User submitted reviews
Review by Anonymous
This product is garbage. Don't waste your time or money. I bought two of them for my trip to Europe and both did not work due to the locking mechanism, that when you put in the correct combination, would not open. I had to use tin snips to cut one of them when I had my bike locked to a tree. Took less than 10 seconds to cut, thankfully in my situation. The company is not responsive to criticism and basically told me I was lying and did not want me to send them the lock that did not open as proof. They were not willing to make things right. I did not buy this product from biketiresdirect, but have bought many items from them. Biketiresdirect has always been helpful and great to work with.
Review by Cedric C.
If you ride bikes, make refuel stops and just risk leaving your bike unattended�stop�buy this lock and have piece of mind while your in the coffee shop getting an espresso. It fits easily in a jersey pocket and is not heavy so imo it�s perfect to protect your investment for a short stop. Side note: this lock is not for locking and leaving your bike overnight or longer.
Review by Gary
This lock is small,light and works great for a coffee stop on a 50 mile ride.
I did not want a big heavy lock clanging around on my horizontal bar.
I am a road biker and ride about 400 miles a month.
Review by Bikerbob
I bought this for coffee shop stops on group rides. It is a lock that would take a pro to quickly defeat. It is perfect for my uses. It can be carried in a Jersey pocket. You can set the code easily. The directions are user friendly.
Review by The Mule
We purchased this lock for our trip along the Southern Tier of the US. We're riding a tandem with a Yakima Big Tow Trailer that few would want to take due to the weight alone, but this lock really helps us sleep at night and make quick trips into grocery stores. Though it might not keep a professional thief with motivation from steeling our unattended bike, it would make things more difficult and time consuming. Therefore we thought it was perfect for our needs.
It rolls up tight and fits in our seat bag. It's unconventional, so most thieves with a metal cutting device would think twice. It's simple to use even without a bike rack or post. We simply run it through the rear wheel and the down tube thereby making anyone have to hand carry our tandem bike. I do suggest the longer (30") lock though to enable locking to posts, bike racks.
Review by Anonymous
Just what I was looking for�a reasonably compact and lightweight lock that fits in a jersey pocket and provides decent security when I have to leave my bike momentarily, e.g., while popping into a store or coffeehouse for a minute or two. Seems sturdy and durable, and the combination is easy to set.
Review by Sean
I bought this so I could make pit stops on solo rides less worrisome - it is light enough and small enough to throw in my handlebar or saddlebag without being a noticeable load. (I suppose I could stuff it in a jersey pocket as well). This is definitely an "honesty" lock - just enough to keep someone form walking away with what would otherwise be an unsecured bike. There is no way I would use this as a primary lock in a high theft area.
Pros: small size, light weight, coated band protects the frame
Cons: the band can be grabby sliding in and out of the lock mechanism, there is no spacer between the tumblers which can lead to you turning two of them at the same time.
Overall, I would recommend this for someone looking for a lock to use for quick stops or in very low risk areas.
Review by Anonymous
Love the product. A friend of mine got the 60�. I didn�t realize(even though I should have) that 30� won�t do it. 30� won�t capture both wheels with the frame and something to lock the bike to, let alone lock 2 bikes together. Unfortunately BTD does not carry the 60�, so I got to go elsewhere.
Review by Arcadian
It's not strong, and I would not trust it in any high risk area. But it's fairly easy to deploy and it will probably prevent casual theft of an unattended bike. There are times that's all I need. In the past I hauled around a full-sized cable or chain lock, but those were overkill when I parked for 10 min to pick up a prescription or drop into the hardware store. This lock is so compact I can carry it everywhere and have it when I need it. I think the trick is to be aware of risk areas wherever you leave your bike, and make sure you have security that's adequate situation.
Review by Jon C.
I used this lock as a thief deterrent. Not for very long periods of time. I do get paranoid about leaving my bikes for too long. I recently used it on a bikepacking trip. The small version is great for a single bike, but hard to get around some thicker light poles and road signs at times. My brother has the longer version and that seems more recommended if you want to go through both wheels and the frame, or lock multiple bikes up to something. I like how it's a little bit more space friendly than a U-lock. and given that I don't leave my bikes out too long anyway, this lock is perfect for my needs
Review by Gordie
The lock is great, small & light. I traveled for 3 weeks & biggest worry was locking it to my rack on my vehicle. No problem.
Review by Kevin J
This is peace of mind when the bike is parked outside the convenience store. The lock is small and light enough to shove in my jersey pocket or strap to the saddle bag (I did see the other day that they offer a mounting kit for it). I haven't tried to cut into it, but I've watched the videos online. Impressive.
Review by Paul
The small Ottolock fits neatly in a jersey pocket, is lightweight, and offers decent security for short stops. However, the flat cable doesn't twist and isn't very long so I sometimes have trouble looping it around railings or bike racks. The combination seemed hard to set (yes, I followed the directions step-by-step), and the small combination rollers are difficult to align even though my fingers aren't that big.
Review by drkayaker
Good lock fits in jersey back pocket easy and isnt that heavy. I carry it with me just in case I have to run a store or house for a few minutes, which isnt that much. I guess it gives me some peace of mind.
Review by Mike
I purchased my OttoLock Cinch Lock for a bike tour in Texas. It gave me peace of mind while enjoying the local pubs.
Review by oleman53
Just right for a quick stop when the bike is out of sight momentarily.
Review by Brian
I was tired of carrying my heavier U-lock for brew rides so got this as a lightweight thief deterrent device to avoid those ratty opportunist. Obviously not meant for overnight street lockups but the lightness for a quick pint or two is enough reassurance for that short time period.
Review by MPLSRider
Perfect for stopping for lunch, or coffee, or beer. I also use it to lock my bike to the car rack. It's only good for short stops, but the majority of the time it's what I need in a lock.
Review by 2K
I first got the short lock. Does not provide enough length to go around a bike part an a city light pole or tree. It will lock a tire in a rack or just a tire. So I ordered the middle length. I don't have a problem have two to choose from. The best thing about this lock is how light weight it is. A jersey pocket or even a cargo short pocket. Never know it's there. I have the big heavy duties when needed, but this is now my go to lock.
Review by Bob
I like the size and the look of it. What I dislike is It does look to a stranger that it would be easy to cut , which it really isnt and if they attempt to do so it will really mess it up.