Bicycles

Vier lock takes a square approach to bicycle security

Vier lock takes a square approach to bicycle security
Tallac Design's Vier lock
Tallac Design's Vier lock
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Tallac Design's Vier lock
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Tallac Design's Vier lock
The Vier consists of two locking bodies and two 14 mm-thick shackle sections, all of which are made of vinyl-covered hardened steel
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The Vier consists of two locking bodies and two 14 mm-thick shackle sections, all of which are made of vinyl-covered hardened steel
Plans call for the shackles to be available in three lengths, to accommodate different sizes and styles of bike frames
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Plans call for the shackles to be available in three lengths, to accommodate different sizes and styles of bike frames
Two keys are included with each lock
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Two keys are included with each lock
The Vier's locking mechanism
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The Vier's locking mechanism
The Vier in its disassembled state
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The Vier in its disassembled state
The keyhole is protected by a sliding aluminum cover when not in use
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The keyhole is protected by a sliding aluminum cover when not in use
Once everything is locked together, the Vier has a reported 1.5 tons (1.36 tonnes) of pull strength
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Once everything is locked together, the Vier has a reported 1.5 tons (1.36 tonnes) of pull strength
After the lock is taken back apart for transport, it's stuffed into an included zippered pouch
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After the lock is taken back apart for transport, it's stuffed into an included zippered pouch
The pouch is reportedly "the size of a burrito"
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The pouch is reportedly "the size of a burrito"
It can be mounted under the saddle using an integrated strap
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It can be mounted under the saddle using an integrated strap
View gallery - 11 images

There's little doubt that bicycle thieves are deterred more by U-locks than by cable locks. The form factor of U-locks, however, can make them awkward to transport. That's why California cyclists Allen and Paige Young have created the Vier lock. It's designed to offer the security of a U, but it disassembles into a package "the size of a burrito" when not in use.

The Vier consists of two cylindrical locking bodies and two 14 mm-thick shackle sections, all of which are made of vinyl-covered hardened steel. Plans call for the shackles to be available in three lengths, to accommodate different sizes and styles of bike frames.

When it's time to lock up, the shackles are just inserted into the locking bodies, then a single key is used in a pick- and drill-resistant lock cylinder located in one of those bodies. Once everything is locked together, the Vier has a reported 1.5 tons (1.36 tonnes) of pull strength.

The Vier in its disassembled state
The Vier in its disassembled state

After the lock is taken back apart for transport, it's stuffed into an included zippered pouch that can be mounted under the saddle using an integrated strap.

Allen and Paige are now raising production funds for the Vier lock, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$65 will currently get you one, when and if they're ready to go. The planned retail price is $80.

More information is available in the pitch video below.

Sources: Vier lock, Kickstarter

View gallery - 11 images
5 comments
5 comments
Bob Flint
Just halved the size, and doubled the intrusion points.
Rustgecko
......but U locks are not difficult to transport!
Slowburn
A lot of work to replace a couple of cable ties.
Allen Young
VIER is funded on Kickstarter. Order yours now. Thanks for the write up Ben The VIER team
Bob Stuart
A U-lock is far faster to use, if you wear pants with high-cut pockets. Just carry the U on one side, split between front and back pockets, and the bar upright on the other. This also saved me much road rash, and provides a handy club.