Secure bike lock: texlock is certified with ART and Sold Secure security level

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A secure bike lock determines whether a talented thief can steal your bike in a short time or whether he prefers to look for easier prey.

The importance of effective protection is shown by the Bicycle theft statistics from 2022Of over 115,000 cases in Germany, only 7% have been solved. So the chances of getting your stolen bike back are pretty slim. Not to mention the condition of the bike...

This is particularly unfortunate if you don't get any money back from the insurance company. Because you can only get it if you have a bike lock that is recognised by the insurance company. That's why we'll tell you what makes a secure bike lock and how you can recognise it.

How to recognise a secure bike lock

A secure bike lock is robustly constructed and consists of high-quality materials and a high-quality locking mechanism. It should provide protection against break-in attempts and be long enough to secure as many valuable bike parts as possible. Finally, it should be weatherproof and therefore durable so that your investment pays off for a long time. This is what characterises a secure bike lock in detail:

• High-quality materials: Robust materials, such as hardened steel or specially hardened chain links, are difficult to cut through. The stronger or thicker the material, the harder it is for bolt cutters, saws etc. to pick the lock.
• Robust construction: The materials should be sturdy and tamper-proof so that the bike lock cannot be easily bent, broken or cracked.
• Protection against break-in attempts: The lock should be resistant to typical break-in attempts such as picking, drilling and forcing.
• Weather resistance: Snow, rain, ice, wind, hail and other external influences must not harm the lock. Rust protection is therefore a must!
• High-quality locking mechanism: Robust and compact, it protects against lock picking and drilling. A key lock is generally more resistant to mechanical attacks than a combination lock. A double locking mechanism is particularly difficult for thieves to pick.
• Sufficient length: The lock should reach around the rear wheel, the frame and a fixed object. The more components that can be locked, the better.
• Security certificates: Independent test institutes such as ART and Sold Secure test and certify secure bike locks independently of the manufacturer's specifications.
• Insurance option: A good secure bike lock fulfils the requirements of bike insurance. So that you are financially compensated in the event of damage.

Not all of these features can be seen with the naked eye. For example, which attacks the locking mechanism can really withstand. The bicycle lock security levels of independent test institutes testify to this and more.

Why manufacturer-independent security levels are so important

The security tests carried out by independent test centres show you which bike lock is really secure. Independent testing institutions test the security of bicycle locks by means of standardised and comprehensive mechanical security tests. Only when a lock has passed these tests does it receive an official seal of approval with one of the bicycle lock security levels.

This may differ from the manufacturer's specifications. This is because manufacturers have their own definitions for the up to 15 bike lock security levels, which are usually very different from those of other suppliers. In addition to security, these often also include other aspects such as comfort and design.

These security levels therefore only provide limited information about the actual security of a bicycle lock. In this way, inferior locks are sometimes advertised with excessively high security levels.

For this reason, in the Netherlands, for example, an independently certified ART bicycle lock is even a mandatory component of bicycle insurance policies. And more and more German bicycle insurers are also demanding a bicycle lock with a ART certificate.

The independent ART Foundation tests secure bike locks

The Dutch ART Foundation is committed to protecting against bicycle theft. Its aim is to develop more and better prevention measures against bicycle theft.This work extends far beyond the Netherlands, making the foundation a recognised testing centre in the bicycle world in Germany as well.

What exactly does ART certified mean?

The ART certification indicates how secure a lock for two-wheelers is against theft. To assess the security, the ART Foundation submits all locks to the SKG-IKOB for extensive security tests. Once a lock has passed the mechanical tests, it receives the ART seal. This consists of a four-digit test number and a star system from 1 to 5 stars. The higher the number of stars, the higher the lock's anti-theft protection.

And what does ART*2 certified mean?

If a lock is ART*2 certified, it offers tested secure theft protection for bicycles. In order to receive the seal, the lock has withstood various violent attacks, for example with a 60 cm bolt cutter, which must NOT be placed on the ground for additional leverage. A ART*2-certified lock is therefore also a bolt cutter-proof bicycle lock.

And what is the highest security level for a secure bike lock at ART?

The highest security level for bicycle locks at ART is the ART*2 certificate. The higher security levels 3-5 confirm theft protection for mopeds, scooters and motorbikes. The foundation and most insurance companies recommend always locking bicycles to fixed objects with a ART*2 lock.

texlock is ART2 and ART3 certified

The tex-lock eyelet, orbit, U/X-lock and D-lock have been recognised as secure bike locks by the ART Foundation and stand out in their respective security classes due to their low weight.

ART2-certified locks: eyelet, orbit and UX-lock

The tex-lock orbit,that tex-lock eyelet in the U/X-lock Bundle and the U/X-lock The ART*2 safety tests have been passed by the ART Foundation and the ART*2 seal of approval has been awarded. The woven label at the end of the cable and the imprint on the locking cylinder thus seal the tested high level of theft protection for bicycles that the three tex-lock locks offer.

It gets even better: most bike locks in this security class weigh around 2 kg or more. At just 1.2 kg (100 cm) or 1.47 kg (120 cm), our orbit is therefore a particularly lightweight lock. Secure lightweight bike lock in this category. And the eyelet M incl. U/X-lock also weighs significantly less at approx. 1.5 kg.

The D-lock even adds a star to the U/X-lock and eylet U/X-lock Bundle. 

ART3 bicycle lock: D-lock and eyelet D-lock Bundle

The D-lock The ART*3 padlock has withstood even tougher mechanical security tests (e.g. 90 cm bolt cutters) and has been awarded the ART*3 seal of approval. The remarkably lightweight U-lock thus offers protection for bicycles with a high risk of theft, e.g. as an individual part and in the Bundle with the tex-lock eyelet. Bike lock for e-bikes.

However, the bike locks are not only ART-certified. Sold Secure has also given its blessing to the tex-lock locks.

Sold Secure tests security products independently of manufacturers

Sold Secure is the leading independent testing and certification organisation for security products in the UK. The security experts test bike locks, alarm systems and more to stop crime. This is Sold Secure closely linked to the British police and is recognised by insurance companies.

What security levels are available for Sold Secure bike locks?

There are four Sold Secure security levels, which vary according to the type of attack, the tools required and the time required. These four levels allow you to assess for yourself which security level is appropriate for the theft protection of your vehicle:

• Sold Secure Bronze
  Protects against opportunist theft with simple tools. It is therefore not a very secure bike lock and does not offer sufficient theft protection for expensive bikes.
• Sold Secure Gold
  Protects against targeted attacks with professional theft tools. A Sold Secure Gold bike lock is therefore the right choice for medium to high-priced bikes.
• Sold Secure Silver
  Protects against planned attacks with advanced burglary tools. Sold Secure silver bike locks are therefore the perfect mix of high security at a relatively low cost.
• Sold Secure Diamond
  Offers maximum protection against destructive attacks with special tools, e.g. angle grinders, and is therefore ideal for particularly high-quality bicycles, e-bikes and pedelecs.

In general, the higher the bike lock security level, the higher the cost and weight. Not so with tex-lock.

texlock is Sold Secure Gold and Diamond certified

In addition to the ART certification, the U/X-lock and D-lock individually and in the eyelet Bundle are also certified by Sold Secure as secure bike locks. Again, they weigh significantly less than other locks in this security class.

Sold Secure Gold Locks: UX-lock and eyelet UX-lock Set

The U/X-lock is certified individually and in the eyelet Bundle Sold Secure Gold and therefore has a proven high resistance to theft attempts. The longer X-lock shackle secures several bike parts or the bike to a fixed object. The shorter U-lock shackle sits closer to the bike instead, making it all the more difficult to crack open.

If your vehicle is exposed to a high risk of theft, it is better to play it safe with a Sold Secure Diamond lock.

Sold Secure Diamond Locks: D-lock and eyelet D-lock Set

Sold Secure has awarded the Sold Secure Diamond label to the D-lock individually and in the eyelet Bundle. At just 970 grams, the D-lock is the lightest Sold Secure Diamond U-lock on the market and therefore offers the 

The D-lock combines this maximum level of security with an equally high level of user-friendliness and durability. This makes it a particularly high-quality U-lock. Find out whether it is the Best U-lock is for you.

Conclusion: texlock locks are excellent as secure bike locks

A secure bike lock is your best chance against bike theft. As an unrivalled combination of high security, low weight, versatile application options and recognised certifications, tex-lock locks are the ideal solution for you if you are looking for a secure, lightweight bike lock. 

• Material and construction:
  High-tech fibres, hardened steel and robust construction make the eyelet, orbit, U/X-lock and D-lock resistant to bolt cutters and other tools.
• Locking mechanism:
  A compact and robust locking mechanism makes the bike lock safe from lockpicking and drilling.
• Weather resistance:
  tex-lock locks are resistant to external influences and therefore also to rust.
• ART*2 and ART*3 certification:
  The tex-lock eyelet, orbit, U/X-lock and D-lock have passed the strict tests of the Dutch ART Foundation and are certified as ART2 and ART3. These certificates guarantee a high level of protection against theft, especially in the event of targeted and violent attacks.
• Sold Secure Gold and Diamond certification:
  The U/X-lock and D-lock were tested individually and in the eyelet Bundle additionally by Sold Secure and received the security levels Gold and Diamond. These certificates confirm the protection against professional theft tools and destructive attacks.
• Weight:
  Compared to other locks in the same security classes, tex-lock locks are remarkably light, which makes them easier to handle and use on a daily basis.

Get your certified bike lock now! The U-lock guide is a great help in choosing the right tex-lock U-lock. ????

Whichever you choose, we wish you a safe journey at all times!

Your tex-lock team