The age-old problem of bike locks is that they either lack security or they’re too bulky and heavy to carry – especially on a serious road ride. While many minds have attempted to find the ideal balance between these priorities a few folks from Portland, Oregon have come up with a unique solution: the OTTOLOCK.
The cinch-style OTTOLOCK is lightweight and flexible but also durable enough to resist cutting from pliers or bolt cutters. It’s quite small as well, rolling up to just 3” around and weighing about a quarter of a pound.
The OTTOLOCK has already more than doubled its funding goal on Kickstarter, and there’s still plenty of time left in the campaign. Read on to find out how this simple looking lock defeats cutting tools with its clever strap design…
There’s nothing cyclists hate more than carrying extra weight (especially road riders), so the OTTOLOCK’s creators partnered up with professional cyclist Jacob Rathe to showcase their product. He says no-one will carry a heavy chain or U-lock on a training ride, and everyone who’s seen his OTTOLOCK prototype wants one of their own.
The main feature of the OTTOLOCK is its cut-resistant band. Inside the 18mm wide strap a Kevlar band and multiple stainless steel bands are layered on top of each other, then coated in a very durable plastic called Santoprene. When pinched with a cutting tool the inner bands slip around on each other and reduce shear forces, making it extremely difficult for typical bolt cutters or pliers to cut through.
The lock uses a three number combination mechanism to open, and the combo can be reset to your preference. The lock’s head unit is made from ‘smash-proof’ aluminum, and the creators say the OTTOLOCKs have been rigorously tested for not only cut resistance, but smashing and pulling as well. It takes over 500 lbs of tensile force to pull an OTTOLOCK apart, and the production versions are slated to be even stronger.
With heavy-duty tools like angle grinders or hack saws, this lock can be defeated- thus, the creators say it’s not intended for overnight or long term storage in high-theft urban areas. For added security, the creators suggest cinching your OTTOLOCK as tightly as possible to make it harder to get leverage with cutting or prying tools.
The OTTOLOCK rolls up into a compact package so it easily fits in a jersey pocket or seat bag. The strap tucks neatly into a movable collar to keep it coiled up.
The lock can also be carried on your bike with the OTTOMOUNT, a basic strap-and-bracket assembly that attaches to any round tube between 1-2” in diameter. The mount’s strap is 5″ long, and it locks onto four tabs to hold it in place. The mounts are available in black or green.
The OTTOLOCK will be available in a shorter Pro-Ride 18”, an all-around 30” and an extended 60” version. The complete unit (30” length) weighs just 115g. Of course the lock can be used for securing just about anything, not just bikes, so you just might find a few handy applications for it.
While the early bird deals are sold out, a 30” OTTOLOCK (Black, Green or Orange) can currently be had for $49 USD. The first units are expected to ship out for February 2017. The OTTOLOCK’s Kickstarter campaign ends October 12, and you can check it out here.
