I’m a little bit of a motorbike lock collector. After having my favourite e-bike stolen a couple of years in the past (in addition to a number of much less favourite bikes stolen over time), I’ve gotten far more severe 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, typically 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 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), but it surely’s additionally bought 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 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 slicing wears down the grinder discs, batteries, and in the end the grinder motor itself.”
That doesn’t imply the lock can’t be lower. Each single bike lock could be defeated with the proper 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 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 possible 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 couple of 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 homeowners who discovered themselves in that actual situation, returning to their bikes to seek out their lock solely partially lower and no thief in sight.
Extra than simply theft resistance
A part of selecting a great 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 might probably add almost 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 using 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 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 vastly appreciated. This isn’t the place to take up additional actual property with huge 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 sweet, however safety rankings are nonetheless crucial consider deciding which lock can finest shield 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 might probably from the premier lock testing firm, UK-based Offered Safe.
The lock can 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 prime marks and might be greater than adequate for just about any e-bike – and sure bikes too.
Which is why I really feel completely comfy utilizing it as a wheel lock alone bikes and e-scooters.
How may or not it’s improved?
The lock is actually properly designed, each by way of kind and performance. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless room for enchancment.
I discover that once I wish to shut the lock, I typically have hassle 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. Possibly it’s simply mine, but it surely doesn’t appear to be one thing that goes away with use.
One other space I might have preferred to see improved can 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 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 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 might help, 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 inspecting your experience. 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 big outlay, however I all the time remind folks to think about how a lot their e-bike or motorbike is value to them. If it’s value greater than $179 to maintain it yours, then perhaps such a strong lock isn’t that costly in any case, 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 bought one of many highest-security locks on the market so as to add to my quiver of choices.
