A handful of years ago, Litelok introduced its new X1 and X3 locks. The company’s claims of the “world’s lightest, most practical, and convenient angle grinder-resistant bike lock” seem to have some merit. Demonstrations showing angle-grinder discs being destroyed are prevalent, both from Litelok and independent reviewers.
Yet, customers wanted more — specifically, length. So Litelok took their most popular product and added nearly 60mm of length.
Impenetrable Bike Lock?
So, can these locks be cut? Yes, they can be cut with an angle grinder, and videos demonstrate just that. However, these videos also show that it takes significantly longer to cut through a Litelok X1 or X3 than another comparable lock.
For example, the video below shows a competitor’s lock cut through with an angle grinder in 15 seconds. An attempt to cut through the Litelok X3 takes 25 minutes, several cut-off wheels, and is ultimately unsuccessful.
Litelok claims its secret is Barronium. According to the brand, Barronium is a “fused composite armour made up of multiple, extremely hard ceramic and metallic materials.” Combining these creates a material much tougher than the cut-off wheel of angle grinders.
Combining “ium” with the name of the founder of Litelok, Neil Barron, creates something that sounds like it comes from a Marvel movie. Regardless, it apparently works.
But Barronium isn’t the only thing preventing thieves from cutting through the lock. Litelok claims three layers of protection on each lock.
- A hardened fine-grain high-tensile steel core.
- A Barronium layer is permanently fused to the core.
- A rubber outer layer that is difficult to cut and protects the bike’s frame.
These features are then paired with one of two locks. The Litelok X1 features an ART 4 lock. The X3 features the most pick-proof cylinder lock available (according to Litelok), the Abloy Sentry.
The New Litelok X1 Plus
While Litelok touts the X1 as five times more resistant to angle grinders than current, top-performing U-locks, customers wanted something a bit longer. Motorcycle riders who need to lock their bike to an immovable object especially want a longer lock.
Enter the Litelok X1 Plus. The X1 Plus is the same lock as the standard X1, but with an additional 58mm of length. The added length also adds weight — roughly 0.5 pounds (0.2 kilograms).
In addition to locking a bike or motorcycle to a fixed object more easily, the X1 Plus also allows multiple bikes to be locked together. It is also much easier to use on e-bikes and cargo bikes with larger tubes.
Litelok X1 Plus Details
- 4.2lbs / 1.9kg
- 101 x 255mm
- ART 4 lock
- X1 Tactical Mount and Restrap Holster compatible
- £199.99 / €249,00 / $259.99
