Just how far would you be willing to go, to ensure that nearly every part on your bicycle was able to be protected from thieves? Would you be willing to replace, or modify nearly all the exposed fasteners on your bike? That seems the be the question Atomic22 is posing, with their soon to be released infiniti3D security system.
The concept of locking skewers, seatpost binders, etc, is nothing new, just Google “locking skewers” and you will be instantly gratified with results from Pinhead, OnGuard, Delta, and more. Pitlock even offers brake and headset security, but what if you wanted to take it even another step further?
Infiniti3D seems to offer just that, or the ability to lock nearly every exposed part on the bike. In order to make this possible, first you would have to design a new key, which is exactly what Atomic22 set out to do.
Check out the heart to the Infiniti3D after the break.
Up to this point, the weak point to most systems has been the ability to produce a key that is small enough to fit into small parts on the bicycle, yet is able to be made into many different keys. While some locking skewers simply use a three pronged, generic key, Pitlock seems to have the best “key” up to this point, with an impressive 256 different Pit keys. However, at this point the design is limited to axles, brakes, 1 1/8th threadless topcaps, and replaceable dropout bolts.
Instead of utilizing an external key or socket to lock parts to the bike, Atomic22 knew that in order to truly be able to prevent every part from theft, a compact, internal key was necessary. To address this issue, Infiniti3D relies on a patent pending 3D key design that supposedly offers nearly infinite permutations. As illustrated above, the key shape is created in any arbitrary pattern that will fit onto the bolt head, and is then made even more unique by the depth profile of the keyway channel as shown by the key on the left. As with most keyed systems, users will be logged into a database with their specific key automatically, which will enable replacement keys to be purchased, or new locking hardware to be made for new parts or bikes. Since every key is different, there is no serial number on the parts like some other systems. Customers will have the ability to buy as few, or as many keyed parts as they would like, and will be able to purchase any replacements or parts for additional new bikes or parts in the future.
When the Infiniti3D system refers to protection for just about every part, they mean it. Above you can see an FSA stem that has the locking headset cap, along with locking faceplate bolts, but the system doesn’t stop there. Cranksets, chainrings, seatposts clamps, seatpost bolts, threaded stems, front derailleurs, rear derailleurs, pedals, brakes, and even STI levers all have the possibility of being secured! Thanks to the unique design of the 3D key, the design is able to be integrated into small bolt heads, and due to the high end nature of the products most likely to be protected, Atomic22 has sought out the best materials to build their parts. Working closely with Royce UK, the entire system is completely manufactured in the UK, and is made of high quality aerospace grade materials, including Ti. Apparently, when Atomic22 set out to create the Intiniti3D system, they wanted to create a system that would garner peace of mind, without affecting performance.
As you can imagine, creating a locking system that is compatible with so many different parts, on equally many bikes would prove to be quite a challenge, which is probably why a system to this degree hasn’t been done before.
So where can you buy the Infiniti3D system, when, and how much? For starters, the system is set to be fully launched this summer via their website. Currently, all sales are set to be through the website, due to the incredible amount of combinations and parts necessary for the system to work, although generic packages may be in the works in the future. Pricing is also yet to be determined. Apparently, there will also be a phase 2 of the project this fall, which “promises a solution to heavy, breakable bike locks.”
To our readers, what do you think? Is this something you would consider for your bike, or do you feel it might be a little too much?
