User submitted reviews
Review by Nobrakes
Not completely bullet proof, but will keep an honest person honest, in most cases. Easy to carry in a jersey pocket or strapped to a seat post, much lighter than a U-lock, but not as secure. Useful for locking 2 bikes together plus a fixed object, like a post or street staple.
Review by DoctorJ
The lock is relatively light and you can take it on your road bike trips. The width is a good size. The length is a bit short so not always easy to lock your bike to a post. I would,consider getting the longer length option, if the bulk and weight are not going to be an issue. The combo lock is great since you dont have to worry about a key.
Review by Jeff
After doing quite a lot a research I decided to purchase the Ottolock and its turned out to be a great buy. But, its important to understand that all locks can be defeated and this lock in not intended to prevent thefts in a high crime area. It is intended to be used for quick mid ride stops and does it perfectly. If this is your intended use, go for it you won't be disappointed.
Review by JMoss
I bought the Ottolock as a backup for when I'm between places where I have a U-Lock stored. It's super light and compact. Can fit in a jersey pocket. I went for the 30, and it's about right. It can reach where a U-lock can, but also where a cable lock can. I've used it during the apres ride beer part of an event, and also to lock my bike to the inside of my car overnight (locked through the rear seat latches when the seat is down). I'm a bit surprised at the cost, but the utility seems worth it.
Review by Cathy
I bought the Ottolock 30 model to take on overnight bike tours when weight is at premium. My old cable lock worked fine, but it was heavy and took up a fair amount of space. The Ottolock is very lightweight and I can store it just about anywhere where it can be threaded through some straps. The 30 length is just long enough to lock 2 bikes together...6 more inches would have been nice, but it works. Do be mindful of the locking mechanism. Holding down the button while both unlocking and locking is required, which is different from the typical combo lock. For me, this is a big improvement over a cable lock. I would not carry a U-lock just because of the weight.
Review by DE
Got this for quick trips into a coffee shop or store where the bike won't be left for long, plus to use as the occasional second lock to secure a wheel. You can run it from your top tube to down tube without it getting in the way or scratching the frame, so it's easy to carry and is light. My main problem with it and the reason it gets just three stars is that the combination will not change. After several attempts following the instructions, I gave it to a much smarter person, and she also could not get it to work. So we're stuck with the default, which is just barely acceptable for the intended purpose.
Review by Barry
I love this thing. The reasons for the four star rating are price, it is expensive, good value but expensive, the leanth is just barely long enough for one bike, I wish it had a longer combination, 3 digits is not the most secure. But I still highly recomend this lovk
Review by Aikidoka
As in the title, it was stiff at first and took a couple of tries to figure out how to set the combo number. After than it works great. I have a large set of bolt cutters but haven't wanted to try it out. I think smaller bolt cutters will barely scratch it. It should be a good deterrent for the casual and maybe even the professional thief.
Review by dDavid
I was excited to have a latte lock to slip in the small seatbag of my roadbike. But upon only it's 4th use, the lock jammed, and I spent 1 hour with their troubleshooting tips - to no avail. I walked home -( and returned with a pair of dikes and cut through the lock in less than 30 seconds - ONE HANDED (because I was making a video goo.glwWYq6R ) Engineering or QC is lacking, and I cannot recommend this product in good conscience. Save your $65 and buy a hardened steel folding lock instead! (Green 30 model)
Review by kdavid
I primarily use this for my road bike (the commuter has a heavier lock) for short stops at coffee shops, lunch stops or bio breaks. I got the 30 so that I can go around my frame & wheel, a post or rack, and even catch a companion's bike frame. It's relatively light and easy to use. I am hoping the high-vis green is a deterrent as well, since it sticks out so clearly. This lock is easy to use and takes little room in my seat bag.
Review by Anonymous
Works quickly. Much lighter and not as cumbersome, heavy, or awkward than the standard U-lock. Pop of color optional, but he loves the orange. It was a great Christmas gift!
Review by Ryan WWWZ
I literally dont notice it in my jersey pocket. I have the small and easily lock two bikes together with conventional stables. I also use to lock my front wheel to me frame instead of the cable that came with my u-lock. If you want an awesome product that is easy to use and affords piece of mind get this right now!
Review by Anonymous
This lock is a really good solution for medium security protection of your bike. It weighs next to nothing, packs small, and can be used in any situation where a U-lock could be (and probably other situations as well if you get one of the longer versions). Could also be a good way to secure wheels and other items when you are using a U-lock on your frame. Construction is solid and it seems built to last.
The only issue I have with the lock is that the ratchet mechanism is somewhat hard to operate. I've never fully jammed it, but it sometimes takes a decent bit of force to get it to move. It otherwise would be a good solution for a child's bike, but given the difficult of the ratchet may not be able to operate it.
Review by Anonymous
Occasionally, on longer rides, I will stop at a coffee shop or cafe for a quick bite to eat, when I arrive Im usually confronted with the predicament of whether to leave my bike unattended or not. Ottolock is the perfect solution for this problem! I purchased the 30 version in the lovely flash green. This size seems to be perfect for me, I can comfortably lock my front wheel and frame around a bike corral or pole.
Review by Anonymous
I bought it for my Trans America Tour and definitely it met all my expectations.