We've cracked them all: Aldi and Lidl bike locks in a security check

Three cheap bike locks from Aldi and Lidl had to show what they can really do in the test - and all three were cracked in a short time. What looks like a bargain turns out to be a risky money-saving solution for almost any occasion.

Three inexpensive bike locks from Aldi and Lidl had to show in the test how much security you can actually get for a ridiculously low price. Two candidates rely on numerical codes: a four-digit Aldi cable lock and a five-digit Lidl counterpart with a chain. Both are significantly lighter than the third test model, a solid chain lock with key from Aldi. At around 950 grams, the Lidl chain lock initially appears robust and confidence-inspiring, while the Aldi chain is significantly heavier. The higher weight suggests stability, but the decisive factor is how well the locks withstand mechanical attacks.

The combination locks score highly in terms of handling, but the question remains: Does a five-digit code really offer more security than a four-digit code? In theory, yes, but in practice it depends heavily on the quality of the locking cylinder and the tolerances in the mechanism. Lightweight locks are convenient when travelling, but can be quicker to pick due to their design.

The heavy chain lock with key from Aldi conveys more confidence due to its design, but here too, only a test will show whether the material and lock body offer real resistance. Weight alone is no guarantee of security - the combination of material hardness, locking technology and workmanship is decisive.

First conclusion

None of the locks cost more than five euros. That is a fraction of the price of what quality manufacturers such as Abus or Kryptonite for their affordable models. In terms of handling, the combination locks impressed us, as they are easy to operate without a key. In terms of security, we instinctively trust the heavy chain lock from Aldi to have more security reserves than its lightweight competitor, which weighs less than a kilo. That feels good during transport - but in terms of security?

The test with the bolt cutters

Short story short: We cracked all the locks, whether with steel cable or chain link, within seconds using a quality bolt cutter. The fastest was the combination lock with steel cable from Aldi, after one second the lock in the green rubber coating was lost. We had to use the Lidl chain lock twice, and the process took correspondingly "longer": namely two seconds. The heavy chain lock from Aldi took a total of four seconds due to the material thickness of eight millimetres. Conclusion: All models use cheap mild steel, which offered little resistance to the highly tempered cutting edges of our bolt cutter

Opinion and categorisation of the editorial team

All three locks tested are only suitable for short stops in front of the bakery or in the beer garden when the bike is in view. Neither the material thickness nor the locking mechanism are sufficient for permanent security, as the discounter models are too easy to defeat. It is also important to note that many insurance companies require a certain security class, which none of the three locks fulfil. If you really want to protect your bike, you therefore need a much higher quality lock - ideally one that is officially certified and has been proven to withstand break-in attempts for longer.