I’m a little bit of a motorbike 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 over time), 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 type 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 almost an inch thick (21x24mm), but it surely’s additionally received a hardened fine-grain high-tensile metal core coated with a patent-pending materials often 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 additional weight. It’s a tremendous arduous ceramic composite materials that repels angle grinder assaults and turns the grinder’s power and pressure 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 could be defeated with the appropriate device and with sufficient time. However a number of unbiased checks have proven that it takes many angle grinder disc swaps earlier than the lock can lastly be lower by. 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 device 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 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 website despatched in from homeowners who discovered themselves in that actual state of affairs, 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 an excellent lock isn’t solely how sturdy it’s, but in addition how handy it’s. At slightly 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 may 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 could 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 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 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 rankings
After all, the added comfort is sweet, however safety rankings are nonetheless an important think about deciding which lock can finest defend your experience.
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 obtained principally the very best safety ranking it may possibly 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 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 high 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 or not it’s improved?
The lock is absolutely properly designed, each when it comes to kind and performance. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that once 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 as if 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 certain. 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 preferred to see improved can be to supply it in both a number of colours or at the very least a single shiny colour 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 search 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 motorbike 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 inexpensive locks on the market and I take advantage of lots of them, however now that I’ve been testing the LITELOK X1 lately, I do know I’ve received one of many highest-security locks on the market so as to add to my quiver of choices.
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