DIN SPEC 60016: The standard for textile bicycle locks

Every year, around 300,000 bicycles are stolen in Germany alone. That is why it is important to ensure the quality and resistance of bicycle locks. In addition to conventional security systems made of steel, there is now also our textile lock, for which there are now requirements and test procedures according to DIN SPEC 60016.

How is a DIN SPEC created?

In principle, the DIN SPEC is intended to be a guide for both founders and consumers. It helps to establish quality standards in the market, but should not be confused with a DIN standard. With a DIN SPEC, all stakeholders are first given the opportunity to contribute their expertise. In the end, all stakeholders must basically agree on the final contents. Above all, it is intended to help start-ups create acceptance for their new developments more quickly. The results can later be used as the basis for a DIN standard.

Other materials, other properties

When we launched the tex-lock , we knew that we were entering completely new territory. After all, a bicycle lock made of "fabric" had not existed before and seemed unthinkable to many at first. However, high-performance fibers bring with them many useful properties - they are flexible, lightweight and very robust. This made it possible to develop a product that is fundamentally different from bicycle locks made of pure steel. But unlike steel products, which have been on the market for decades, there were no set benchmarks for locks made of textile. This has now changed! All relevant challenges that a textile bicycle lock has to face in the course of its life have been defined by clear tests. At the Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI), our products were also tested according to these tests.

What does DIN SPEC 60016 contain?

In order to test how resistant a textile security lock is to unintentional and intentional damage, DIN SPEC 60016 describes special test procedures and specifies exact load values it must withstand. Mechanical, thermal and chemical attacks as well as environmental influences are taken into account. In total, DIN SPEC specifies eight test conditions and procedures to test the properties of textile security locks. For example, the high-performance fibres must not tear even when subjected to great force and must not be able to be easily cut, smashed or sawn. In addition, they must be fireproof, weatherproof and resistant to chemicals for a certain period of time. Depending on the make of the lock in question, the non-textile components are also tested. The DIN SPEC also defines the dimensions as well as the material of the test tools to be used. Together, these standards make it possible to test the quality of textile bicycle locks in a standardised manner.

What are the benefits of DIN SPEC 60016?

Through the DIN SPEC process, we were able to align our innovation with the current state of testing technology. At tex-lock, we see this as a very important step towards the safety certification of our textile bicycle lock. In addition, DIN SPEC 60016 promotes exchange with our partners and is incorporated into all production and development stages. This increases transparency for consumers. They can rest assured that thieves will not have an easy time in the event of wilful destruction.

DIN SPEC 60016 can be downloaded free of charge from www.beuth.de: www.beuth.de/go/din-spec-60016