Litelok, the bicycle security firm founded by a former aeronautical engineer, has secured its first high street deal for its flagship ‘Gold’ lock.
The lock is being stocked by Evans Cycles online and in 44 of its city centre stores across the UK and will be exclusive to the chain until at least September 2017.
Made in Wales, the stunning-looking lock features a flexible strap made of ‘Boaflexicore’ – a multi-layered material invented by Litelok’s founder and CEO Professor Neil Barron. Each layer provides significant security, meaning the strap can withstand sustained attack from tools such as cable cutters, bolt croppers and hacksaws.
As well as impressive resistance to attack, the lock is the lightest Gold standard flexible bike lock. In addition, the material’s flexibility makes it easy to secure around fixed objects – such as trees and lamp posts – unlike rigid ‘D’ and ‘U’ bike locks. It also snaps securely shut without having to fiddle around with a key, while two Liteloks can even be combined with the same key for extra security or length.
Jimmy Challis, accessories buyer at Evans Cycles said: “We’d read about this small, innovative, British company bringing something new and exciting to the relatively static landscape of locks, so had to find out more. We met with Neil and his team and he told us about the quality of both Litelok’s unique material and the manufacturing process.
“After testing the product out for ourselves, we knew it’d resonate really well amongst our urban cycling customers. Cities are smothered in heavy, clunky, non-versatile D-locks – so it’s great to be involved with a product that’s offering something so different.”
Professor Barron added: “This lock weighs just 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) – compare that to other Gold standard locks which can weigh anything up to 15.2lbs (6.9 kg) – so it’s a major achievement to combine optimum security with lightness and flexibility. We also supply a pair of straps so that it can quickly and easily be attached and detached from the top tube or frame of any bike. We think it’s the ultimate urban-commuter bike lock.”