I’m a little bit of a motorcycle 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 over time), I’ve gotten far more critical 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 elements 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 type 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), however it’s additionally acquired 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 power and drive in on itself. Steady chopping wears down the grinder discs, batteries, and in the end the grinder motor itself.”
That doesn’t imply the lock can’t be minimize. Each single bike lock may be defeated with the fitting device and with sufficient time. However a number of impartial assessments have proven that it takes many angle grinder disc swaps earlier than the lock can lastly be minimize by means of. 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 device that’s now probably 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 footage on its website 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 great 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 could possibly add almost 10% to my e-bike’s weight, however that certain beats including 20%!
The design additionally features a good reflective strip, which may 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 secret is tremendously 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
After all, the added comfort is sweet, however safety rankings are nonetheless a very powerful think about deciding which lock can finest defend 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 mainly the best safety ranking it could possibly from the premier lock testing firm, UK-based Bought Safe.
The lock can also be rated ART 4 out of a doable 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 business just about agree that the X1 will get high marks and might be greater than ample for just about any e-bike – and certain bikes too.
Which is why I really feel completely comfy utilizing it as a wheel lock alone bikes and e-scooters.
How might or not it’s improved?
The lock is admittedly properly designed, each by way of kind and performance. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that after I need to shut the lock, I usually have bother 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 like 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. Possibly it’s simply mine, however it doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I’d have appreciated to see improved can be to supply it in both a number of colours or at the very least a single brilliant 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 would possibly neglect that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far in case 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 using gear.
Lastly, this lock is costly. I’m speaking $179 costly. That’s a major outlay, however I all the time remind individuals to contemplate 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 strong 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 lots of them, however now that I’ve been testing the LITELOK X1 just lately, I do know I’ve acquired one of many highest-security locks on the market so as to add to my quiver of choices.
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