Tired of carrying around a heavy lock but don’t want to give up security to lighten up? The new Altor APEX Ti lock promises low weight and high security, based on the same patented technology as found in Altor’s previous generation of lock, the 560G!
The APEX Ti weighs in at just 715 grams, and extends to over two feet meaning it has more reach and practicality than a standard U-lock and a drastically lower weight.
The APEX Ti is made out of grade 5 titanium, which is an alloy that is claimed to be harder than the titanium often used in bike frames and components. The lock is also reinforced with hardened steel elements, which Altor claim help to make the APEX Ti lightweight yet incredibly tough.
There is one obvious downfall to most folding lock designs – they are commonly very susceptible to wedge attacks at the joints. Altor believe they have solved this issue with their patented Shield Joint design, which uses interlocking hardened steel parts to encase the rivet and protect it from direct attacks.
The APEX Ti locks are finished off with laser engraved details and a clear coat that protects your frame from scratches. Available in 6 different colors, the lock can be mounted directly your bike via the included frame mount.
Prices start at $189 for a single lock, and go up to $347 for a set of two with matching keys – which allows you to interlock the two together for an even longer reach.
altorlocks.com
Think again: ABUS Bordo Lite Mini, a folding lock that measures 60cm in length and weighs in at only 500g. UVP 74,95 €
https://gertaly.wordpress.com/2017/09/16/eurobike-2017-my-opinion-on-the-new-abus-bordo-lite-mini/
Seems like a good improvement to make the pins rounded to prevent them from getting drilled out like Wirecutter was able to. https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/bike-locks-testing-drill-lowres-140640-570×380.jpg
But won’t a quick whack with a hammer on a pick to get a tiny dent in there be enough to kickstart the drill?
Not if it is hardened steel. It’ll just blunt the punch.
All a lock can do in the wild is buy you time. If someone can break a lock in under 20-30 seconds it just looks like they are taking it off the bike. If they are there with power tools etc. its blatant they aren’t unlocking it and someone might call them out on it.
For that money buy a number of heavy locks and leave them in the various places you go, most people only really go a hand full of places during the week. Lock with good quality U lock and a chain lock, it unusual that a thief will have the tools to do both.
It seems like a tough sell
There’s also the Tigr lock that clocks in under a pound and costs a lot less.
Ti locks + hacksaw w/ carbide blade + ~10 pulls = done.
Tigr is actually one of the easier locks to break using this technique.
Thieves are so onto this concept.
For those prices, thieves will mug you for the keys so they can steal your lock 🙂
You made me so glad that i read to the end of the current comments where I found this gem.
Come on. Wirecutter was able to cut through this and TiGr with a hacksaw in no time at all. Ti is a terrible metal for locks if you value security. Light, yes. Hard, no. If you spend this much on a lock, you clearly care about your bike, and will end up losing it if you are in any kind of high crime area–as in any city in the US. Ok for a quick coffee stop where you can see your bike, but I wouldn’t trust this on any city street anywhere.