fefelarue

Hey folks, I've recently finished my final year BSc Product Design university project, designing a bike lock, and have put it together in a video.

Any feedback good or bad would be great.


Thanks!

GravelMN

I think it's an interesting concept to try to foul the tools with whatever fiber that is. I'd be more interested in this as a straight enclosed chain that I wrapped around the seatpost, stem, or wore bandoleer style like a NYC bike messenger rather than having it wrap around the top tube. Good idea, keep at it.

RoadTire 

Love the fouling of the rotary tools and yet can handle the large bolt cutters. What about really sharp slicing blades to strip the material making the chain available to the rotary cutters? (Don't answer that, just putting it out there) I can see this concept handles just about any carrying style such as GraveMN asked about. Also seems you can put any amount of fouling material wrapper around the chain acting as padding also. Good job!

EnsitMike

I dig the utility of velcro on the top bar.

I'm not convinced, however, on your proof of concept as far as defeating the lock. You approached it with the intent of having it work, not with the intent of actually defeating your lock. The shot that shows the chain inside under the fibers proves that the fibers can be pulled out and moved to the side to attack the chain.

Also, I think the lock was an oversight. Why attack the chain and fibers, when you can just take a hacksaw to the lock itself. It is still very much exposed without fibers.

pavemen

A bit short in its current design, but for a basic bike with no QR wheels, etc then it should be fine as-is.

chaadster

+1, and my first thought. The lock is the obvious target.

chaadster

I guess the priority is on portability, and the TT fastening is clever, but having a separate, heavy padlock to carry isn't so great, and the solution is not light (presuming steel chain). Also seems a bit fussy to deploy.

EnsitMike

Agreed about the weight and extra lock. I'd much rather keep doing the lock in the belt method when I'm on my city/"commuter" bike.

Jiggle

Couple of things:

It's a good idea. I would probably use it with a larger lock and larger diameter chain. So don't take my criticism as me just being mean.

24" Harbor Freight bolt cutters will defeat the lock you show in less than a minute. I've done it.

That 1/4" chain will not hold up to bolt cutters. I tested Grade 100 chain in all sizes up to 1/2", and 3/8" was the smallest size that could not be cut with one person on some 36" hf cutters. I think your cutter in the video was either dull or you are not very strong.

The grinder demos were not relevant because the lock will always be there to be attacked. No lock can hold up to a grinder. The best bike lock designs REQUIRE a grinder so the thief will be forced to make noise and take time. You need to focus on making it bolt cutter-proof.

alexaschwanden

Nice concept , how much is it?

fefelarue

It was a university project. I really wanted to conceal the locking mechanism inside the lock itself and not have a padlock, but I don't have the resources at university to manufacture something like that, so I chose this as a way to have a functioning prototype, rather than a slightly better idea but nothing to show for it..

But yes, the padlock at the moment is the weak point, even though it has a concealed shackle. But if I sell them, it won't be exactly as is in this video.

bikerjp

I have a lock like this.



It's heavy but I like how the lock is kind of integrated. If you could find a way to do something similar I think you could avoid the issues with the exposed lock and having a lighter (presumably) and easier to carry lock like what you have would be nice.

One thought, I like to run the chain lock around the frame and rear wheel. I can actually double wrap and take up all the slack making it harder to attack. Will your design work around the frame/wheel and not leave an obvious attack point?

EnsitMike

You've still got this issue. "The shot that shows the chain inside and under the fibers, proves that the fibers can be pulled out and moved to the side to attack the chain."

Also, if you think you've fooled us with the bolt cutters, you'd be wrong. Do it like a bike thief-- crouch down, put the handle against your body and pull towards you on the other handle with both hands. Don't press down. That chain is toast even inside fabric.

banerjek

An interesting idea. Aside the concerns already raised, I'm wondering what kind of muck you'll have growing in the fibers once it ages a bit and spends some time in the weather.

Northwestrider

I like the way it rides around the top tube when not in use. For a real test, may I suggest you lock a bike in a metropolitan area ( L.A. or Chicago ) with a camera watching the event.

Gus90

Interesting concept for sure. But couldn't you just cut the cover, push the fibers to one side and snip the chain? I like the ease of storage on the bike especially.

I searched and searched for a solution for my hybrid which is the only one I ever leave locked up for any period of time and have been using the Abus Bordo Granit X 6500 (sounds like a weight loss supplement, I know), but it's as heavy as a kryptonite u-lock. I would have definitely considered your lock if it was available at the time.

the case can mount using the braze-ons.

zymphad

I like it. Just need to design lightweight chain and durable lock for it. Then test in NYC. Watch the scum thieves try to steal it.

Best way to test it is to test it in the wild where the scum of all scum have experience being successful scumbags.

EnsitMike

why yes, yes you can.

fefelarue

Thanks for the comments everyone. Glad to see there are some positive opinions It seems like it definitely has potential...

chaadster

Maybe, fefelarue, you could simply offer your reinforced, fiber-filled sleeve as an adjunct for the TiGr lock, which is lightweight, easy to use, has the capability to capture frame and both wheels, and mounts in a variety of ways on various types of bikes. One velcro strap and it's secure.

If your sleeve really does stifle bolt cutter and grinder attacks (hey, maybe it would be cool if the fibers were flammable!), and is non-absorbent, it could add another line of defense to the TiGr for additional security.

Here's one of mine mounted to the top tube of my mini-velo; there is a cylinder lock that gets stashed in saddle bag, it is not so cumbersome that it cannot slip into a pocket comfortably.

zymphad

Flaming lock would ruin my bike

chaadster

Yeah, that was probably a bad idea...

aubiecat

Put it up on Kickstarter. You'll have the funds to develop a decent locking mechanism in no time.

fefelarue

I have

Just waiting for approval then it should be live on Kickstarter...

bikerjp

Well if it's that or stolen not much difference but a lock that bursts into flames might help teach thieves a lesson. Maybe a really big flash and bang would have less bike damage and more thief damage. Include a warning and it might be more a deterrent.