When purchasing a bike lock, it is important to know the level of security it provides. More often than not, people will look for the most secure lock on the market as they want to provide their bike with the most protection possible. The best way to assess this is often through independent experts as they will test just how secure the lock is and then award it a rating.
Who is Sold Secure?
Sold Secure is the UK’s premier testing and certification house for security products. They are owned by the Master Locksmiths Association (a not for profit organisation) and are experts when it comes to testing bike locks using common tools and realistic methods. It is important to remember that all bike locks are deterrents and can be broken, so when testing how secure a product is, the goal isn’t to simply break the lock, it is to assess how that lock will withstand an attack from a thief in a realistic situation.
When testing a lock, Sold Secure use a variety of different tools that are common with bicycle theft, and set a series of criteria that the locks have to withstand in order to determine it’s security level. They don’t publicise this detailed information, as it would only benefit thieves to know exactly how each lock stands up to each tool, but they do award each lock a rating. Up until recently there has only been three ratings available; Bronze, Silver, and Gold. However, Sold Secure have decided to add a 4th rating; Diamond.
What is Sold Secure Bicycle Diamond?
Sold Secure Diamond is given to bike locks that provide the highest level of security. Each year, more and more bike locks were being awarded Gold with some locks being a lot more secure than others. Sold Secure felt the need to add an additional tier to their ranking system, to allow cyclists to accurately assess which lock best fits their needs.
The new Giant Explore E+ with staggered frame secured with a Diamond rated Litelok Core
Do I need Sold Secure Diamond?
Over the last year, there has been a serge in e-bike sales, meaning a lot more cyclists are riding high value bikes. The higher the value, the more security is recommended. Sold Secure Gold still offers a very good level of security, but the new introduction of Diamond will mean that the locks on the high end of the Gold rating, will be upgraded, allowing you to make a more informed choice when purchasing a bike lock.
Will my Bicycle Insurance cover Sold Secure Diamond?
Here in the UK, Insurance companies will insist on you using a certain Sold Secure rated bike lock, depending on your bike’s value, where you live, or how long you usually leave your bike unattended. With Diamond still being a relatively new rating, there will be many bicycle insurers who will still insist on you using a Gold rated lock, even if your bike is highly valuable. With Diamond offering a higher level of security than Gold, this should more than satisfy your insurer. However, if you are unsure, it is always best to check.
A BMC Alpenchallenge AMP secured with a Diamond rated Litelok Core
Litelok Core: The lightest, wearable, Diamond rated bike lock in the world.
Usually the more secure the bike lock is, the heavier it is and with bikes getting lighter and lighter, there is no need for secure locks to get heavier and heavier. Here at Litelok, our goal is to engineer highly secure, easy to use, lightweight bike locks. You shouldn’t have to lug around a big heavy chain in order to keep your bike safe. This is why we have developed Litelok Core, a lightweight, diamond rated bike lock.
Starting from 1.6kg, Litelok Core is considerably lighter than other flexible diamond rated locks on the market, meaning you no longer have to compromise between security and weight. It has been designed with multiple layers of protection from the inner core out and comprises a patented composite called Boaflexicore Plus, and a hardened steel inline lock body.
Litelok Core is also wearable, allowing it to be worn comfortably around your hips whilst riding. Just wrap the Litelok around your hips and secure it with the integrated lock stopper, designed to allow you to safely fasten around your body without it locking.
Litelok Core is currently available through Indiegogo at a reduced price, so pledge today and treat yourself to lightweight, Diamond rated security.