The 'unpickable' cycle D lock

Engineers have devised a bicycle lock that offers no access to its chamber - a design that is effectively 'unpickable'.

An advanced prototype of the lock is demonstrated on Youtube and a limited number of pre-production examples are to be offered for sale over the coming months.

https://youtu.be/7JpfkGAuhV8

Do bicycle thieves pick locks?

Is the unpickable cycle lock the solution to a problem that doesn't exist?

A few years ago, the lock manufacturer Kyrptonite suffered a bout of bad PR when it was alleged that its D-Locks could be opened with a modified Bic Biro. The episode called into question the efficacy of many cylindrical-lock products, but the reality is that most thieves don’t have the time, patience or skill to pick locks – they prefer to cut, freeze or smash them.

A well-equipped and determined bicycle thief can defeat most designs of lock within minutes and with many bikes now worth thousands on the second-hand market, the crime is rife. And when a thief is unable to remove a lock, it is not uncommon for him to vandalise the bike or simply steal parts. Thieves in London this spring have taken to stealing handlebars from road bikes. Once a few control cables are severed, they walk away with bars and shifters worth hundreds of pounds.

The lesson is that even stoutest lock is no replacement for a good cycle insurance policy.

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes the theft of parts and has an excess of only 5 per cent. See a full list of everything that is included or get an instant quote.

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