What Are Sold Secure Bike Locks?
What Are Sold Secure Bike Locks?
The Sold Secure organisation test bike locks by physically trying to break them under laboratory conditions. They then rate the locks Bronze, Silver or Gold according to how long they take to break into. Gold being the best. Insurers will insist on a standard of lock to provide cover.
Who are Sold Secure?
Sold Secure is an independent organisation. It was originally setup by Northumberland and Essex police forces with the help of the Home Office. The Master Locksmiths Association took over but still work closely with police forces.
Sold Secure have their own laboratory near Daventry where they test out locks. They have a team of professional locksmiths. They test each lock using the same tools and techniques. To see which ones stand up against attacks for the longest. Sold Secure work with police on understanding new lock breaking techniques used on the streets.
What are the Sold Secure Ratings?
The sold secure ratings are done on a grade. They don’t mean that one lock will definitely stand up to attack for a set period of time. Instead they give a guide to the general level of protection.
- Gold locks are the hardest to break and offer the top level of protection. Use them in high crime areas. On high value bikes and when the bike is being left for longer periods of time. For example outside your work all day.
- Silver locks offer reasonable protection at a lower cost than a gold lock. They should be used in medium risk situations. This might be locking your bike while you are at the gym or while it is inside your home.
- Bronze lock are only designed to deter opportunistic thieves. They should be used in low risk situations. This might be locking you bike outside a café or shop while you quickly pop in.
Which Locks to Buy?
Trelock U5 Mini 180mm U-Lock and Flex Cable
The Trelock U5 Mini 180mm U-Lock and Flex Cable is rated as Sold Secure Gold. It is a compact U-Lock which is easy to carry in a bag. Or on your bike using the universal mounting bracket supplied with the lock. The short length of the lock also makes it harder to attack. The U5 mini comes supplied with a 120cm Flex cable which can be used to loop around your front wheel or accessories to secure them at the same time.
This lock uses a high security disc-style cylinder which is pick and drill resistant. The lock also has a protective vinyl cover this stops it scratching your paintwork.
Trelock are a relatively new brand to the UK. They have been making bicycle accessories in Germany for 160 years. Trelock make high quality and reliable locks and are part of the same global group as Kryptonite
Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 Lock With 4 foot Cable
The Kryptonite Evolution Mini 7 Lock With 4 foot Cable is a Sold Secure Gold lock. It provides top level security for high value bikes and high crime areas. The d-lock gives you a secure lock for your bike. The cable lets you loop through wheels to secure the bike as a whole.
The 13mm hardened steel shackle resists bolt cutters and leverage attacks. The hardened double deadbolt gives additional protection against twist attacks. The lock mechanism itself is both pick and drill resistant.
This lock is supplied with the Kryptonite Flexframe U-Bracket. So the lock can be easily attached to your bike for transporting.
Trelock FS500 90cm TORO Black Folding Lock
The Trelock FS500 90cm TORO Black Folding Lock is rated as Sold Secure Gold. It is the safest folding lock in the Trelock range.
The links that make up the lock are resistant to attack. While the strong, flexible hinge pins, known as Security Link, make this folding lock particularly safe. A dust cover cap protects the IN-X inline cylinder from dirt and rubberized rods protect your bike frame from scratches. The award-winning FS500 TORO is easy to lock even in the dark thanks to its built-in automatic locking mechanism.
Kryptonite Evolution 1090 Integrated Chain Lock
The Kryptonite Evolution 1090 Integrated Chain Lock is Sold Secure Gold. The Evolution Series 4 Integrated Chains are for bicycle protection in moderate to high crime areas. It measures 10 MM X 90 CM. The hardened triple heat-treated boron manganese steel chains include 10mm six-sided links. The chain is enclosed in a nylon-webbing sleeve to protect paint from scratches. This allows for easier portability and tight coiling during storage.
