{"id":70163,"date":"2024-10-14T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/10dc4e44-8781-4a2e-8666-bec5d5058866"},"modified":"2024-10-14T12:25:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T10:25:29","slug":"sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared\/","title":{"rendered":"Sold Secure bike lock ratings explained | Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze locks compared"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\">What are the differences between each Sold Secure lock rating? <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By <\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Monday, 14 October 2024 at 09:00 AM<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>If you\u2019re looking for the best bike lock for you, you\u2019ll probably have noticed most have a Sold Secure rating. <\/p><p>But what is Sold Secure and what do the ratings mean? <\/p><p>We&#8217;ll start off by covering what Sold Secure is and how it works, then we&#8217;ll explain the rating system and help you understand the level of security you can expect at different ratings.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bike Lock Mega-Test | $7000 Of Locks Tested To Destruction\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/q40IokLIwnw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/><\/div><\/figure><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does Sold Secure do?<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Angle grinders are a popular tool for bike thieves. <span>Kyle Dewick \/ Our Media<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Set up in 1992 by two UK police forces, Sold Secure is an independent company that&#8217;s now owned by the UK\u2019s Master Locksmiths Association. It&#8217;s based in a lab in Rugby.<\/p><p>It charges manufacturers to perform independent tests on locks and other security devices for houses, vehicles and other uses, as well as for bicycles.<\/p><p>Testing of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-bike-lock\/\">bike locks<\/a> isn\u2019t compulsory and Sold Secure could fail a device \u2013 it doesn\u2019t have to give it a rating \u2013 but having a rating is a good indication that the device has been independently assessed for its level of security, and has been tested consistently with other locks for how much protection it will give you.<\/p><p>A lock maker will want to display its ratings on its packaging because it gives you assurance of the level of security you can expect from a product and helps you choose between them. <\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sold Secure rating system<\/h2><p>There are now four levels of Sold Secure rating for bike locks: Diamond, Gold, Silver and Bronze.<\/p><p>Sold Secure also tests locks for powered cycles. This previously applied to motorcycles, but it has broadened its definition to include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/best-electric-bikes\">electric bikes<\/a>. <\/p><p>The criteria for powered cycles are more exacting than those for pedal cycles, principally due to their higher value.<\/p><p>Thus you may see a lock that is Sold Secure Diamond rated for pedal cycles, but only Gold rated for powered cycles.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sold Secure ratings explained<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2439\" height=\"1630\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2021\/07\/15_SoldSecure_lock_ratings_explained-2f3b7c8-e1627640447835.jpg\" alt=\"Sold Secure gold lock example\" class=\"wp-image-639324\" title=\"Sold Secure gold lock example\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sold Secure independently tests locks for their security level. <span>OnGuard<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Sold Secure is, understandably, not especially specific about the level of security each of its ratings provides \u2013 which can depend on factors Sold Secure is unable to assess, such as where the bike is locked up, how easy the lock is for a thief to get at with tools and what the bike has been locked to.<\/p><p>However, it tests a wide range of cycle locks and uses a consistent barrage of tests and the same tools for each.<\/p><p>Sold Secure also works with police forces and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/buyers-guides\/compare-best-bicycle-insurance\/\">insurance companies<\/a> to identify what tools thieves are using and how they are working \u2013 then updates its testing in response.<\/p><p>Tests assess a lock\u2019s resistance to attacks from \u2013 among other things \u2013 angle grinders, drilling, cutting, levering and lock picking. It also measures how long a lock will withstand an attack. <\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sold Secure Diamond<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2019\/03\/1287414070262-1ktvjrfqv0vq2-9096025.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-63195\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Diamond-rated locks give the greatest level of protection. <span\/><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>If you buy a bike lock rated Sold Secure Diamond, you can expect it to have the highest level of security available and resistance to prolonged attacks.<\/p><p>There are currently more than 100 bike locks rated Sold Secure Diamond. Many are D-locks, but they include chains, ground anchors and other devices. <\/p><p>They\u2019re a good bet for high-value bikes and ebikes that are likely to be left in high-risk environments, such as publicly accessible bike racks. <\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sold Secure Gold<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2019\/03\/1242056597514-3zfg35jscuv2-8949d12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-273499\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sold Secure Gold-rated products are a good choice for longer-term storage. <span>BikeRadar<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Sold Secure Gold-level protection is also a good bet for high-risk areas and offers protection from a wide range of potential attacks carried out over durations of around five minutes. <\/p><p>As with Diamond-rated locks, many are D-locks, although there are Gold-rated chain locks sold as well.<\/p><p>A Gold-rated product is a sensible choice for bikes likely to be locked up for significant periods of time in public areas.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sold Secure Silver<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5732\" height=\"3814\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2021\/07\/07_SoldSecure_lock_ratings_explained-bed4702.jpg\" alt=\"Sold Secure Silver-rated lock example\" class=\"wp-image-639315\" title=\"Sold Secure Silver-rated lock example\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Silver-rated locks balance cost and security. <span>OnGuard<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Engineering a high level of protection into locks is expensive. <\/p><p>Silver-rated products are designed to balance security with cost, so you\u2019ll get a little less protection from the determined thief, but pay significantly less for your lock. <\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sold Secure Bronze<\/h3><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2019\/03\/1354802535775-590lpnsfz4wx-74d505f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49292\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bronze-rated locks tend to be chunky cable locks. <span>Future Publishing<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Sold Secure Bronze-rated products typically include lighter-weight, less robust products, such as cable locks and folding locks, although some D-locks are also bronze-rated.<\/p><p>They\u2019ll immobilise your bike and stop an opportunist thief from walking away with it, but won\u2019t withstand a determined attack from an experienced bike thief.<\/p><p>They\u2019re a good option for the cafe stop or other quick stops in high-traffic areas where you can expect to be able to keep an eye on your bike. They&#8217;re not suitable for long periods, quieter areas or overnight use in public spaces. <\/p><p><script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jwplayer.com\/players\/fVNS6zdZ-KvTfK8W9.js\"\/><\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for locking your bike<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5427\" height=\"3611\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2021\/07\/06_SoldSecure_lock_ratings_explained-6d3e8a7.jpg\" alt=\"How to lock a bike\" class=\"wp-image-639314\" title=\"How to lock a bike\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Locking your bike correctly in a high-visibility area is the best deterrent of all. <span>OnGuard<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>We have a dedicated guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/advice\/skills\/how-to-lock-a-bike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to lock a bike<\/a>, but will cover the essential information here.<\/p><p>In summary, lock your bike through its frame to something immovable and make sure it can\u2019t be lifted off the object you\u2019ve chosen.<\/p><p>Fit the lock off the ground so it\u2019s harder to apply leverage to it and try to fit it tightly around the bike with the lock barrel positioned so that it\u2019s hard to access.<\/p><p>Make sure you\u2019ve locked both wheels to the frame too \u2013 it\u2019s easy for a thief to remove your wheels from your locked frame and walk off with them.<\/p><p>For extra protection, use one lock on the frame and rear wheel and secure it to an anchor, and a second lock to secure the front wheel and the frame.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-landscape_thumbnail\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5768\" height=\"3838\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2021\/07\/02_SoldSecure_lock_ratings_explained-3bfeb76.jpg\" alt=\"How to lock a bike correctly\" class=\"wp-image-639310\" title=\"How to lock a bike correctly\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Make sure you lock both your wheels and frame. <span>OnGuard<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Often, bike locks are sold as a combined D-lock and a cable lock, which loops through it. Bear in mind that the Sold Secure rating applies to the stronger D-lock and not to the cable, which can usually be cut easily.<\/p><p>It\u2019s also worth noting that thefts from sheds, garages and back gardens are common. It\u2019s a good idea to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/features\/improve-your-bike-shed-security-whatever-your-budget\/\">improve your shed security<\/a> by fitting a high-security anchor and locking up your bike when it\u2019s at home and not in use. <\/p><p>Sold Secure also tests and rates ground anchors to the same criteria, as well as locks for buildings, so you can make sure you\u2019ve got the right level of immobilisation for your bike when it\u2019s at home, too.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are the differences between each Sold Secure lock rating? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":70164,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"6"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/10\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared.jpg",1600,1067,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/10\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/10\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/10\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/10\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/10\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2024\/10\/sold-secure-bike-lock-ratings-explained-diamond-gold-silver-and-bronze-locks-compared.jpg",1600,1067,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"What are the differences between each Sold Secure lock rating?","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/70163"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}