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Well invested: a secure bike lock helps prevent theft - mostly
Photo: Reinhard Krull / EyeEm / Getty Images
Lots of light, but also shade: That could be the conclusion of the current test of 20 bicycle locks by Stiftung Warentest (issue 5/2021).
Half of them do well.
But more than a quarter fail as "poor".
But only one of them because it's way too easy to crack.
The other five models, priced from 30 to 139 euros, contained substances that are suspected of being carcinogenic or of damaging fertility.
This also applies to candidates who are particularly safe to break into.
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Two of the loaded models could otherwise have been test winners with "very good".
No lock gets a better rating than "good".
The foundation examined a total of 20 different models from 30 to 160 euros.
These included five U-locks, four folding locks and six chain locks.
There are also three permanently installed frame locks with an additional chain and two locks with a textile cover.
Good security from 30 euros
The folding lock "Kryptonite Kryptolok 685 Folding Lock" with a price of 50 euros is in first place together with three chain locks: Like the "Axa Newton Promoto + 4 100 / 10.5" (64 euros), it receives the "Kryptonite New York Chain 1210 ”(80 euros) and the“ Decathlon B'Twin 900 Chain L ”were rated“ good ”(grade 1.9).
The latter can also be celebrated as a price-performance winner with 30 euros.
When it comes to padlocks, the »Abus Granit Plus 640 / 135HB1 50« - cost: 85 euros - »good« (2.0).
The “Trelock FS 480 Cops” (95 euros) also got this rating (2.5) for the folding locks.
In addition to the chain locks mentioned, the “Abus Ivy Chain 9210/110” for 120 euros and the “Trelock BC 680” for 63 euros are “good” (2.0 and 2.1).
As one of two textile locks in the test, the "Litelok Gold Wearable Size L" scores "good" (2.4) for 160 euros.
The “Trelock RS 453 Protect-O-Connect” is a frame lock for 74 euros and is also rated “good” (2.0).
In addition to the total of six models with “unsatisfactory”, four locks are “satisfactory”.
Pollutants as a problem
Cyclists can be exposed to the pollutants mentioned for longer than just unlocking and locking.
For example, a provider advertises that the lock, which weighs almost 2.4 kilograms, can be tied around the waist while driving, the testers explain.
»We have asked the providers concerned for their comments.
Some questioned our results, others contacted their suppliers, «writes the magazine in relation to the reactions of the suppliers confronted with the test.
In some cases, our own tests could not have repeated the results; other manufacturers spoke of "individual outliers".
Only one offered the exchange.
The best way for cyclists to secure their vehicle is to attach it as high as possible to solid, stable objects such as stakes or poles.
The best way to do this is to take two locks and secure the frame together with the front or rear wheel.
Using models from different manufacturers makes it a little more difficult for specialized thieves.
ene / dpa