Cordless angle grinders are a godsend for thieves, and a daily scourge on cyclists. They’re quiet, powerful and cut through most locks like butter. It’s the reason we’re always on the lookout for tech to help turn the tables.
While it’s natural to be sceptical about bike locks that claim to thwart thieves, photos and testament from satisfied customers appears to back Litelok’s claim that their X1 offers at least 5 times more resistance than the best-selling D-locks. Those in the know agree. The lock’s been awarded a Sold Secure Diamond rating, and also meets the ‘Police Preferred Specification’ of Secured by Design (SBD).
Given it takes multiple angle grinder discs to defeat a Litelok, many thieves simply give up
Ultimate protection against bike theft
No lock is safe from a well-equipped and determined thief. It’s why insurance cover makes sense. The ETA was the UK’s first provider of fully comprehensive cycle insurance. Every policy includes a long list of benefits as standard including cover against accidental damage, vandalism, third party claims and breakdowns. We also cover theft of components and quick-release wheels.
Check the small print
Every cycle insurance company offers something different, so it pays to do your homework. And remember to check the small print. For example, some providers insist you show them evidence of a broken lock if your bike is stolen. Given thieves often take the lock with them, we think that’s unreasonable.
Check whether the way you store your bike –both at home and when you’re out and about – is covered. For example, if you keep your bicycle in a shed, is a particular level of security specified for the door or padlock? If so, you can end up having to fork out for an expensive lock unexpectedly.
ETA cycle insurance simply requires that the shed door is locked – we don’t specify the lock type.
Win a Litelok X1 bike lock
We have a Litelock X1 D-lock worth £150 to give away. To be in with a chance of bagging the prize, simply leave us a comment at the bottom of the page and we’ll pick a winner next week.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.
Corin Ashwell
This looks like a great lock!
Brenda Cartwright
This lock looks incredible.
Alice
Bike theft is rife in Bristol and – second to the danger posed by bad drivers and lack of safe infrastructure – one of the main barriers to everyday cycling in the city. It’s very noticeable in other European countries that people just leave bikes out on the street unlocked – there’s no way we can do that. Systemic change to tackle to underlying causes of bike theft is obviously needed but in the meantime I would love a really good lock!
Martin Richardson
This would be a useful win!
Sarah Watmore
Following a bike theft last year, I’ve been looking for a decent lock to take bike touring that isn’t too cumbersome.
Ed Fleet
I heard recently that cycle theft generally is decreasing, but e-bike theft is increasing. As an e-bike owner, a lock like this would be perfect. It looks quite compact and not too heavy.
Frankie Rumble
Honestly great lock, I love it.
I also love the fact you’re promoting it, I’ve seen a few videos off thefts trying to break thru them and they can’t.
Mike Stead
Would love to try one of these. Not with an angle grinder, obvs
Vinnie
Bad idea these locks. They’ll be waiting for you to unlock the bike next.
Michael Parkes
Ebike thefts increasing so a very good lock is a definite requirement
Milo Bloom
What a great lock.
Alastair Reynolds
Would be handy for leaving my bike outside work
Rob Lewis
One of these locks would be perfect for locking my Boardman to my wife’s electric bike when we go out together.
Aidan
Looks great!
Jeremy
Great bit of engineering. I’d love to see such technology come down in price…the time will come 🙂
Richard
Watched a council worker removing locked bikes before a local event. Took about 1 minute per bike with an angle grinder. I’d like one of these please
Richard Hale
I am considering buying an ebike but I am really afraid about it being stolen. A lock like this would tip the balance in favour of buying!
Moragh
This is something that I would actually buy!!
Jen
It weighs 1.7kg, which i can definitely live with if it means keeping my bike! I would love to win this.
Mark B
Sounds like a great lock
Nick Weeks
Cycle theft is rampant here, which (despite the best efforts of groups like Bike Worcester and the local Green Party) puts a lot people off cycling. Having one of these to talk about and show people would be amazing.
Brian Hackman
At last a lock that will defeat the opertunic bike thief.
Tommy Knowland
Lock the thieves out
Peter Clark
Wow. We now have more bikes that good quality locks in the family and would love to win this (please)
Richard Fitzgibbon
Great lock. Would love to own one
Kez Sleeman
As a utility cyclist who leaves my bike anywhere and everywhere, this would offer real peace of mind!
Fran Peck
Would love this for my mobility scooter Thanks
AJ
I certainly wouldn’t mind winning this extra secure bike Litelock for my bike to keep those pesky thieves away.🚴🏾♂️
Anthony Johnson
A godsend – end of my worries!
TD
At last a bike lock that wouldn’t push me down onto the saddle when carrying it! Bring it on…..please! 🙂
Boyd
Looks great – yes please!
Kath
I’d feel more confident that my bike was secure with this lock…. thanks for the opportunity to win one
Jenny C
I’d hate to have my pride and joy stolen, one of these locks would be very useful.
Julie Gibson
I don’t really comment, but this has made me do it ! This lock would make me and my electric bike feel even more secure…
Rachel Walls
I’d love this lock. So many bikes get stolen at the University where I work.
Steve
I should be so locky!
Rob Alexander
My friend has one and swears by it – he leaves a really expensive road bike out in London with it.
Sue
Oh joy, wouldn’t life be simpler with this bike lock
Lawrence
I would love to win this lock to protect my e-bike.
David Fisher
D locks are in my opion the best locks and these ones are extra special. If I had lock.like this I may even upgrade my bike.
Jackie Jones
I’ve got no axe to grind about this sturdy looking bike lock!
Adam O’Malley
Having lost a bike to an angle grinder before, would love to see them try and get through this!
Andy Dark
It’s so good to see improvements to bike security. A car is a big hunk of metal. Losing a bike feels like losing an old friend.
Paul Baron
This looks like the best thing since sliced cable locks.
Would give me peace of mind with my bikes and my motorbike.
Sue Davis
Having an ebike that cost a fortune and finding standard locks just don’t fit, not large enough or secure enough, this lock looks great. Plus the ethical Outlook of the company is attractive and sides with my values
John
Protecting your bike is a must from unscrupulous thieves
GuyR
These comps are a fantastic source of things to put on my Christmas list (even though I never win)… And this one’s particularly brilliant.
Dave Walker
Looks like a very good lock.
David Gray
I’ve been lucky enough not to have anyone attack my bike lock with an angle grinder… so far.
Em Palmer
Sadly just had to retire my 1938 Raleigh bicycle, much loved and served me well, almost everyday for 20 odd years, a lovely old thing! ……a friend has kindly bobbed his Urban X my way for commuting, but I’m too scared to leave it unattended anywhere (in London) having had 2 previously nicked…..even using motorcycle locks…….the swine!?*
EleanorC
I’ve just got my first ebike so I can carry both my children, but I haven’t dared leave it locked up yet. I’d love a lock like this so I can make the most of my bike. Along with my ETA bike insurance, of course ;-).
Andrew
Like it. But better not lose the keys.
Andrew Townhill
Looks a great lock for my travels.
Dave N
With a click and a twist, it secures the ride,
Ensuring the bicycle stays by its side.
No thief can break its steadfast hold,
For the cycle lock is brave and bold.
Janet
This looks amazing. So many bikes are stolen every day.
James
They do seem to be rather good at defeating the angle-grinder brigade!
Kath
I’d feel more confident that my bike was secure with this lock…. thanks for the opportunity to win one
Bruce Davison
Looks good, always wanted a good lock. Mine only just survived a night in Hammersmith by the Apollo
Stuart Johnson
Just what I need to keep my bike safe!
Nick V
This would be a great lock to have. Easy to carry on a journey and peace of mind when you do leave your bike that it’s been secured with a decent lock. I’d happily use this lock on a daily basis.
Hugh Counsell
After having experienced two bikes being stolen this would be a really useful deterrent.
Peter
I’d like to secure one of these.
Darren C
A great lock to help give peace of mind knowing that you have a much improved chance of your bike still being where you locked when you return.
However, seems that that these sorts of locks are so good the thieves are now cutting through whatever the bike is locked to, so the bike stands need upgrading to match.
Mr Christopher Rawlinson
Compact and functional this lock represents the ultimate in cycle security ensuring as far as possible that your bike will still be there on your return I would love to win one which would travel with me on every journey
Greg Stoner
I so need one of these, the lack of security stops me from cycling as much as I’d like.
Ema A
Ditto Greg above. A better lock that the one I have would really help.
Steve
This would give great peace of mind when you never know whether or not your transport will be there when you return to it.
Anita Brayford
wHAT WE ALL NEED
Gill P
I’ve just bought my son a bike to encourage him to cycle to work. This would hopefully save me having ever having to replace it!!
Pete G
Wowser !!! the Litelok X1 bike lock sounds and looks the real thing..
It would a dream to have the peace of
mind from having this great piece of kit.
Clive
Incredibly useful, that’s my angle on it.
Jon PENNYCOOK
My current bike locks are heavy and bulky – it would be nice to have one that’s so compact yet secure, especially when going shopping.
Andrew Smith
Looks like a quality lock
Matt Keating
Time has come to finally get one up on these low-life bike thieves! This lock destroys angle grinder disks!! Initially I worried having such a great lock would lead thieves to cut through the railings the lock was attached to, rather than the lock itself… which might make the lock obsolete! However, I’m sure the police/councils would take much more notice of damage to council property, and would perhaps finally start taking bike theft more seriously! A great piece of engineering!!
Helen
The lock of the future…
Colin
lock ’em up
Judith Rout
Oh, I could so do with one of these
Pamela
Increased resistance for the same weight. Very good.
ROBERT PEEL
yes look a good lock i would like to have one
Allison
Great lock – after having a bike stolen it’s always good to go for the best security!
Les Gunbie
Lock
Or
Clamp
King!
Stan
Always worth a good lock
Chris Johnson
An excellent lock!
ChrisB
Lovely looking lock! and superb deterrent.
Anna Green
I definitely need one of these for security
Fred
Lock good!
Gary Robinson
My wife got a new bike recently. One of these would be perfect for her.
Lonnie
Just the lock I’ve been looking for for years
Helen Hirst
We’ve got an angle on security – it’ll really be a grind for thieves to try and get through this!
Raf
Would love one to secure my London bike!
Chris
What a great lock. Looks just what I need for my Orbea e bike 😊
Yousaf Mirza
Looks great and nice compact size too.
Peter
Strong lock
Gavin
Tidy.
Bill
A great prize that any cyclist leaving their bike unattended for a while in London (or any busy area) would love to win.
Stephen
It would be great to own a decent lock to give me increased protection against the bike thieves.
However, I wouldn’t wear it on my body when riding!
FRAN MCLEAN
Added security would be wonderful!
Sarah
It would be lovely if we could ALL win one of these locks.
Martin Baker
My new bike needs a good lock. This one looks ideal. Please!!!
Joel Halligan
Got to be in it to win it. A great sturdy lock!
Jonathan Hunt
Well, who wouldn’t want that? Fingers crossed.
John Fletcher
I don’t cycle if I’d have to leave the bike locked in notoriously lawless Keighley or Bradford. This lock would be a game changer.
Steve K
A great lock for any bike
Martin Broomfield
I love the ‘lock’ of that!
Phil
Yes I would like to win
Helen
Wow, amazing tech there!
Brian
Brilliant looking lock
Mags
My e-bike needs all the protection it can get. This would be a great addition.
Bazza
There are light locks and heavy locks – and then there are these extra resistant Liteloks. Certainly needed these days, to Britain’s shame.
Andy
This looks like a winner. They’ve got some solid reviews out there.
Clare
Finally a lock that really works – shame about the price but well worth it for peace of mind
Mark
A thief resistant bike bike!! Wow, I’d love one please?
Ric
Looks the biz – your newsletters are always interesting
wesley
Nice to see a lock that could grind down the thieves.
Craig
As long as some aspirational bike thief doesn’t take the “thief resistant lock” as a challenge, I’d love to give one a spin please!
PhilipT
A lock I’d like to win.
richard
Disappointing that it is needed.
Colin
I agree with the sentiment above, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we lived in the world where bike locks weren’t necessary! Unfortunately that world doesn’t exist, so let’s try and beat the thieves as best we can!
Chris
Sounds like a dream.
Steve
Is this the cyclists’ revenge!? 😍
Richard Green
Solid. Would love one!
Inge
Finally! A bike thief’s nightmare! If only the police did something useful to deter them….
Damian Connaughton
Looks great, would love one to protect my bike!
JohnB
Sounds like an advance in security levels. I’d love to win this one!
Tony Baker
Collecting my first ever e-bike from the shop this Friday and really wouldn’t want it stolen it would be amazing to win.
matthew newell
What a great giveaway! I have read about those new locks and they seem amazing. Love to try one.
Paul S
Best prize ever, helping us keep our bikes from the grinder brigade.
Dave
Lovely stuff!
David Sharpe
My friend has just had his bike stolen, while locked outside a shop. But just with a cable lock which was easy for the thief to cut. Good quality lock like this is essential.
David Sharpe
A good lock is essential.
Ruairi
Love my Litelok! I don’t stress when leaving my bike anywhere!
James Edwards
Looks like a great lock!
Christopher Price
With a lock like this, I’ll have to start paying attention to how easy it would be to cut through whatever I’m attaching your bike to, rather than the lock itself.
John
I really need this lock in my life
Wolf Simpson
As someone who has 2 Litelok before these ones came out, I’d say they’re sure worth it! Helps keep you covered on the insurance too.
Peter
I’ve been thinking about getting one of these. Then we only need consistently high quality bicycle racks to chain our bikes to.
Drew
Awesome lock, I’d sure love to win one
Gary Outram
Threat level at my local cycle parking has gone up with the recent discovery of an Abus folding lock that had succumbed to an angle grinder. Need to up my own cycle security.
Saul Fowler
Having been the victim of three bike thefts over the last couple of years, a solid lock would be most welcome.
John
🧡😀🙏🚴🧡😀🙏🚴🧡😀🙏🚴🧡😀🙏🚴
My lock = my bike = my rides
If I need to ride,
I need a bike,
I need a bike lock.
So yes please,
I need, I need,
I definitely need a bike lock,
I need a Sold Secure Diamond bike lock.
🧡😀🙏🚴🧡😀🙏🚴🧡😀🙏🚴🧡😀🙏🚴
Thom S
We’ve a selection of decent locks but still don’t feel comfortable locking up anything but our knackered old shopping bike outside. One of these may give me some confidence to use a better bike for non-shopping trips
Stefan Chilcott
In the words of the Smiths ‘Please, please, please let me get what I want this time’ c’mon ‘What difference would it make’ to give it to ‘this charming man’?
Neil
Keep up the campaign for safer active travel ✊
Robert Campbell
Locks amazing
Paul Rogers
Top Tip, i use angle grinders for work, they will cut flesh and bone easily/deeply and cause serious infection,if you see some one using one on a lock phone 999 and try and film them from a safe distance, never approach them or tackle them one swipe may seriously injure you as above,Ensure your bikes are insured as well.
Joe
Been looking at these for a few weeks now, definitely a step up from the lock I have now.
Stephen Hallam
Choosing a careful location. Having good Insurance. And a really good lock. These are absolutely mandatory in the modern world if you’re not going to lose your investment, your pride and joy, or your transport.
Dr Vic
Lock ’em up!
Chris Smith
This would be ideal for my son.
To keep his bike secure – not to to secure him!
Dave B
With a lock like that I might feel confident enough to actually leave my bicycle, Marchant, tethered up outside a shop I want to pop into. Far too much of a risk as it is.
Sam
I almost pulled the trigger on one of these myself before realising none of the bike racks in my town would be secure enough to make it worth locking to lol
Andy B.
This sounds just what I’m looking for!
Gina
Sad that we have to go to these extremes to keep our beloved bikes safe. Happy to know that there is something tough enough for the challenge👍
Tim Egan
Want a new bike so need a better lock! Thanks in advance 👍
Ian Brooks
I used to use an Abus Granite Motorcycle U lock on my bicycle. Weighted a ton but defeated the thieves.
This lock looks a beast!
Luke R
Live.Laugh.Lock 🔒
Catherine Goss
Over the course of my life I have had three bikes stolen from me, even though locked up. Having one of these would make sure that this never happens again.
Andy
Lock luck hopefully