Bike lock comparison: A tex–lock is more beautiful, more flexible and more secure than other types of bike lock

The seemingly simple fabric bike lock combines a super-strong metal core with modern textile fibers to protect your bike from theft and scratches.

Thanks to the patented high-end technology at tex–lock, the textile-based bike lock combines the advantages of all other types of bike lock without their disadvantages.

See for yourself with this bike lock comparison!

The textile lock as a new type of bike lock

Beneath the exceptionally soft, supple feel of the tex–lock, lies a patented high-end technology that redefines security, functionality and design in the world of bike locks. The textile fibers of the tex–lock are not superficial cosmetics, but a functional component of the overall design. The high-tech fibers used embed the several millimetre thick chain made of hardened special steel and form a composite. The result is a flexible but robust textile lock that is resistant to saws, cutting tools and fire. It is lighter than many comparable locks of the same security class and does not rattle when riding. The textile surface also gives the tex–lock not only a stylish design, but also reliable paint protection. As a result, the tex–lock is not a simple fabric bike lock with a pretty cover, but a high-quality, textile-based bike lock that has been proven to combine high theft protection, convenience and design.

Combines the advantages of all types of bike lock: tex–lock versus U-lock & Co.

Before we go through all the bike lock types in detail and compare the pros and cons with tex–lock , you should take a look at the bike lock comparison from ENJOYYOURBIKE-professional Matze:

Let's take a look at each bike lock individually compared to tex–lock ...

tex–lock versus U-lock

U-locks have a U-shaped shackle made of metal or hardened steel, which is usually encased in plastic and connected to an elongated lock body. Because of this shape, U-locks are also called U-locks.

The higher the quality and thickness of the material, the more difficult it is to destroy the shackle. The same applies to the lock cylinder. The more compact it is, the more difficult it is to pick. U-locks therefore usually have a very high level of security.

However, the high security level often comes at the expense of weight and flexibility.
U-locks are known as relatively heavy bike locks and offer no scope for flexible locking. Either the shackle fits or it doesn't.

This means that not every fixed object is suitable for locking, e.g. because it is too wide or you can't get close enough with the bike frame. In addition, it is rarely possible to lock several components at the same time. However, locking as many bike parts as possible is particularly important because thieves also steal valuable individual parts.

This is where the tex–lock eyelet comes into play.

tex–lock eyelet: U-lock with textile cable

The tex–lock eyelet is a combination of the U-lock and textile cable of your choice. You can choose between the eyelet U/X-lock Bundle and the eyelet D-lock Bundle . You can find out which of the two models is the best U-lock for you in the U-lock guide. The eyelet textile rope is available in three lengths (80, 120, 160 cm) and different designs. Both Bundle are ultra flexible, comparatively light and certified secure!

In a bicycle lock comparison, the U/X-lock with the two shackles (longer X-lock shackle, shorter U-lock shackle) is significantly lighter than other U-locks with the same high level of security (ART*2). At the same time, the slightly larger D-lock is the lightest Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond U-lock on the market! Thanks to the textile cable, both U-locks do not need to be large and bulky and therefore not heavy either.

Instead, the textile rope is placed around all important bike parts, even around objects that are wide and far away. The eyelets at both ends of the rope can be used to form a loop, allowing you to use the full length of the rope to connect it. The textile cable is then connected to the U-lock at the smaller eyelet.

No single U-lock can provide more security, not to mention the enormous flexibility, simple handling and easy transportation.

tex–lock versus chain lock

The chain lock is just as much a classic among bicycle locks as the U-lock.

It consists of a chain made of metal or hardened steel, which is usually coated to protect it from the weather and paint scratches.

Depending on the quality of the chain lock, the chain ends in a simple locking mechanism or an anti-picking lock.

The individual chain links are movable, which gives the lock a lot of flexibility, but also causes annoying rattling while riding.

The cycling experts at cyclingnews.com have so far preferred chain locks to U-locks because of their flexibility. But they also criticize the rattling and the heavy weight.

Since they put the lock to the tex–lock test they have also hung up the chain lock. Because according to Josh Ross...

"combines [the tex–lock] all the advantages of chain locks without their disadvantages."

Josh Ross of cyclingnews.com

This tex–lock orbit is the perfect alternative to the conventional chain lock.

It has a hardened steel chain inside and textile fibers around it, which not only give the lock saw, cut and paint protection, but also protect your ears from rattling. Together with the lockpicking-resistant lock body, the orbit has a high level of security.

A high-quality chain lock offers you as much flexibility and security as the tex–lock.
However, chain locks rattle annoyingly in your ears and are usually heavier than a tex–lock while offering the same level of security.

tex–lock versus folding lock

Folding locks consist of several hardened steel segments that are folded together like a folding rule. This means that the folding lock often has a practical size for transportation, but is also relatively heavy.

The hardened steel offers a high level of protection against theft, as time usually runs out for bike thieves once they have bent the segments or damaged the rivets. You will have some difficulty freeing your bike from the now defective folding lock and will certainly have to buy a new one, but at least your bike is protected against theft.

The high level of security provided by the individual elements comes at the expense of flexibility, as the rigid segments can only be moved in one plane. As a result, connecting and folding can be cumbersome and it takes a relatively long time to connect your bike to a solid object .

In the bike lock comparison, a tex–lock offers just as much protection against violent attacks as the folding bike lock and is just as practical to transport thanks to its flexibility and comparatively low weight. At the same time, it can be locked and unlocked in a matter of seconds.

tex–lock versus cable lock

Cable locks consist of a steel cable that is surrounded by plastic and has a locking cylinder at the end. Unlike chain locks, nothing usually rattles here. From mini cable locks and spiral cable locks to armored cable locks, this classic lock is available in various sizes and security levels.

Particularly lightweight and flexible cable locks are ideal for transportation. However, they offer little security for high-quality bicycles. This is because talented thieves have an easy time cutting through the thin cable on these usually inexpensive models.

More expensive models often have a cable several millimeters thick, which gives the cable lock good protection, but makes it heavier and more rigid during transport and handling.

A tex–lock is more flexible than a cable lock, easier to handle and easier to transport while offering the same level of security. Even talented thieves don't have an easy game here, but bite their teeth out on the textile fiber bike lock, as you can see in the videos from vit:bikes and CyclingClaude in the tex–lock test videos.

tex–lock versus frame lock

No high-quality bike has sufficient protection against theft if it is only secured with a frame lock. It is far too easy for a bike with a frame lock to be lifted and carried away.

The necessary additional protection is provided by a frame lock extension, which can be used to secure the bike to a solid object .

The perfect solution tex–lock mate is the perfect solution: The 120 cm long textile cable with universal bolt, which fits all standard frame locks, allows several bike partsto be secured simultaneously on one solid object . The mate is significantly lighter than conventional insert chains for frame locks.

Conclusion about the tex–lock in the bike lock comparison with U-lock & Co.

The tex–lock combines pretty much all the advantages of the different types of bike lock without their disadvantages.

1. Compared to U-locks:
   • U-locks are secure, but heavy and inflexible.
   • The tex–lock eyelet bundles offer additional safety with less weight and maximum flexibility.
2. Compared to chain locks:
   • Chain locks are flexible, but they rattle and are often heavy (the higher the security level).
   • The tex–lock orbit is as flexible as a chain lock, but is lighter and does not rattle.
3. Compared to folding locks:
   • A folding bike lock is secure, but inflexible to use.
   • The tex–lock offers the same high level of safety, but is more flexible and lighter, which makes it easier to use and transport.
4. Compared to cable locks:
   • Cable locks are lightweight but offer limited security.
   • The tex–lock offers greater safety combined with greater flexibility and easy handling.
5. Compared to frame locks:
   • A frame lock alone does not provide sufficient protection against theft.
   • The tex–lock mate is an extension for all standard frame locks, flexibly securing several parts at the same time on a solid object .

tex–lock Textile locks are a remarkable alternative to conventional types of bicycle locks, as they are secure, flexible, light, comfortable and attractive.

This makes a tex–lock the perfect type of bike lock for you if you want to be safe on the road and at the same time value convenience and a stylish design.
Find out now which of the three models is the best bike lock for you and your bike.

Let's go!