I’m a little bit of a motorcycle lock collector. After having my favourite e-bike stolen just a few years in the past (in addition to a number of much less favourite bikes stolen through the years), I’ve gotten way 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, generally known as D-locks in lots of elements of the world for god-only-knows-what-reason, are sometimes thought of the perfect kind issue for a lot of riders. They’re compact, don’t rattle, and provide the form of theft prevention that solely a large hunk of bolstered metal can.
The LITELOK X1 affords all of these options and extra. Not solely is the shackle almost an inch thick (21x24mm), nevertheless 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 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 pressure 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 will be defeated with the best instrument and with sufficient time. However a number of impartial exams have proven that it takes many angle grinder disc swaps earlier than the lock can lastly be minimize via. And even then, it makes use of an anti-twist design which 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 instrument 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 just a few 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 house owners who discovered themselves in that precise situation, returning to their bikes to search out their lock solely partially minimize and no thief in sight.
Extra than simply theft resistance
A part of selecting an excellent lock isn’t solely how robust it’s, but additionally how handy it’s. At just below 4 lb, the LITELOK X1 isn’t light-weight but additionally doesn’t weigh almost as a lot as my 8-10 lb chain locks. It’s annoying that it will possibly add almost 10% to my e-bike’s weight, however that positive beats including 20%!
The design additionally features a good reflective strip, which will be an added security bonus when driving 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 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 secret is drastically appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up further actual property with huge 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 rankings
After all, the added comfort is sweet, however safety rankings are nonetheless crucial consider deciding which lock can finest shield 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 principally the best safety ranking it will 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 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 prime 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 alone bikes and e-scooters.
How might it’s improved?
The lock is absolutely properly designed, each by way of kind and performance. Nevertheless, there’s 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 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 need to therapeutic massage it into place, that’s for positive. Possibly it’s simply mine, nevertheless it doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I’d have appreciated to see improved could be to supply it in both a number of colours or not less than a single vibrant coloration that isn’t black.
The issues with black locks are quite a few, not less than in my view. I don’t like how they disappear into the bike, which means you may overlook that it’s there when used as a wheel lock. You’re not going to get far in the event you attempt to experience 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 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 experience. 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 major outlay, however I at all times remind individuals to think about how a lot their e-bike or bike is price to them. If it’s price 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 exploit 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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