Within the criminal underworld there are hardened crooks and thieves of opportunity. Almost nothing can stop a determined thief packing the right tools, but even a small lock can keep an honest person—honest.
The OTTO lock looks like a giant zip-tie, and while it won’t thwart a set of bolt cutters or an angle-grinder, it’s more than sufficient to keep your bike protected while you step into your local cafe. Available in 18, 30, and 60-inch sizes, the OTTO lock consists of a soft flexible band and a hardened steel locking hasp. For people like me who tend to forget important numbers, the 3-digit combination wheel is programable to your own secret code.
Although it looks like ordinary plastic, the band is constructed of multiple layers of tempered steel and kevlar covered in a soft Santoprene coating. More difficult to cut than traditional steel cables, it’s the adjustability that makes it even more challenging to foil. Unlike traditional locks, the OTTO can be drawn tight. That makes it harder for bandits to slip their bolt cutters around the band.
The 18mm width and 155-gram weight of our 30-inch sample rolls into a tight loop and easily slips into a bag or jersey pocket. Strong detents and bright numbers on the combination dial make operating the lock easy, and the soft rubberized coating ensures nothing gets scratched or damaged with the lock in place. Available in red, orange, and black, the lock housing is coated with chip-resistant Cerakote ceramic paint.
It’s the draw-tight feature of the OTTO which I find most useful. I’ve trusted OTTO to secure my bike to my roof rack and my helmet to my motorcycle. I wrap it around my skis, use it to secure my luggage, and frequently loop it through my unlocked rear bike wheel on my hitch rack.
Priced at $55, $65, ad $75 in corresponding lengths, it’s not a cheap lock, but the OTTO certainly is one of the most versatile.
