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 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 of the perfect type issue for a lot of riders. They’re compact, don’t rattle, and provide the sort of theft prevention that solely a large hunk of strengthened metal can.
The LITELOK X1 affords all of these options and extra. Not solely is the shackle practically an inch thick (21x24mm), however it’s additionally obtained 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 gives unparalleled angle grinder resistance with out including further weight. It’s a tremendous onerous ceramic composite materials that repels angle grinder assaults and turns the grinder’s vitality and drive 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 reduce. Each single bike lock could be defeated with the correct device 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 reduce by way of. And even then, it makes use of an anti-twist design which 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 slicing 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 slicing 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 footage on its web site despatched in from homeowners who discovered themselves in that actual 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 an excellent 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 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 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 enormously appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up further actual property with massive 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 good, however safety rankings are nonetheless a very powerful consider deciding which lock can finest defend your trip.
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 principally the very best safety score it could possibly from the premier lock testing firm, UK-based Bought Safe.
The lock can also be rated ART 4 out of a attainable 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 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 or not it’s improved?
The lock is actually properly designed, each by way of 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, 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 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. Possibly it’s simply mine, however it 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 least a single brilliant coloration that isn’t black.
The issues with black locks are quite a few, at the least in my view. I don’t like how they disappear into the bike, which means you would possibly overlook that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far in case 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 can assist, 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 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 folks to contemplate how a lot their e-bike or motorbike is price to them. If it’s price 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 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 lately, I do know I’ve obtained one of many highest-security locks on the market so as to add to my quiver of choices.
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