Choosing the right bike lock is crucial for protecting your valuable investment. This comprehensive comparison pits two popular choices against each other: the Ct Lock Viking and the Abus City Chain 1060. Both locks offer robust security features, exceeding the Sold Secure Gold standard, but differ significantly in size, weight, and design elements. This review delves into a detailed analysis of each lock, covering aspects from their physical dimensions and ease of use to their resistance against various attack methods and their long-term durability. We'll explore their respective strengths and weaknesses, examining everything from the materials used to the included features and even considering environmental impact.This in-depth comparison will help you weigh the pros and cons of each lock, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your individual needs and budget. We’ll assess security features, durability, convenience factors like weight and portability, and even consider the sustainability practices of each manufacturer. By the end of this review, you'll have a clear understanding of which lock—the Ct Lock Viking or the Abus City Chain 1060—is the best fit for your bike and your lifestyle.
Pros And Cons
- Metal keyhole cover is more durable.
- More compact and easier to carry in a backpack.
- Hardened plastic housing is more durable in drop tests.
- Includes a small integrated LED light.
- Supplied with two keys.
- Logo on the sheath is flaky.
- Locking mechanism can require more effort.
- Internal locking mechanism was damaged during testing.
- Magnetic locking system improves usability.
- Silicon cover protects the lock and bike from scratches (initially).
- Supplied with three keys.
- Smoother locking mechanism than Abus City Train 1060.
- Slightly more affordable than Abus City Train 1060.
- Plastic keyhole cover shows signs of wear.
- Sheath securing wires came loose after two weeks of use.
- Thinner hardened steel housing (3.5mm) compared to Abus City Train 1060.
Read more: Top 5 Folding Bike Locks for Ultimate Security
Practicality and Portability: Size and Weight Comparison
Choosing a bike lock often boils down to the balance between security and convenience. The Ct Lock Viking boasts impressive length (110cm) but weighs a substantial 2.84kg. The Abus City Chain 1060, at 85cm and 2.07kg, is more compact and lighter.
While the Viking’s longer length offers more versatile locking options, the City Chain's lighter weight makes it easier to carry, especially for daily commutes. Consider your lifestyle – if you regularly carry your lock, the lighter weight of the Abus might be preferable.
For daily commuters, stashing the lock at your destination might be more practical. The City Chain's smaller size allows for more comfortable backpack storage compared to the bulkier Viking.
Lock Mechanisms and Keyhole Protection
Both locks feature automatic keyhole covers to prevent dirt and debris from entering. However, the Abus City Chain's metal cover seems sturdier than the Ct Lock Viking's plastic one, showing less wear and tear.
The Viking utilizes a magnetic locking system, which facilitates smooth closing. The City Chain's spring-loaded internal locking mechanism provides similar functionality, although it might require slightly more effort.
Durability of the keyhole cover is a significant aspect. The metal cover on the Abus seems to provide a longer lasting solution compared to the plastic cover on the Ct Lock Viking.
Sheath Durability and Other Features
Both locks use protective sheaths to prevent corrosion and scratching. However, the Ct Lock Viking's sheath securing method (small wires) proved less effective, loosening after just two weeks of use.
The Abus City Chain's printed logo showed flakiness after a short period. While minor, these issues highlight potential durability concerns with both locks’ sheaths.
Additional features such as the Abus City Chain’s integrated LED light for nighttime use and the three keys provided with the Viking demonstrate design considerations to enhance user experience.
Destruction Testing: Hammer, Hacksaw, Bolt Cutters, and Angle Grinder
Both locks underwent rigorous destruction testing using various tools. The Abus City Chain's 5mm thick housing offered impressive resistance against hammer blows. The Viking’s 3.5mm housing also performed well, but the silicone cover offered additional protection.
Hacksaw tests proved inconclusive due to a low-quality blade; future tests with better blades are planned. Bolt cutter tests showcased the strength of both locks – the Viking's square links resisted the smaller cutters, while the City Chain's hexagonal links also held up well.
The angle grinder provided the most definitive results, cutting the Abus City Chain in 25.44 seconds and the Ct Lock Viking slightly faster, at 23.98 seconds. The minimal difference suggests similar resistance to this method.
Locking Mechanisms and Security Features
Both locks utilize robust locking mechanisms: the Viking employs a slider cylinder and keys, and the City Chain uses a disc detainer cylinder. Both offer high levels of anti-picking protection.
Specialized tools and skills would be needed to compromise either lock, making picking an impractical method for the average thief. Future tests incorporating lock-picking attempts are planned.
The inherent strength of both locking mechanisms adds significantly to the overall security offered by both locks, limiting the likelihood of successful picking.
Pricing, Sustainability, and Warranty
The Ct Lock Viking retails around $100, while the Abus City Chain 1060 ranges from $120 to $150. Both offer warranties (three years for the Viking, two for the City Chain).
Regarding sustainability, Abus appears to be slightly more proactive, having removed single-use plastic bags and boasting a high waste diversion rate. Ct Lock is also improving its practices, removing single-use plastics from packaging.
Price, warranty length, and sustainability initiatives are important factors to consider when comparing the locks. While both brands show efforts towards sustainability, Abus demonstrates stronger current commitment.
Conclusion: Which Lock Should You Choose?
Both the Ct Lock Viking and Abus City Chain 1060 provide excellent security, exceeding the Sold Secure Gold standard. However, the Viking has a slight edge due to its lower price and square links that offer resistance against smaller bolt cutters.
The Abus City Chain's superior keyhole cover and slightly more comprehensive sustainability efforts warrant consideration. For high-value bikes, using both locks for increased security is recommended.
Ultimately, the best lock depends on individual needs and preferences. Both provide excellent security, but choosing the right one requires careful consideration of factors such as portability, usability, and long-term durability.