The Tex-Lock offer: A lock like a rope
A bicycle lock. Light, beautiful, secure. The Tex-Lock brand was launched with this promise. Then came a bitter setback and the comeback with the improved version 2.0.
Eight seconds. Eight seconds were almost enough to sink a promising start-up. The key to success is a good product. An expensive bike lock that can be cut in eight seconds with a small hacksaw is not one. The appealing design, the innovative textile material and the successful crowdfunding campaign pale in comparison: eight seconds to make an impact.
When Stiftung Warentest gave the lock from the young Leipzig-based company Tex-Lock a "Poor" rating, it was over. The founders Alexandra Baum, Suse Brand and Katja Käseberg were met with the fury of disappointed customers, malice filled the internet and anyone who googled Tex-Lock before buying should steer clear. Version 1.0 was a resounding failure. Just light and nice is not enough. How could this happen?
Learned the hard way
Many people were interested in the basic idea of the textile-based bike lock. Its waterproof, fire-, cut- and tear-resistant fibres can withstand bolt cutters and Bunsen burners. Hardened steel eyelets at the ends can be threaded together and secured with the matching U-lock. This opens up many possibilities for connecting one or more bicycles. Almost 280,000 euros were raised via Kickstarter. The innovative product was honoured with the German Design Award 2018.
The makers are of course aware that bike thieves are more likely to use a saw than a torch. That's why the flexible lock contains a chain inside. However, the original version of this chain has a crucial weak point: it is not hardened. This is why the saw eats through it so easily. It is a weak point that is easier to eliminate than the damage to the image. The founders have to learn this the hard way and regain lost trust.
Version 2.0
The Tex-Lock Eyelet 2.0 now lives up to its promise. With the hardened chain, which you won't notice when you pick up the lock, it looks unchanged, but has much more to offer the saw. The eyelet stands out and looks more like a thick rope. In size M it is 120 centimetres long, variants in S (80 centimetres) and L (160 centimetres) are also available. It is secured with a small U-lock, which is included in the scope of delivery.
Of course, it can still be cracked. The testers from vit:bikes needed 4:46 minutes with a saw, pliers and bolt cutters. When buying a bike lock, you always have to weigh up the risks: What is my bike worth? Where do I usually park it? How heavy can the lock be and how light should it be? The compromise between security, flexibility, appearance and weight makes the Eyelet attractive.
Light or heavy?
I wondered whether it could really be described as light. Together with the U-Lock, my scales show 1440 grams. This is pretty much the same weight as the folding lock Abus Bordo Big 6000, which is also 120 centimetres long, but nowhere near as flexible and can also be locked with a large bolt cutter with a large bolt cutter. With the Tex-Lock, you can secure your bike to trees, lampposts or bike stands in endless variations and utilise the full length. For what it offers in terms of possibilities, it's actually lightweight.
The Eyelet is certified according to the Dutch ART seal of approval with two stars and is therefore recommended for bicycles. Production takes place in Leipzig and the suppliers also come from the region. Only the fastener is imported. Accordingly, it is not one of the cheapest products on the market.
Final word on the lock
The innovation is not just beautiful to look at, the material is not a visual gimmick or an end in itself. It proves itself in everyday use. Whether you just want to artfully secure your bike or also want to connect your child's trailer - with the Tex-Lock Eyelet, it's no problem and you don't have to worry about scratching the frame. It's well made. And now thought through to the end.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer, dad of two. Likes to be on the move, shimmies through everyday family life, juggles with several balls and occasionally drops something. A ball. Or a remark. Or both.
