I’m a little bit of a motorbike lock collector. After having my favourite e-bike stolen a number of years in the past (in addition to a number of much less favourite bikes stolen through the years), I’ve gotten far 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 type issue for a lot of riders. They’re compact, don’t rattle, and supply the form 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), but it surely’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 chopping blades.
As the corporate defined, “Barronium® is a fused composite armor that gives 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 vitality and drive in on itself. Steady chopping 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 precise 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 by. 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 chopping 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 chopping discs or extra, plus a number of battery swaps, a thief is probably going to surrender earlier than they ever make it away along with your bike. LITELOK has loads of testimonials and photos on its web site despatched in from homeowners who discovered themselves in that precise situation, returning to their bikes to seek out their lock solely partially minimize and no thief in sight.
Extra than simply theft resistance
A part of selecting a very good lock isn’t solely how robust it’s, but additionally how handy it’s. At slightly 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 could actually 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 customary with the lock and helps hold your bag good and clear, even when your lock will get soiled.
And whereas it is 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 drastically appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up further actual property with large molded grips and branding on one thing I’m making an attempt to shove deep down in my pocket, and I’m glad LITELOK realized that.
Safety scores
After all, the added comfort is sweet, however safety scores are nonetheless a very powerful think about deciding which lock can greatest shield your journey.
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 very best safety ranking it could actually 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 ample for bicycles and e-bikes, and a rating of 4 to be ample 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 high marks and might be greater than ample for just about any e-bike – and sure bikes too.
Which is why I really feel completely comfy 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 when it comes to type and performance. Nonetheless, there may be nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that once I need to shut the lock, I usually 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 like both the pins within the cylinder unencumber or the locking latches within the shackle align, after which it closes properly. It’s annoying to must therapeutic massage it into place, that’s for positive. Perhaps it’s simply mine, but it surely doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I might have favored to see improved could be to supply it in both a number of colours or at the very least a single vivid shade that isn’t black.
The issues with black locks are quite a few, at the very least in my view. I don’t like how they disappear into the bike, that means you may neglect that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far in the event you attempt to journey 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 will 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 inspecting your journey. 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 at all times remind individuals to contemplate how a lot their e-bike or motorbike 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 spite of everything, comparatively talking.
There are different extra reasonably priced 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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