I’m a little bit of a motorbike lock collector. After having my favourite e-bike stolen just a few years in the past (in addition to a number of much less favourite bikes stolen over time), I’ve gotten rather more critical about safety. After testing the LITELOK X1, I can inform you that this lock is so overbuilt that I even apply it to my electrical scooters and bikes.
U-locks, typically known as D-locks in lots of components of the world for god-only-knows-what-reason, are sometimes thought-about the best kind issue for a lot of riders. They’re compact, don’t rattle, and supply the form of theft prevention that solely a large hunk of bolstered metal can.
The LITELOK X1 gives all of these options and extra. Not solely is the shackle almost an inch thick (21x24mm), nevertheless it’s additionally received a hardened fine-grain high-tensile metal core coated with a patent-pending materials often called Barronium to additional degrade angle grinder reducing blades.
As the corporate defined, “Barronium® is a fused composite armor that provides unparalleled angle grinder resistance with out including additional weight. It’s a tremendous arduous ceramic composite materials that repels angle grinder assaults and turns the grinder’s power and pressure in on itself. Steady reducing wears down the grinder discs, batteries, and in the end the grinder motor itself.”
That doesn’t imply the lock can’t be reduce. Each single bike lock will be defeated with the correct device and with sufficient time. However a number of unbiased assessments have proven that it takes many angle grinder disc swaps earlier than the lock can lastly be reduce via. And even then, it makes use of an anti-twist design that means {that a} single reduce isn’t sufficient – the thief might want to make a second reduce to take away sufficient of the shackle to get it off of the bike or anchor. At that time, the thief will want one other handful of reducing discs, to not point out sufficient spare batteries to maintain going with a device that’s now doubtless near overheating anyway.
Suffice it to say, that is about as angle grinder-proof because it will get, even when such a factor doesn’t technically exist in actuality. With a half dozen reducing discs or extra, plus just a few battery swaps, a thief is probably going to surrender earlier than they ever make it away together with your bike. LITELOK has loads of testimonials and photos on its web site despatched in from homeowners who discovered themselves in that precise state of affairs, returning to their bikes to seek out their lock solely partially reduce and no thief in sight.
Extra than simply theft resistance
A part of selecting lock isn’t solely how sturdy it’s, but in addition how handy it’s. At just below 4 lb, the LITELOK X1 isn’t light-weight but in addition doesn’t weigh almost as a lot as my 8-10 lb chain locks. It’s annoying that it may well add almost 10% to my e-bike’s weight, however that positive beats including 20%!
The design additionally features a good reflective strip, which will be an added security bonus when driving round with the lock mounted to the body.
There’s additionally handy neoprene carrying pouch that comes normal with the lock and helps maintain your bag good and clear, even when your lock will get soiled.
And whereas this can be a small element, I like how minimalist the keys are. I’ve sufficient chunky keys to maintain on my ring already, so any low-profile secret’s enormously appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up additional actual property with large molded grips and branding on one thing I’m attempting to shove deep down in my pocket, and I’m glad LITELOK realized that.
Safety rankings
After all, the added comfort is good, however safety rankings are nonetheless crucial think about deciding which lock can finest shield your experience.
The X1 is Bought Safe Diamond rated for each pedal bikes and powered bikes (a class together with each bikes and e-bikes). This implies the lock has obtained principally the best safety score it may well from the premier lock testing firm, UK-based Bought Safe.
The lock can also be rated ART 4 out of a potential rating of 5. ART, a Dutch-based lock testing group, considers a rating of two to be adequate for bicycles and e-bikes, and a rating of 4 to be adequate for bikes parked in public locations.
In different phrases, the main lock testing organizations within the business just about agree that the X1 will get high marks and might be greater than adequate for just about any e-bike – and certain bikes too.
Which is why I really feel completely snug utilizing it as a wheel lock by myself bikes and e-scooters.
How may or not it’s improved?
The lock is actually properly designed, each by way of kind and performance. Nevertheless, there may be nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that once I need to shut the lock, I typically have hassle getting it completely lined up on the shackle, that means the important thing gained’t flip to lock it down. I’ve to jiggle the lock till it looks as if both the pins within the cylinder unlock or the locking latches within the shackle align, after which it closes properly. It’s annoying to need to therapeutic massage it into place, that’s for positive. Possibly it’s simply mine, nevertheless it doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I’d have preferred to see improved can be to supply it in both a number of colours or at the very least a single brilliant colour that isn’t black.
The issues with black locks are quite a few, at the very least for my part. I don’t like how they disappear into the bike, that means you would possibly overlook that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far in the event you attempt to experience away, however you would possibly find yourself with a bent spoke or disc, relying on the way you locked up. A small and low-cost $7 reminder cable can assist, however a brightly coloured lock can be simpler. Extremely seen locks additionally function a warning to thieves from a distance, serving to to ward them off earlier than they make investments time in analyzing your experience. And lastly, they’re simply simpler to seek out in a gear bag or drawer, not getting misplaced in a sea of different black driving gear.
Lastly, this lock is costly. I’m speaking $179 costly. That’s a major outlay, however I all the time remind individuals to think about how a lot their e-bike or motorbike is price to them. If it’s price greater than $179 to maintain it yours, then perhaps such a robust lock isn’t that costly in spite of everything, comparatively talking.
There are different extra inexpensive locks on the market and I take advantage of a lot of them, however now that I’ve been testing the LITELOK X1 just lately, I do know I’ve received one of many highest-security locks on the market so as to add to my quiver of choices.
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