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 way 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, generally 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 form of theft prevention that solely an enormous hunk of bolstered metal can.
The LITELOK X1 gives all of these options and extra. Not solely is the shackle practically an inch thick (21x24mm), however 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 chopping 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 vitality and power 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 reduce. Each single bike lock might be defeated with the appropriate instrument 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 by. 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 chopping discs, to not point out sufficient spare batteries to maintain going with a instrument 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 chopping discs or extra, plus a number 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 house owners who discovered themselves in that precise situation, 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 a very good lock isn’t solely how sturdy 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 possibly add practically 10% to my e-bike’s weight, however that positive beats including 20%!
The design additionally features a good reflective strip, which might be an added security bonus when using 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 drastically appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up additional actual property with massive 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
In fact, the added comfort is good, however safety scores are nonetheless an important think about deciding which lock can finest defend your journey.
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 mainly the very 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 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 certain bikes too.
Which is why I really feel completely snug utilizing it as a wheel lock by myself bikes and e-scooters.
How might it’s improved?
The lock is de facto properly designed, each when it comes to 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 unlock or the locking latches within the shackle align, after which it closes properly. It’s annoying to should therapeutic massage it into place, that’s for positive. Perhaps it’s simply mine, however it doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I’d have preferred to see improved could be to supply it in both a number of colours or no less than a single vivid colour 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, that means you may overlook that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far if you happen to 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 may also 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 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 using gear.
Lastly, this lock is costly. I’m speaking $179 costly. That’s a major outlay, however I at all times remind folks 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 strong 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 a lot 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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