Wearable locks are designed to remove the necessity for a pannier or backpack, so whether or not you are commuting or popping to a neighborhood watering gap, you may journey with out the extra weight of a standard chain or U-lock in your bag.
Squire makes all its locks within the UK and is without doubt one of the few manufacturers, alongside Litelok and Abus, that provides wearable choices. I’m reviewing the Straplok 35/850 wearable mannequin, however it additionally provides the Chainlok 10, which makes use of the identical wearable adapter and lock barrel however will get a a lot increased Diamond Offered Safe ranking.
Building
The Straplok 35/850 (850 denotes its general size in cm) contains a strap fabricated from a number of high-tensile metal cores. That is wrapped in a versatile outer layer protected by a neoprene cowl. The strap additionally has an adjustable extender that permits it to suit varied waist sizes, from 30”/76cm to 48”/122cm.
By far, the Straplok’s most unusual function is its patented ‘linear pin tumbler’ locking mechanism. This straightforward key slot system doesn’t require turning; as soon as the hot button is inserted, it opens on the push of a small button.
With its neoprene sleeve the Straplok is extremely comfy to put on
(Picture credit score: Future/Matt Ischt-Barnard)
Should you want additional attain, or take the belt-and-braces strategy to securing your bike, a number of Straplok 35s might be related collectively. A pair might be bought at a reduction bundle worth of £129.99.
The claimed weight for a single lock is simply 1.2kg / 2.7 lbs, and the Straplok has a Offered Safe Silver ranking. It is obtainable in a selection of 4 shiny colors plus black for individuals who don’t love to face out. Included with the lock are two keys and a wearable adapter, which lets you alter the Straplok to the dimensions of your waist.
In use
On the scales, I found the Straplok is lighter than acknowledged, coming in at simply 1.1kg, which is sort of gentle for a lock of this kind. Moreover, it’s narrower and flatter than the Litelok Core Plus I lately examined, extra carefully resembling a belt, making it considerably extra comfy to put on.
The belt adapter works reasonably nicely. Because it attaches at each ends of the lock, I may ratchet it as much as obtain a cushty and safe place round my torso when driving. I want this method to the one utilized by Litelok on its wearable vary, and it is also significantly simpler to take away if it isn’t wanted.
A superb wearable adapter means you may safe the lock firmly in place when driving with it round your waist
(Picture credit score: Future/Matt Ischt-Barnard)
When it got here time to lock up my bike, the Straplok’s flexibility was an amazing assist. Its flexible nature meant I may comfortably navigate awkward locking conditions that may have proved far harder with a much less pliant lock. Attaching two Straploks collectively is an easy answer whenever you want an extended attain, comparable to when locking two bikes or securing a single bike to a lamppost.
The locking mechanism stands out. It feels strong, and the comfort of not having a rotating key and barrel ought to make it dependable in opposition to the weather. Moreover, the push-button response is delightfully uncomplicated—there is no catching or having to really feel for engagement.
Insert the important thing and push the button, it is so simple as that
(Picture credit score: Future/Matt Ischt-Barnard)
One other ingredient I appreciated was the delicate neoprene cowl. It’s light in your garments and your bike’s paint while considerably growing the consolation of carrying the lock. Nonetheless, though I did not use the lock within the rain, the material shortly picked up dust and grease when dealt with and I fear that this will likely bleed into my clothes over time. Furthermore, the sleeve will not be detachable for laundry.
One concern that might show extra problematic than a unclean shirt is the lock’s low Silver Offered Safe ranking. Whereas I consider half the battle of preserving a motorbike safe is having a visible deterrent, sadly, a Silver ranking will provide little resistance in opposition to the brand new breed of angle grinder-wielding thieves.
That mentioned, it’s not a lock designed to safe a high-end bike for hours away from common foot visitors. Moderately, it is for these of decrease worth, say as much as £1,000, for brief intervals and to discourage opportunist criminals.
Tremendous versatile, the straplok provides loads of attain on the bike rack, even for an e-bike.
(Picture credit score: Future/Matt Ischt-Barnard)
Conclusions and worth
Whereas it has a low-security ranking, the Squire Straplok 35/850 is a brilliant lock. It has been well-thought-out in response to how folks use locks and what they really require from them. I applaud Squire for this consideration to element and high quality analysis.
At £69.99, it’s bang on the cash, contemplating its first rate specification. The truth is. the Straplok is priced in step with different versatile choices such because the Seatylock Foldylock Compact my colleague Luke examined final yr.
There are increased safety non-wearable choices at related costs although, just like the OnGuard Pitbull Mini, which provides a Diamond ranking and weighs solely a contact extra a 1.3kg. Subsequently, you must take into account whether or not having the ability to put on a lock is a must have function earlier than making a purchase order.
