An overengineered bike lock sounds overkill. If you know how many bikes get stolen because thieves simply bust through their paltry chain locks, though, you probably won’t mind going for an overkill solution, too. The Linka Lasso is exactly that.
Billed as a “smart chain lock,” the device combines an extremely tough bike lock that can withstand the nastiest chain-breaking tools with a smart locking mechanism that eliminates the need for keys. That way, thieves won’t be able to pick your lock or break your chain, giving you some peace of mind whenever you decide to leave that pricey electric bike on a public post or fence.
The Linka Lasso’s chain links are made with manganese-hardened steel that are hard enough to resist bolt cutters and tough enough to withstand a 2,100-pound pull force. There’s no mention of how well it can handle angle grinders, so we’re guessing it holds up about as well as other Class D bike locks (other than Hiplok’s graphene U-lock), which means you’ll still have to cross your fingers your local thieves aren’t carrying the handheld power tool in their backpacks. The chain is covered in a durable polyethylene sleeve, ensuring it doesn’t nick or scratch the finish off any object you wrap this on.
At the end of the chain is an overmolded TPU enclosure with a stainless steel frame that houses the locking system and the electronics. There’s no keyhole, as it doesn’t use traditional keys. Instead, you can unlock the chain either via the companion app (iOS and Android), an Apple Watch app, or the outfit’s SmartMotion Key (basically, a Bluetooth device that unlocks it when in close proximity). If you don’t have any of your devices with you (or they run out of battery), you can also use an access code that you input painstakingly using the device’s single button. It can be paired with up to four SmartMotion Keys, by the way, so you can give them to other people you want to have access to the lock.
The Linka Lasso has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, so its electronics shouldn’t have any trouble dealing with the elements, while a built-in 100-decibel alarm can be activated to sound off when it detects unwanted movement (you can turn it off if you don’t want to accidentally trigger it). If you use it strictly with the SmartMotion Key, the lock can be used for an entire year without recharging, although that goes down to three months if you use the other unlocking options.
The lock is available in three variants: Series 8, Series 10, and Series 10 Moto. Series 8 uses an 8mm square chain and the Series 10 uses a 10mm square chain, both of which are 39.4 inches long, making it ideal for securing bikes, electric scooters, and similar smaller rides. The Series 10 Moto is, of course, for motorcycles, so it uses the larger 10mm square chain while being longer at 55 inches. In case the 55-incher still isn’t long enough for your intended task, by the way, you can connect multiple locks and control them as one from the companion app. The Series 9 has ART 2 Sold Secure Silver rating, while the Series 10 and Series 10 Moto have an ART 3 Sold Secure Gold rating.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running for the Linka Lasso. You can reserve a unit for pledges starting at $129.