Strong bike lock, I use it on my motorcycle

I am a bicycle lock collector. After having my beloved e-bike stolen a few years ago (and several other bikes I've loved stolen over the years), I've become very serious about safety. After testing the LITELOK X1, I can tell you that this lock is so well built that I even use it on my electric scooters and motorcycles.

U-locks, sometimes called D-locks in many parts of the world for god-only-knows-what-reason, are generally considered the proper form for most riders. They're compact, they don't leak, and they offer the kind of theft deterrent that can only be found in a big hunk of reinforced steel.

LITELOK X1 offers all those features and more. Not only is the chain approximately one inch thick (21x24mm), but it also has a solid steel core of hardened grains coated with a patent-pending substance known as Barronium to further destroy angle cutter blades.

As the company explained, “Barronium® is a composite protector that provides unmatched angle resistance without adding extra weight. It is a solid ceramic composite that repels the attack of the angle of the grinder and transforms the power of the grinder and the power into one. Continuous cutting damages the grinding discs, the batteries, and eventually the grinding motor itself.”

That doesn't mean the lock won't be cut. Every bike lock can be overcome with the right tool and enough time. But many independent tests have shown that it takes many angles of rotation of the disc before the lock is broken. And anyway, it uses an anti-twist design which means that one cut isn't enough – a thief will need to make a second cut to remove enough chain to remove it from the bike or anchor. At that point, the thief would need a few more cutting discs, not to mention enough spare batteries to keep the tool running which is probably close to overheating anyway.

Suffice it to say, this is as much angle grinder evidence as it gets, even if such a thing doesn't actually exist. With a dozen or so cutting discs, and a few battery changes, a thief might stop before he can even get away with your bike. LITELOK has many testimonials and photos on its site posted by owners who found themselves in that situation, returning to their bikes to find their locks partially cut and no thief in sight.

More than just theft resistance

Part of choosing a good lock is not just how strong it is, but also how light it is. At just under 4 lb, the LITELOK X1 is light but also not nearly as heavy as my 8-10 lb chain locks. Annoyingly it would add about 10% to the weight of my e-bike, but that sure shot adds 20%!

The design also includes a nice shiny strip, which can be an added safety bonus when riding around a frame-mounted lock.

There is also a convenient neoprene carrying bag that comes standard with the lock and helps keep your bag nice and clean, even if your lock gets dirty.

And while this is a small detail, I love how minimalistic the keys are. I have enough keys to last me already, so any low profile keys are greatly appreciated. This is not a place to take up extra real estate with bulky moldings and branding on something I'm trying to fit in my pocket, and I'm glad LITELOK realized that.

Safety measures

Yes, more convenience is nice, but security ratings are still the most important factor in deciding which lock will best protect your ride.

The X1 Sold Secure Diamond is rated for both commuter bikes and power bikes (a category that includes both motorcycles and e-bikes). This means that the lock has received essentially the highest security rating from the UK-based lock testing company, Sold Secure.

The lock is also rated ART 4 ​​out of 5 points. ART, the Dutch lock testing organization, considers 2 points as sufficient for bicycles and e-bikes, and 4 points as sufficient for motorcycles. parked in public spaces.

In other words, the industry's leading lock testing organizations overwhelmingly agree that the X1 gets top marks and is probably more than adequate for any e-bike – and possibly motorcycles too.

That's why I feel completely comfortable using it as a wheel lock on my motorcycles and e-scooters.

How could it be improved?

The lock is really well designed, both in form and function. However, there is still room for improvement.

I find that when I want to close the lock, I have trouble getting it to line up properly on the chain, meaning the key won't turn to lock it. I have to move the lock until the pins on the cylinder come loose or the lock bars on the chain guide, then it closes properly. It's annoying that you're massaging it in place, that's for sure. Maybe it's just me, but it doesn't seem to be something that wears off.

Another area I would like to see improved would be to offer it in more colors or at least one bright color that isn't black.

The problems with dark locks are many, at least in my opinion. I don't like how they disappear from the bike, meaning you can forget it's there when used as a wheel lock. You won't get far if you try to ride and walk, but you can end up with a bent spoke or disc, depending on how you close it. A small and cheap $7 reminder cable can help, but a brightly colored lock would be easier. Highly visible locks act as a warning to thieves in the distance, helping to drive them away before they spend time inspecting your ride. Finally, they are easy to find in a gear bag or closet, not lost in a sea of ​​dark riding gear.

Finally, this lock it is expensive. I'm talking $179 expensive. That's cheap, but I always remind people to consider how much their e-bike or motorcycle means to them. If it costs more than $179 to keep it yours, maybe such a powerful lock isn't that expensive, comparatively.

There are other less expensive locks out there and I use a lot of them, but now that I've been testing the LITELOK X1 recently, I know I have a more secure lock that won't add to my arsenal of options. .