Four leading bicycle locks compared

Challenge U and Coil Lock Combo

€18.95

HIGHS:This is the cheapest of the locks we tried and the only one to offer the dual protection of a U-lock and coil which, while fiddly, might deter the casual thief. It is surprisingly light and the U-lock withstood our attempts to cut it with the bolt cutter

LOWS: The coil lock was snapped in less than two seconds. While we're not experts in lock picking, we would have a concern that the locking mechanism in the U-lock is not as secure as some of its more expensive rivals

VERDICT: Cheap and resilient

RATING: * * *

€34.99

HIGHS:The manufacturer's promise of an "extra strong armoured cable with steel cover" makes this sound secure. It has a long reach and is good for wrapping around lampposts

LOWS:While it looks and sounds heavyweight we broke it in less than 15 seconds - not much longer than it would have taken to open it with a key. A product like this could convey a false sense of security when the reality is that it offers little by way of protection from even the most half-hearted thief

VERDICT:Gone in 15 seconds

RATING: *

€45

HIGHS:This coil lock offers more flexibility than a regular D-lock and has a reassuringly heavy, sturdy look to it

LOWS: Looks, however, can be deceiving and despite its heaviness, price tag and our general weakness, we were able to snap the lock using a standard bolt cutter in less than 40 seconds. The locking mechanism acted up after just a couple of days

VERDICT: Very poor

RATING: *

€97.50

HIGHS: This heavy duty lock sneered at all attempts to open it with a bolt cutters and bike experts say it is one of the most difficult locks to open. The locking mechanism is smooth and high-tech which should make it next to impossible to pick

LOWS: At nearly €100, this lock costs more than many second-hand bikes. It also weighs a ton so it may be pointless to splash out on a super-light bike and then weigh it down with this beast

VERDICT: Super secure

RATING * * * *

* * * * * Excellent

* * * * Great

* * * Fine

* * Below Par

* Awful

Abus Granit X Plus

Oxford Revolver

Citadel Security Product