They say that every bicycle weighs the same; a lightweight (and by extension, expensive) bike requires a heavy lock whereas its cheap and cheerful cousin (which weighs more) can make do with a lighter version. Hoping to solve this conundrum are the makers of the 560G – a lock made from grade 5 titanium, which, as it name suggests, weighs in at only 560 grams.
Features we like the look of include the hassle-free push button mechanism, which avoids having to use a key to secure the lock, and the ability to pair the locks. Titanium is expensive to buy and machine, which explains the £100 price. Find out more and pre-order at Kickstarter
From the sound of the specifications, it seems likely that the 560G will become Sold Secure rated, but in common with every commercially available bicycle lock in the world, it is not immune to attack by a cordless angle grinder.
At the time of writing the lock has yet to gain the Sold Secure rating required by all British cycle insurance companies.
How do thieves steal bikes?
A few years ago, the lock manufacturer Kyrptonite suffered a bout of bad PR when it was alleged its D-Locks could be opened with a modified Bic Biro. The episode called into question the efficacy of many cylindrical-lock products, but in reality most thieves don’t have the time, patience or skill to pick locks – they prefer to cut, freeze or smash them.
A well-equipped and determined bicycle thief can defeat most designs of lock within minutes and with many bikes now worth thousands on the second-hand market, the crime is rife. And when a thief is unable to remove a lock, it is not uncommon for him to vandalise the bike or simply steal parts. Thieves in London this spring have taken to stealing handlebars from road bikes. Once a few control cables are severed, they walk away with bars and shifters worth hundreds of pounds.
The lesson is that even stoutest lock is no replacement for a good cycle insurance policy.
Cycle insurance from the ETA includes the theft of parts and has an excess of only 5 per cent. See a full list of everything that is included or get an instant quote.
Geoff Hudson
The 560g lock looks a great piece of kit. Ok it’s expensive but not in relation to the cost of my new e-bike. I hope it gets Gold rating and is for sale in the U.K. so my ETA policy will recognise it.