While it’s true that an angle grinder will cut through any bike lock eventually, there are some locks that are now so angle grinder resistant that the vast majority of thieves will have neither the tools, the time, nor the know how to complete the job!
And this means that some of these locks will essentially be angle grinder proof when used in the street!
Which is fantastic news, because sometimes it feels like angle grinders are the most commonly used tool to steal bikes in our big towns and cities nowadays.
However, the degree of angle grinder resistance varies wildly from lock to lock, which makes it difficult to know which one is best for you.
Luckily, I have tested every angle grinder bike lock that is currently available, and present the full extent of my findings below...
Firstly, a summary table with the specs of every lock currently available. The last column shows the time and number of regular discs it took me to cut both sides of each lock, towards the top of the shackle. But be aware: this does not tell the full story…
There are specific strengths and weaknesses with each lock that are not shown in this first table.
So in the next section I describe how I test the locks and there are more tables showing how each lock fared against diamond discs and attacks at a specific weak point that most of these locks seem to have.
Finally, I provide an individual summary of each lock, where I may highlight other quirks, discuss how it compares to the other locks and decide whether I think it is a good choice or not.
Summary Table
In the table below, you can compare the different specs of the angle grinder resistant bike locks. If you click on the names, you'll go to Amazon or other websites where you can compare prices and reviews. Some of these are affiliate links.
Note: "Time to Cut" is the time it took me to cut both sides of the shackle with a regular 1 mm disc on a mains powered angle grinder, plus the number of discs I went through doing so. In the street, where a thief would use a battery powered angle grinder and no vice, it would take much longer!
Remember: these numbers don't tell the whole story! Keep reading for specific weaknesses
There is no "Time to Cut" for the regular SkunkLock, as it doesn't purport to take longer to cut than a regular lock.
How I test the angle grinder resistance of bike locks
Regular Discs
First, I test each lock against regular angle grinder discs. I tape the locks down, so there is no movement that could interfere with the cutting process. And I also use an electric angle grinder to ensure there is no variability in power between locks.
The idea behind this method is to measure the fundamental angle grinder resistance of each lock as accurately as possible (unadulterated by other variables such as the lock moving about or dips in power that might come from a battery operated tool).
How I test: taped down and with a mains powered angle grinder
So, to be clear: this test is not designed to replicate how long it would take to cut the locks in the street. It is designed to establish which locks provide the most and least angle grinder resistance.
Obviously, a thief will be using a battery powered angle grinder and won’t be able to immobilize the lock as I do. And this means it will take them significantly longer to cut the lock than in my tests.
For example, when I tested the Litelok X1 for the first time, I didn’t immobilize it very well, and it kept moving about while I was trying to make the second cut. This made the whole process much more difficult, and I ended up destroying all the discs I had, without being able to actually cut through the other side of the shackle!
Diamond Discs
Since these new locks tend to use some kind of ceramic composite as their defense against angle grinders, many people think that a diamond disc (which is designed for stone, concrete and tiles), might cut them more easily.
Diamond discs have disadvantages as well as advantages!
However, the ceramic compound is usually an addition to an otherwise steel lock. And while diamond blades will cut through steel, it can take a long time and the discs quickly become blunted and useless.
And don’t forget, diamond disc are much more expensive than regular discs!
Nevertheless, since some thieves may try them, it’s worth testing the locks against diamond discs too, and I have started to include them in my tests. You can see my results, so far, in the table below.
I was able to cut all the locks with a diamond disc eventually (without needing to change the disc). But in most cases it took me a long time, and it’s hard work, even with the lock taped down to immobilize it.
A thief trying to steal a bike from the street using a portable angle grinder with one hand while the other hand tries to keep the lock relatively still is really going to struggle.
So in most cases, I don’t think this is serious weakness.
It’s worth noting that the reason for the relatively low length of time it took to cut the SkunkLock Carbon with a diamond disc, is probably because the hollow filled shackle design means a lower proportion of steel to ceramic material than the other locks.
This is of course also why it also took so long to cut with regular discs. So it’s swings and roundabouts!
Other Weaknesses
Most of the locks are slightly weaker if you attack the point at which the shackle meets the crossbar. I first established this when testing the Abus Super Extreme 2500, which can be cut here with just 1 disc, in 45 seconds.
The Abus Super Extreme 2500 is particularly vulnerable here
When you contrast this to the 5 discs and 2:10 minutes (not including the time it takes to change the discs), it took to cut the shackle further up, that is a big difference and a significant weakness in an otherwise very secure bike lock.
Here are the results of cutting where the shackle meets the crossbar, for all the locks:
While all the locks (except the Litelok X1 and X3), took less angle discs to cut at this point, only the Abus can be cut with one disc, so except for the Abus, I don’t consider it a dealbreaker. Especially when you consider a thief may not be able to get the lock in a position to exploit this weakness.
However, it is a useful metric to look at when establishing which lock has the most overall angle grinder resistance.
9 Angle Grinder Resistant Bike Locks
1. Litelok X3: The most angle grinder resistant bike lock overall
In my tests, the Litelok X3 was the lock that took the longest to cut on both sides. It provides very good resistance (if not quite the best), against diamond discs. And it has no weakness at the base of the shackle.
Litelok X3
This means (in my eyes, at least), it provides the best all round angle grinder protection of all the locks currently available.
Unlike most of the other locks, it also comes with a very useful and well performing frame mount.
Litelok X3 frame mount is probably the best of the lot
So if you’re looking for the best all round protection from angle grinders, this is the one I would go for.
2. Hiplok D1000 and Hiplok DX1000: The second most angle grinder resistant locks
Much like the Litelok X3, the Hiplok D1000 and DX1000 provide exceptional all round protection from angle grinders.
To be honest, there’s very little between them and the Litelok. The Litelok X3 takes longer to cut, but the Hiploks destroyed more discs. The Hiploks also took a lot longer to cut with a diamond disc. However, the Litelok X3 took a lot longer to cut where the shackle meets the crossbar.
Hiplok D1000
In fact, the level of relative angle grinder resistance is so close, that I wouldn’t make a decision between them based on this metric.
Instead, I would look at practicality and price.
The Hiplok D1000 is around the same price as the Litelok X3. But the Hiplok D1000 is much smaller. That can be a good thing (smaller = lighter and more compact and easier to carry). Or it can be a bad thing (smaller = more difficult to get around your bike).
For motorcyclists, the Litelok X3 will almost certainly be better (I’ve heard that the D1000 is too small for many motorbikes). For urban cyclists with thin bikes, that exclusively use Sheffield bike stands, the Hiplok D1000 might be better (it should be big enough to do the job).
The Hiplok D1000 carry pouch is not as practical as the Litelok X3 mount
However, you can get a really good, traditional style frame mount for the Litelok X3, whereas the Velcro mounted pouch that’s available for the Hiplok D1000 (and DX1000), is not quite as practical.
The Hiplok DX1000 is just a bigger version of the D1000. It’s angle grinder resistance is exactly the same. But the Hiplok DX1000 is also bigger (mostly longer) than the Litelok X3. So if you need the extra size, the Hiplok DX1000 is the one to go for.
Hiplok DX1000 is much bigger than the D1000 and the Litelok X3
Just bear in mind that it also significantly more expensive than the Litelok X3 as well.
If you look at the test results, then the Litelok X1 may not seem like a particularly good choice compared to the other locks. The time to cut it on both sides, and the number of discs used, is actually one of the lowest on the list.
However, the Litelok X1 is the only “budget” angle grinder resistant bike lock on this list (except for the SkunkLock Carbon). And I say “budget” because it’s still expensive compared to most regular locks.
Litelok X1
But it is significantly cheaper than all the other bike locks currently available, except the SkunkLock Carbon (which I have some reservations about that I explain further down the page).
And the truth is: you only really need to destroy one angle grinder disc to thwart the vast majority of thieves. They are highly unlikely to start changing discs in the street. So once it becomes clear that they are going to struggle, they are highly likely to move on.
Furthermore: don’t forget, that with a battery operated device and an inability to make the lock fully immobile, a thief is likely to take much longer and use more discs to cut the Litelok X1 than I did in these tests.
Litelok X1 in frame mount
Like the X3, the Litelok X1 comes with a decent frame mount. And I think it provides the best balance between security, practicality and price, for most people that need this extra protection.
The SkunkLock Carbon is usually around the same price as the Litelok X1. This makes them the only two “budget” angle grinder resistance bike locks currently available.
And as you can see in the table above, the SkunkLock has unrivalled angle grinder resistance. It took me 2:39 min and an incredible 14 discs to cut through one side of the SkunkLock Carbon!
SkunkLock Carbon
So why don’t I prefer it to the Litelok X1? Well, I’m still a bit unsure about the all round level of protection it provides. And that’s because the SkunkLock Carbon works differently to the other angle grinder resistant bike locks on this list.
The other locks tend to fuse a ceramic compound to a regular solid steel shackle, or are entirely made from a ceramic steel compound. Whereas, the SkunkLock Carbon employs a hollow steel shackle that is filled with small pieces of carbon.
The shackle is a hollow steel tube filled with small pieces of carbon
This means a much thicker layer of carbon to get through, which results in the SkunkLock Carbon almost melting regular angle grinder discs!
However, it could also mean weaknesses elsewhere.
For example, I had an early version that I was able to cut much faster (1:01 min and 2 discs). According to the manufacturer, this was a faulty item, and they sent me an updated version, which produced the results you can see here.
I think the problem with the original version was that the pieces of carbon were unevenly distributed through the shackle. This might be solved for good now, but it might not. Because when I attacked the shackle where it meets the crossbar, I cut it much faster (1:16 min and 3 discs).
SkunkLock Carbon dimensions
They are still impressive results, but why the difference? Also, because the shackle has a lot more carbon and much less steel, than the other locks, I was able to cut it much faster with a diamond disc (45 seconds).
Finally, the SkunkLock has not been tested by Sold Secure, and they seem very reticent about getting it tested. For me, a Sold Secure rating is really important as it provides third party security verification, and I don’t tend to recommend locks without a rating.
Having said all that, you cannot argue with 14 discs to cut one side and the SkunkLock Carbon is very competitively priced. So if you’re in the US (where insurance companies don’t tend to require Sold Secure ratings), then it’s still a good option.
OnGuard have also entered the fray, with the lightest (and one of the smallest) angle grinder resistant bike locks currently available, the RockSolid.
In my tests, it performed really well against regular angle grinder discs. And it also showed very little weakness where the shackle meets the crossbar. I haven’t tested it properly against a new diamond angle grinder disc, but it was impervious to a quick test with an old, slightly blunted one.
OnGuard Rocksolid
However, after I’d cut one side with a regular disc, I was able to twist the shackle so that there was a reasonably big gap between the two cut ends. It wasn’t an outrageous gap though, and I don’t think it was big enough to get the lock off your bike, if you’ve locked it well.
So, as long as you're comfortable with the small size (it’s slightly longer but narrower than the Hiplok D1000), it would seem like a great choice. Especially since, while it’s not a budget option, it usually costs less than most of the other locks here.
It could be because OnGuard didn’t submit the RockSolid for the Powered Cycle testing (maybe because it’s so small, it’s not considered suitable for a motorbike or electric bike). But that seems unlikely, because they would surely want to show off that it passed the higher rating?
It could be that the slider key mechanisms that OnGuard use tend to be less secure than other mechanisms. Or it could be the 15mm thick shackle, which is slightly thinner than most of the other locks in this list.
Is it the relatively thin 15mm shackle diameter?
I’m not sure. Sold Secure seem to have found a weakness though. All I can say is that the OnGuard RockSolid stood up very well against my angle grinder attacks with regular discs, and it seems like a very good option to me!
I expected a lot better from Abus. To be fair, you do get some of the things Abus is famous for with the Super Extreme 2500. The build quality is fantastic, the mechanism is top-notch and the way it clicks together is like a precision machined tool.
Edit your caption text here
But unfortunately, it has a fatal design flaw.
Against an angle grinder attack at the top of the shackle with a regular disc, it held up really well (2:10 min and 5 discs to cut one side). And although I haven’t tested it against an angle grinder attack with a diamond disc yet, I think it will do really well here too.
But when I attacked the shackle where it meets the crossbar, I was able to cut through it with 1 regular disc in just 45 seconds!
And that’s just not good enough for one of the most expensive bike locks on this list.
The carbide material does not extend to the end of the shackle
The problem is that the carbide material that protects the lock from angle grinders doesn’t seem to extend for the full length of the shackle. So if you target the bottom of the shackle, where it enters the crossbar, a regular disc will cut through it much like it would do through regular steel.
Now, a thief in the street won't necessarily be able to maneuver the lock into a position where they can attack this point. You may be able to using a locking technique that makes it even more difficult.
And it’s worth noting again, that most of the locks seem to be a bit weaker at this point.
But none of the other locks can be cut so easily here, and when you consider the high price, it’s enough for me to recommend you don’t buy this lock at the moment. The other locks will do a better job.
The Hiplok Dx1000 is very similar but more secure at the base
The Hiplok DX1000 for example is around the same size, the same price, also has a great build quality and I needed 2 discs to cut it at this point. The only advantage the Abus has over the Hiplok DX1000, is a proper, affixed frame mount.
Abus know about this weakness, and hopefully they will fix it soon, because otherwise it’s a great lock. In the meantime, I recommend you look elsewhere.
There’s nothing particularly bad about the Squire Stronghold D16 MAX. But there’s nothing particularly good about it either, I’m afraid.
And when you consider the high price (it’s usually the second most expensive lock on this list), it’s difficult to recommend it when there are so many great alternatives.
Squire Stronghold D16 MAX
It performed reasonably well against an angle grinder attack using regular discs, near the top of the shackle. But most of the other locks performed better. And after one cut, I was able to twist the shackle to make a gap that might be big enough to squeeze the lock off a bike.
As with the OnGuard RockSolid, a sensible locking technique that fills the inside of the shackle, will make this difficult (or impossible) for a thief. But the Squire gap looks bigger than the OnGuard gap, so that’s not great.
I needed 2 discs to get through the shackle where it meets the crossbar, so that is pretty good. But when I used a diamond disc, I was able to cut it much faster than all the other locks (except the SkunkLock Carbon).
Litelok X3 & Hiplok DX1000: more secure and lower priced
If you just look at the angle grinder resistance, it’s certainly going to thwart the vast majority of thieves. But when you consider the relatively high price as well, you are probably best off looking elsewhere first.
The original SkunkLock doesn’t aim to prevent an angle grinder cutting through its shackle. Instead, it will severely punish any thief that cuts the shackle by releasing a cloud of noxious, vomit inducing gas into their face, preventing them from actually stealing the bike.
The SkunkLock warning label
While the SkunkLock works well and has successfully protected countless bikes, it’s very bulky, making it challenging to carry around while you’re riding. And if the shackle is cut into (and releases the gas), the lock can’t be used again.
Although the original SkunkLock is still available, I think they are concentrating their efforts more on the SkunkLock Carbon now, as it feels like the more practical option.
9. Altor SAF: Discontinued
When I first saw the photos of the Altor SAF, it looked so ridiculous, I thought it was a Photoshopped spoof!
In fact, the SAF is a pretty standard steel u-lock with a 14 mm shackle, wrapped in a complex aluminum shell. The idea is that the aluminum shell keeps the angle grinder blade away from the steel of the u-lock.
Of course, with enough time, the angle grinder can get through both the shell and the steel shackle, but this can take over an hour and several battery changes. So in this way the SAF is certainly angle grinder proof.
The comically large Altor SAF
The problem is that it’s enormous. It weighs the same amount as 3 Kryptonite Fahgettaboudits (and 16 cans of Coke). What’s more, it’s so bulky that it’s entirely non-portable. And the internal measurements are about the same as a mini u-lock.
So you’re limited to stationary security (at home or work), as long as you’ve got an immovable object to secure your bike to that the SAF will actually fit around.
In the end, this seemed to prove impractical and the Altor SAF has now been discontinued!
Wrapping Up
I’m going to keep testing and updating this page to fill any gaps in the data. I will also add any new angle grinder resistant locks that come to market as soon as I’m able to get my hands on them.
I think we’ve already got a great selection to choose from, though!
My favorites remain the Liteloks and the Hiploks.
However, SkunkLock, OnGuard, Abus and Squire have their own interesting offerings that only need a few tweaks to their construction, clarification on their security ratings, or more reasonable pricing to become competitive.
And I’m sure 2025 will bring loads more angle grinder resistant bike locks to add to this list…
About the author
Carl Ellis
I've had bikes stolen in London, New York and Barcelona. Yep, I was a serial, international, bike theft victim. In 2015 I decided to stop the rot. And not a single bike's been stolen since! Brakes, yes. Bells, yes. But they're another story. Everything I learn, I document on this website. More about my story. Contact me. LinkedIn.
WOW! Very impressive. Thanks for doing this. I’m taking delivery soon on a rather expensive new bike and have been wondering how the heck to best protect it against theft in this new world of angle grinders. You’ve given me the solution!
Never, I repeat never, underestimate the determination of a dedicated thief. They will risk their lives and limbs to achieve their goal and a badge of honor when they succeed. They simply refuse to admit defeat!!
I know that the average bike thief uses brawn rather than brain, but seeing “The lock picking Lawyer” on YouTube picking the Kryptonite lock in seconds, makes me wonder if a good insurance policy is needed as well as a good lock?
Hi Pete it’s Eldwin. A couple of things. You’re right. Bike insurance brings, ‘piece of mind,’ and I too recommend it.
And regarding, ‘The Lockpicking Lawyer,’ he’s very good at picking locks of all types. But let’s think about it?
1). We’re shown mostly his
successes not his failures.
2). His setting. Plenty of light,
He’s likely sitting comfortably
while he’s picking these locks,
at a flat table, sometimes
using a vise.
3). He uses a special tool that
he and ‘Bonsai Bill’ made.
4) It’s like, ‘a walk in the park,’
for him, time wise. No
pressure.
To your point Pete, his lock-
picking skills make one
wonder, “dang! I spent all that
money” for that Abus, or
Oxford, Kryptonite, OnGuard,
or whatever lock, that guy
down at the bike shop said
I needed and would protect
my bike.
The reality is, we love cycling
and we’re gonna continue cycle and, keep our bikes.
Bought 1 hiplock D1000
Carry it in my back pack . Great lock but not big enough to lock wheel , frame and post .
It’s my primary lock, my bike is all so insured for added peace of mind . Definitely i am overall happy with the D1000
Hi Peter it’s Eldwin.
I too have the D1000 from
Hiplok. So far, I think it’s the
perfect lock for bikes and
commuter ebikes. A good
investment. This is
because you can lock some
point, of your
bike frame to a solid
foundation that serves as, a
‘bikerack.’ I found – so far –
that Pinhead locks work well
for both wheels. Of course,
there’s other locking scenarios
one can use that shouldn’t
weight you down too much,
but this is
‘minimalist’ to the highest
degree. If you go with Pinhead
as a ‘secular’ lock setup, be it
your seatpost, bike stem, or
wheels, just make sure to have
the specially designed key,
with you while riding is case
you get a flat or want to make
an adjustment.
Happy riding.
Carl, thanks for all your reviews on these new, more resistant locks. Question: how do they fare up to freezing in order to make the metal brittle and easy to shatter (perhaps using dry ice or liquid nitrogen?)
Hi Carl,
did u get your hands on the ABUS GRANIT Super Extreme 2500 yet? It’s supposed to be angle grinder resistant as well and I’d love to see you comparing it with the others in this category.
Greetings
My Mrs lost the key to her Kryptonite mini 5 a few weeks ago and we couldn’t find the spare. I borrowed a neighbour’s battery angle grinder and used mole grips to keep it steady. It took me under 30 seconds to cut, lots of sparks and smoke. Nobody approached me.
I’m hopeful that the new ceramic technology will filter down to cheaper, lighter locks. I use Masterlock Street Cuffs and nobody has touched my bike for 15 years, but it’s a 30 year old bike and badly scratched. If I leave it outside a station I pop an extra d lock on for good measure.
Thanks for such a thorough review, the best one for sure.
I’m wondering how these would stand up to a hydraulic bolt cutter, you know like the ones on Amazon for $50-100 — e.g. https://a.co/d/12Gkt3o — that will cut up to 7/8″ steel bar. I do see the occasional U-lock in my city that have been clipped by these, for a thief they’re also good because they’re quiet.
I just suggest it because these angle-grinder locks seem to focus on ceramic coatings and other materials and designs that wear out grinder blades, but that’s not adding real strength, so are they just fighting the last war when thieves have other tools? And I figure, you do have a bunch of cut bike locks lying around already you could take a pass on. 😀
I found one YouTube video where a Kryptonite NYC lock causes the cutting blade on a set of bolt cutters to shatter, but just the one video, and these cutters come in a *wide* range of crappy to good. So, it doesn’t really answer the question but only adds to the mystery.
That new OnGuard Rock Solid looks really good (lighter and more portable than the other options) but would the 15mm shackle hold up? I’d guess that the “carbon” lock could just snip through really easily (or lose out to a jack or other leverage attack).
I think those cheaper hydraulic bolt cutters would struggle against the 16mm plus shackles here (as they do in the videos against the NY Fahgettaboudit and the OnGuard Brute).
But they might do OK against the 15mm shackle on the OnGuard RockSolid.
And I’m not sure about the Hiplok’s graphene ceramic composite Ferosafe. I highly doubt they would snip through them very easily, though.
Only one way to find out: I will get hold of a cheaper hydraulic bolt cutter and start testing (most thieves are unlikely to be using a tool that costs several hundred dollars)
Cool! Well, if you do post about it I’ll definitely be interested. I think you’re probably right, the cut locks I’ve seen on the ground that look like they’ve been cut with bolt cutters have all been older/low-end ones, like half-inch shackles.
I’m guessing the blades on the low-end ones aren’t easily replaceable so if you do it you might want to start on padlocks or something and work your way up. I mean, I hope the bike locks stand up but it would also suck to ruin a tool!
Yeah, this is the thing! I spend 6 months alluding to the weaknesses without saying what they specifically are, and I get loads of people complaining that they should be allowed to know, so they can make their own minds up. I finally relent, and I get people complaining that I’m telling the thieves what to do. I can’t win!
I must not be understanding something… the SkunkLock needed 28 discs to cut the lock… and that took only 5:18? That is cutting and replacing a disc every 11 seconds. That’s impossible. What did I miss?
I don’t include the time it took me to change the discs as it will vary each time.
What I should probably do is take an average time it takes to change a disc, multiply it by the number of discs it took to cut the lock and add it to the total time.
WOW! Very impressive. Thanks for doing this. I’m taking delivery soon on a rather expensive new bike and have been wondering how the heck to best protect it against theft in this new world of angle grinders. You’ve given me the solution!
Sounds awesome! ButbI wonder if thieves cutting the bike rack itself will be the next stage of this race
Some thieves have been doing this for a while Stefan: https://bikeportland.org/2015/01/05/thief-saws-pbot-bike-rack-steal-womens-road-bike-130543
Never, I repeat never, underestimate the determination of a dedicated thief. They will risk their lives and limbs to achieve their goal and a badge of honor when they succeed. They simply refuse to admit defeat!!
I cant wait! As for the frame mount… i use a strap attached to the rack… like this: https://www.rowertopojazd.pl/post/jak-przewozi%C4%87-u-locka
I know that the average bike thief uses brawn rather than brain, but seeing “The lock picking Lawyer” on YouTube picking the Kryptonite lock in seconds, makes me wonder if a good insurance policy is needed as well as a good lock?
It really depends on the value of your bike and how risk your circumstances are Pete. Read more about insurance here: https://thebestbikelock.com/best-bicycle-insurance/
Hi Pete it’s Eldwin. A couple of things. You’re right. Bike insurance brings, ‘piece of mind,’ and I too recommend it.
And regarding, ‘The Lockpicking Lawyer,’ he’s very good at picking locks of all types. But let’s think about it?
1). We’re shown mostly his
successes not his failures.
2). His setting. Plenty of light,
He’s likely sitting comfortably
while he’s picking these locks,
at a flat table, sometimes
using a vise.
3). He uses a special tool that
he and ‘Bonsai Bill’ made.
4) It’s like, ‘a walk in the park,’
for him, time wise. No
pressure.
To your point Pete, his lock-
picking skills make one
wonder, “dang! I spent all that
money” for that Abus, or
Oxford, Kryptonite, OnGuard,
or whatever lock, that guy
down at the bike shop said
I needed and would protect
my bike.
The reality is, we love cycling
and we’re gonna continue cycle and, keep our bikes.
Bought 1 hiplock D1000
Carry it in my back pack . Great lock but not big enough to lock wheel , frame and post .
It’s my primary lock, my bike is all so insured for added peace of mind . Definitely i am overall happy with the D1000
I’m glad to hear it Peter!
Hi Peter it’s Eldwin.
I too have the D1000 from
Hiplok. So far, I think it’s the
perfect lock for bikes and
commuter ebikes. A good
investment. This is
because you can lock some
point, of your
bike frame to a solid
foundation that serves as, a
‘bikerack.’ I found – so far –
that Pinhead locks work well
for both wheels. Of course,
there’s other locking scenarios
one can use that shouldn’t
weight you down too much,
but this is
‘minimalist’ to the highest
degree. If you go with Pinhead
as a ‘secular’ lock setup, be it
your seatpost, bike stem, or
wheels, just make sure to have
the specially designed key,
with you while riding is case
you get a flat or want to make
an adjustment.
Happy riding.
Part of security is awareness where and when you park
Good stuff Mr Ellis. Thanks for your astute observations. It really helps the cycling public immensely! People like you are appreciated.
03/15/2023
How about angle grinder time on Hiplok DX Plus?
An angle grinder would cut through the Hiplok DX Plus in seconds, Adam.
And since the shackle is only 14mm, compared to the Fahgettaboudit 18mm shackle, significantly fewer seconds than the Kryptonite lock.
Carl, thanks for all your reviews on these new, more resistant locks. Question: how do they fare up to freezing in order to make the metal brittle and easy to shatter (perhaps using dry ice or liquid nitrogen?)
Hi Larry,
I haven’t tested then against freezing myself. But Sold Secure use freezing as part of their testing methods.
And the Litelok X1 and X3, and the Hiplok D1000 wouldn’t get a Diamond Motorcycle rating if they were susceptible to a freezing attack.
I hope that helps…
Carl
Hi Carl,
did u get your hands on the ABUS GRANIT Super Extreme 2500 yet? It’s supposed to be angle grinder resistant as well and I’d love to see you comparing it with the others in this category.
Greetings
Maik
Not yet, but I will be on it after Easter Maik!
Think the Super Extreme 2500 must just about be on the market now. Bennetts got one to test anyway.
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/abus-granit-super-extreme-2500-lock-review
Yep, I’ve got one too. Full test and review is upcoming…
Ah great stuff!
Skunklock getting into the angle grinder-resistant market now. Once the OnGuard Rock Solid gets to market, Kryptonite will really look conspicuous by its absence, I think.
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/security/motorcycle-chains-and-locks/skunklock-carbon-review
Your review of these relatively new angle grinder resistant ulocks is exceptional!
My Mrs lost the key to her Kryptonite mini 5 a few weeks ago and we couldn’t find the spare. I borrowed a neighbour’s battery angle grinder and used mole grips to keep it steady. It took me under 30 seconds to cut, lots of sparks and smoke. Nobody approached me.
I’m hopeful that the new ceramic technology will filter down to cheaper, lighter locks. I use Masterlock Street Cuffs and nobody has touched my bike for 15 years, but it’s a 30 year old bike and badly scratched. If I leave it outside a station I pop an extra d lock on for good measure.
All the best
Sean
I’d really like a smallish lock that was about 3 pounds and as resistant as the X1.
Me too! The OnGuard RockSolid is the closest, but I haven’t tested it yet as it’s still quite hard to get over here.
It’s frustrating that OnGuard has promoted it since July, even just a few weeks ago on their instagram, and yet it’s out of stock everywhere.
Yep, I agree!
Anything new coming up this or next year? Something like X1 but cheaper would be nice
I suppose we are all waiting for a Kryptonite lock. There will be more appearing for sure in 2025.
I’m not sure if we’ll get significantly cheaper than the X1 though. I’d imagine they are more likely to me similarly priced at best.
When you think about the price of locks like the Abus Granit X Plus 540, the X1 doesn’t seem that expensive (it only costs slightly more)…
Thanks for such a thorough review, the best one for sure.
I’m wondering how these would stand up to a hydraulic bolt cutter, you know like the ones on Amazon for $50-100 — e.g. https://a.co/d/12Gkt3o — that will cut up to 7/8″ steel bar. I do see the occasional U-lock in my city that have been clipped by these, for a thief they’re also good because they’re quiet.
I just suggest it because these angle-grinder locks seem to focus on ceramic coatings and other materials and designs that wear out grinder blades, but that’s not adding real strength, so are they just fighting the last war when thieves have other tools? And I figure, you do have a bunch of cut bike locks lying around already you could take a pass on. 😀
I found one YouTube video where a Kryptonite NYC lock causes the cutting blade on a set of bolt cutters to shatter, but just the one video, and these cutters come in a *wide* range of crappy to good. So, it doesn’t really answer the question but only adds to the mystery.
That new OnGuard Rock Solid looks really good (lighter and more portable than the other options) but would the 15mm shackle hold up? I’d guess that the “carbon” lock could just snip through really easily (or lose out to a jack or other leverage attack).
Good question Joel!
I think those cheaper hydraulic bolt cutters would struggle against the 16mm plus shackles here (as they do in the videos against the NY Fahgettaboudit and the OnGuard Brute).
But they might do OK against the 15mm shackle on the OnGuard RockSolid.
And I’m not sure about the Hiplok’s graphene ceramic composite Ferosafe. I highly doubt they would snip through them very easily, though.
Only one way to find out: I will get hold of a cheaper hydraulic bolt cutter and start testing (most thieves are unlikely to be using a tool that costs several hundred dollars)
Cool! Well, if you do post about it I’ll definitely be interested. I think you’re probably right, the cut locks I’ve seen on the ground that look like they’ve been cut with bolt cutters have all been older/low-end ones, like half-inch shackles.
I’m guessing the blades on the low-end ones aren’t easily replaceable so if you do it you might want to start on padlocks or something and work your way up. I mean, I hope the bike locks stand up but it would also suck to ruin a tool!
That’s real clever tell thieves the best way to cut these!
Yeah, this is the thing! I spend 6 months alluding to the weaknesses without saying what they specifically are, and I get loads of people complaining that they should be allowed to know, so they can make their own minds up. I finally relent, and I get people complaining that I’m telling the thieves what to do. I can’t win!
As the LPL does… Expose weaknesses so that the manufacturer improves the design
I must not be understanding something… the SkunkLock needed 28 discs to cut the lock… and that took only 5:18? That is cutting and replacing a disc every 11 seconds. That’s impossible. What did I miss?
I don’t include the time it took me to change the discs as it will vary each time.
What I should probably do is take an average time it takes to change a disc, multiply it by the number of discs it took to cut the lock and add it to the total time.
This would give a better ranking.
Thank you for your service