I’m a little bit of a motorbike 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 through the years), 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, generally known as D-locks in lots of elements of the world for god-only-knows-what-reason, are sometimes thought of the best kind issue for a lot of riders. They’re compact, don’t rattle, and provide the sort of theft prevention that solely an enormous hunk of strengthened metal can.
The LITELOK X1 provides 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 generally known 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 exhausting ceramic composite materials that repels angle grinder assaults and turns the grinder’s power and drive in on itself. Steady slicing wears down the grinder discs, batteries, and in the end the grinder motor itself.”
That doesn’t imply the lock can’t be lower. Each single bike lock could be defeated with the fitting software and with sufficient time. However a number of impartial checks have proven that it takes many angle grinder disc swaps earlier than the lock can lastly be lower by way of. And even then, it makes use of an anti-twist design which means {that a} single lower isn’t sufficient – the thief might want to make a second lower 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 possible 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 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 lower 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 add almost 10% to my e-bike’s weight, however that certain beats including 20%!
The design additionally features a good reflective strip, which could be an added security bonus when using round with the lock mounted to the body.
There’s additionally handy neoprene carrying pouch that comes commonplace with the lock and helps hold 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 vastly 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 rankings
In fact, the added comfort is good, however safety rankings are nonetheless a very powerful 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 acquired principally the best safety ranking it may 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 sure 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 de facto properly designed, each by way of kind and performance. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that after I wish to shut the lock, I usually have hassle getting it completely lined up on the shackle, which 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 certain. 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 favored to see improved can be to supply it in both a number of colours or no less than a single vibrant coloration that isn’t black.
The issues with black locks are quite a few, no less than in my view. I don’t like how they disappear into the bike, which means you may neglect that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far for those who attempt to experience away, however you may 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 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 inspecting 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 using gear.
Lastly, this lock is costly. I’m speaking $179 costly. That’s a major outlay, however I at all times 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 perhaps such a robust lock isn’t that costly in any case, comparatively talking.
There are different extra inexpensive locks on the market and I exploit lots 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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