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 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, typically known as D-locks in lots of components 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 provide 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 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 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 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 lower. Each single bike lock may be defeated with the precise instrument 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 lower by means of. And even then, it makes use of an anti-twist design that 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 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 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 photos on its web site despatched in from homeowners who discovered themselves in that precise situation, returning to their bikes to search 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 robust 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 practically as a lot as my 8-10 lb chain locks. It’s annoying that it will probably add practically 10% to my e-bike’s weight, however that positive beats including 20%!
The design additionally features a good reflective strip, which may 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 preserve 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’s tremendously 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
After all, the added comfort is good, however safety scores are nonetheless an important think about deciding which lock can greatest shield your trip.
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 score it will probably from the premier lock testing firm, UK-based Offered Safe.
The lock can 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 business 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 snug utilizing it as a wheel lock by myself bikes and e-scooters.
How may or not it’s improved?
The lock is admittedly properly designed, each when it comes to type and performance. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that after I wish to shut the lock, I typically have bother 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 liberate 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, but it surely doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I’d have favored to see improved could be to supply it in both a number of colours or a minimum of a single vibrant coloration that isn’t black.
The issues with black locks are quite a few, a minimum of 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 when 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 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 inspecting your trip. And lastly, they’re simply simpler to search 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 big outlay, however I all the time remind individuals 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 strong lock isn’t that costly in spite of everything, comparatively talking.
There are different extra inexpensive 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 obtained one of many highest-security locks on the market so as to add to my quiver of choices.
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