Stiftung Warentest: Inexpensive bike locks also perform well
24.2.2023
Translation: machine translated
Stiftung Warentest has put bicycle locks through the wringer. The good news: safe doesn't have to be expensive.
If you've ever had a bike stolen, you know how important a proper lock is. The Stiftung Warentest regularly scrutinises locks from various suppliers. For example, 24 locks were tested for the current March issue.
The test winner 2023
The most secure lock is the "New York Lock" U-lock from Kryptonite. However, according to Stiftung Warentest, it is comparatively expensive and did not win overall due to its weight of 2.3 kilograms.
The overall victory went to the "Keeper" chain lock from Kryptonite, which weighs just 1.3 kilograms. Although it belongs to a medium security level according to the manufacturer, it passed the test: It received a score of 1.3 in the burglary resistance category.
Different security levels
Suppliers of bike locks categorise their products into different, self-selected security levels. Abus
for example, has 15 different levels. In addition to Abus, the consumer organisation also tested locks from the major brands Axa, Kryptonite and Trelock.
Locks with a high level of security deliver what they promise
For the test, Stiftung Warentest selected twelve locks each in a medium security class between 30 and 90 euros. There were also twelve products with a high security promise. Locks with a high security level are on average 100 to 200 euros more expensive than conventional models and are also heavier. However, all twelve locks with a high security level passed the test.
However, cheaper locks with a medium security level also performed well in the picking test in the laboratory: an attempt was made to open the lock for three minutes using various tools and methods. Medium security level locks also have the advantage that they are easier to handle and weigh less. U-locks, chain locks and folding locks all proved to be recommendable.
How was tested
? Overall, 70 per cent of the overall assessment was based on security. However, handling, harmful substances and durability also played a role according to Stiftung Warentest.
The losers
Three models did not pass the test with the grade "unsatisfactory". According to Stiftung Warentest, they could be opened so quickly that they offered hardly any protection against theft. These were the locks "BC 380" from Trelock, the "Bordo Lite 6055K/85 BK SH" from Abus and the "Clinch+ 85 black" from Axa.
Cover photo: Shutterstock/VDB Photos
A true local journalist with a secret soft spot for German pop music. Mum of two boys, a dog and about 400 toy cars in all shapes and colours. I always enjoy travelling, reading and go to concerts, too.
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