Locks test 2013

The 2013 test’s expanded assessment includes a Ride On security rating. Which is the only lock to score a perfect 10? What level of security do you need? SimonVincett reveals all the test results.

Do you think you can tell a tough bike lock at a glance? Well, nothing is certain until the tools come out, and that’s what we rely on here at Ride On for our annual bike lock showdown. It’s not all brute force and flying sparks though, before the locks’ toughness is tested we see how well they work in the real world. After all, it’s not worth having the toughest lock if it’s annoying to use.

The new top lock for this year is a model we’ve been looking forward to testing. The brilliantly named New York Fahgettaboudit d-lock—and it didn’t disappoint. The mighty 18mm shackle stood up to all the cutting and smashing tools including the angle grinder. After more than two minutes of cutting it (with a metal cutting blade), we still hadn’t broken through. We had to cut a second time to release the bike. It’s weighty, at just under two kilograms, but it’s the only lock to score a perfect 10 security rating.

On the usability front, two locks stood out—the titanium bow lock, the TiGr, and the wearable Hiplok. The TiGr is designed to capture two wheels and the frame of your bike. It’s also very flexible to bend out around a solid anchor. To carry the lock, you slide it along the top tube of your bike frame and hold it in place with the velcro straps provided. The Hiplok is a chain designed to be worn around the hips. It’s comfortable and extremely convenient to use, though the Lite version isn’t as secure as the beefier, original model. Finally, when your situation really calls for a flexible lock, we’re pleased to be able to recommend some top performing cables and chains.

We recognise that some locks are not meant to be used in high-risk situations, so we assess as high, medium or low security. This allows us to acknowledge that a light, easy-to-use, low-security lock is an appropriate choice for a low-risk situation. Such a lock can achieve a high rating within its category. From the 26 locks rated in the table over the page you should find a model that suits you. The nine locks featured opposite are top performers that offer a variety of formats and features in a range of prices. At least one of the brands should be available from a shop near you.

Security assessment

We use tools that can be stashed in a sports bag carried by a person on foot. Therefore, the bolt cutters are 63cm in length and the angle grinder is battery powered, for instance.

The locks are first attacked with a hammer, which the 2011 test showed is sometimes successful. Next we try boltcutters and cable cutters, and then a hacksaw. With these hand tools the testers are invited to use multiple tools in tandem. Finally, we use a battery-powered angle grinder. The attacks are timed and abandoned after three minutes or earlier if continuation is futile.

Other routine assessment

Each lock is assessed according to the four categories Ride On uses to review any product: function, quality, price and appearance. Scores in all these areas are weighted for significance and combined to produce an overall rating, expressed as a percentage.

‘Function’ in this test also encompasses assessment of the weight, usability, options for carrying the lock and other considerations such as whether the lock will damage the user’s bike when in use. ‘Quality’ and ‘price’ are assessed relative to other products on the market, informed by how the lock performed in the security testing. ‘Appearance’ is a subjective, but necessary, assessment. As with all Ride On ratings, ‘price’ and ‘appearance’ have a lesser weighting, being just 10% of the overall rating each.

attack times are affected by the practical difficulty of getting at each lock

The security score is then combined with the ‘function’ score from the other assessment to become the overall ‘function’ score. It must be weighted, however, to reflect that security is the most important function of a lock. Therefore, we make security 60% of the total ‘function’ score, with other ‘function’ aspects making up the remaining 40%. The ‘quality’, ‘price’ and ‘appearance’ scores come from the other routine assessment to be combined for the overall rating.

We revised our rating system in 2013 and results from the previous two locks tests have been put through this year’s rating system to keep the comparison of all the locks consistent. This explains some variations in scores from last year. We also had a larger sample this year—due to new locks added to the previous ones. This allowed more comparison between models with similar characteristics. The effect is that some models previously tested were shown up as not as impressive next to newly tested models.

It’s important to note that the attack times are affected by the practical difficulty of getting at each lock. We attach the locks to a bike and a street pole before attacking them, so it’s a realistic situation. Leverage and hammer attacks have to be done without damaging the bike and smaller d-locks are usually harder to cut without nicking the bike too. Similarly, it’s often hard to keep chains steady while attacking them. Therefore, attack times can be higher than you might expect based simply on the materials from which the locks are made.

The nine best locks in their categories are featured below and the top 26 are listed in the final table.

High security

This category resist attack by hammer, boltcutters and hacksaw and could only be cut by an angle grinder.

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit

$110 1985g

18mm shackle took 130 seconds to cut once

Two cuts required to release

93%

Heavy but ultimate security for a good price

For retailers call Cassons (02) 8892 1900

Abus Granit X-Plus 54

$199 1397g

13mm shackle took 73 seconds to cut once

Two cuts required to release

90%

Pricy but awesome security for the weight

For dealers www.velovita.com.au

Vulcan Supreme 2000

$40 954g

Shackle took 42 seconds to cut once

Two cuts required to release

87%

Highly secure, bargain price

For dealers www.bicorp.com.au

Knog Straightjacket Fatty



$36 1365g

Tricky to hold steady; 23 seconds to cut once

Two cuts required to release

86%

The best chain option

For dealers www.knog.com.au

Medium security

These three are the best medium security locks we’ve tested. They foiled the hand tools but quickly succumbed to the angle grinder.

Abus Iven 8220 cable

$90 1080g

Braided cable covered with thick silicone encased in tough nylon sleeve

87%

Not cheap, but the toughest cable around

For dealers www.velovita.com.au

Knog Kabana

$50 468g

Thick silicone covering is a real nuisance for hand tools

85%

More than a pretty face

For dealers www.knog.com.au

Abus Booster Pro

$35 642g

Thick casing and braided cable defeated bolt cutters

82%

Average looks with surprising performance

For dealers www.velovita.com.au

Low security

The top two low security locks offer light weight and convenience but a low level of deterrence.

Kuat Bottle Lock

$35 425g

Bottle cage mount makes very convenient operation

75%

Convenient and long cable

For dealers www.blueglobe.com.au

Knog Party Coil

$25 321g

Colourful, light and cheap

65%

Funky option for low-risk lock ups

For dealers www.knog.com.au

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