Best
Best Long Bike Chain Locks for Adult Tricycles
Chains bend around a wide trike frame and reach a distant post in ways a rigid U-lock cannot.
Updated · 3 min read · 4 products evaluated
A chain is the most forgiving lock shape for a tricycle. A trike's rear axle is wide, its frame is long, and the only available post may be several feet from the wheel. A chain wraps the frame, passes through a wheel and reaches the post with room to spare, where a short U-lock may not.
The cost is weight and carrying. A chain that is long enough is heavy, and it needs a place in the basket. The four locks below range from a 2.6 foot hardened chain to a vinyl coated cable that comes in lengths up to 30 feet, and we sorted them by reach, link build and how you open them.
Short answer
The APECYC 5 ft combination chain is the best all round pick for its length and keyless opening. The NDakter U-lock with a 4 ft chain adds a rigid shackle. The OKG hardened chain is the toughest link at 2.6 feet but the shortest. The Titanker cable gives the longest reach but is the easiest to cut, so use it as a tether only.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Overall
APECYC 5 ft Combination Chain Lock
Locking a wide trike to a distant post
Best Two Part Set
NDakter 18mm U-Lock with 4 ft Chain
Trikes that need both rigid and flexible locking
Toughest Links
OKG 2.6 ft Hardened Security Chain
Locking in a known spot with a nearby post
Longest Reach
Titanker 12mm Vinyl Coated Cable
Tying a trike to a distant post as a second layer
Our Picks
Best Overall1 of 4
APECYC 5 ft Combination Chain Lock
Five feet of hardened chain with a resettable code, so there is no key to lose.
Best for
Locking a wide trike to a distant post
Why we like it
The APECYC lock is a 5 foot chain with hardened steel links and a reinforced lock core. It opens with a five digit resettable combination, with up to 100,000 possible codes, and a scratch resistant fabric cover protects the frame. It is designed to lock multiple bikes to a rack or fence.
Compared with the NDakter set, it has more chain length but no U-lock shackle. Compared with the OKG chain it is longer but with thinner links. A combination suits older riders who lose small keys, and five feet is enough for most trike frames. Pick a code you will remember and reset it from time to time.
Key specs
| Size | 5 ft chain |
|---|---|
| Features | 5 digit resettable combination, hardened steel links, fabric cover |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Five feet of reach
- No key to lose
- Fabric cover protects paint
- 100,000 possible combinations
Limitations
- Thinner links than the OKG
- Chain weight in a basket
Consider it if
- Wide trike frames
- Riders who misplace keys
Skip it if
- Riders who dislike codes
Best Two Part Set2 of 4
NDakter 18mm U-Lock with 4 ft Chain
A rigid 18mm shackle plus a 4 foot chain for extra reach.
Best for
Trikes that need both rigid and flexible locking
Why we like it
This set combines an 18mm U-lock with a 6mm by 120cm chain protected by a nylon cover. The set weighs 4.4 pounds and comes with three keys. The maker notes the chain is long enough to lock 3 to 4 tricycles together, which gives an idea of its reach.
Next to the APECYC chain, it has a stronger shackle but a shorter chain and needs keys. It is heavier. Use the U-lock on the frame and the chain through a wheel and post. Be ready for the weight in a basket.
Key specs
| Size | 120cm chain, 6mm links |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4.4 lbs total set |
| Features | 18mm U-lock, nylon chain cover, 3 keys |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Rigid 18mm shackle plus chain
- Nylon cover protects paint
- Three keys included
- 120cm chain adds reach
Limitations
- Heavy at 4.4 pounds
- Chain is only 4 feet
Consider it if
- Two point locking
- Trikes parked in public racks
Skip it if
- Riders who want a light lock
Toughest Links3 of 4
OKG 2.6 ft Hardened Security Chain
Triple hardened alloy links, but the shortest reach in this group.
Best for
Locking in a known spot with a nearby post
Why we like it
The OKG chain is made from 3T hardened alloy steel with a surface hardness of 63.3 HRC, a triple hardened and heat treated build and an O ring noose design. The maker offers a lifetime warranty if it is severed by bolt cutters or hand tools.
It is the toughest link here, but at 2.6 feet it is the shortest, and it needs its own padlock. It suits a trike parked beside a post in a garage or at home. For reach around a wide trike, choose the APECYC. Check the padlock fit before buying.
Key specs
| Size | 2.6 ft x 1/2 inch |
|---|---|
| Features | Hardened alloy chain, noose design, lifetime warranty |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Triple hardened alloy links
- Half inch thick chain
- Lifetime warranty if cut
- O ring noose design
Limitations
- Only 2.6 feet long
- Needs a separate padlock
Consider it if
- Home or garage locking
- Maximum link toughness
Skip it if
- Long reach to distant posts
Longest Reach4 of 4
Titanker 12mm Vinyl Coated Cable
A flexible cable in lengths up to 30 feet, best used as a tether.
Best for
Tying a trike to a distant post as a second layer
Why we like it
The Titanker is a braided steel cable with a vinyl coating and loops at both ends, sized in 4, 7, 15 and 30 foot lengths at 12mm thick. The loops accept a padlock, U-lock or disc lock. It is made to secure bikes, gates, mowers and similar items.
Compared with the chains here it reaches farthest but is the easiest to cut, so treat it as a tether paired with a stronger lock. The maker notes the cable gets stiff below about 20 to 25 degrees. Choose the length that reaches your regular post.
Key specs
| Size | 12mm thick, 4 ft to 30 ft options |
|---|---|
| Features | Braided steel, vinyl coated, double looped ends |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Lengths up to 30 feet
- Vinyl coat protects paint
- Looped ends take any lock
- Flexible around wide frames
Limitations
- Easier to cut than chain
- Stiff in cold weather
Consider it if
- Second layer with a U-lock
- Long reach to distant posts
Skip it if
- Use as the only lock in high theft areas
Spec Comparison
Key figures side by side. A dash means the brand gives no figure, so ask before you buy if it matters to you.
| Model | Size | Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| APECYC 5 ft Combination Chain Lock Best Overall | 5 ft chain | 5 digit resettable combination, hardened steel links, fabric cover | Check price |
| NDakter 18mm U-Lock with 4 ft Chain Best Two Part Set | 120cm chain, 6mm links | 18mm U-lock, nylon chain cover, 3 keys | Check price |
| OKG 2.6 ft Hardened Security Chain Toughest Links | 2.6 ft x 1/2 inch | Hardened alloy chain, noose design, lifetime warranty | Check price |
| Titanker 12mm Vinyl Coated Cable Longest Reach | 12mm thick, 4 ft to 30 ft options | Braided steel, vinyl coated, double looped ends | Check price |
How We Chose These Long Chain Locks
- Reach around a trike
- Chain length was ranked first because a trike needs more length than a bicycle.
- Link and cable build
- We compared hardened link thickness and cable construction for cut resistance.
- Opening method
- Combination versus key opening was weighed for older riders.
- Weight in a basket
- Heavier locks lose points for riders who carry them every day.
What to Look for in a Long Chain Lock
Chain length
The length is the distance the chain can span between the trike and a post, and a trike needs more than a bike.
Measure from your parking spot to the post with the trike in place, then add a foot. Choose a chain longer than that.
Link thickness and hardness
Thicker hardened links resist bolt cutters, while thin links or soft steel are cut quickly.
Look for thickness in millimetres and a hardness statement. A half inch hardened chain is tougher than a 6mm one.
Cable or chain
A cable is flexible and light but cuts easily, while a chain is heavier and stronger.
Use cable only as a second layer, and put a chain or U-lock on the frame.
Cover and padlock fit
A fabric or nylon sleeve protects trike paint. Some chains need a separate padlock, so check the hole size.
Pair a chain with a quality padlock and buy the two together if the chain does not include one.
How to Choose
By Reach Needed
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Post several feet from the trike | APECYC 5 ft Combination Chain Lock | Five feet of reach |
| Need a rigid and flexible pair | NDakter 18mm U-Lock with 4 ft Chain | U-lock plus 120cm chain |
| Post right beside the trike | OKG 2.6 ft Hardened Security Chain | Toughest links, short reach |
| Tether to far post as a second layer | Titanker 12mm Vinyl Coated Cable | Up to 30 feet |
Combination vs Key
- Combination
- The APECYC chain opens with a five digit code, so there are no keys to lose.
- Key
- The NDakter set uses three keys. Keys cannot be forgotten but can be lost.
Older riders who lose keys should default to the APECYC combination.
For Long Cargo Trikes Specifically
- Look for
- At least 5 feet of chain, because a cargo trike's frame and rear axle are long.
- In this comparison
- The APECYC 5 ft chain gives the best reach, and the Titanker cable can add a tether.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You park in a public rack at night. The NDakter set with its U-lock gives two points of resistance.
- Save if
- The trike is parked at home. The OKG hardened chain is sturdy enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a chain better than a U-lock for a trike?
For reach, yes. A chain bends around a wide frame. A U-lock is stronger in its shackle, so many riders carry both.
How long should my chain be?
Measure from the trike to your usual post, then add a foot. Five feet covers most cases.
Is a cable lock safe enough?
Cable is the easiest type to cut. Use it as a tether alongside a chain or U-lock. See /accessories/best-chain-locks-for-adult-tricycles/ for more options.
Will a chain scratch my trike?
It can. Choose a chain with a fabric or nylon cover, like the APECYC or NDakter.
What else deters theft?
An alarm and good parking habits help. Read /adult-tricycle-locking-and-theft-prevention/ and see /accessories/best-bike-alarms-for-adult-tricycles/.
Bottom Line
The APECYC 5 ft combination chain is the best all round trike lock here for reach and keyless opening. Add the NDakter set for a rigid layer, or the Titanker cable for a long tether. Measure your parking spot before you choose a length.