Bicycles

TiGr Blue mini+ offers a smaller, tougher approach to locking your bike

TiGr Blue mini+ offers a smaller, tougher approach to locking your bike
The TiGr Blue mini+ is presently on Kickstarter
The TiGr Blue mini+ is presently on Kickstarter
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A photo of the original version of the TiGr lock, which can still be purchased
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A photo of the original version of the TiGr lock, which can still be purchased
The various components of the
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Seen here are the various components of the TiGr Blue mini+, including an optional frame mount
The TiGr Blue mini+ is presently on Kickstarter
3/3
The TiGr Blue mini+ is presently on Kickstarter
View gallery - 3 images

Back in 2011, we heard about a rather quirky but apparently effective bike lock known as the TiGr. Now, its makers are back with a new version that's more compact and harder to cut through.

Designed by cyclists (and brothers) John and Jim Loughlin, the original TiGr (pictured below) is essentially a long, narrow titanium "bow" that can be mounted horizontally along the bike's top tube when not in use.

Once it's time to secure the bicycle, that bow is removed and run through the bike's frame, wheels and an adjacent immovable object. The bow's two ends are then inserted into an accompanying pick-resistant stainless steel cylinder, that locks using a rotary disc key mechanism.

A photo of the original version of the TiGr lock, which can still be purchased
A photo of the original version of the TiGr lock, which can still be purchased

While the setup does have its merits, it's kind of big and ungainly. Additionally, although titanium is light, there are other metals that are more difficult to cut.

The first of those limitations was addressed with the introduction of the smaller TiGr mini and mini+ models. The TiGr Blue mini+ now addresses the second limitation, as it's made of more cut-resistant hardened high carbon blue steel.

The various components of the
Seen here are the various components of the TiGr Blue mini+, including an optional frame mount

Like the original, the Blue still consists of a bow body and a locking cylinder. The bow is now shorter and wider, however – so it's easier to carry, but it can't go around both the front and rear wheels. It's also considerably lighter than a traditional chain, cable or U-lock, reportedly tipping the scales at less than 500 grams (1.1 lb). A vinyl coating keeps it from scratching the bike's frame.

And according to its creators, the lock meets and exceeds bicycle security standards for all commonly-used cutting tools – these include bolt cutters, cable cutters, hacksaws, tin snips, and side cutters.

Should you be interested, the TiGr Blue mini+ is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$80 will get you one, when and if they reach production.

Source: Kickstarter

View gallery - 3 images
5 comments
5 comments
guzmanchinky
This lock looks tough, but I despise keys.
buzzclick
There are a number of small cordless grinders available. Equipped with a cutting wheel they can cut through just about anything. This lock is as good or better than other models, but if you've got a high-end bike, make it a habit to not lock it in places that are not busy and have little exposure.
Gregg Eshelman
They should send one to the Lock Picking Lawyer. With the pick he and "Bosnian Bill" made I bet he'd have that lock open in a minute or less. Look up LPL's YouTube channel where he demonstrates how easy it is to pick the majority of locks. Some of them are as "good" as no lock at all. One that clamped onto a bike's disc brake rotor was so wimpy he could simply insert a tension wrench from a pick set and easily twist the lock open.
Trylon
@Gregg Eshelman, you're behind the times. LPL and BB did videos on the TiGr back in 2018. LPL picked the cylinder in a couple of minutes while BB was able to hacksaw through the titanium shackle in less than a minute with very little noise or commotion. Even faster with 24-inch bolt cutters. Five seconds, one cut and that was all she wrote. I wouldn't buy either TiGr even at a fraction of their asking prices.
christopher
Flame throwers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLhWzMOccTg