will replace the lock and refund the locksmith’s fee
• Most locks are eligible for optional anti-theft protection

Anti-theft Protection Schemes

Kryptonite and OnGuard (but not Abus), now offer their own “anti-theft protection” with some of their locks. Under these schemes, if your bike is stolen as a result of your lock being defeated, they will pay you the value of your bike up to a certain limit determined by the security level of the lock.

It sounds great, but in practice they impose a lot of conditions which can makeitdifficult to make a successful claim. Let’s have a quick look at them…

Firstly, you’re not covered automatically. Youmustregister with the scheme within 15 days of buying the lock. And it’s not free.How much you pay depends on thetype of lock and the length of theprotection, but ranges from $1 to $30 for up to 3 years cover.

Secondly,should your bike be stolen you must:

• report the theft to the police within 72 hours
• notifyKryptonite or OnGuard within 7 days

And lastly, in order to make a claim you need to send Kryptonite or OnGuard:

• the broken lock as proof of its failure
• at least one key
• a copy of the police report
• a copy of the purchase receipt for the lock
• a copy of the purchase receipt for your bike ORa signed and dated dealer valuation
• evidence you have notified your insurance company, if you have insurance

Bear in mind, that thiscover relates only to the lock and is only valid if your bike is stolen as a result of the lock being broken. So if a thief steals your bike by either cuttingyour frameor breaking whatever your bike is secured to, you’re not covered.

There are also restrictions depending on where you live. For instance, very few locks are eligible for the cover if you live in New York State in the US!

However, the main problem with these schemes is that you must send Kryptonite or OnGuard the broken lock as proof it was defeated. And since a thief will often take the broken lock along with bike, you will be often be unable to make a claim!

Ifthe cost ofthe coverage and the potential payout is roughly the same forboth companies, does this mean theschemesare equally good? No it doesn’t.

It seems to me that Kryptonite offers much the better program. Why? Well, OnGuard make the initial registration process much more difficult and place some very restrictive extra conditions on how the lock may be broken:

Wrapping Up

So, in the battle of Abus vs Kryptonite vs OnGuard, which brand is victorious? Well, it’s sort of a draw really!

Each brand excels in a different area: Abus in build quality and reliability, OnGuard in price and Kryptonite in customer service. So…

If you want the highestquality, most reliable lock, with the best strength to weight ratio and the best performance in poor weather, go for Abus. But bear in mind it will be a little more expensive.

If you’re looking for great security atthe lowest price, go for OnGuard. However, don’t expect the highest build quality or the greatest level of customer service.

And if you’re looking for good all round performance and fantastic after sales customer service go for Kryptonite.

So that’s Abus vs Kryptonite vs OnGuard!

But what about other bike lock brands?

While Abus, Kryptonite and OnGuard are the biggest lock brands around, there's loads of others, and you certainly shouldn't discount them when you're looking for a lock.

In the UK Squire locks is a long established and well respected brand. Zefal make bike locks that rival OnGuard for price. And there's lots of smaller brands popping up all the time with innovative ideas...

Hiplok, Litelok, Foldylock, Tex-Lock and SkunkLock all make bike locks with interesting twists!

What's Next?

Check out my simple, 3 step guide that guarantees you choose the best lock for you and your bicycle!

And once you've go a lock, the most important things are learning how to lock your bike properly and cleaning and lubricating your lock every few months.

This should hopefully ensure that your bike stays well protected and your lock remains reliable for many years to come!

I've got loads more too though!Ihave useful information on how tostop your wheels and seat from being stolen. A best chain lock and best u-lock guide. Plus Sold Secure Gold and Silver lists. Oh and a guide to folding locks!

But which bike lock brand do you use? And which do you think is the best? Let me know below…