#HTE

An Ultralight Folding Bike Lock With Aerospace Credentials

Altor Locks launched earlier this year on a wave of crowdfunding, and after an unusually fast turnaround on early production, they’re already out and about in the real world. The surprisingly light design clocks in at just 560 grams (1.2lbs), utilizing a blend of solid grade 5 titanium bars and a pretty fascinating 3 phase washer joint system, also made from grade 5 ti. 

The material is a great improvement on commonly used steels and ti due to its elasticity and durability against cutting and temperature shock. The lock itself consists of a 6 disc detainer with a pretty standard key and a sweet push button mechanism that lets you close the lock sans key.

Given their general similarity to the well-tested and hard to improve upon Abus folding locks, I was happy to reserve judgement or comment, but this design is a legitimately cool variation. The material choice and joint design is very carefully considered with concern for the most common methods of attack.

Altor Locks were tested against sawing and grinding, freezing, chiseling, large bolt cutters, and drill. 

The biggest appeal is their grade 5 material properties and these tight joints. The ti possesses lower thermal conductivity while maintaining standard stiffness and the tool-dulling properties that hardened steel dreams of. It’s not commonly used because the material and tools for working it are expensive, but it’s widely employed in aerospace and medical tech. 

The joints are patented, understandably, but their layering is intended to protect the binding pins from distortion or brittleness usually exploited by thieves.

Other perks include slim dimensions while folded, a simple bottle cage mount, and the ability to chain locks together for a 52 inch span. 

While the cost and design might raise eyes (it’s fancier than most of the bikes they model it on), a folding ti lock adds flexibility and weight savings to an underpopulated market niche. 

Any favorite features? Barriers to trying one?