OTTO DesignWorks Ottolock Cinch Review

There's a continuous tension between portability and security in the bike lock world, and, to some degree, we get it. In a sense, you have to choose how much weight you want to carry versus how much security you're willing to risk. The Ottolock Cinch attempted to find the right balance between bulky security and ease of transport with its multiple layers of steel and Kevlar® bands that coil up to a 3-inch circle that can fit into a saddle bag or backpack. In terms of portability and weight, it's stellar. It can fit into a jersey pocket, which is great. Unfortunately, security is this lock's Achilles heel.

Security

As a plastic-covered steel band secured with a combination lock, the Ottolock offers about the same security as the HipLok Z-Lok, which is much less than that of your standard U-lock. For cyclists searching for a lightweight lock that weighs just 5.3 ounces, this one is easy to carry, whether you have a backpack or keep it in your jersey pocket. Our testers were more than happy to carry this lock with us on our training rides, joy rides, and commutes, making it more likely that we were using a bike lock at all — because even the most secure lock won't do a bit of good if you leave it at home because it's too bulky/heavy to go along for the ride.

The company doesn't market this lock as the end-all to bike security: the website for this particular model clearly states, “Ottolock is not a replacement for a U-Lock. For maximum security, use a redundant locking method with both a U-Lock and a secondary lock.” We appreciate their honesty, and based on our testing, we agree that this is not a high-security lock at all. Given the results of our testing, we're not even sure we're comfortable recommending it for medium-risk areas. Granted, we used the lock in a small mountain town and had no issues. But it would be best if you always remembered to take anecdotal bike lock stories with a grain of salt.

We couldn't break this lock with wire snips or a hacksaw, but a hammer did. If you keep the locking mechanism off the ground when securing your bike, the feat would be nearly impossible (another reminder to follow best locking practices). With our 36" bolt cutters, it took our “thieves” about two minutes to cut through it. The Kevlar wrapping around the flat steel band proved an effective way to delay the inevitable defeat. However, a pair of tin snips (which cost less than ten bucks) cut the band in just over a second, which is why we aren't rating this lock very highly for security. Needless to say, an angle grinder also got through this lock very quickly.

Ease of Transport

At only 5.3 oz, the flexible Ottolock easily coils into a jersey pocket, backpack, around your seat-post, or into a larger saddlebag, making it an easy companion on most recreational and commute rides. We were skeptical about the claim that this contender fits into your back pocket (talk about an easy way to make that bike saddle uncomfortable!); still, the Ottolock was much easier to transport than U-locks.

We also got around town with this lock cinched to our bike frame, making it quick and convenient to access and not weighing down anything noticeably.

Ease of Use

This lock seems pretty straightforward on the surface: it's a steel-coated band covered in Kevlar with a combination lock. The end slides through the lock, and when you depress a small silver button, the band slides in or out. As designed, the lock is incredibly easy to use, and unless you forget the combination, you're probably golden. Setting and resetting the combination is super easy when following the included instructions.

We appreciated the soft band, which won't scratch the paint off our frames and can be made to go around both tires, the frame, and a bike rack (as long as you remove the front wheel and put it next to the back one). The combination was easy enough to use and sometimes quicker than a key (except when we forgot the combination, which has more to do with the inside of our skulls than anything wrong with the lock).

The only downside to a combination lock is in low-light situations, so make sure you carry a light with you so you can see the numbers on the lock.

Versatility

Our reviewers loved the cable-like design of this lock that enables more creative locking solutions than the more rigid U-locks. By removing the front wheel of your bike and locking it next to the rear wheel, the lock enabled our reviewers to secure both road and mountain bikes, which we thought was quite impressive. Although it offers a wide range of locking options, we caution you to be aware of where you're locking your bike. As mentioned in the Security metric, a savvy thief can destroy this lock within seconds.

Should You Buy the OTTO DesignWorks Ottolock Cinch?

Honestly, we were disappointed by this lock, which claims to offer medium security but was easily picked within seconds when faced with tin snips. We wouldn't recommend it for high-security stations or overnight use. The bottom line is, if you have any reservations about where you're leaving your bike, don't leave it in the care of the Ottolock.

Even with larger wheels--whether they're mountain or road-- can be accommodated with this lock.   Credit: Rebecca Eckland

Locking up at a lakeside concert in a mountain town, the Ottolock doesn't strike us as more secure than the cable locks surrounding it.   Credit: Ross Robinson

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