Keeping our overpriced toys from being stolen is a daily concern for some riders, and the engineers at Ottolock aim to ease that worry. Their lightweight packable locking bands can secure the wheels and frame to nearly any stationary object, and there is no key to keep track of. Simply set a three-digit code that you can recall, zip the lock through its snake-like head, and go enjoy your beer with one less worry.
The original Ottolock Cinchlock and newly released Hexband have three and six layers of stainless steel belts inside respectively. The belts are sheathed in Kevlar and are designed to slide against one another when someone tries to saw or cut them, making it difficult to slice through the belt. All that goodness is then wrapped in an anti-scratch Santoprene layer to keep your frame’s paint looking good.
These locks are not designed to park your bike in downtown New York City overnight, and the company has a decidedly realistic outlook on the level of security the stainless steel bands provide. “The design intent of Ottolock is to provide a lightweight, compact, easy-to-carry solution to prevent opportunistic theft during quick stops like getting coffee, snacks, or restroom breaks. All bike locks can be defeated by a motivated thief with proper tools, technique, and time. Ottolock provides an appropriate quick-stop level of defense against many forms of attack – not any and all tools.”
While originally designed around bike protection, Otto also recommends their safety bands for securing luggage, ladders, tools, canoes, automotive racks, and anything else you need to leave out of sight for a bit.
Buy it: Cinch Locks retail from $50-$80 depending on length, available at evo.com
Buy it: Hexband sells for $65-$95, available at evo.com
14 Comments
Aug 24, 2019
Aug 24, 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D15QH72xfPA
Aug 24, 2019
Aug 24, 2019
Aug 27, 2019
Aug 25, 2019
Aug 25, 2019
Aug 25, 2019
True, the manufacturer states that it is only to be used for a quick stop in a store and its only meant as a mild deterrent against “ opportunistic thieves”.
However considering that the “LockPicking Lawyer “ cut this lock with sheet metal snips in less than 2 seconds , i would look elsewhere for such a deterrent.
A hardened smaller sized chain would be more difficult to defeat as it would require bolt cutters or a grinder and would take maybe 15 to 30 seconds . more than enough time to run out of the shop and pummel the scum.
Aug 27, 2019
I was looking for an good solution for when I need it however these are crazy to cut/defeat!
Especially when they cost as much as they do.
No thanks.
Aug 26, 2019
However... Most, if not all, bike locks are designed to be theft deterrents, rather than theft prevention devices. If you've ever "helmet locked" your bike you've put this into practice. Sure, someone could just unsnap your helmet buckle but at least they can't grab and go; the helmet strap is going to slow them down.
They say many crimes are crimes of opportunity. For example, dude is just walking down the street, sees an unlocked bike, decides to take it for a joy ride.
Think of bike locks as existing along a spectrum of security. Actually, it's more like a spectrum of time to defeat, which is exactly what the lockpicking lawyer dude is showing on his channel. Choose the lock that provides the level of security that you need, but understand that not everyone wants or needs the same level. Also, there isn't a bike lock in existence that can't be defeated, and there never will be.
Aug 26, 2019
Aug 26, 2019
Aug 24, 2019
https://youtu.be/D15QH72xfPA
Aug 24, 2019