I’m a little bit of a motorcycle lock collector. After having my favourite e-bike stolen a couple of years in the past (in addition to a number of much less favourite bikes stolen over time), I’ve gotten rather more severe about safety. After testing the LITELOK X1, I can let you know 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 perfect kind issue for a lot of riders. They’re compact, don’t rattle, and supply the sort of theft prevention that solely an enormous hunk of strengthened metal can.
The LITELOK X1 presents all of these options and extra. Not solely is the shackle practically an inch thick (21x24mm), nevertheless it’s additionally bought a hardened fine-grain high-tensile metal core coated with a patent-pending materials referred to as Barronium to additional degrade angle grinder slicing blades.
As the corporate defined, “Barronium® is a fused composite armor that provides unparalleled angle grinder resistance with out including further weight. It’s a tremendous arduous ceramic composite materials that repels angle grinder assaults and turns the grinder’s vitality and pressure in on itself. Steady slicing wears down the grinder discs, batteries, and finally the grinder motor itself.”
That doesn’t imply the lock can’t be minimize. Each single bike lock could be defeated with the fitting software and with sufficient time. However a number of unbiased exams have proven that it takes many angle grinder disc swaps earlier than the lock can lastly be minimize via. And even then, it makes use of an anti-twist design that means {that a} single minimize isn’t sufficient – the thief might want to make a second minimize 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 slicing discs, to not point out sufficient spare batteries to maintain going with a software that’s now seemingly 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 slicing discs or extra, plus a couple of 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 footage on its website despatched in from house owners who discovered themselves in that actual situation, returning to their bikes to search out their lock solely partially minimize and no thief in sight.
Extra than simply theft resistance
A part of selecting lock isn’t solely how sturdy it’s, but additionally how handy it’s. At just below 4 lb, the LITELOK X1 isn’t light-weight but additionally doesn’t weigh practically as a lot as my 8-10 lb chain locks. It’s annoying that it may add practically 10% to my e-bike’s weight, however that positive beats including 20%!
The design additionally features a good reflective strip, which could 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 key’s significantly appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up further actual property with huge 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 scores
In fact, the added comfort is sweet, however safety scores are nonetheless a very powerful think about deciding which lock can greatest defend your trip.
The X1 is Offered Safe Diamond rated for each pedal bikes and powered bikes (a class together with each bikes and e-bikes). This implies the lock has acquired mainly the best safety ranking it may from the premier lock testing firm, UK-based Offered 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 enough for bicycles and e-bikes, and a rating of 4 to be enough for bikes parked in public locations.
In different phrases, the main lock testing organizations within the trade just about agree that the X1 will get prime marks and might be greater than enough for just about any e-bike – and sure bikes too.
Which is why I really feel completely snug utilizing it as a wheel lock alone bikes and e-scooters.
How may it’s improved?
The lock is basically properly designed, each when it comes to kind and performance. Nevertheless, there may be nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that once I wish to shut the lock, I typically have hassle getting it completely lined up on the shackle, that means the important thing received’t flip to lock it down. I’ve to jiggle the lock till it looks as if both the pins within the cylinder liberate 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. Perhaps it’s simply mine, nevertheless it doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I might have appreciated to see improved could 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 when you attempt to trip 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 may help, however a brightly coloured lock could 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 trip. And lastly, they’re simply simpler to search 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 bike is value to them. If it’s value greater than $179 to maintain it yours, then possibly such a robust lock isn’t that costly in any case, comparatively talking.
There are different extra reasonably priced locks on the market and I take advantage of lots of them, however now that I’ve been testing the LITELOK X1 just lately, I do know I’ve bought one of many highest-security locks on the market so as to add to my quiver of choices.
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