Litelok X1 Review

If you've been tracking the latest innovations in bike security, you know the industry is currently focused on defeating the ultimate threat: the angle grinder. Amidst a sea of marketing promises, Litelok has emerged with a proprietary composite they call “Barronium.” While many brands overpromise, our testing confirmed that the Litelok X1 actually delivers. Like its heavier cousin, the X3, this lock eats grinder discs without giving in and is among the most formidable locks we've ever encountered.

It's a “tough-as-nails” lock with a surprisingly soft exterior, thanks to a thick rubber coating that shields your bike's paint. If you'd rather trade the pinnacle of security for a lighter or easier-to-carry lock, there are numerous options that are lighter, cheaper, and easier to carry. But if your only priority is ensuring your bike is still there when you return, this should be at the top of your list.

Security

The Litelok X1 essentially redefined our expectations for high-end security. Its 21-24mm shackle, reinforced with a specialized composite, laughed at the same angle grinders that slice through standard steel locks in seconds. To ensure data consistency, we used a corded grinder with premium metal-cutting discs in a controlled vice. This would be a “best-case scenario” for a thief, but it's also the safest and most reproducible way for us to test lock strength. Even then, it took more than 3 minutes to make a single cut. Because of the anti-rotation locking mechanism, a thief must cut the shackle twice to remove the lock, bringing the total defeat time to nearly 395 seconds and requiring 3 full grinding discs.

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While we aren't professional locksmiths or lock pickers, the cylinder resisted our attempts. Given that most street thefts are destructive rather than technical, we're less concerned with the lock cylinder's pickability. The keyway features a protective rubber cover that keeps out water and debris, and it feels remarkably precise when locking and unlocking. The lock includes two keys. If you register your lock when it's new and then lose one, Lifelok will send you a free replacement.

Ease of Transport

There is an inevitable trade-off in bike security: the harder a lock is to break, the harder it usually is to carry. At 3.7 pounds, the X1 is fairly heavy. It is notably lighter than either of the Kryptonite New York locks we tested and offers significantly higher security. There is no frame mount for this lock, and that's relatively common for a lock of this weight. Securing it to a single point on your frame could damage a tube. You're best off stowing this lock in a pannier or backpack, or using multiple velcro straps to reduce the strain on any one part of your bike.

If you're concerned about damaging other items with the lock, know that the rubberized exterior is soft and didn't blemish our bike or laptop when we carried them together. Litelok provides a neoprene bag for the lock, but we often skipped that step and found no adverse effects.

Ease of Use

Our experience with the lock made it feel like a premium product. Some of these lock cylinders have a false bottom where the key can insert and turn but not unlock, or a feel that the pins and tumblers are not aligning. We never had that experience with the Litelok, and the thin rubber cover over the keyhole keeps it dry without adding an extra step to the locking/unlocking process.

Versatility

The Litelok X1 is a bit of a specialist, and its rigid dimensions limit where it can go. We struggled to fit it around oversized tires or some ebike downtubes. The interior of the lock measures 4 x 7.5", and while the shackle fits most standard bike racks, you don't have the versatility to lock to non-bike-rack-shaped objects.

It's worth noting that if the lock is so thick that you're forced to secure it to a flimsy thin-gauge fence or a wooden post, the lock's strength becomes irrelevant. A thief will simply cut the “weak link” (the post) in seconds.

Should You Buy the Litelok X1?

If you park an expensive rig in a high-theft urban area, this lock is an awesome insurance policy. It provides unparalleled peace of mind against the modern thief's favorite tool. However, if you are on a budget or prioritize a lightweight setup for casual rides, the X1's weight and cost might be overkill.

What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?

If you need greater versatility, the Abus Ivera 7210 offers greater flexibility in an easy-to-carry form factor. If you need something slightly larger and can park it in a public area where angle-grinder attacks are less of a concern, the ABUS Granit X-Plus 540 is a good choice.