There’s a universal moment of dread every cyclist knows. You’ve found the perfect spot to park your beloved bike—a sturdy lamppost, a thick tree, or an oddly shaped bike rack—only to realize your lock is a few inches too short. You wrestle with it, trying to loop it through the frame, the back wheel, and the immovable object, but it’s a losing battle. This frustrating scenario, leaving your front wheel vulnerable or forcing you to find a less secure spot, is precisely the problem that drives cyclists to seek out a better solution. The peace of mind that comes from properly securing your entire bike isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Without an adequate lock, you risk returning to find a component missing, or worse, the entire bike gone—a heartbreaking and expensive lesson in the importance of reach and security.
- FLEXIBILITY FLEXIBILITY FLEXIBILITY – As a German lock manufacturer we love it plain and straight, and we believe that flexibility is crucial when locking a bicycle. This flexibility is what our...
- EXTRA LONG BICYCLE CHAIN – With a length of 3.8 feet / 115 cm / 45”, this combination chain lock is a very long bike chain, one of the longest on the market. It is long enough to comfortably...
- GERMAN SECURITY STANDARDS – Unlike many cheap locks, the KOHLBURG bicycle locks with combination are made of hardened steel, providing additional security. The 0.24” / 6 mm strong bike lock chain...
What to Consider Before Buying a Bike Chain Lock
A bike chain lock is more than just a deterrent; it’s a key piece of insurance for your investment and your primary mode of transportation. It’s a tangible solution to the problem of opportunistic theft, providing the flexibility and length that many U-locks lack. The main benefit lies in its ability to secure a bicycle to a wide variety of objects, wrapping around large posts, fences, or even securing multiple bikes at once. This versatility is its defining characteristic, offering a balance of security and practicality for daily commuters, recreational riders, and e-bike owners.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing diverse locking situations. This includes urban commuters who encounter different types of bike racks and street furniture, families needing to lock multiple bikes together, or e-bike owners who need the extra length to secure a bulky frame and wheels. However, a long chain lock might not be suitable for those who prioritize absolute minimum weight, such as competitive road cyclists, or for individuals who need the highest possible security rating for leaving an expensive bike overnight in a high-crime area. For them, a top-tier U-lock or a Sold Secure Gold-rated heavy chain might be a better, albeit less flexible, alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Length & Versatility: The primary advantage of a chain lock is its length. Measure the typical distances you need to cover. Will you be locking just the frame, or do you want to include both wheels? A lock around 3.8 feet, like the KOHLBURG 3.8 ft Extra Long Bicycle Combination Lock, offers exceptional flexibility for securing your bike to almost anything, a feature that shorter U-locks simply can’t match.
- Chain Thickness & Security Level: Chain thickness, measured in millimeters, is a direct indicator of its resistance to cutting tools. A 6mm chain provides solid protection against casual thieves with basic tools. For higher-risk environments, you would look for chains that are 10mm or thicker, though this comes with a significant increase in weight and a decrease in portability.
- Materials & Durability: Look for hardened steel chains, which are specifically treated to resist bolt cutters and saws. The lock mechanism itself is equally important. Pay attention to the housing material—is it metal or plastic? Also consider features like engraved number dials, which won’t wear off over time like printed ones, ensuring you can always read your combination.
- Lock Type & Convenience: The choice between a combination lock and a key lock is a personal one. Combination locks offer keyless convenience, meaning you never have to worry about losing your key. A 5-digit combination provides 100,000 possible codes, making it significantly harder to guess than a 4-digit one. Ensure the dials turn smoothly and the mechanism feels robust.
Understanding these factors will help you choose a lock that provides not just security, but also the practical convenience you need for your daily routine.
While the KOHLBURG 3.8 ft Extra Long Bicycle Combination Lock is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- HEAVY-DUTY CHAIN: Made from 7mm manganese steel with four-sided links, this bike lock provides maximum resistance against cutting and leverage attacks
- High Security & Keyless Design: Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying keys and hello to keyless convenience. The advanced 5-digit combination lock offers unparalleled protection, with up to 100,000...
- HEAVY-DUTY CHAIN: Made from 7mm hardened steel with four-sided links, this bike lock provides maximum resistance against cutting and leverage attacks
First Impressions: A Balance of Length, Weight, and Quality Feel
Upon unboxing the KOHLBURG 3.8 ft Extra Long Bicycle Combination Lock, the first thing we noticed was its impressive length coiled into a manageable package. Weighing in at just 1.9 lbs (850 grams), it feels substantial enough to be a serious deterrent without being a burden to carry in a backpack or wrapped around a seat post. The entire chain is encased in a soft, durable textile sleeve, a crucial feature that immediately signals this lock is designed to protect your bike’s paint job from scratches and chips. The lock mechanism itself has a solid, ergonomic feel. The five combination dials click into place with satisfying precision, and a quick inspection reveals the digits are deeply engraved into the wheels, not merely printed on. This is a small but significant detail that speaks to the manufacturer’s focus on long-term durability, as faded numbers on cheaper locks can become a major security headache down the line. Setting our custom combination was straightforward, taking less than a minute. For its price point, the initial build quality and thoughtful design features make a very strong first impression, suggesting a product built for daily, real-world use. You can see its full list of specifications and features online.
Key Benefits
- Exceptional Length: At 3.8 feet, it offers outstanding flexibility to secure the frame and wheels to a wide variety of objects.
- High-Security Combination: The 5-digit mechanism provides 100,000 possible codes for enhanced security over 4-digit models.
- Durable Engraved Dials: Numbers are engraved, not printed, preventing them from fading or wearing off with use.
- Lightweight & Protective: Relatively light for its length and features a full textile sleeve to prevent scratches on the bike frame.
Potential Drawbacks
- Moderate Chain Thickness: The 6mm chain is a deterrent for opportunistic theft but may not withstand professional tools in high-risk areas.
- Durability Concerns with Plastic Parts: Some user feedback points to potential long-term durability issues with the plastic housing and locking pin.
A Deep Dive into the KOHLBURG Lock’s Real-World Performance
A lock’s true worth is only revealed through hands-on, daily use in a variety of environments. We put the KOHLBURG 3.8 ft Extra Long Bicycle Combination Lock to the test over several weeks, using it to secure everything from a commuter e-bike to a classic road bike in urban and suburban settings. We focused our evaluation on the three pillars of a great chain lock: its practical flexibility, the security of its locking mechanism, and its overall durability and design for daily use.
The 3.8 ft Advantage: Unlocking Ultimate Flexibility
The standout feature of this lock is, without a doubt, its length. The 3.8 feet (115 cm) of chain completely changes the game when it comes to finding a secure place to park. During our testing, we never once encountered a situation where the lock was too short. We easily secured our test e-bike’s bulky frame and front wheel to oversized signposts, thick trees, and crowded bike racks where shorter locks would have been useless. On one occasion, we were able to comfortably lock two standard bikes together to a single rack, a feat that is simply impossible with most U-locks or smaller chains. This extended reach provides immense peace of mind. As one user noted, the length is the most important feature, allowing them to secure the frame and both wheels—the gold standard of bike security. We found this to be consistently true; the extra chain makes it easy to loop through the front wheel, then the frame’s triangle, and still have plenty of slack to reach the anchor point. This is a feature that truly sets it apart from the competition. While we did see one user report receiving a slightly shorter chain on a re-order years later, our test model measured true to its advertised length, providing all the flexibility we could ask for.
Security in the Digits: A Closer Look at the 5-Digit Combination Mechanism
A lock is only as strong as its locking mechanism, and KOHLBURG has made some smart choices here. The move to a 5-digit combination is a significant security upgrade. It increases the number of possible codes from 10,000 (with 4 digits) to 100,000, making it exponentially more difficult for a thief to guess or brute-force the combination. Setting and resetting the code is intuitive and requires no special tools. The dials themselves have a positive, tactile click, which is helpful when you’re operating them in low light or with gloves on. The engraved numbers are a premium touch that we can’t overstate. After weeks of being tossed in a bag and used in all weather, they show zero signs of wear, a common failure point on budget locks. However, our analysis wouldn’t be complete without addressing some user concerns about long-term durability. We found reports of the plastic housing cracking or the internal metal locking pin (“schließzapfen”) breaking after a few years of use. While our unit performed flawlessly, this feedback suggests that while the core chain is hardened steel, the housing may be a potential weak point over the long haul. This reinforces our assessment that the KOHLBURG 3.8 ft Extra Long Bicycle Combination Lock is best suited for medium-risk environments or as a robust secondary lock, as one German user wisely suggested. For quick stops and daily commuting, its convenience is hard to beat.
Built for Daily Use: Analyzing the Hardened Steel Chain and Protective Sleeve
Beyond length and locking, the everyday usability of this lock is excellent. The 6mm hardened steel chain strikes a great balance between security and weight. At 1.9 lbs, it’s not featherlight, but it’s far from the cumbersome beast that heavy-duty 10mm or 12mm chains can be. We found it easy to wrap around the seat post or toss into a pannier without it feeling like we were carrying an anchor. This portability encourages you to actually bring it with you, which is half the battle. The chain itself is designed to meet German security standards, offering a reliable defense against opportunistic thieves using hand tools. We would, however, caution against relying on it as your sole line of defense for a high-end bike left overnight in a major city center, where professional thieves with power tools may be a concern. The soft textile sleeve is another highlight. It’s thick enough to provide real protection for your bike’s paint, and it remained securely attached throughout our testing. We did note a user review mentioning the sleeve pulled away from the lock body, but were encouraged to see that the manufacturer’s customer service was responsive and provided a replacement. This level of post-purchase support adds significant value and confidence when you check the latest price and availability for this lock.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring user feedback reveals a consistent picture that aligns with our own findings. On the positive side, the lock’s length is almost universally praised. Riders love the freedom it provides, frequently mentioning its ability to secure frames and wheels with ease. The keyless convenience of the 5-digit combination is another major plus for those tired of fumbling with or losing keys. Furthermore, there are multiple accounts of excellent customer service. In cases where users experienced issues, such as a faulty fabric cover or even a stolen bike, the seller was noted to be highly responsive, offering replacements or refunds, which fosters a great deal of goodwill.
On the other hand, the most common criticism revolves around long-term durability, specifically of the non-chain components. Several users, particularly after two or three years of ownership, reported failures in the plastic housing or the metal pin that secures the lock. One German user stated the “schließzapfen” simply broke off due to what they suspected was material fatigue. These reports suggest that while the lock offers great immediate value and function, it may not be a “buy it for life” product for a heavy daily user. This feedback is critical and positions the lock perfectly as a medium-security, high-convenience option rather than an impenetrable fortress.
How Does the KOHLBURG Lock Compare to the Alternatives?
The KOHLBURG 3.8 ft Extra Long Bicycle Combination Lock offers a fantastic blend of length and keyless convenience, but it exists in a crowded market. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable competitors with different strengths.
1. Seatylock FoldyLock Elite Folding Bike Lock High Security
- 3 YEAR PEACE OF MIND SUPER STRONG BIKE LOCK WITH KEY - Portable & Solid Bike Lock. No Codes Cable or Chain. For Outdoor & Urban Cycling. Best Bike Lock. Bolt Cutter & Saw Proof to Stop Thieves
- LONGEST & STRONGEST 18/18 SECURITY LEVEL SOLD SECURE GOLD - 6.5mm Hardened Steel Plates for Maximum Bike Protection. AntiTheft Security for Safe Cycles Outside. Top Rated Pro Safety Tool Electric Bike...
- WORLD'S ONLY ART 3 STARS CERTIFIED FOLDING BIKE LOCKS HEAVY DUTY ANTI THEFT - Anti Tamper Rivets with Strong Guard System for Side Attacks. Unbreakable Waterproof Weatherproof Bicycle Protector
The Seatylock FoldyLock Elite represents a higher tier of security in a different form factor. As a Sold Secure Gold rated folding lock, it has been independently tested to withstand prolonged attacks from serious tools. This is the lock you choose for a high-value bike in a high-risk area. Its hardened steel bars are thicker and more robust than the Kohlburg’s 6mm chain. However, you trade the Kohlburg’s superior flexibility and keyless combination for this higher security. The FoldyLock is also heavier and operates with a key, which some users may find less convenient. Choose the Seatylock if your absolute top priority is certified, maximum security and you’re willing to pay a premium for it.
2. Kryptonite New York 1210 Bike Chain Lock Heavy Duty
- HEAVY-DUTY CHAIN: Made from maximum strength 12mm 3T Hardened Manganese Steel Chain, the six-sided chain links provide ultimate cut resistance. Paired with a durable nylon cover and hook-and-loop...
- EVOLUTION SERIES 4 DISC LOCK INCLUDED: Features a 14mm max-performance steel shackle and patented oval hardened steel crossbar for ultimate anti-theft protection
- DOUBLE DEADBOLT & HIGH-SECURITY CYLINDER: Hardened double deadbolt locking mechanism and disc-style cylinder offer strong resistance against pulling, drilling an picking
If you want to stick with a chain but need a massive security upgrade, the Kryptonite New York 1210 is a legend in the industry. It features a monstrous 12mm six-sided manganese steel chain that dwarfs the Kohlburg’s 6mm chain. Paired with its Evolution series disc lock, it offers elite-level protection that will deter all but the most determined, tool-equipped thieves. This security comes at a cost: weight and price. The Kryptonite is significantly heavier, making it less ideal for daily transport unless mounted to the bike. It’s the right choice for securing expensive motorcycles, e-bikes, or bicycles overnight in high-theft urban environments where maximum deterrence is non-negotiable.
3. IMAYCC Anti-Theft Scooter Lock
- [Cut resistant & Durability]:This scooter lock is made of all-alloy steel and zinc alloy anti-theft cylinder so much so that it is rust-proof, pry-proof and highly resistant to hydraulic shear damage....
- [Longer & Thicker Scooter Lock]: The total length of the e scooter lock is 94cm,the length of the chain part is 61cm, and the chain diameter is 7mm.This electric scooter lock is longer and thicker,...
- [Protective rubber cover]: This locks for electric scooter equipped with a high-quality, wear-resistant rubber cover protects your electric scooter or e bike from scratches and damage.
The IMAYCC lock represents a more budget-friendly, lighter-duty alternative. Primarily marketed for scooters, this key-based chain lock offers basic protection for quick stops in very low-risk areas. Compared to the KOHLBURG, its chain is likely thinner and its locking mechanism less sophisticated. It lacks the robust 5-digit combination and the durable build quality we see in the Kohlburg model. This lock is a suitable choice for someone looking for a minimal, lightweight visual deterrent for a scooter or a child’s bike, but it doesn’t offer the same level of security or the convenient features found in the KOHLBURG. The Kohlburg is a significant step up in both security and build quality.
Our Final Verdict: Is the KOHLBURG Bike Lock Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently recommend the KOHLBURG 3.8 ft Extra Long Bicycle Combination Lock to a specific type of rider: the daily commuter, the suburban cyclist, and the e-bike owner who values convenience and flexibility above all else. Its exceptional length is a true game-changer, eliminating the anxiety of finding a suitable locking spot. The 5-digit keyless combination is secure and incredibly convenient for quick stops and everyday use. While it may not have the brute force resistance of a premium, heavy-duty chain designed for high-crime areas, it provides more than enough security to deter opportunistic thieves in most day-to-day situations.
If your priority is securing a multi-thousand-dollar bike overnight in a major city, you should invest in a heavier, Sold Secure Gold rated lock. But for everyone else who needs a reliable, versatile, and user-friendly lock that won’t scratch their bike or weigh them down, the Kohlburg hits a fantastic sweet spot of price, performance, and practicality. It solves the common problem of inadequate lock length brilliantly, making it a valuable tool for any cyclist’s security arsenal. If this sounds like the solution you’ve been looking for, we highly recommend you grab one and experience the freedom of a truly versatile lock.
Last update on 2025-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API