User blogs

QUESTIONING SOFT BODY ARMOR

School safety is perpetually in the news. Over the last year or so, we’ve seen an increasing number of news stories heralding soft body armor. These usually include items such as “bulletproof hoodies,” backpacks, or other bullet-resistant personal protection items for school children. Some of these pieces have been fairly skeptical—even quite critical.To get more news about bulletproof level 4, you can visit bulletproofboxs.com official website.

What all of this news coverage lacks is a detailed look at the strengths and limitations of soft body armor. Soft body armor (i.e., “bulletproof vests”) are undeniably lifesavers, with a solid track record in the field. That said, they’re designed for fairly specific applications. They do not magically stop all bullets or prevent all damage. And, most concerning, they may perform worst when faced with the threats most common in a school shooting.

First and foremost, nothing is truly 100% bulletproof. With enough bullets and enough time, every barrier fails. Although people say “bulletproof vest” and “bulletproof hoodie,” these are more accurately called “bullet-resistant soft body armor.”

Soft body armor has interwoven layers of tough synthetic fibers to catch bullets. It’s similar to how the netting around a batting cage stops baseballs.

Experts estimate that about 80% of all firearm murders are committed using handguns. As a result, people facing generalized threats (like politicians, celebrities, and police officers) often opt to wear a “bulletproof vests” designed to stop all sorts of rounds. The “gold standard” for this are garments rated “NIJ IIIA.” These are designed to stop even the largest pistol calibers, like the .44 Magnum.

Being shot with a .44 Mag is a terrifying prospect: This is a very large bullet designed to pack a tremendous amount of power. Hunters use .44 Magnums to kill elk and grizzly bears. Even polar bears—which weigh over 1,000 pounds and stand 10 feet tall when reared up on their hind legs—can be taken down with a .44 Mag.

Reassuringly, much of the consumer-grade soft body armor on the market—including the bulletproof hoodies seen on TV—meets NIJ IIIA standards. In fact, all of these garments rely on the exact same material as the bullet-resistant fiberglass that reinforces school walls.

But it’s important to bear in mind that although these are made of the same material, they behave very differently in the field. Soft body armor will stop many bullets. But it can never stop the force of the bullets’ impact—and is powerless against some key school safety threats.

Electric bike maintenance: how to look after your ebike

If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike, you’ll want to know how to take care of it. The best electric bikes can be expensive, so to keep yours in the best condition you’ll need to have a regime of regular maintenance.To get more news about ebike maintaince, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.

This guide explains how to look after your electric bike, including tips on washing the bike, applying lubricants, regular component checks, software and app updates, and looking after the battery. If you’re not sure where to start, our beginner’s guide to electric bikes will explain the ebike basics.

The essentials of electric bike maintenance are the same whether you’re looking at an electric road bike, an electric hybrid bike or an electric folding bike.Proper maintenance, particularly of the drivetrain, is even more important if you’re riding off-road, whether that’s on an electric mountain bike or an electric gravel bike, because dirt and debris can quickly take a toll on expensive components.

An electric bike, like any bike, needs regular maintenance. Cleaning and taking care of your ebike will keep it running smoothly, efficiently and safely, all of which can contribute to a longer lifespan for the bike and its battery and motor.In many senses, electric bicycle maintenance is no different from that of a non-assisted bike. However, some components, and particularly the drivetrain (cranks, chain and sprockets), are subject to greater forces and increased wear.

Therefore, washing your ebike regularly and keeping it well maintained is of utmost importance if you want to get the most out of the bike.

First things first, a clean bike is a happy bike. Dirt and mud increase wear on components and, when mixed with water and grease, can form a paste that will, at best, decrease the efficiency of your bike and, at worst, quickly wear through consumable parts.

The smoother your electric bike runs, the more efficient it will be, and the longer your key components will last.

Keep the drivetrain clean and running well: battery life and power output are irrelevant if your gears are grinding and skipping all over the place. Riding a bike with a clean, efficient drivetrain, along with correctly adjusted gears, is ultimately a more pleasurable experience and will help you get the most from the bike in the long run.If your drivetrain looks excessively dirty (usually an accumulation of black gunk on the chain or, on electric mountain bikes in particular, mud stuck in the jockey wheels of the rear derailleur), you can give it a quick clean with a rag, or a deep clean with degreaser. We’ve got separate guides on how to clean a bike and how to clean a bike chain.

Electric bike chains tend to require more frequent lubrication than non-assisted bicycle chains. Regularly applying a quality lubricant to your chain will ensure the transmission runs efficiently. It’s a good idea to do this after every ride, and certainly after washing and drying the bike.

Otherwise, read our guide on how to choose and apply the best chain lube for your bike.

Applying lubricant to an ebike sometimes isn’t as simple as it seems. You can’t back-pedal most ebikes, so try putting the bike in a workstand (or get a friend to hold the rear wheel off the ground) so you can turn the pedals to let the lube drip onto the chain evenly.

If your bike has a ‘walk’ mode, you can engage it so that the cranks (and rear wheel) spin around slowly, allowing you to lube the chain easily.You should also regularly check your ebike’s tyre pressures. Under-inflated tyres are not only potentially dangerous, but they can also waste power and reduce efficiency, meaning you’ll get less out of a battery charge. Equally, running tyres at too high a pressure can compromise comfort and grip, especially if you’re riding off-road.

As a starting point, keep your tyres inflated to within the recommended pressures indicated on the sidewall but experiment to find the ideal pressure for you, balancing weight, comfort, grip and rolling resistance. Want to know more? We’ve got guides to road bike tyre pressure and mountain bike tyre pressure.

Top 5 Must-Have Accessories For New E-Bike Riders

1. Critical Cranial Coverage
The first thing you must have before even unpacking your e-bike is a good, properly-fitting helmet. Whether or not you are legally required to wear one in your area, a helmet can be the difference between life and death. E-bikes can easily reach 20-28 mph speeds, and some moped-style electric bikes are even faster. Any motorcyclist can tell you most high-speed injuries are to the head. Look for a well-made, properly-fitting helmet. Bonus points for a helmet with extra safety and security features, like a lock port and/or rear light. To get more news about ebike accessories, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.
2. Charging On The Go
Every piece of gear you take while riding should be functional and make your life easier. Riding hands-free with a fully charged cell phone is a safety and convenience must! The Juiced Bikes phone mount with charger holds your cell securely while riding and even lets you charge off the e-bike’s battery.
3. Make Some Noise
An e-bike is an AMAZING car replacement for short trips, which might mean riding with car traffic and leaving it unattended. Our #1 selling accessory, the Juiced Horn/Alarm System, will keep both you and your bike safe while getting around town. At 105 decibels, this horn will make sure cars know you are there, which will keep you safer on the road. Once you reach your destination and lock up your bike, the horn doubles as your alarm. By using the key fob, you can set the alarm and rest easy while you run your errands.

4. Portable Air On Demand
You won’t want to leave home without this multi-purpose rechargeable accessory! The Portable Air Pump is a portable air compressor that can fill up almost anything, not just your electric bike tires… rubber balls, pool toys, even your car tire. Just preset to your desired PSI and go. Great for camping, festivals, and your on-road emergency kit, this compact air pump is a must-have.
5. Lock It Up!
Too many new e-bike riders find out the hard way that you never want to leave your ride unlocked and unattended. You also don’t want to find yourself under-locked, meaning there is not enough lock for your ride. Using two different locking systems doubles your chances of a bike thief deciding to move on to easier prey. Check out our video to learn more about locking up your bike safely.

Black Friday Buying Guide – how To Choose a Top Fat Tire E-Bike

Electric bicycles have progressed from mere technological fascination to a mainstream form of transportation. These bikes are adaptable and may be used for various activities, including commuting, mountain biking, and long-range cycling. There are several Olympic-caliber sprinters, powerlifters, and high jumpers in electric bikes, but where are the long-distance runners?To get more news about e bike, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.

There is a wide variety of long-distance electric bikes available now, from dual-battery to sleek super commuters. However, the most costly component of an e-bike is its battery, so the decision rapidly shifts from how far you’d like to travel to how much money you’re ready to pay. The challenge with long-distance electric bicycles is striking a middle ground between ideal riding conditions, convenience, and cost.

This balancing is more difficult than it sounds; however, with some knowledge of electrical specifications, insight into your pedaling abilities, and (as always) a realistic understanding of what you intend to use the bike for, you can confidently select a long-distance e-bike without breaking the bank.

What’s the Best Time to Buy a Long-Range E-Bike?
This year’s Black Friday is November 25th, the month’s last Friday and the day after Thanksgiving. Nonetheless, sales will begin on November 1 and climax on Thanksgiving Day, as is customary Discounts are often available until Cyber Monday, November 28, before shifting into Christmas and New Year’s sales later in the month. So bikers have about two months to seek incredible prices, with the biggest and best deals appearing near the end of November. Let’s pretend you’re reading this on November 1st.

Himiway’s 2022 Black Friday is currently available. With a staggering 15% reduction, it will be the biggest discount in the brand’s history. If you want to present a gift to a bicycling buddy, Himiway may be the most cost-effective option.

How to Calculate E-Bike Distance
Humans tend to spoil everything: Why our pedaling (or lack thereof) makes calculating e-bike range difficult. This portion can be confusing, if not downright frustrating if you’re a beginner e-biker. There is no way to predict how far a given bike, motor, and battery configuration will transport you. You may make an informed guess, but one variable in the e-bike range equation needs to be more consistent and predictable to measure accurately. You are that variable. In the end, e-bikes are still human-powered machines. Your pedaling, whether it’s light or heavy, will have a significant impact on how far your e-bike will travel. Because everyone is different, it’s impossible to predict how much the average person’s cycling will aid or hinder the bike’s performance. As a result, the e-bike range is only an informed estimation.
Manufacturers do their best to account for the human variable when calculating the range estimates they provide for e-bikes. Still, they realize they’re using averages for rider weight, pedaling, and terrain type. To the manufacturers’ credit, we rarely test bikes that significantly outperform or underperform those published range estimates, so they must be doing something well.

Himiway electric bikes are the best for long-distance commuting, pedaling, and cycling. Their electric fat tire bikes can traverse on all terrains with a Samsung battery that is super-powerul and can travel over 60-80 miles when fully charged.
How to Select a Long-Range Electric Bike for Black Friday?
You need to ask yourself, aside from going fast, what do you want this bike to do? The most difficult equation element is defining what we want from the bike while remaining reasonable. Here’s an example of what you should search for in your next long-distance commuter. You would like the bike to travel 50 miles on a single charge. The bike should easily average 19-21 mph, allowing a 20-mile ride to take about an hour each way.

Other factors to consider include weight, cargo capacity, and financial constraints, but distance and average speed are the two most significant for our needs. Remember to keep your intended range sensible and functional. The more you wish to travel on a single charge, the more you’ll probably pay.

The Most Satisfying $6 I Ever Spent On My Rental Apartment

Perhaps you don’t lie awake at night thinking about your bathtub or shower. Just know that there are others out there who worry about how gross their caulk is, and feel a good fresh bead around a tub can make or break the shower experience.To get more news about Caulk Strip, you can visit senpinghz.com official website.

In an effort to take back my 12 minutes of coconut-infused “me” time and to stop worrying about what sorts of mischief was lurking behind the crappy caulk application around my tub, I decided to start fresh. I didn’t trust myself to lay a perfect bead of caulk, so I went the peel and stick route:

The most important part of this entire process is the removal of the old caulk. If you want new caulk to work (either traditional or peel and stick), get every last bit of evidence of the old caulk off the tub. I was able to easily pop the top layer of caulk off, but found another layer below that was hard and very difficult to remove. Instead of using a putty knife and risking damaging the surface, I sprayed on a caulk remover and scraped it off with a plastic blade.

After I was able to peel everything away, I wiped it clean with Bar Keepers Friend, rinsed with water, then followed up with rubbing alcohol.Once the area was completely dry, I measured for the three lengths of the tub: one back wall, and two side walls. I folded the caulk over at the crease according to the directions, and applied the longest length first (tub back), working in small sections and making sure to only peel away the backing for a few inches at a time. I made sure the crease was lining up at the intersection of the wall and tub surface first, then went back over and pressed down the seal onto the surface of the tub and then the wall. After I got the back piece in place, I stuck the remaining pieces to the sides of the tub in the same manner.
Ease of application: If you’re able to successfully stick a label to a package, then you’ll be able to correctly apply this caulk around your tub or sink. I found the key was to work in very small sections and not to peel off any more of the backing than what I could hold across the width of my hand.

Quality/stickability: This caulk is surprisingly tacky; it’s lined on each side of the crease with a sticky substance. I was really determined to press every inch of the caulk to the surfaces, so no water could get behind the seal. Know that if you do accidentally lay the caulk in the wrong spot it’s fairly easy to readjust, as long as you haven’t pressed it down for too long.

Cons: I tried pressing the caulk strips into the small “grout” gaps (grout is in quotes because it’s actually a plastic tile sheet, and the grout lines aren’t real) to be sure I didn’t have any gaps where water could trickle down behind the wall, but it wouldn’t smush in like regular caulk. Since it’s plastic, I doubt water is going to seep through the wall, but it’s something to think about in your bathroom.

Looks: I really like the look of a nice, straight line all the way around the edge of the tub versus a slightly wiggly line smoothed out by fingers. The caulk comes in white, or almond, narrow, and wide widths.As a renter, I love this product and think it’s easier than the real deal. With the purchase of one small package, I remedied a fairly sizable problem and don’t have to deal with buying a caulk gun, storing an open tube of caulking (that will absolutely go bad before I can use it all up), and steadying my hand enough to run a somewhat straight bead around the tub. Not to mention, the peel-and-stick caulk’s straight lines look so very tidy and satisfying.

BODY ARMOR STRATEGIC REVIEW

Following the contract awards for the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (“DLA”) Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts ("ESAPI") and U.S. Army Vital Torso Protection (“VTP”) ESAPI body armor plates, we have been engaged with our customers to complete the necessary product approval processes. Disappointingly, the VTP ESAPI plates have encountered a failure in First Article Testing which will significantly delay the likely approval timetable for this product.To get more news about camouflage bulletproof vest, you can visit bulletproofboxs.com official website.

Separately, we have experienced further delays in obtaining final product approvals for the DLA ESAPI body armor plates, with approvals for this product now expected in the second quarter of our financial year ending 30 September 2022 (“FY22”).Our FY22 revenue guidance included approximately $40 million of body armor revenue. In light of the above, the financial contribution from our body armor business in FY22 and beyond will be significantly reduced, with the ultimate impact, including any associated cost savings, depending on the outcome of the review process.

These issues and the strategic review are restricted to the body armor business, with the Group’s leading respiratory protection and helmet product portfolios unaffected.
Our underlying trading results for FY21 are expected to be in line with the guidance set out in the post close trading update of 13 October 2021.

We have delayed the announcement of our FY21 results, initially planned for 23 November 2021, to allow for a review of the carrying value of the assets related to the body armor business and the additional audit work arising from this post balance sheet event.

We will confirm a revised announcement date, which we expect to be in early December, as soon as practicable. We will include an update on our strategic review of our body armor business and provide updated guidance for FY22 and beyond alongside our FY21 results announcement.

The Best Smart Home Security Systems for 2022

It's easier than ever to set up a smart home in which you can remotely control your lights, lawn mowers, thermostats, vacuums, and just about everything else from a smartphone app. It has also made it simple (and relatively affordable) to monitor your home from pretty much anywhere. Smart security systems are highly customizable and available as do-it-yourself kits or as full-blown setups that include professional installation and monitoring.To get more news about smart home solutions, you can visit securamsys.com official website.

Depending on your needs, you can go with a system that you monitor yourself, or pay a subscription fee to have professionals surveil your home 24/7 and contact your local fire or police departments when alarms trigger. You can even take advantage of on-demand monitoring services when you're away on vacation. Of course, the more coverage you have, the more you should expect to pay.

If you're not ready for a dedicated security system, plenty of standalone devices are available that let you monitor your home from anywhere via your phone or tablet, including indoor and outdoor security cameras, video doorbells, motion sensors, and smart locks.

Here are our top picks, as well as what you need to know before deciding how to secure and monitor your home. We also have a beginner's guide to setting up a smart home if you want to do more than just secure your property.
Why We Picked It
The Vivint Smart Home security system is a full-blown home security system that gives you 24/7 monitoring and full control over door locks, cameras, thermostats, and lights. You can even monitor your cars while they are on the road. This pricey system provided speedy emergency response times in testing and is easy to control via a colorful, 7-inch touch-screen video panel, a mobile companion app, or Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.

Who It’s For
The Vivint Smart Home is ideal for homeowners who require a professionally monitored home security system but don’t want to be bothered with installation issues. A trained professional installs every component and the company provides excellent telephone and in-home technical support. You can save some money with a DIY system from SimpliSafe but, in that scenario, you have to install everything yourself and forgo the touch-screen video control panel.

How Long Do e-Bike Batteries Last?

Determining the battery life of an e-Bike is not only calculated on the number of cycle charges they can take before they gradually go on flat. There are a lot of factors to consider in knowing the life span of a battery.To get more news about how long do ebike battery last, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.

Some of these factors would be the surrounding conditions like temperature fluctuations, age of the battery, etc. Also, the type of battery being used is to be considered.What is the average battery life of an e-Bike?
On average, a typical electronic bike battery can surpass 800 full charge cycles. It can sometimes go up to a thousand charge cycles depending on the type of battery used.

Now, we need to understand that charging the battery from 30% – 100% is not a “one full charge cycle”. We must keep in mind that we can only count it as “one charge cycle” if the battery was at 0% – 100%.

In general, if we consider the type of battery being used, the battery’s age, and how often the battery was charged, we can safely say that batteries on e-Bikes can last anywhere from 3 – 5 years.
3 Types of e-Bike batteries
1. Lithium Batteries
It is the most reliable battery used on e-Bikes. More than 90% of e-Bike batteries in the market are composed of lithium. These batteries can generate more power, lasts longer, and is lighter than the other batteries. Because of this, it also is the most expensive among the three.

– Average charge cycle before it needs replacing: up to 1000 charge cycle

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) – most popular with longer life span
Lithium-ion Subcategories:
Lithium Cobalt (LCO) – higher energy density (provides optimal power), lesser weight
Lithium Manganese (LiMg204) – Hybrid, the same type used in hybrid cars.
Lithium-ion Polymer (Li-pol) – unique, this battery has no liquid components. Less prone to being damaged through misuse.
2. Nickel Batteries
It has the same power in comparison to lithium-ion batteries. Unfortunately, nickel batteries have high tendencies to self-discharge faster than the other ones on this list.

– Average charge cycle before it needs replacing: around 500 charge cycle

Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) – rare to find these days as they became a toxic pollutant to the environment, these batteries are very hard to recycle. More capacity than lead-acid batteries.
Nickel-metal Hydride (NiMh) – more efficient than NiCd but it costs more. These batteries are easier to recycle and tend to last longer.
3. Lead Batteries
This type of battery is the oldest among lithium and nickel. While it is the cheapest you can find in the market right now, it has a few drawbacks. Lead-acid batteries are heavy. It is five times heavier than lithium-ion batteries. Aside from this, it has a short life span in comparison to the other two. It’s not good to purchase lead-acid batteries if you are going to use your e-Bike regularly.

The Best Bike Mirrors (Review) in 2022

Bicycle enthusiasts and seasoned cyclists of all ages need durable gear and accessories to keep them safe while they’re riding their bikes. There are many accessories that are designed to enhance one’s cycling experience. Bike mirrors are a valuable accessory that can improve safety in city streets, highways and mountain trails. These mirrors can be mounted on handlebars, helmets, and even on sunglasses. They are incredibly practical and ideal for both recreational and professional cycling. If bicycle mirrors are on your shopping list and you have no idea what to look for in terms of features and brands, then our best bike mirrors guide below should steer you in the right direction.To get more news about ebike mirrors, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.

Our top pick is by Hafny, which uses stainless steel in its manufacturing process. This feature alone is enough to reel in eco-friendly riders who want to reduce their carbon footprint and spend their money on durable non-plastic bike accessories. Stainless steel mirrors are recyclable, and the lens is unbreakable. These two qualities are accompanied by a high-impact frame that can be folded whenever the bike is not in use. The mirror can also be rotated at a 360-degree angle, giving you full control over its position. Plus, you can easily attach it to any kind of bike be it a mountain, city or road bike in just a few easy steps.

Our next mirror is also a great helmet accessory that allows you to keep an eye on the road behind you, especially when cycling down busy streets with intersections. The Safe Zone mirror from EVT is easy to install and is made by a company with 20 years of experience in designing and building bicycle repair tools. Their helmet mirror is 2.25 inches with an adjustable arm that can be easily attached to any helmet of your choice using durable straps. The Safe Zone bicycle rear view mirror is large enough to uncover any blind spots and sturdy enough for a daily commute to work. It is also designed with bumpy roads in mind and can be easily stored and transported when not in use.

The MTB bar end mirror from Mirrycle is one of the best handlebar mirrors available. This accessory can be mounted in minutes and features a round 3-inch lens with a durable black arm. You can easily adjust the mirror to better suit your riding needs. This is an ideal feature for people who prefer placing the mirror below the handlebars. Plus, the large mirror surface rewards you with a better rearward view while speeding down your favorite bike lane.

Premium cycle mirrors like the Hafny handlebar bike mirror offer you the best of both worlds in terms of durability and features. The frame on this model is made of an environmentally friendly combo of nylon and fiber with an aluminum clamp that prevents scratches on the handlebars. The blue lens mirror was originally used in cars and reduces glare by 60 percent. This feature alone can come in handy during summer when the sun becomes a nuisance, especially when going on long rides during the day. The convex surface also gives you a wider field of view while cycling. The flexible rotation ball connected to the mirror allows you to control the angle and position of the lens. This means you can position it under or parallel to the handlebars.

The Take a Look mirror is a compact accessory and a bike helmet mirror with many great features. You can attach it to your eyeglasses and rotate it using the multiple pivot points easily while cycling. Keeping tabs on any moving vehicles behind you is possible with minimal head movement or eye strain on your part thanks to the wide field of vision it provides. Plus, the durable stainless steel and brass frame were built for regular use and will not rust or lose their sturdiness with time. Take A Look is frameless and is a great alternative to traditional handlebar mirrors.

The CycleAware Reflex bicycle helmet mirror is another great option for seasoned cyclists. It has everything you need in a bicycle accessory in terms of size and adjustability. The oval length mirror is not only lightweight, but it can also be attached to all helmet types in just a few easy steps. You no longer have to strain your eyes or glance over your shoulder to check for speeding vehicles once you install this must-have accessory. The ball and socket combo are also a plus since you can alter the position of the mirror with a slight touch of your finger.

Handlebar mirrors like the DRCK HROS mirror were designed with your road safety in mind. The mirror itself is convex and made of durable acrylic. This makes it more resistant to breakage and to outdoor weather conditions. The aluminum arm is incredibly sturdy and is 7.08 inches in length and has a mosaic base with screws that helps stabilize the mirror while you cycle across mountainous terrain. The best thing about the arm aside from its durable construction is that it can be bent to any angle. This model is compatible with 22- 32 mm handlebars and can also be installed in electric bikes as well as motorcycles.

The best bike locks 2022: the toughest bicycle locks from Kryptonite

The best bike locks might not be the cheapest bike accessory you're going to buy this year, but they are essential to ensure your bicycle stays where you chained it. A tough, dependable bike lock will is a worthwhile investment; if you can stretch to buying a new two-wheeler, then it’s also prudent to factor in some extra cash to cover security, and buying the right bike lock to suit your cycle should be part of the bike-buying process.To get more news about ebike lock, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.

There's been a huge increase in cycling over the last few years and the extra demand for bikes that are much more appealing to thieves. The best electric bikes, in particular, are at risk of being nicked if not secured properly, and while some have an immobilizer that stops them from being activated and ridden away without you present, that won't stop someone picking them up and stashing them in a van.

All that means it’s never been more important to get a quality bike lock to ensure your cycle doesn't go missing, and we’ve collated the best and most secure bike locks you can buy here in this buying guide. We’ve tried to mix it up a little, too, with a selection that caters for different scenarios, while others offer a little more convenience thanks to their innovative designs.
It makes sense to go for a decent bike lock brand, and Kryptonite is up there with the best of them. This great little bundle comprises a 13mm hardened steel shackle, which features a double deadbolt anti-rotation design. The U-lock design doesn't weigh too much either (3.55lb/1.61kg), while the revised design is more secure than earlier editions.

The Mini-7 is much smaller than Kryptonite's standard locks, which makes it easier to mount on your bike's frame if space is limited (and gives a would-be thief much less room to manoeuvre their tools). The mount attaches to the frame securely using a rugged fabric strap that won't damage the paintwork, and the lock slides and clips into place with minimal fuss.

The Evolution Mini-7 comes complete with a Kryptoflex 410, a 4' 10" double-loop braided steel cable. This can be used to secure other bikes, wheels or accessories, which is essential since the Mini-7 U-lock is too small to attach to your bike's frame and a wheel. While it's not impregnable, the fiddly aspect of this combination makes the lock package a solid option for short-stay park-ups in cities and suburbs.

In our tests, we found that the lock can sometimes rattle a little within its holder when riding over bumpy ground, but it's firmly fixed in place and never in danger of coming loose, so this is a minor complaint.Another bike lock from the Kryptonite security stable, the New York Fahgettaboudit Mini, is sold without a cable but beefs up the security with an extra chunky design. It's seriously weighty (4.55lbs/2.06kg), which is something to bear in mind if you cannot mount it on your bike and carry it in a backpack, but that heft comes with security benefits.

The main difference between the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini and the Evolution Mini-7 is the oversized hardened steel sleeve, which is built to withstand attack from bolt cutters and leverage attacks. It makes the Fahgettaboudit Mini a lock that will keep your bike secure all day, even in busy cities.

Like the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7, this lock's smaller design means you won't be able to hook it around your bike's frame, wheel, and whatever sturdy piece of street furniture you're attaching it to, but you could supplement it with an additional Kryptoflex cable if you like.This package includes the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain (with 14mm six-sided links) plus a 15mm steel shackle. Both elements are super strong, using hardened steel to ward off attacks. The disc-style cylinder locking mechanism is also pick-proof and drill-resistant. It has the same top-level security rating as the Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini D-lock above. You can also use it to secure multiple bikes.

However, the chunkiness comes at a price, as this weighs 10.8lbs/4.91kg, which means it's better suited to locking your bike up at home than carrying it with you on the go. There's also a risk of the parts of the chain not covered by the nylon cover scuffing your paintwork if you're not careful.Cable locks are known to be weak and easy to snip through with a pair of bolt cutters, but that's not the case with the Titanker Bike Lock Cable, which bucks the trend thanks to its durable steel core.

Unlike D-locks, this Titanker model offers between four and six feet of flexible freedom, allowing it to be threaded around, through or under a bike and a mounting point. The four-digit combination lock mechanism means there's no key to worry about. However, bear in mind that the cover is plastic rather than metal, making it less durable than more expensive, heavy-duty bike locks like those from Kryptonite.

It's not a lock that'll let you leave your bike outside day and night, but it's light, convenient, and a good choice for making quick stops. Better still, it can be easily attached to your bike's frame while you ride using the mount included.