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TiGr: Innovative Titanium "Bow" Lock Design Just Got Kickstarted

By Ray Hu - May 5, 2011

in Cars

Congratulations to New Jersey-based bike enthusiast John Loughlin, whose "TiGr" bike lock just crossed the threshold for funding on Kickstarter.

It's a simple concept: the TiGr is a titanium bow that is secured with a pick-resistant cylinder to form a closed loop around the wheels and lower part of the frame (and, of course, a stationary object). The long, slim form factor allows the rider to secure both wheels—without having to remove them—and lends itself to a unique method of storage: it doubles as an ad hoc top-tube protector when not in use.

Loughlin elaborates:I met Joshua A.C. Newman on Velospace.org when I went there to discuss the viability of TiGr. That's him behind the camera in the video, and that's his Cannondale. We hit it off immediately and we started working together to bring this design to reality. He's used half a dozen prototypes ever since, from the very earliest to the ones you see here. He brings his design expertise to the challenges of the lock, sending sketches back and forth about usability, practicality, and aesthetics, from the color of the coating to way to store the lock when it's not in use. He's making sure the lock is about the same efficient beauty as the rest of the bicycle it integrates with.

Not sure about the integrity of titanium? Loughlin is on the case:

Check out their Kickstarter page for full specs. You have just under a month to get your hands on the first edition.

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Dan

12 years ago

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Which size Tigr Lock is in this video? It looks like the .75 inch model.

Thanks!
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Joshua A.C. Newman

13 years ago

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Oli, it's available through the Kickstarter, but only for another three days! The project is about to close at almost $100,000!
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Oli

13 years ago

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Is this available to buy? if not, why not!
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Zackery Belanger

13 years ago

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Congrats on Kickstarter funding. The U-lock needs to be rethought.

My question... in the video it is used to lock to a parking meter. What would prevent a thief from raising the bike up and allowing the meter head to pass right through? Lift to top tube, tilt and lift to clear top tube, straighten and lift, bend the lock to open it up a bit, and pull it right over the top?
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Joshua A.C. Newman

13 years ago

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Erik, ART is the certification body we're going to for exactly those reasons. On the other hand, I don't expect to sell a lot of TiGrs in the Netherlands; you guys aren't known for your light and sleek bikes, as much as I love the cargo bike designs I see from there.
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Joshua A.C. Newman

13 years ago

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You folks will want to check out the videos on http://tigrlock.com . They answer all such questions!

(Or at least click the link. Sheesh.)
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Erik

13 years ago

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In the video on tigrlock.com you can see it is really impractical to use. It's attached with velcro (!) to the bike. Where do one leave the lock itself? It takes ages and a lot of fumbling to lock it.

In the Netherlands we know our locks. You'll need basically 2 types of locks. A wheel lock (axa) for quick protection and ease of use, a thick cable lock for longer protection. I'll bet you'll get laughed at if you use the TiGr lock to get some groceries.

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IDiot

13 years ago

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Looking at the pictures, my first question was how do I transport it when I'm riding, this still seems like it could use better resolution, but is probably comparable or slightly better than other solutions like the U-Lock.
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Nick

13 years ago

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Wouldn't it be faster to cut the titanium in the thickness dimension rather than width dimension? I dunno - this is a cool looking lock and the idea is sound, but I'd imagine a decent bolt cutter could take this off toot sweet. I'll trust the process of testing and see it on the shelves :)
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Ayoung

13 years ago

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From my understanding about cutting Ti is that is very easy to cut with sharp edges and high feed rates. It would be good idea to test other types of saw blades. Also could a bolt cut be changed to allow it to cut the 1/8" plate? Cool idea just wanted provide input.
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Tom

13 years ago

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I dont understand! It doesn't look like it could go round anything too thick!! What about a proper lamp post? They are like 250mm+ thick, its pointless unless it goes round that, surely? Does look cool though.
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