Test result preview
Manufacturer’s product description
With its 86 cm long bike lock,TECHCYC offers a practical solution for short distances and everyday use in the city. Its compact length makes it particularly suitable for secure attachment to lampposts, bike racks or fences in confined spaces. Hardened steel forms the core of the lock and provides reliable protection against quick theft attempts. A plastic coating ensures that no scratches are left on the bike frame when locking. Despite its relatively short length, the lock is versatile, especially for compact frame designs. Its low weight makes it hardly noticeable when transporting and it fits easily into a backpack or the included holder. TECHCYC positions this model as a combination of mobility and functional basic protection.
Advantages
- Good value for money
- Makes a solid impression
- Practical mounting bracket
Disadvantages
- No information on sustainability
First impression
Packaging and contents
Here we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be guaranteed. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here, we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Product protection
Cardboard is sturdy, product adequately protected
Points
Sustainability of packaging
No unnecessary packaging waste, plastic film protects the product components
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions
The product is self-explanatory
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
As soon as you unpack the box, you notice that TECHCYC has opted for a simple but well thought-out presentation. The box contains all the important information without looking cluttered or confusing. The lock is immediately visible, accompanied by the bracket and a clear instruction sheet. A small plastic packaging detracts from the overall impression, but otherwise everything appears to be packaged functionally and efficiently. The instructions describe how to set up and install the lock in an easy-to-understand way, even for those who are not tech-savvy. A minimalist, sustainable style runs consistently throughout the entire unboxing experience. The placement of the materials in the box is also impressive: nothing slips around, nothing seems carelessly thrown in. Even before the first use, there is a feeling of reliability and clarity.
First impressions
Product workmanship and appearance
Before putting the products through their paces in practical tests, we take a close look at their workmanship. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
Before putting the products to the practical test, we take a close look at their workmanship. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Appealing design
Points
Workmanship
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
No information
Points
OVERALL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
Visually, the lock is modern and simple, with a matte black coating and subtle TECHCYC branding. No detail seems superfluous; instead, functional clarity dominates. The folding lock is uniformly sturdy and neatly connected to the locking mechanism at the ends. It feels solid without being stiff or unwieldy. The lock and key work with pleasant resistance and convey a sense of quality. Even with frequent use, the material shows no signs of premature wear or deformation. Its short length makes it pleasantly compact without appearing cheap or unstable. The overall impression is one of tidiness, robustness and suitability for everyday use.
This is what our practical test revealed
Does the manufacturer deliver on its advertising promises?
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore the highest weighting. Here, the product must undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore the highest weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
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Comment
Score achieved*
Stability of joints
All joints remained intact throughout the test
Points
Ease of use
Material and design are extremely user-friendly
Points
Compatibility with different bike frames
The lock can be easily mounted on all tested bicycle frames
Points
Smooth-running locking mechanism
Locking mechanism works extremely smoothly
Points
Easy storage and transport
Extremely user-friendly
Points
OVERALL
100
Points
Weighting: 45%
*The maximum number of points is 100
TECHCYC advertises the bike lock as a lightweight, practical and secure accessory for everyday use – and it delivers on all fronts. It is intuitive to use and can be quickly attached to bike racks or railings. Although the length is more suited to users who lock their bikes close to fixed objects, the lock fulfils its purpose reliably within this framework. The locking mechanism meets expectations and scores points for its ease of use and sturdy locking mechanism. It delivers on its promises in terms of scratch protection and flexibility – even in rain or cold temperatures, everything remains smooth. In areas with a high risk of theft, it may not be sufficient as the sole means of protection, but TECHCYC does not claim otherwise. Overall, the lock does exactly what it is supposed to do – and does it well.
Test plan
A detailed insight into the evaluation criteria for the practical part of the test and the points awarded can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Value for money
and consumer reviews
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Price/performance
Very good performance in the lower price segment
Points
OVERALL
90
Points
Weighting: 15%
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to £79.20 are charged online for equivalent products. Very affordable products are available from as little as £19.99 . The TECHCYC folding lock is therefore currently in the lower price segment at £26.99. The price-performance ratio is very good for the quality and performance received.
Overall
Weight
Score achieved*
1. Packaging & contents
20
Points
2. Product processing & appearance
20
Points
3. Practical test
45
Points
4. Price/performance & consumer reviews
15
Points
TOTAL
Points
*The maximum score is 100 points
